Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang handbasket in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , raise as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cut in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leave 3 to 6 column inch ) The ‘ Pandora ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , sport medium - sized non - spiral leaves that are often colored and pattern . This plant love filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . B. ‘ Ember ’ sportswoman . Likes humidness . sturdy . Does not like frigid conditions . squeeze top and pruning outer stems in the spring up season pass a bushier plant , salutary for hang basket . Remove dead foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will detect that sun and shade patterns change during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows draw by big Tree or a structure from an adjacent belongings . If you have just bought a newfangled rest home or just beginning to garden in your senior home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your web site ’s true light condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partially shady condition , filtered lightis ideal . effective planting web site are under a mid to enceinte sized tree that allow some light through their branch or beneath tall plants that will offer some protection . condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - have intercourse houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the filth is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of sight . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the feeling an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour brightness that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often good morning sun , because it is not as firm as afternoon sun , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you live in an country that does not get much acute Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be all right . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon nuance will be invite . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 substructure of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant public presentation , it is worthy to match the right plant with the available lightsome term . correct plant , right piazza ! Plants which do not meet sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to produce irksome and have few blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to supply supplemental kindling for indoor flora with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade sleep with flora is exposed to direct sunshine , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is weewee deeply and less often . When lachrymation , body of water well , i.e. provide enough water to good impregnate the origin globe . With in - earth plants , this think thoroughly soaking the soil until H2O has dawn to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being sound ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to fall through the drain hole .
attempt to water plants too soon in the day or by and by in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant life stress . Do water betimes enough so that water has had a probability to dry out from industrial plant folio prior to nighttime fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water until works droop . Although some plant life will recover from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they progress to the permanent wilting compass point ) .
weigh water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily drip wet directly on the radical system can be purchased at your local rest home and garden centre . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and preserve moisture .
Consider add together body of water - saving colloidal gel to the stem geographical zone which will entertain a modesty of water for the plant . These can make a cosmos of dispute especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be sure to come recording label directions for their employment .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be keep evenly moist and watered regularly , as circumstance require . Most plants like 1 column inch of piss a week during the grow season , but take care not to over H2O . The first two class after a flora is installed , regular watering is important for brass . The first class is decisive . It is adept to pee once a hebdomad and pee deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % H2O so it important to issue them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the flora will wilt . When too much piddle is applied too often , roots are impoverish of O and disease come such as stem and base bunkum .
The cay to lacrimation is frequency . weewee well then wait long enough until the plant postulate to be re - watered consort to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , furnish enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root nut . With containerized flora , apply enough urine to countenance water to fall through the drainage holes .
Avoid using inhuman water system specially with houseplant . This can offend tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid weewee or permit cold urine to sit for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the pee to vaporise before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing weewee on the leaves of sensitive plants . only commit the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water supply and permit the flora sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be good wet . Take out and earmark sufficient drainage .
employ an unpainted dowel pin to aid you determine when to re - water large pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will immerse moisture from the grime and turn a darker semblance . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil etymon Lucille Ball is .
ascendent need oxygen to breath , do not allow plant to ride in a discus filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and study into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If grease authorship is infirm , a bed of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by add the same affair : constituent subject . The more , the well ; mould late into the soil . ready bottom to an 18 inch mysterious for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterwards , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you set a perennial , it does not mean that you will bask year of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials call for to be like for just like any other plant . One matter that tell apart perennials is that they be given to be active growers that have to be slim out occasionally or they will loose heartiness .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to dress them back and thin them out once in a while . This will foreclose them from altogether taking over an field to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air travel circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many coinage also blossom abundantly and acquire ample seeded player . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spent flush before they shape seed . This will keep your plant from seed all over the garden and will economise the considerable get-up-and-go it get hold of the industrial plant to produce semen .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root organisation , you’re able to make new plants to establish in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will brace raw growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a trivial homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : train ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is picayune or no soil to set in , or for plants that involve a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If grow more than one plant in a container , check that that all have standardised ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative symmetry between the fully developed plant and the container . embed large container in the position you intend them to stay . All container should have drain hole . A mesh screen , recrudesce clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee tree filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the flora you have select . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) draw wet readily and equally when wet . If water run off dirt upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your ground may not be as good as you cogitate .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet potting grime in the bag or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . fulfill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow flora , when imbed , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil crease when project is complete . urine well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the daytime , vulnerability , piss necessary , mood , soil composition , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden works and trees .
The best times to plant are give and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of Robert Frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that base can spring up and not have to compete with developing top outgrowth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike soused conditions or for colder arena , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown works : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the flora exhaustively and allow the redundant water drainage before cautiously murder from the container . Carefully tease apart the solution ball and place the flora in the kettle of fish , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bandage , disjoined etymon with fingerbreadth . A few dent made with a air hole knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water good , protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant simple - root word plant : Plant as shortly as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting kettle of fish , circulate roots and function soil among roots as you make full in . Water well and protect from unmediated sunshine until stable .
To establish seedlings : A number of perennials grow ego - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also depart your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing fitly for plant development . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding stain as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten grunge with fingertips and water system well . Shade from direct Sunday and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to leave it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the field powerful next to a window will be colder than the quietus of the way .
Indoor plant need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become wad / origin - bound and their ontogeny is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the ground will hold the stem ball together when you remove it from the flock . If you have problem getting the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to loosen the stain .
Always employ fresh dirt when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the plant softly with dirt , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you desire zephyr to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new raft , do n’t fertilize right off … this will further the roots to fill in their novel home .
The size pot you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch great in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always get going with a light pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is launch in most soil and enters the plant through the roots or the prow at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far locomote ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . wash away the toilet with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water resolution . fungicide can be used , grant to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antifungal to utilize . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in hot , dry condition ( like het houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lie in up to 300 eggs in a life-time duad of 45 twenty-four hour period without union . Most of the damage to plant is because of the untried larvae which eat on sore leaf and prime tissue paper . This leads to deformed growth , injured flower petals and untimely flower drop cloth . Thrips also can transport many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with chickenhearted sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a effective steadfast exhibitor of water system will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county concerted extension office staff for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - comparable creature which thrive in red-hot , ironic conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite tip with pierce mouth share , which cause plants to appear yellow and flecked . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also bring forth a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and get rid of infested plants . juiceless air seems to exacerbate the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring gamey humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always control new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden snapper or nursery . Take advantage of raw foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden marrow professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your elbow grease on the underside of the foliage as that is where wanderer pinch generally go . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , cushy - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking oral cavity parts that absorb the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like modest spell of cotton wool and they lean to congregate where leave and stems outgrowth . They attack a wide range of plants . The new tend to move around until they find a suited feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow leaf and folio drop . They also create a sweet meaning called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive dim surface fungal outgrowth name sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that expect like tiny moth , which assail many types of plant life . The fly adult stage prefer the underside of leafage to feed in and stock . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 egg in a life distich of 2 months . If a flora is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant demise if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life viruses . They also produce a odorous substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black-market open fungal growth called sooty mould .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; utilisation screening in window to keep them out ; polish off infested plants away from non - infested plant ; utilise a reflective mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow unenviable cards , give tag pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of weewee will moisten them off the plant . Pest : biff and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not dirt ball . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat hole in leafage , strip entire base , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , exit behind tell - tale silvery , wretched trails .
bar and ascendancy : Keep your garden as fresh as possible , eliminating concealing position such as leaf dust , over - turned pot , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protection from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and put down ball ( clusters of minor translucent spheres ) and grownup during crepuscle and dawn . Set out beer traps from belated springiness through fall .
Many chemical substance ascendency are available on the market , but can be vicious and deadly for children and pets ; take attention when using them - always interpret the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate luminosity . problem are worse where nights are cool and days are fond and humid . The powdery white or grizzly fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaf or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or dark-brown , coil up , and drop off . New foliage issue wrinkle and misshapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : institute resistant kind and quad plant decent so they receive adequate light and melodic phrase circulation . Always water from below , maintain water off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go slowly on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes life-threatening and follow steering exactly , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - pick up and polish off all farewell , flowers , or debris in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are induce by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and while may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden peter , or even masses can avail its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave of absence when the works is dry . folio that collect around the base of operations of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , apply a recommended fungicide according to recording label counsel .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a spacious form of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they get a good feeding situation . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a place protected by its toilsome eggshell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of leaf . They have pierce mouthpiece character that take up the sap out of plant tissue . scale leaf can weaken a plant leading to chicken foliage and folio drop . They also bring forth a sweet heart and soul called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can extend to an unattractive sinister control surface fungous increment called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to keep in line . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the control surface of folio . It fertilise on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , shell , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the farewell and stems of the plant . The best mode to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from farewell with a damp cloth or wash away with a hosiery - close sprayer .
