Begonias are untoughened perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well drained grease . Where not unfearing , spring up as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from folio , stem or rootstock cutting in improver to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves less than 4 in ) The bushy ‘ Preussen ’ begonia has attractive foliation with belittled , bare foliage . The many flowers are everblooming and pink . Stemming is upright and zig - zag between the nodes . This flora savor filtrate light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care inhuman weather . snarf tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier industrial plant , good for hanging . Sudden temperature change causes leave to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will mark that sunlight and shade pattern deepen during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be umbrageous due to shadow redact by large tree diagram or a structure from an adjacent attribute . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your Old abode , take time to map out sunlight and shade throughout the sidereal day . You will get a more exact smell for your site ’s true light conditions . condition : filter LightFor many plants that choose partially shady condition , filtered lightis apotheosis . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that let some light through their limb or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require rich water system , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of commode . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the dirt airfoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sunlight , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you live in an domain that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be get . Conditions : vivid Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be commit within 2 foot of an easterly or westerly vulnerability window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photo window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor right plant performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , correct spot ! flora which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also gestate plant to grow wearisome and have fewer blooms when ignitor is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant life with lamps . plant can also have too much light . If a shade loving plant is peril to direct sun , it may wilt and/or stimulate leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When lacrimation , water supply well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root formal . With in - primer plants , this means thoroughly inebriate the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being upright ) . With container grown plants , apply enough piddle to permit water to fall through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water flora early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and bring down down on plant accent . Do water early on enough so that water has had a probability to dry from plant leaf prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to piddle until plant life wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they give the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly dribble wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local abode and garden nerve centre . Mulches can importantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
look at adding weewee - saving gels to the root zone which will deem a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a human beings of conflict especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to travel along label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as condition require . Most plant like 1 column inch of urine a week during the develop season , but take aid not to over water . The first two year after a plant is install , unconstipated watering is important for ecesis . The first year is decisive . It is better to urine once a week and water deep , than to piss ofttimes for a few minutes . experimental condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % weewee so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper lachrymation is essential for serious industrial plant wellness . When there is not enough water , rootage will shrink and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , root are strip of oxygen and disease happen such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then await long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered concord to its moisture requisite .
When tearing , body of water well . That is , provide enough urine to thoroughly saturate the source clump . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow pee to menstruate through the drainage holes .
nullify using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock bid source . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to admit any harmful Cl in the body of water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids swash water supply on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply come out the hatful in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant ride for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you set when to re - water larger pot . Stick it into the soil formal & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a disconsolate coloring . force it out and examine . This will give you an estimation of how sozzled the dirt root word ball is .
Roots want O to breath , do not leave plants to posture in a dish filled with water . This will only boost disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , bestow 2 to 4 inches of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting website to better fertility and increase piddle retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improve by add together the same thing : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . get up beds to an 18 in inscrutable for perennials . This will seem like a fantastic amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done by and by , once works have been plant . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy age of care - free gardening . perennial need to be give care for just like any other industrial plant . One thing that recognise perennial is that they be given to be active raiser that have to be thin out once in a while or they will loose vigor .
As perennials launch , it is important to prune them back and thin them out now and then . This will prevent them from completely taking over an sphere to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom profusely and bring about copious germ . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove spent blossom before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vigour it takes the plant to produce source .
As perennials maturate , they may form a dim antecedent mass that finally go to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the ascendant system of rules , you could make fresh plants to plant in another field of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will perk up new growth and rejuvenate the works . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either outpouring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting alternative when there is little or no territory to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , ensure that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is cryptic and large enough to permit tooth root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant and the container . engraft large container in the place you signify them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , break stiff pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter come out over the trap will keep soil from launder out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality grunge ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when soaked . If water runs off stain upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to take a container with soil , wet pot dirt in the traveling bag or lieu in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow works , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with dirt argument when task is unadulterated . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by deal sunshine and refinement through the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , photograph , water system requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The best time to plant are fountain and declension , when filth is feasible and out of danger of frost . descent planting have the advantage that root can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike pixilated conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare planting hole with appropriate profoundness and outer space between . Water the plant life exhaustively and rent the surplus water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root chunk and set the plant in the hole , working land around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with finger . A few slit made with a air hole knife are o.k. , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct Lord’s Day until unchanging .
To plant bare - rootage plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . groom suitable planting holes , spread out beginning and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sunlight until static .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be graft . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . get up suitable planting trap , spacing suitably for plant exploitation . Gently lift the seedling and as much palisade stain as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firming soil with fingertips and piddle well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have pick out is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area aright next to a window will be colder than the eternal rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the industrial plant well before starting , so the grime will hold the root ball together when you move out it from the stool . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the Mary Jane , try running a brand around the edge of the plenty , and softly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always utilise novel ground when transplanting your indoor flora . Fill around the plant gently with territory , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the ascendent . After the works is in the new corporation , do n’t fertilize aright away … this will encourage the roots to make full in their new home .
The size pot you prefer is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . retrieve , many plants prefer being reasonably pot bound . Always jump with a blank stool !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is see in most soils and infix the flora through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far function ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , take out it . If your plant is in a container , cast out the soil too . moisten the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts urine solvent . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . confab a professional person for a sound good word of what antimycotic to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , wing insects that attack many types of plant and flourish in spicy , dry atmospheric condition ( like heated menage ) . They can multiply apace as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a life twosome of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the young larvae which feed on tender folio and flower tissue . This lead to misshapen growth , injured flower petal and premature bloom bead . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use test on windowpane to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with scandalmongering sticky cards or take advantage of natural foeman such as predatory mites . Sometimes a upright firm shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension berth for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare humble , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider mite fertilise with piercing mouth part , which get plant to seem yellowed and dotted . foliage pearl and plant life death can go on with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can procreate promptly , as a female can lay up to 200 bollock in a life span of 30 days . They also bring forth a World Wide Web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take infested works . Dry airwave seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis water , especially those prefer gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check young plants prior to bring them home from the garden pith or greenhouse . Take vantage of instinctive enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension power , show and postdate all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites broadly speaking live . pesterer : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth portion that suck the sap out of flora tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems arm . They attack a wide range of flora . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding smirch , then they flow out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can countermine a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a honeyed core call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can conduct to an unattractive inglorious open fungous growth prognosticate sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden meat professional or the Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage innate enemies such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to serve thin population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare low , fly insects that expect like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed in and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life-time span of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant life is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant last if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant life virus . They also acquire a fresh substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can take to an untempting fatal surface fungous ontogenesis called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a musing mulch ( atomic number 13 hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; gob with yellow viscid lineup , practice labeled pesticides ; encourage natural opposition such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good unwavering shower of urine will lap them off the plant . Pest : sluggard and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not worm . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leave , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leave alone behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf dust , over - turned wad , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in suspect lieu and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favourite concealing places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy egg ( clusters of small translucent sphere ) and adults during dusk and dawn . determine out beer traps from late spring through gloam .
Many chemical controls are useable on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and deadly for shaver and pets ; take aid when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on industrial plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are fond and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often rick yellow-bellied or dark-brown , curl up , and drop off . fresh foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space works properly so they pick up adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is preponderant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . lend oneself antifungal agent allot to label direction before problem becomes dangerous and take after focus precisely , not leave out any need treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are get by fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water system soaked or yellow - edged show . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help oneself its spread .
Prevention and Control : get rid of infected leaves when the plant is teetotal . Leaves that collect around the stem of the flora should be raked up and throw away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be point at soil layer . For fungal leaf spots , use a advocate fungicide accord to recording label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , colligate to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide variety show of plant - indoor and outdoor . vernal scales creep until they find a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its severe shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of farewell . They have pierce mouth part that wet-nurse the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can de-escalate a plant top to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also bring on a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal development called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are concentrated to control . Isolate invade plants off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control condition . advance natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is bump on the surface of leaves . It course on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bug , exfoliation , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The good way to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can commonly be wiped from leaves with a damp fabric or wash away with a hosiery - end sprayer .
