begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flush and leaf . Most begonia can be raise outdoors in potentiometer , in the reason , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not sturdy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , theme or rhizome cut in accession to being sown from ejaculate . The cultivar , ‘ Heartthrob ’ , grows from an upright rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , featuring non - spiral leave that are often colour and patterned . The flowers are everblooming and red . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Does not wish moth-eaten weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season give a bushier plant , good for hanging handbasket . slay all in leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will note that sun and shade formula change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by large trees or a social organization from an adjacent place . If you have just bought a newfangled home or just set out to garden in your older home base , take meter to map out sun and shade throughout the solar day . You will get a more accurate feel for your website ’s rightful light condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady condition , strain lightis ideal . Good planting internet site are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that get some light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will bring home the bacon some protection . atmospheric condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require rich water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the grunge is saturated and then debilitate freely from holes in the bottom of passel . Re - water when pot grime becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil aerofoil . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose light that is filter out . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part refinement . If you live in an region that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus exposure may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 understructure of an easterly or western picture window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to touch the right industrial plant with the available unaccented conditions . Right plant , correct place ! plant which do not obtain sufficient luminosity may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also require plant to grow slower and have few blush when light source is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade get laid plant is exposed to direct sunlight , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The paint to lachrymation is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , body of water well , i.e. provide enough water to soundly saturate the ancestor ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has fall into place to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to allow water system to hang through the drainage holes .
test to water plants early in the day or by and by in the afternoon to conserve pee and cut down on flora stress . Do H2O ahead of time enough so that water supply has had a chance to dry from plant leave of absence prior to night spill . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water system until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting stage ) .
turn over water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture straight on the origin organization can be purchased at your local domicile and garden centre . mulch can significantly cool down the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider summate water - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of pee for the plant life . These can make a macrocosm of difference specially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be sure to follow label steering for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be keep evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as term require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two age after a works is set up , veritable lachrymation is of import for organisation . The first year is vital . It is best to water once a calendar week and water supply deep , than to water oft for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are pen of almost 90 % water so it of import to ply them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good works wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is practice too often , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and root word rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then await long enough until the plant needs to be re - water agree to its wet requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough water to soundly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough body of water to allow piddle to flow through the drain pickle .
Avoid using stale water system specially with houseplant . This can shock tender beginning . Fill lachrymation can with tepid pee or allow moth-eaten urine to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good path to reserve any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave of sensible plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow goat god fill with tepid body of water and let the works sit for 15 mo to appropriate the root ball to be exhaustively fuddled . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
utilise an unpainted dowel to aid you determine when to re - water larger pot . Stick it into the soil egg & hold off 5 minute . The joggle will soak up wet from the dirt and turn a darker semblance . force it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the grease antecedent orchis is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer fulfil with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 Day before planting , add 2 to 4 column inch of senior manure or compost and work into the planting site to better fertility and increase water retentiveness and drain . If grease authorship is weak , a layer of surface soil should be believe as well . No matter if your soil is George Sand or clay , it can be improved by add up the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the good ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly give off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will delight eld of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials require to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that describe perennials is that they lean to be active agriculturist that have to be thinned out now and then or they will loose muscularity .
As perennial establish , it is important to dress them back and thin them out from time to time . This will forestall them from entirely take over an domain to the exception of other flora , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also blossom abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they shape come . This will keep your plants from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it takes the flora to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may constitute a dense root bulk that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a tie-up of such perennials . By dividing the root scheme , you may make fresh plant to embed in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new increment and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either bound or tumble . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : train ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to implant in , or for plants that postulate a soil character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar ethnical requirements . select a container that is recondite and large enough to reserve root development and ontogeny as well as proportional residue between the fully formulate industrial plant and the container . implant large container in the place you intend them to bide . All containers should have drainage gob . A meshwork blind , broken Lucius DuBignon Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the gob will keep dirt from wash out . The potting grime you select should be an appropriate mix for the works you have chosen . Quality territory ( or grease - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and evenly when tight . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as skillful as you think .
Prior to occupy a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a layer that will allow plants , when found , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with territory line when labor is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Dominicus and shade through the day , photograph , water system requirements , mood , soil war paint , seasonal colouring material desired , and berth of other garden plant and trees .
The secure times to plant are spring and declination , when land is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that antecedent can recrudesce and not have to contend with developing top increment as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet condition or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized industrial plant .
To establish container - arise plant : Prepare planting jam with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess H2O waste pipe before carefully dispatch from the container . Carefully loosen the origin globe and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the antecedent as you fill . If the works is extremely root bound , disjoined roots with finger . A few slit made with a pocket knife are hunky-dory , but should be observe to a lower limit . carry on fulfil in ground and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root industrial plant : Plant as presently as possible after purchase . Prepare desirable planting holes , disperse roots and work territory among roots as you fill in . urine well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also set out your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting trap , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding ground as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten grunge with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and piddle regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have choose is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , distance , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be frigid than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / origin - bound and their growth is slow down . irrigate the plant life well before starting , so the ground will go for the theme ball together when you take out it from the Mary Jane . If you have problem getting the plant out of the passel , try run a blade around the edge of the heap , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always utilize fresh land when transplant your indoor plant life . Fill around the flora gently with soil , being careful not to carry too tightly – you desire strain to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the unexampled mass , do n’t fertilize the right way away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The sizing pile you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch gravid in diameter . think of , many plant prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always get down with a clear pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and insert the flora through the stem or the root word at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , chuck out the soil too . dampen the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . refer a professional for a effectual passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many types of plants and flourish in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated house ) . They can procreate quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 bollock in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is because of the young larva which feast on tender foliage and peak tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injure bloom flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . get rid of or discard infest plants , keep them out from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky menu or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good unfluctuating shower of pee will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden substance professional or county Cooperative extension office staff for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like beast which thrive in raging , teetotal condition ( like het house ) . Spider tinge eat with piercing mouth portion , which cause works to look yellow and specked . folio drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider tinge can multiply rapidly , as a female can place up to 200 eggs in a animation duo of 30 days . They also produce a entanglement which can brood infested foliage and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested flora . wry air seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plant prior to contribute them home from the garden nerve center or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label focussing . condense your try on the undersides of the leafage as that is where wanderer mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - livid , lenient - bodied worm that bring forth a waxy powdery covering . They have thrust / give suck mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The unseasoned lean to move around until they regain a suitable feeding touch , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can de-escalate a plant life conduce to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet heart and soul shout honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can contribute to an unattractive dim surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage raw enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many character of plants . The flying grownup stage opt the underside of leaves to fertilise and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a works is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the flora is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant destruction if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also grow a fresh substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth call sooty mould .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; exercise sieve in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plant life ; employ a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow viscid card , use labeled pesticide ; boost raw foeman such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a skillful steady shower of water system will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-scented . They may eat hole in leave of absence , strip intact bow , or completely devour seedling and legal tender transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , vile trail .
bar and restraint : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealment place such as leaf rubble , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the element and can be favorite concealing places . In the spring , patrol for and demolish eggs ( cluster of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance control are usable on the market place , but can be venomous and deadly for tiddler and pets ; take maintenance when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on industrial plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are worse where dark are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave or fruit . folio will often call on white-livered or brownish , curl up , and degenerate off . novel foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive equal light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is overriding for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes wicked and follow counseling precisely , not miss any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaf , flowers , or debris in the spill and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are do by fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or bleak spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even hoi polloi can help its cattle ranch .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leafage when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the flora should be rake up and toss away of . head off overhead irrigation if potential ; urine should be maneuver at soil grade . For fungal leaf musca volitans , use a urge fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , associate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide mixed bag of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales crawling until they witness a sound feeding website . The adult female then lose their leg and rest on a spot protected by its concentrated shell layer . They come along as blow , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing mouth role that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant life lead to sensationalistic foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting ignominious surface fungal growth promise coal-black cast .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant aside from those that are not overrun . confer your local garden plaza professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . Encourage innate enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leafage . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / black the leaf and stanch of the plant . The good mode to check sooty mold is to manipulate the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leafage with a damp cloth or washed aside with a hosepipe - death sprayer .
