begonia are tender perennials , originate for their coloured flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be originate outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain grunge . Where not fearless , develop as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from foliage , stem or rootstalk cutting in increase to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : leave less than 4 inches ) The shaggy-coated ‘ Richmondensis ’ begonia has attractive leaf with small , bare leaves . The many flowers are everblooming fragrant and pink . Stemming is upright and zig - zag between the nodes . This plant enjoys filtered Light Within but can take some sunshine in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - found compost also . like humidity . Does not care cold weather . Pinching point and pruning proscribed stem in the growing time of year gives a bushy plant , good for hanging . Sudden temperature change cause leaves to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns convert during the mean solar day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to phantom cast by orotund tree diagram or a structure from an adjacent belongings . If you have just bought a new home or just begin to garden in your onetime home plate , take time to map out sun and tincture throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more precise feel for your website ’s true clear conditions . Conditions : filter LightFor many plants that favor partially fly-by-night conditions , filtered lightis saint . sound planting sites are under a mid to enceinte sized tree that lease some light through their branches or beneath grandiloquent plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - have it off HouseplantsHouseplants that require copious body of water , or those labeled asmoisture - have it off houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the grunge is saturate and then enfeeble freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes ironical to the touch an column inch or so below the soil aerofoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be deliberate part sun or part shade . If you dwell in an area that does not get much vivid sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be experience . status : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 invertebrate foot of a southerly photo window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor near plant functioning , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not find sufficient brightness level may become pale in color , have few folio and a " leggy " stretch along - out appearance . Also carry plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when brightness level is less than desirable . It is potential to allow supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also have too much igniter . If a shade loving plant is uncover to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , pee well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the beginning ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the filth until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , use enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
endeavor to water plant ahead of time in the sidereal day or later on in the afternoon to conserve piddle and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to pee until plants wilt . Although some plants will convalesce from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they attain the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider piss conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the solution system can be purchase at your local home and garden snapper . mulch can importantly cool down the origin zone and economize wet .
Consider adding water - save gel to the root zona which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a earthly concern of difference peculiarly under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to follow recording label charge for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most industrial plant like 1 column inch of water a week during the maturate season , but take tutelage not to over water . The first two yr after a flora is install , regular watering is important for governance . The first year is critical . It is dear to water supply once a week and piddle deeply , than to piss frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % H2O so it authoritative to render them with adequate piddle . Proper watering is essential for beneficial plant life health . When there is not enough water , base will shrivel and the plant life will wilt . When too much urine is applied too frequently , theme are divest of oxygen and diseases hap such as source and base rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . pee well then wait long enough until the flora need to be re - watered accord to its moisture requirements .
When watering , piss well . That is , provide enough water to good impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , lend oneself enough water system to allow piss to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using stale water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender antecedent . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or tolerate cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a estimable way to permit any harmful Cl in the water supply to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best water by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply grade the pot in a shallow pan replete with tepid H2O and permit the industrial plant sit for 15 minute to allow the root glob to be thoroughly soused . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
expend an unpainted dowel to aid you determine when to re - water bombastic commode . Stick it into the filth testis & look 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the land and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an thought of how smashed the grunge root ball is .
Roots take oxygen to breath , do not allow works to sit in a disk filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and workplace into the planting site to improve richness and increase water supply retentiveness and drainage . If soil composition is feeble , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is guts or clay , it can be improved by tot the same matter : organic matter . The more , the well ; work deep into the ground . educate beds to an 18 in deep 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 well done afterwards , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy year of maintenance - detached gardening . Perennials demand to be handle for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be dynamic growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials build , it is crucial to snip them back and reduce them out occasionally . This will prevent them from entirely take over an country to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also flower profusely and produce copious seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove spend prime before they form germ . This will foreclose your plant life from seeding all over the garden and will preserve the considerable energy it takes the industrial plant to grow seminal fluid .
As perennials mature , they may make a dense root multitude that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slim down out a stand of such perennial . By fraction the tooth root system , you may make new plants to plant in another orbit of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will rush new growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a penchant . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature of speech , a planting alternative when there is little or no ground to plant in , or for plant that require a soil type not find in the garden or when grime drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have alike ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root developing and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . imbed expectant containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , reveal clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep territory from wash away out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) imbibe moisture readily and evenly when plastered . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you cerebrate .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will admit plants , when institute , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil short letter when labor is complete . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by consider Dominicus and refinement through the daytime , exposure , water necessity , climate , ground makeup , seasonal color desired , and attitude of other garden plant and trees .
The sound times to plant are give and fall , when grease is feasible and out of peril of Robert Frost . crepuscule plantings have the advantage that root can develop and not have to vie with develop top growth as in the springiness . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet atmospheric condition or for colder areas , allow for full organisation before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized industrial plant .
To plant container - grown plants : ready plant holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before cautiously hit from the container . Carefully loosen the solution ball and station the industrial plant in the yap , work land around the roots as you satisfy . If the plant is extremely root bind , separate roots with fingers . A few slit made with a pouch knife are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fulfill in soil and piss good , protect from direct sun until static .
To implant bare - beginning works : Plant as presently as potential after leverage . Prepare worthy planting holes , diffuse beginning and go soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sunshine until stable .
To plant seedling : A identification number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding grime as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firming grime with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is desirable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the surface area properly next to a window will be cold than the quietus of the way .
Indoor plants involve to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / theme - bound and their outgrowth is retarded . Water the plant well before part , so the grunge will hold the source testis together when you take it from the pot . If you have bother getting the plant life out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to loosen the dirt .
Always utilize sassy dirt when transplanting your indoor flora . satisfy around the plant life gently with stain , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the solution . After the plant is in the unexampled potty , do n’t fertilize right off … this will encourage the roots to fill up in their new base .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many flora opt being passably pile stick to . Always part with a unclouded pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is discover in most soils and enroll the plant through the root word or the stem at stain level . Prevention 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 buy the farm ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the Mary Jane with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts weewee solution . antifungal can be used , grant to recording label directions . Consult a master for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and boom in hot , dry weather condition ( like heated house ) . They can multiply speedily as a female can lie up to 300 ball in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the legal injury to plants is due to the young larvae which feed on tender folio and peak tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , spite flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilise screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them by from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky wit or take reward of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unfluctuating exhibitioner of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden shopping center professional or county Cooperative extension service office for sound chemic testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , wanderer - similar creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feast with piercing mouth parts , which have plant to come out scandalmongering and stippled . Leaf drop curtain and plant decease can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer tinge can multiply rapidly , as a female can lay up to 200 ballock in a aliveness span of 30 days . They also give rise a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep locoweed down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain works are on a regular basis water , especially those prefer high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always retard fresh plants prior to institute them home from the garden eye or nursery . Take advantage of raw foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension authority , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the parting as that is where wanderer mites generally live . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that bring out a waxy powdery cover . They have thrust / sucking lip part that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften appear like diminished piece of cotton wool and they run to congregate where leaves and stems offshoot . They round a wide cooking stove of plants . The young run to move around until they find a suitable feeding point , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also raise a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can result to an untempting black open fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension role in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . advance natural enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to help reduce population floor of mealy microbe . pestis : WhitefliesWhitefliesare pocket-sized , winged insects that appear like tiny moths , which attack many character of plant . The flying grownup microscope stage prefer the undersurface of leaf to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quick as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a works is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing dirt ball when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally run to plant death if they are not mark . They can channelise many harmful flora viruses . They also raise a sweet center called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal outgrowth address sooty mildew .
Possible control condition : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove invade plant away from non - infested plants ; employ a musing mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; cakehole with yellow muggy wag , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking 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 climates and are mollusks , not worm . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and attendant transplant , leaving behind tell - story silvery , slimy trail .
bar and ascendance : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding place such as leafage rubble , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in umbrageous place and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be best-loved concealment places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from tardy springiness through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the grocery store , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough tune circulation or adequate spark . Problems are worse where nighttime are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery blanched or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . leafage will often turn yellow or brown , loop up , and knock off off . novel foliage issue crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive varieties and outer space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always piddle from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is paramount for rosiness . Go easily on the nitrogen fertilizer . implement fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes grievous and follow directions just , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take away all leaf , flowers , or rubble in the pin and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungi or bacteria . browned or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - butt appearance . worm , rainfall , muddy garden tools , or even people can assist its bed covering .
Prevention and Control : withdraw infected leaves when the plant is dry . leave that pull together around the base of operations of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil layer . For fungal leaf spots , utilise a advocate fungicide according to label directions .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they retrieve a good feeding website . The adult females then lose their legs and stay on a billet protect by its difficult shell stratum . They appear as jut , often on the lower side of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can undermine a works leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet core call up honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can go to an unattractive black surface fungous emergence called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest plant aside from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . advance natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy microbe , scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / melanize the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to verify jet-black moulding is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaves with a dampish fabric or wash off with a hose - ending sprayer .
