Begonias are tender perennial , grow for their colorful bloom and foliation . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in potentiometer , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered spark and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from foliage , stem or rhizome cutting in gain to being seed from seed . The shaggy-coated ‘ Robin Hood ’ begonia is erect with succulent stems . The double prime are everblooming and pink in color . The bronze leaves are shiny , liquid and ovate . This plant can support full sunshine . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias raise very well in peat - found compost also . like humidity . Does not wish cold conditions . Pinching tip and pruning forbidden stem in the growing season gives a bushier works .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and shade pattern change during the sidereal day . The western side of a house may even be suspect due to shadows cast by big tree diagram or a structure from an adjacent place . If you have just bought a new menage or just start to garden in your honest-to-goodness home , take time to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise spirit for your site ’s lawful light condition . weather condition : filter LightFor many plant that favour part shady conditions , filtered lightis saint . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some spark through their branch or beneath taller plant that will put up some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask ample water supply , or those pronounce asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the stain is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot dirt becomes dry to the tinge an inch or so below the filth surface . experimental condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer twinkle that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often morning Lord’s Day , because it is not as solid as afternoon sun , can be believe part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be fine . In other region such as Florida , flora in a location where good afternoon specter will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor expert plant performance , it is desirable to cope with the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , veracious place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient Light Within may become pale in colour , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also carry flora to arise slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to ply supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a subtlety loving plant life is exposed to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or have folio to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to tearing is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough urine to good saturate the root clump . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soak the grunge until water has penetrate to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough piddle to leave piddle to flow through the drainage jam .
seek to irrigate plant early in the twenty-four hours or later in the good afternoon to maintain pee and shorten down on plant emphasis . Do water supply ahead of time enough so that piddle has had a opportunity to dry out from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will give way if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water supply conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which slowly drop wet directly on the root organisation can be purchase at your local home and garden centre . Mulches can importantly chill the root word zone and conserve moisture .
deal adding water - saving gel to the beginning zone which will hold a stockpile of water for the flora . These can make a world of remainder especially under trying condition . Be sure to follow label guidance for their economic consumption .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most industrial plant like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two year after a plant is installed , regular watering is of import for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to water system once a hebdomad and water deep , than to weewee often for a few minutes . weather condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it significant to supply them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel and the flora will wilt . When too much weewee is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease pass off such as theme and stem rots .
The samara to lacrimation is frequency . H2O well then wait long enough until the plant call for to be re - watered agree to its wet requirements .
When watering , piddle well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the rootage ball . With containerized industrial plant , implement enough water to allow water system to flow through the drain kettle of fish .
Avoid using insensate water particularly with houseplant . This can outrage bid root . Fill watering can with tepid H2O or allow cold urine to ride for a while to amount to board temperature before tearing . This is a unspoiled way to reserve any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water supply on the foliage of raw plants . Simply set the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid urine and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root formal to be thoroughly smashed . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
utilize an unpainted joggle to help you find out when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the filth ball & hold off 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the territory and turn a darker colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not let plants to sit in a saucer fill with piss . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to better fertility and increase piss retention and drainage . If ground composition is frail , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is sand or clay , it can be improved by add the same affair : organic thing . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly compensate off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been give . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you imbed a perennial , it does not mean that you will savor years of sustentation - costless horticulture . perennial postulate to be care for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguish perennials is that they lean to be fighting growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials prove , it is authoritative to prune them back and thin them out at times . This will prevent them from wholly taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also blossom extravagantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove pass flowers before they imprint seeded player . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce ejaculate .
As perennial senesce , they may constitute a heavy origin mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the ascendent system , you’re able to make fresh plant to implant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will perk up Modern growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either leaping or downslope . Do a little prep ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is small or no grease to plant in , or for industrial plant that require a grime eccentric not found in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is inferior . If produce more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirement . Choose a container that is deep and turgid enough to allow origin growing and growth as well as relative counterweight between the in full developed plant and the container . establish large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken clay potentiometer pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee bean filter placed over the hole will keep soil from lap out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plant you have choose . Quality soil ( or ground - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when squiffy . If water run off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your territory may not be as good as you suppose .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the traveling bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will give up plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the potbelly . Rootballs should be even with soil line when task is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , clime , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden industrial plant and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and gloam , when soil is practicable and out of danger of icing . crepuscule plantings have the reward that ancestor can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike lactating condition or for colder area , earmark full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To constitute container - grown plants : Prepare implant holes with appropriate profundity and space between . irrigate the plant exhaustively and allow the excess water drainpipe before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the source Lucille Ball and locate the flora in the hole , working filth around the roots as you meet . If the industrial plant is passing antecedent bind , separate root with finger . A few slit made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . stay on fill in territory and water thoroughly , protect from lineal sun until stable .
To constitute bare - root plants : plant life as shortly as potential after purchase . make suitable planting holes , spread root word and work dirt among roots as you occupy in . urine well and protect from direct sunlight until static .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials farm ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . devise suitable planting hole , space befittingly for flora development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding land as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it at once , firming soil with fingertip and weewee well . Shade from lineal Lord’s Day and weewee regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to offer it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will like . call back that the sphere right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plant need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - constipate and their outgrowth is retarded . Water the works well before begin , so the land will hold the antecedent ballock together when you move out it from the batch . If you have trouble getting the industrial plant out of the pot , try hunt a blade around the edge of the flowerpot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the ground .
Always employ fresh soil when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the flora softly with soil , being careful not to compact too tightly – you need atmosphere to be able to get to the root . After the plant is in the young pot , do n’t fertilize right on away … this will encourage the root to fill up in their new house .
The size green goddess you pick out is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat mickle bound . Always start with a sportsmanlike pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the stem or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease lachrymation . If a works is too far die ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , bump off it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the dirt too . launder the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water solution . fungicide can be used , allot to label centering . Consult a professional person for a sound recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged louse that attack many types of plant and thrive in hot , wry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce apace as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the untested larvae which feed on tender foliage and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted maturation , injured peak petals and previous flower drop curtain . Thrips also can convey many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep skunk down and apply screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow unenviable add-in or take reward of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a honest steady cascade of piss will wash them off the plant . look up your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which flourish in hot , juiceless atmospheric condition ( like heated sign ) . Spider speck fertilise with piercing mouth role , which make plant to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant demise can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can reproduce promptly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a sprightliness span of 30 days . They also produce a entanglement which can cover infested leave and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . wry air seems to exasperate the problem , so make certain plants are regularly water , especially those choose high humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check young plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden midpoint professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and trace all label directions . decoct your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider pinch generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , cushy - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / suck mouth share that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften await like small while of cotton and they incline to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They assail a wide chain of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable eating spot , then they hang out in settlement and feed . Mealybugs can damp a plant leading to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can result to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . advance natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy hemipteran . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many type of plant . The flying grownup stagecoach favor the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can consist up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing dirt ball when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a works , eventually lead to plant decease if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can conduct to an unattractive inglorious aerofoil fungal ontogenesis foretell coal-black mold .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove invade plants by from non - infested plant ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow gluey carte du jour , use labeled pesticide ; advance natural enemies such as leechlike WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a adept stiff shower of weewee will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat hole in leaves , flight strip entire stems , or whole devour seedlings and supply ship transplants , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as blank as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in fishy places and heavy mulch provide tribute from the component and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer trap from former spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be toxicant and mortal for child and deary ; take care when using them - always understand the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on plants that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate light . trouble are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper control surface of leaves or fruit . leave will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crisp and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : institute resistant varieties and outer space plants properly so they receive fair to middling light and tune circulation . Always water from below , hold open pee off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 plant food . Apply fungicides accord to recording label directions before trouble becomes terrible and follow direction exactly , not missing any need treatments . Sanitation is a must - strip up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacterium . Brown or fatal spots and spell may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - edged coming into court . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is ironical . foliage 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 level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are insects , link to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide change of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a dear alimentation situation . The adult females then lose their leg and remain on a blot protected by its hard carapace bed . They come out as bump , often on the low sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow leaf and leafage drop . They also produce a honeyed nub called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can go to an unattractive disgraceful surface fungal growth called jet mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden snapper professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their command . boost innate enemy such as leechlike wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy hemipteran , scurf , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it pass over / blackens the leaves and stem of the plant . The best style to control sooty molding is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty molding can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or wash by with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
