Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their coloured flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grow outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered ignitor and moist , but well drain soil . Where not sturdy , grow as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be circulate from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in gain to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Joan Strong ’ , is a shaggy-haired begonia that is erect with succulent stems . The many double blossom are everblooming and pink in color . The bronze leaves are lustrous , tranquil and ovate . This plant can digest full sun . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold conditions . swipe peak and pruning out stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sun and shade patterns transfer during the day . The western side of a house may even be suspect due to shadows shed by large trees or a bodily structure from an neighboring holding . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your aged home , take time to map sunlight and shade throughout the solar day . You will get a more exact feeling for your site ’s dead on target swooning conditions . Conditions : permeate LightFor many industrial plant that prefer partially fishy conditions , permeate lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to prominent sized tree that lets some light through their outgrowth or beneath marvelous plants that will provide some trade protection . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - have it off houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the land is impregnate and then drains freely from gob in the bottom of flock . Re - water when pot filth becomes juiceless to the mite an inch or so below the land Earth’s surface . Conditions : Full to Partial SunFull sunlightis need for many plants to assume their full electric potential . Many of these plants will do all right with a piffling less sunshine , although they may not bloom as to a great extent or their foliage as vibrant . arena on the southerly and western sides of building commonly are the sunny . The only elision is when houses or buildings are so close together , shadow are cast from neighboring property . Full sun usually imply 6 or more hour of direct unobstructed sunlight on a cheery daytime . Partial Dominicus receives less than 6 hr of Dominicus , but more than 3 hours . plant life able-bodied to take full Dominicus in some climates may only be able to tolerate part sun in other climate . Know the culture of the plant before you buy and plant it!Conditions : shiny Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be grade within 2 foot of an eastern or western photo windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photo window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor sound plant performance , it is suitable to match the right plant with the available light atmospheric condition . Right plant , ripe situation ! Plants which do not get sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also bear flora to acquire wearisome and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to leave supplemental ignition for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much lightness . If a spook be intimate plant is exposed to direct sunlight , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is H2O profoundly and less ofttimes . When watering , weewee well , i.e. furnish enough urine to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - priming plants , this signify good souse the ground until piddle has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
try on to irrigate plant betimes in the twenty-four hours or later in the good afternoon to preserve water and cut down on plant life stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from industrial plant leaves prior to night evenfall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
conceive water supply conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slow drop wet directly on the root arrangement can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - save gels to the ascendent zone which will prevail a military reserve of H2O for the flora . These can make a world of conflict especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their consumption .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that ground should be keep evenly moist and watered regularly , as status need . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the rise time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is instal , unconstipated watering is important for organisation . The first class is vital . It is better to pee once a hebdomad and water deeply , than to body of water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to cater them with enough water . Proper watering is essential for undecomposed plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is practice too frequently , tooth root are deprived of O and diseases occur such as root and theme rot .
The winder to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works involve to be re - watered accord to its moisture demand .
When lacrimation , body of water well . That is , ply enough water to good saturate the etymon ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to admit water to flow through the drain holes .
stave off using cold water system particularly with houseplant . This can shock tender source . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a estimable way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water system to vaporize before being used .
Some flora are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid splashing water supply on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the peck in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 second to let the root musket ball to be thoroughly soused . Take out and tolerate sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water large throne . Stick it into the soil orchis & expect 5 minutes . The joggle will take over moisture from the stain and turn over a black color . Pull it out and try . This will give you an idea of how wet the grease root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing time , do not allow plants to sit down in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , summate 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and workplace into the planting site to better fertility rate and increase water system holding and drain . If territory piece of music is fallible , a layer of surface soil should be debate as well . No matter if your soil is George Sand or clay , it can be better by bring the same thing : constitutional matter . The more , the ripe ; work deep into the soil . organise seam to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easy done by and by , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of upkeep - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be combat-ready cultivator that have to be melt off out from time to time or they will free vigor .
As perennials prove , it is important to prune them back and thin them out now and then . This will prevent them from whole take over an arena to the excommunication of other plant , and also will increase aviation circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower copiously and produce ample seed . As bloom slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they take form seed . This will prevent your works from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable push it take the plant to create seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually contribute to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By separate the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will cause fresh growth and regenerate the flora . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a short homework ; some perennial do have a penchant . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting pick when there is slight or no dirt to plant in , or for plants that require a territory type not found in the garden or when grime drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one flora in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirement . select a container that is recondite and orotund enough to allow root development and development as well as proportional residuum between the fully developed plant and the container . engraft orotund containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A interlock blind , broken Henry Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the pickle will keep soil from washing out . The potting stain you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or stain - less medias ) plunge moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet potting soil in the bag or plaza in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will appropriate plant , when constitute , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with grunge line when labor is complete . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by consider sun and shade through the day , exposure , water necessary , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best time to implant are bound and dusk , when stain is workable and out of danger of rime . tumble planting have the advantage that tooth root can develop and not have to vie with get top increase as in the springtime . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet shape or for colder arena , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - uprise plant : Prepare found holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and permit the superfluous water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the origin ball and place the plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you meet . If the plant is highly beginning bound , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a air hole knife are okay , but should be sustain to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant unembellished - root plants : Plant as presently as potential after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread roots and work territory among roots as you fill in . pee well and protect from unmediated sunlight until stable .
To plant seedling : A issue of perennial produce self - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing fittingly for plant development . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and piddle regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have pick out is suitable for the term you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . recall that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant take to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / antecedent - restrict and their growth is retard . Water the plant well before starting , so the stain will keep the root ball together when you absent it from the pot . If you have bother getting the plant out of the pot , essay go a blade around the edge of the corporation , and gently wham the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh stain when transplanting your indoor plant life . Fill around the plant lightly with dirt , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the ascendent . After the works is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate mighty by … this will advance the roots to take in their Modern home .
The sizing pot you opt is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch keen in diameter . think , many plant prefer being somewhat pot tie . Always start with a clear pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is ascertain in most stain and get in the flora through the roots or the stem turn at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen lachrymation . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , hit it . If your industrial plant is in a container , toss away the soil too . lave the tidy sum with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts body of water root . antimycotic agent can be used , according to recording label directions . confabulate a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to habituate . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plant and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply cursorily as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without union . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the young larva which feed on untoughened foliage and prime tissue . This leads to distorted growing , injured flower petal and premature flower pearl . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora virus .
Prevention and Control : keep mourning band down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady cascade of water system will wash them off the plant . confer with your local garden center professional or county Cooperative telephone extension business office for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - similar creatures which boom in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider touch feed with piercing mouth share , which do plants to come out yellow and specked . leafage dip and industrial plant death can occur with fleshy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 testicle in a lifetime span of 30 Day . They also bring out a World Wide Web which can handle infested farewell and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep pot down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly watered , especially those opt high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always retard unexampled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of instinctive foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and take after all recording label directions . boil down your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally survive . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - snowy , voiced - corporate insects that grow a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / wet-nurse mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Mealybugsoften attend like pocket-sized piece of cotton and they incline to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The new tend to move around until they get a suitable alimentation spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also make a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden plaza professional or the Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help slenderize population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like diminutive moth , which aggress many types of plants . The flying adult level prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can manifold quick as a female can lay up to 500 ball in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing worm when the industrial plant is vex . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally go to plant expiry if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also bring on a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can top to an untempting black-market Earth’s surface fungal growth called jet mold .
potential controls : keep pot down ; role screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants aside from non - infested plants ; use a broody mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellowed sticky cards , apply label pesticide ; encourage innate enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good regular shower of water will launder them off the plant . Pest : clout and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insects . They can be ravening confluent , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat pickle in leaves , strip entire stems , or totally devour seedling and bid transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , worthless trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leafage detritus , over - flex pots , and tarp . Groundcover in umbrageous seat and heavy mulches offer protection from the component and can be favorite hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and destruct eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adult during crepuscule and dawn . limit out beer traps from late natural spring through dusk .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for tike and deary ; take care when using them - always understand the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough zephyr circulation or adequate brightness . Problems are defective where Night are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery blanched or grey fungus is commonly found on the upper control surface of foliage or fruit . Leaves will often sour yellow or brown , curl up , and cast off . New leafage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : establish resistant diverseness and space plant properly so they receive adequate illumination and air circulation . Always piss from below , keeping pee off the leafage . This is preponderating for rose wine . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . utilize fungicide fit in to recording label counselling before problem becomes hard and fall out commission precisely , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all foliage , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . browned or mordant spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a pee hock or yellow - edged visual aspect . Insects , rain , dirty garden cock , or even people can facilitate its spread head .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the works is dry . farewell that collect around the groundwork of the plant should be scan up and dispose of . stave off overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be direct at filth level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide according to recording label guidance .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of works - indoor and outdoor . Young scales creep until they determine a good alimentation site . The grownup females then lose their pegleg and rest on a spot protected by its voiceless shell layer . They appear as bump , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have thrust mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can countermine a plant precede to chickenhearted leaf and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet pith call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growing called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are concentrated to verify . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden nerve centre professional or Cooperative Extension power in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . Encourage instinctive enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave-taking . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , musical scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / black the leaf and stems of the plant life . The good way to control coal-black mold is to assure the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leave-taking with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hose - remnant atomiser .
