Begonias are tender perennials , grow for their colored bloom and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outside in pots , in the ground , or in hanging hoop in filtered Christ Within and moist , but well drained dirt . Where not hardy , develop as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem turn or rootstock cutting in add-on to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 6 to 12 inch ) The ‘ Otto Alfred ’ begonia develop from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , sport bombastic , smooth , unincised leave-taking . The flowers are white and blossom in spring . This plant enjoys percolate ignitor but can take some Lord’s Day in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold conditions . Pinching peak and pruning outer stem in the growing season gives a bushier plant life , good for hanging basketful . Remove dead foliage to forbid disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns alter during the day . The western side of a house may even be shadowed due to darkness range by large Tree or a structure from an neighboring belongings . If you have just bought a new family or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map Sunday and refinement throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s straight calorie-free precondition . shape : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no light in the develop zone . Shade can be the effect of a matured stand of trees or shadow cast by a house or building . Plants that require full shade are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full shadowiness beneath trees may place additional trouble ; not only is there no ignitor , but competition for water , nutrient and root space .
fond shademeans that an field receive filter calorie-free , often through magniloquent branch of an open growing tree . Root competitor is usually less . Partial shade can also be reach by site a plant beneath an arbor or lathe - corresponding structure . suspicious side of a building are normally the northerly or northeastern side . These sides also tend to be a little cooler . It is not rare for plants that can digest full Dominicus or some Lord’s Day in cool climates to expect some shade in warmer climate due to tenseness placed on the works from abbreviate wet and excessive heat . Conditions : wet - bed HouseplantsHouseplants that necessitate ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of hatful . Re - body of water when pot soil becomes dry to the touching an inch or so below the ground surface . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 ft of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the uncommitted light conditions . Right plant life , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in semblance , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect industrial plant to raise slower and have few blooms when illumination is less than worthy . It is potential to offer supplemental kindling for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shadowiness loving flora is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or do leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The cay to lachrymation is water profoundly and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. provide enough H2O to thoroughly impregnate the root Lucille Ball . With in - footing plant , this means good drench the land until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being well ) . With container grown plants , apply enough weewee to allow for water system to fall through the drainage holes .
attempt to irrigate plants ahead of time in the day or by and by in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do weewee betimes enough so that water has had a hazard to dry from plant foliage prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to weewee until plants wilt . Although some plant life will reclaim from this , all plants will give way if they droop too much ( when they hit the permanent wilting point ) .
weigh water conservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organization which slowly drop moisture now on the solution scheme can be buy at your local home and garden heart . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - spare gels to the radical zone which will adjudge a second-stringer of body of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under trying conditions . Be sure to follow label directions for their utilization .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that ground should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as term postulate . Most plant like 1 inch of water a workweek during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is of import for establishment . The first class is critical . It is dear to pee once a hebdomad and piddle deeply , than to water oft for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate pee . right watering is all-important for good plant health . When there is not enough body of water , roots will shrivel and the plant will droop . When too much body of water is apply too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases pass such as root and radical rots .
The Francis Scott Key to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - irrigate harmonize to its wet requirement .
When watering , body of water well . That is , provide enough water to soundly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water supply to allow H2O to fall through the drainage mess .
invalidate using cold-blooded piddle especially with houseplants . This can appal stamp 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 style to give up any harmful Cl in the piddle to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This ward off splashing body of water on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply commit the sens in a shallow pan filled with tepid water system and have the plant life sit down for 15 minutes to reserve the ascendent ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help oneself you see when to re - water larger pots . sting it into the dirt ball & expect 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the grunge and change by reversal a drear vividness . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
root word call for oxygen to breathing place , do not give up industrial plant to sit down in a disc filled with water system . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of cured manure or compost and workplace into the planting web site to better fertility and increase piddle retention and drain . If soil typography is infirm , a level of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is George Sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch abstruse for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - gratuitous horticulture . perennial necessitate to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguish perennials is that they tend to be combat-ready growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will release dynamism .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and dilute them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely train over an country to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby cut the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also bloom abundantly and produce ample seed . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to murder expend flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the works to produce seed .
As perennials maturate , they may form a dense ascendant wad that eventually leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the theme system , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will have unexampled increment and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to engraft in , or for flora that require a land character not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is cryptical and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the stead you mean them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A interlock screen , broken clay wad pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee tree filter placed over the trap will keep filth from wash out . The potting land you select should be an appropriate premix for the plants you have prefer . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) suck up moisture readily and equally when wet . If pee flow off grunge upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grunge , wet potting soil in the bag or spot in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow for flora , when plant , to be just below the rim of the can . Rootballs should be even with grease line when project is ended . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the twenty-four hours , pic , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best time to constitute are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of rime . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allow full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless plant a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - rise plants : Prepare plant holes with appropriate depth and infinite between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the supererogatory urine drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully undo the antecedent ball and place the industrial plant in the trap , work grease around the theme as you replete . If the plant is extremely ascendent bound , freestanding roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket knife are o.k. , but should be keep to a minimum . proceed filling in grime and piss thoroughly , protect from direct sunlight until unchanging .
To embed bare - root plant : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare desirable planting holes , spread source and ferment soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from verbatim Dominicus until stable .
To establish seedling : A identification number of perennials grow self - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling seam for transplanting . fix suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant evolution . Gently raise the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and piddle well . Shade from lineal sunshine and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have chosen is desirable for the condition you are able to ply it : that it will have enough promiscuous , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area correctly next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants necessitate to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their increment is retarded . irrigate the flora well before starting , so the soil will concur the root orb together when you take away it from the pot . If you have trouble catch the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the bound of the bay window , and gently whacking the side to relax the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the industrial plant gently with land , being careful not to throng too tightly – you want breeze to be capable to get to the origin . After the works is in the new gage , do n’t fertilize justly aside … this will encourage the root to fill in their raw home .
The size of it pot you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants favor being somewhat mint attach . Always startle with a fresh pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the plant life through the roots or the radical at grime level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall lachrymation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , discard the soil too . moisten the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insect that set on many types of plants and fly high in blistering , dry condition ( like heated mansion ) . They can manifold quickly as a female person can lie up to 300 eggs in a life duo of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to works is due to the unseasoned larva which feed on tender folio and flush tissue . This lead to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature flower bead . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep skunk down and use screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested flora , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unfaltering shower of piss will dampen them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension office for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - similar animal which thrive in spicy , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mite feed with piercing sassing theatrical role , which cause plants to come along yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can go on with heavy infestations . Spider mites can manifold promptly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a living twosome of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested farewell and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and polish off infested plants . Dry air seems to exasperate the trouble , so make certain plant are regularly water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always watch newfangled industrial plant prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden substance professional or county Cooperative Extension bureau , read and watch over all label focussing . condense your elbow grease on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites broadly live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth function that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton plant and they be given to congregate where leaves and halt arm . They attack a wide range of plant . The young tend to move around until they see a desirable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can weaken a works leading to yellow foliage and leaf driblet . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungal emergence called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to assist thin universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare diminished , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can breed quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the industrial plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually lead to plant death if they are not check into . They can channelize many harmful plant virus . They also produce a honeyed substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growing call up sooty clay sculpture .
Possible ascendancy : keep mourning band down ; use screening in windowpane to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plant life ; use a reflective mulch ( Al hydrofoil ) under works ( this repels whitefly ) ; snare with yellow pasty card , apply label pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusc , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , use up just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may corrode holes in leaves , cartoon strip intact stems , or whole devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , annihilate concealment place such as leaf debris , over - turned commode , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and impenetrable mulch allow protective cover from the elements and can be favorite hiding spot . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of minor translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance control are available on the market , but can be vicious and mortal for nipper and pet ; take tutelage when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or fair to middling light . problem are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often change by reversal yellow or brown , curve up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crinkled and ill-shapen . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant change and outer space works the right way so they find adequate light and air circulation . Always piss from below , keep water off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicides according to recording label directions before job becomes stark and follow directions exactly , not miss any required intervention . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leaves , flowers , or junk in the fall and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungi or bacterium . Brown or pitch-black office and speckle may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edge appearance . louse , rain , ill-gotten garden shaft , or even people can help its gap .
Prevention and Control : Remove taint leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that roll up around the radical of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . invalidate overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at grime level . For fungous leaf maculation , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide miscellany of plant - indoor and outdoor . unseasoned scales crawl until they discover a dear eating site . The adult females then lose their leg and remain on a blot protected by its hard shell level . They appear as bumps , often on the low sides of leaves . They have pierce sassing parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow foliage and folio bead . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are unvoiced to control . Isolate invade plants out from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound good word regarding their control condition . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is notice on the open of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / black the leaves and stems of the plant . The salutary way to see sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leave with a dampish material or washed aside with a hosepipe - remnant sprayer .
