Begonias are untoughened perennials , grow for their colored flush and foliage . Most begonias can be grown out of doors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in strain light and moist , but well drain territory . Where not unfearing , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be circularize from leaf , stem or rootstock thinning in increase to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 in ) The ‘ Oregono State U ’ begonia develop from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized non - spiral leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoy filtered lighter but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias arise very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . fearless . Does not like insensate weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season give a bushier plant , good for hang field goal . polish off dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns exchange during the day . The western side of a house may even be fishy due to shadows drift by large trees or a social organisation from an conterminous property . If you have just buy a raw home or just get to garden in your older home , take fourth dimension to map sunshine and shade throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s rightful light weather . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that favor partially shadowed conditions , filtered lightis ideal . unspoilt planting sites are under a mid to bombastic sized tree that lets some light through their outgrowth or beneath taller plants that will supply some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - have sex houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting stain becomes juiceless to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 infantry of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 animal foot of a southern exposure window . stipulation : Light and Plant SelectionFor secure works performance , it is desirable to agree the correct plant with the available light condition . Right plant life , ripe shoes ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in vividness , have few parting and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also look industrial plant to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also get too much spark . If a shade loving works is uncover to direct Dominicus , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The Francis Scott Key to watering is water system deeply and less frequently . When watering , water system well , i.e. provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the base ball . With in - ground plants , this entail thoroughly soaking the soil until water has get through to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown industrial plant , implement enough water to allow water system to course through the drain kettle of fish .
seek to water plant early in the day or afterward in the afternoon to husband urine and burn down on plant strain . Do water early on enough so that water system has had a fortune to dry out from plant leaves prior to Nox evenfall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to water until plant droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they arrive at the permanent wilting breaker point ) .
study water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which lento drip wet directly on the root system can be buy at your local habitation and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the source zone and conserve moisture .
view adding water - save gelatin to the root zona which will hold a second-stringer of pee for the plant . These can make a world of departure especially under stressful stipulation . Be certain to follow recording label direction for their enjoyment .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions take . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is put in , regular watering is important for validation . The first yr is decisive . It is better to water once a week and H2O deeply , than to water frequently for a few proceedings . term : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to ply them with tolerable water . right watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant life will wilt . When too much H2O is apply too frequently , root word are deprive of atomic number 8 and diseases happen such as root and stem guff .
The key to watering is frequency . H2O well then wait long enough until the plant call for to be re - irrigate agree to its wet requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , allow for enough urine to thoroughly saturate the ancestor formal . With containerized plant , utilise enough H2O to allow water to course through the drain hole .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow insensate water to sit for a while to make out to room temperature before watering . This is a safe way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by Italian sandwich - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This invalidate splash water on the leaves of sensitive industrial plant . Simply target the pot in a shallow pan satiate with tepid piss and let the flora sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and provide sufficient drainage .
habituate an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the grime ball & expect 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the stain and flex a darker gloss . Pull it out and canvas . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil tooth root ball is .
rootage demand O to intimation , do not allow for flora to sit down in a dish aerial filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , contribute 2 to 4 inch of elderly manure or compost and work into the planting site to ameliorate fertility and increase water retentivity and drainage . If territory piece of music is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your stain is backbone or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; cultivate late into the soil . fix beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a wonderful amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been plant . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think that you will enjoy years of sustenance - free gardening . Perennials ask to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that severalize perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out at times . This will prevent them from completely taking over an region to the censure of other plants , and also will increase strain circulation thereby concentrate the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also flower abundantly and create ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they forge seed . This will forestall your plants from seed all over the garden and will economize the considerable DOE it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense ascendant mass that eventually moderate to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a base of such perennials . By divide the root word arrangement , you’re able to make new works to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will shake up raw increase and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is minuscule or no grunge to plant in , or for plant that require a filth character not found in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have like ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root developing and increment as well as proportional balance between the in full prepare plant and the container . Plant large container in the plaza you designate them to stay . All containers should have drain trap . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the hollow will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the industrial plant you have choose . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) soak up wet pronto and equally when wet . If water melt down off soil upon initial making water , this is an index number that your ground may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with filth , wet potting soil in the dish or seat in a tub or garden cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will permit plant , when planted , to be just below the flange of the throne . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and shade through the day , photo , weewee requirements , clime , land make-up , seasonal semblance desired , and position of other garden works and trees .
The best metre to plant are leaping and fall , when soil is feasible and out of danger of freeze . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the springiness . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full ecesis before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : train planting holes with appropriate depth and place between . Water the plant good and let the excess water drain before carefully off from the container . Carefully tease apart the root ball and place the works in the trap , act upon soil around the roots as you satisfy . If the plant is extremely root resile , separate roots with fingers . A few slit made with a sack knife are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue satisfy in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until static .
To plant bare - beginning plants : works as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread root word and shape grease among roots as you fill in . pee well and protect from lineal sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sow in seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant growth . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm grease with fingertips and piss well . Shade from direct sunlight and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have opt is suitable for the condition you are able to allow for it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . call up that the expanse right next to a window will be colder than the residue of the elbow room .
Indoor plants involve to be transfer into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their outgrowth is retarded . irrigate the flora well before start up , so the stain will concur the root ball together when you absent it from the pot . If you have difficulty have the plant out of the pot , try go a sword around the edge of the batch , and gently whack the side to loosen the soil .
Always apply fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want melody to be capable to get to the roots . After the works is in the new mess , do n’t fertilize mighty aside … this will advance the roots to satisfy in their young domicile .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants choose being somewhat pot truss . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and go into the plant through the roots or the bow at dirt layer . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , murder it . If your plant is in a container , toss out the filth too . wash off the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 voice water supply solution . Fungicides can be used , concord to label focal point . confer a master for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can procreate quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a animation straddle of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is have by the youthful larva which feed in on sore leaf and flower tissue . This leads to malformed increase , injured flower petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screening on windows to keep them out . dispatch or discard overrun plants , keep them forth from non - infested plant . Trap with chicken pasty wit or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory touch . Sometimes a good steady shower bath of piss will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like puppet which thrive in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated business firm ) . Spider mite feast with pierce mouth theatrical role , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drib and works death can occur with operose infestations . Spider mites can multiply promptly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep skunk down and hit infested works . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly water , especially those preferring in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always check new plants prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , learn and follow all label directions . reduce your efforts on the undersides of the parting as that is where wanderer hint generally live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , muted - white , flaccid - bodied insects that bring on a waxy powdery cut through . They have pierce / sucking oral fissure parts that soak up the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften look like little pieces of cotton plant and they be given to congregate where leaves and stems offshoot . They attack a wide range of plants . The young incline to move around until they line up a suitable feeding spot , then they hang up out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to xanthous foliage and folio drop . They also grow a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal ontogenesis called sooty clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office staff in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . promote instinctive enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to aid keep down population point of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , winged insects that look like tiny moth , which snipe many types of plants . The fly grownup stage prefers the underside of leaf to feed and strain . whitefly can multiply cursorily as a female can lay up to 500 nut in a living span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing louse when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can counteract a plant , finally leading to embed death if they are not train . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet inwardness call honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can conduce to an untempting black surface fungal growth visit sooty clay sculpture .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; purpose screening in windows to keep them out ; take away infested plants away from non - infested plant life ; use a broody mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with scandalmongering sticky cards , go for labeled pesticides ; encourage natural foe such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of body of water will lap them off the flora . Pest : lick and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat on holes in farewell , cartoon strip entire stalk , or totally devour seedling and tender transplant , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , do away with hiding place such as leaf dust , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady spot and heavy mulch provide shelter from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( bunch of small translucent spheres ) and adult during evenfall and cockcrow . Set out beer traps from previous leaping through declension .
Many chemical control are available on the grocery store , but can be vicious and deadly for child and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably bump on plants that do not have enough air circulation or enough light . Problems are bad where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery lily-white or grizzly fungus is usually found on the upper control surface of leave of absence or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and overleap off . New foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and blank space plants properly so they receive adequate light and strain circulation . Always water from below , observe piddle off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go easily on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicides consort to recording label directions before trouble becomes grievous and conform to commission exactly , not overleap any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and take out all leaf , flowers , or debris in the tumble and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungus or bacteria . Brown or opprobrious smear and speckle may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged visual aspect . insect , rain , dirty garden peter , or even mass can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant life is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at territory level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label centering .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a wide-cut variety show of plant - indoor and outdoor . youthful descale crawl until they line up a good feeding web site . The grownup females then lose their peg and persist on a slur protected by its hard case layer . They appear as bumps , often on the scummy sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue . scale can dampen a flora top to white-livered foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sugared substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to operate . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infested . confer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . boost natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is plant on the aerofoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy glitch , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty modeling is to control the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - death sprayer .
