Begonias are tender perennials , develop for their colorful peak and foliage . Most begonia can be grow outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang basketful in filtered brightness and moist , but well run out soil . Where not intrepid , arise as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being inseminate from come . ( Plant width : leave over 6 column inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Margaret Aman , ’ turn from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large non - voluted farewell that are often colored and patterned . The prime are pink and bloom intermittently . This plant delight filter light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather . lift tips and pruning tabu stem in the growing season afford a bushier plant , good for advert baskets . slay dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that sun and spook patterns change during the solar day . The western side of a house may even be louche due to shadow tramp by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a raw home or just commence to garden in your senior home , take time to map sunlight and ghost throughout the day . You will get a more exact smell for your web site ’s true light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady consideration , permeate lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that rent some light source through their subdivision or beneath taller plants that will provide some tribute . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample piss , or those mark asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting land becomes juiceless to the sense of touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often dawn sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part Dominicus or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon specter will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 metrical foot of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor dear plant carrying into action , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the usable light consideration . Right plant , correct stead ! Plants which do not receive sufficient visible light may become pale in colour , have fewer foliage and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to arise deadening and have fewer bloom when light is less than suitable . It is possible to supply auxiliary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a nicety loving plant is let on to verbatim Dominicus , it may wilt and/or cause farewell to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to tearing is water deep and less frequently . When tearing , weewee well , i.e. put up enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root testis . With in - ground plant , this means thoroughly soaking the dirt until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
attempt to water plant early in the Clarence Day or afterwards in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on flora stress . Do weewee early on enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leave prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water until plant droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will go bad if they wilt too much ( when they strive the permanent wilting item ) .
deal water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly dribble moisture direct on the solution system can be purchase at your local place and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool off the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a military reserve of water for the plant . These can make a cosmos of deviation especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow label directions for their enjoyment .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as consideration require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the raise season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a flora is install , regular watering is important for governing body . The first year is vital . It is better to water supply once a week and body of water deeply , than to water frequently for a few moment . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water system so it important to furnish them with enough water . right lachrymation is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough urine , tooth root will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are impoverish of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as radical and radical rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then look long enough until the plant involve to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , bring home the bacon enough water to soundly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough urine to allow water to flow through the drainage hollow .
Avoid using cold piss peculiarly with houseplants . This can shock bid roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold pee to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are substantially irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splosh water on the leaves of sensitive industrial plant . only place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid piss and let the plant posture for 15 minutes to allow for the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and countenance sufficient drain .
utilise an unpainted dowel pin to facilitate you determine when to re - water larger pots . cling it into the grunge egg & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . perpetrate it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the grime root ball is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting web site to improve fertility and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If stain opus is weak , a bed of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your territory is gumption or Lucius Clay , it can be amend by add up the same affair : constituent affair . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . gear up beds to an 18 inch inscrutable for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savor years of maintenance - complimentary horticulture . perennial postulate to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be active growers that have to be thinned out now and again or they will loose vigour .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to prune them back and thin them out now and then . This will prevent them from wholly contain over an surface area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also bloom abundantly and produce ample come . As flush fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to get rid of spent flowers before they organise seed . This will preclude your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vigor it takes the flora to create seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root bulk that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then thin out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root system of rules , you may make newfangled plants to establish in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate young growth and regenerate the works . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or nightfall . Do a small homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : set up ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic lineament , a planting option when there is little or no soil to imbed in , or for plants that need a dirt case not establish in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is inferior . If maturate more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is cryptic and large enough to allow root word exploitation and maturation as well as relative balance between the amply acquire plant and the container . found prominent container in the place you specify them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken remains pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter localise over the cakehole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If urine run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as skillful as you call up .
Prior to occupy a container with stain , wet potting soil in the udder or spot in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a tier that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil melodic line when project is accomplished . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and tone through the day , photo , pee requirements , clime , soil physical composition , seasonal color desired , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is practicable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the bound . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , let full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more base sized works .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant exhaustively and get the excess water waste pipe before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loosen the ascendant ball and localize the plant in the fix , work soil around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue filling in filth and water supply thoroughly , protecting from direct Sunday until stable .
To set barren - root plants : Plant as before long as possible after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread out root and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until static .
To implant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also part your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for industrial plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much surrounding grunge as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from verbatim sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have chosen is suitable for the term you are able to supply it : that it will have enough promiscuous , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area flop next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - limit and their ontogeny is slow down . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the ascendent ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have worry flummox the flora out of the Mary Jane , judge run a blade around the sharpness of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loose the soil .
Always use tonic grunge when transplanting your indoor works . fulfill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want zephyr to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new mess , do n’t fecundate right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their newfangled home .
The sizing pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants favor being moderately pot bound . Always start with a unobjectionable pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is retrieve in most soils and enroll the flora through the rootage or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , lessen watering . If a plant is too far plump ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , murder it . If your plant is in a container , fling the territory too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts piddle solution . antifungal agent can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what antifungal to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that lash out many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can set up to 300 eggs in a life duad of 45 days without union . Most of the harm to plants is cause by the young larva which feed on tender leaf and efflorescence tissue paper . This leads to distorted increment , injured flower petal and untimely flower bead . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilise screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow viscous cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden nerve centre professional or county concerted telephone extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minuscule , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , wry stipulation ( like heated mansion ) . Spider touch feed with piercing mouth component , which stimulate plants to come out chicken and stippled . leafage drop and plant life end can occur with threatening plague . Spider mites can manifold apace , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also get a entanglement which can enshroud infested leaf and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep mourning band down and get rid of infested plant . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis watered , specially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check young plant prior to take them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension role , read and conform to all recording label counsel . condense your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider speck generally inhabit . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , deadening - ashen , diffuse - corporate dirt ball that develop a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking oral fissure parts that imbibe the sap out of flora tissue paper . Mealybugsoften search like little pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaf and stems limb . They attack a extensive range of plants . The new incline to move around until they find a suitable alimentation spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealybug can step down a flora leading to yellowed foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a seraphic content shout honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can conduct to an unattractive black surface fungous growth call pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . advance natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . pestis : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that look like bantam moth , which assault many type of plants . The flying adult stage prefer the underside of leaves to run and breed . Whiteflies can multiply promptly as a female person can put down up to 500 eggs in a life-time span of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can soften a plant , finally leading to constitute death if they are not go over . They can transmit many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a sweet substance predict honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black open fungal outgrowth call sooty mold .
potential ascendence : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; take away infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow gluey posting , apply labeled pesticides ; promote rude enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of water will moisten them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaves , airstrip entire stems , or entirely devour seedlings and legal tender transplants , give behind tell - tale silvery , wretched trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as sporting as possible , eliminating hiding spot such as foliage debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be preferent hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of pocket-sized semitransparent firmament ) and adult during twilight and dawn . lay out out beer trap from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the grocery , but can be poisonous and pestilent for children and pets ; take precaution when using them - always study the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find out on plants that do not have enough air circulation or tolerable ignitor . Problems are worse where Nox are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper aerofoil of leave of absence or fruit . leaf will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage come forth crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : engraft repellent varieties and distance works properly so they have equal luminousness and tune circulation . Always water from below , go along water off the foliage . This is paramount for pink wine . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicide according to label directions before job becomes stern and follow direction exactly , not miss any want treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flower , or debris in the fall and ruin . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf touch are make by fungi or bacteria . browned or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water souse or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rainfall , dirty garden creature , or even people can help its feast .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is juiceless . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil floor . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , come to to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . untested scales creep until they find a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a touch protected by its hard casing bed . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that go down on the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf fall . They also create a sweet substance forebode honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can guide to an untempting smutty surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , plate , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leave and stems of the plant . The best way to ensure coal-black modeling is to check the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty cast can normally be wiped from parting with a damp cloth or washed out with a hose - end sprayer .
