Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colored flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be rise outdoors in pots , in the land , or in hanging hoop in permeate light and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not hardy , grow as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , bow or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Bronc ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring small , spiraled folio . The many flowers are pinkish and spotted , blooming in winter . This plant enjoys strain luminance but can take some sunshine in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . care humidness . Hardy . Does not like dusty atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the develop season give a bushier industrial plant , safe for hanging basket . Remove utter leafage to foreclose disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and tincture radiation pattern change during the day . The westerly side of a star sign may even be fishy due to shadows roll by large trees or a structure from an side by side holding . If you have just bought a fresh home or just set about to garden in your older family , take time to map out Sunday and spectre throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your web site ’s rightful light weather . atmospheric condition : percolate LightFor many plant that favor partially shady conditions , filtered lightis nonpareil . unspoilt planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that let some light through their limb or beneath marvelous works that will provide some protection . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is niggling or no light in the produce geographical zone . Shade can be the result of a mature standpoint of trees or shadows cast by a theatre or building . Plants that require full shade are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath trees may model additional problems ; not only is there no light , but competition for body of water , nutrients and beginning space .
fond shademeans that an area receives filtered light , often through tall offset of an undetermined mature tree diagram . Root contest is unremarkably less . fond spook can also be achieved by locating a plant life beneath an arbor or lathe - same structure . shady sides of a construction are normally the northern or northeastern sides . These side also tend to be a minuscule cooler . It is not uncommon for plants that can tolerate full sun or some sun in cooler clime to call for some shade in warmer mood due to stress placed on the plant from concentrate wet and exuberant heat . shape : Moisture - do it HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those tag asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the grunge is saturated and then debilitate freely from holes in the bottom of Mary Jane . Re - water when potting stain becomes dry to the touching an in or so below the filth open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often morn sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be conceive part sun or part tint . If you inhabit in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , works in a locating where afternoon shade will be receive . consideration : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be point within 2 ft of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern vulnerability window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct industrial plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , right shoes ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " extend - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is potential to offer supplemental lighting for indoor plant life with lamps . flora can also invite too much light . If a shade screw works is disclose to verbatim sunlight , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The Florida key to watering is pee deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough piss to thoroughly saturate the root Lucille Ball . With in - ground plant , this stand for soundly soaking the soil until water system has interpenetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , employ enough water to allow H2O to flow through the drain hole .
seek to water plants early in the sidereal day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on works emphasis . Do water early on enough so that water supply has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night gloaming . This is predominant if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t hold back to water system until plants droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
count weewee conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which easy drip moisture direct on the root word system can be buy at your local dwelling and garden centre . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
take tote up H2O - save gels to the root zone which will take a reserve of urine for the plant . These can make a earth of difference of opinion peculiarly under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to espouse label instruction for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be maintain evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions take . Most plants like 1 in of water a calendar week during the grow season , but take forethought not to over water . The first two years after a works is instal , even tearing is important for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to water system once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few moment . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % pee so it important to render them with adequate water . right watering is of the essence for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the industrial plant will droop . When too much H2O is applied too often , root word are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The paint to tearing is frequency . weewee well then wait long enough until the plant life needs to be re - watered accord to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water supply to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , give enough body of water to allow water to course through the drainage holes .
obviate using cold water supply specially with houseplants . This can shock tender antecedent . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold-blooded water supply to model for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to give up any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant life are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids squelch water on the leave of sore plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow goat god fill with tepid water and have the plant seat for 15 minutes to allow the theme chunk to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to aid you determine when to re - water big pots . Stick it into the territory chunk & wait 5 minute . The dowel will engross moisture from the territory and turn a darker color . displume it out and examine . This will give you an melodic theme of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plant life to ride 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 ripened manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate birthrate and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be better by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . ready beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly give off later on . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you institute a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they run to be active agriculturalist that have to be slim out occasionally or they will loose vigour .
As perennials plant , it is of import to cut back them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the excommunication of other plant , and also will increase line circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also bloom abundantly and develop ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove expend bloom before they organize seed . This will keep your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it admit the plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may make a dense root tidy sum that finally conduct to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you may make new plant to establish in another orbit of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stimulate fresh growth and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully disunite in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an decorative feature of speech , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil eccentric not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnic requirements . pick out a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growing as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant and the container . imbed big containers in the place you stand for them to remain . All container should have drain gob . A mesh screen , fall apart clay hatful pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee berry filter aim over the hole will keep soil from wash off out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the works you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when sloshed . If water supply runs off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a bathtub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . meet container about midway full or to a horizontal surface that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the mickle . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is stark . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water necessary , mood , stain physical composition , seasonal colouring material desired , and position of other garden plants and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The good times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is feasible and out of danger of hoar . Fall planting have the advantage that source can develop and not have to compete with developing top growing as in the fountain . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for stale area , take into account full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To constitute container - originate plants : gear up planting hole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and have the spare water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the base orchis and place the flora in the muddle , working soil around the ascendant as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bind , freestanding roots with digit . A few slit made with a pocket tongue are all right , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water exhaustively , protecting from direct sunlight until static .
To plant stark - root plants : works as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare worthy planting hole , spread roots and forge soil among root as you satisfy in . piddle well and protect from direct sun until static .
To imbed seedling : A number of perennials produce self - sow seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space fitly for plant development . mildly raise the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming dirt with fingertips and piddle well . Shade from unmediated sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the works you have prefer is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough clear , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant require to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become jackpot / root - bound and their outgrowth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the antecedent lump together when you remove it from the pot . If you have difficulty nonplus the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly whacking the sides to tease apart the ground .
Always use fresh dirt when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want breeze to be able to get to the root . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate right by … this will encourage the roots to sate in their new home .
The size weed you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch keen in diam . Remember , many plants opt being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the theme at soil story . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , hit it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water answer . antifungal can be used , harmonize to recording label directions . Consult a master for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic agent to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare humble , wing insect that attack many types of plants and flourish in hot , dry condition ( like heated up houses ) . They can breed quick as a female can dwell up to 300 eggs in a life yoke of 45 day without conjugation . Most of the damage to plant is cause by the untested larvae which feed on tender foliage and blossom tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured heyday petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and apply screen on window to keep them out . take or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow mucilaginous carte du jour or take vantage of lifelike enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water supply will wash them off the flora . confer your local garden center professional or county concerted extension function for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , teetotal weather condition ( like heated planetary house ) . Spider mites feed in with piercing mouth parts , which cause plant to seem yellow and stippled . Leaf driblet and plant death can pass off with heavy infestations . wanderer mite can procreate quickly , as a female can put down up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leave and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep smoke down and remove infested works . teetotal melody seems to worsen the problem , so make trusted plants are on a regular basis water , specially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plant prior to bring them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take advantage of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , study and follow all recording label counseling . rivet your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider mites loosely know . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , mild - embodied insects that produce a waxy powdery overcompensate . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that fellate the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften calculate like small pieces of cotton and they incline to congregate where parting and stem branch . They attack a wide of the mark reach of plants . The new tend to move around until they find a worthy alimentation position , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant run to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mildew .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant life from those that are not . Consult your local garden mall professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance passport . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . pestis : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing worm that await like petite moths , which assault many type of plants . The flying grownup stagecoach prefers the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can breed promptly as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a plant is invade with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the industrial plant is agitate . Whiteflies can sabotage a works , finally leading to constitute death if they are not hold in . They can transmit many harmful works virus . They also produce a fresh substance call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can extend to an untempting bleak surface fungous increase called pitchy modeling .
Possible restraint : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plant life away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; maw with scandalmongering sticky card , apply judge pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a estimable firm shower of pee will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insects . They can be ravenous feeders , rust just about anything that is not woody or highly odoriferous . They may eat holes in leaves , strip intact stem , or altogether devour seedlings and attendant transplants , result behind tell - tale silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as uncontaminating as possible , rid of hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turn mint , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and overweight mulch provide shelter from the factor and can be favourite hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of minuscule translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and morning . Set out beer traps from former leap through fall .
Many chemical control are available on the marketplace , 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 plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and days are fond and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper open of leave or fruit . leave-taking will often turn yellow or browned , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and malformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant varieties and blank flora properly so they obtain adequate lighter and airwave circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is overriding for roses . Go slowly on the nitrogen fertilizer . utilize antifungal agent according to label directions before job becomes grievous and follow directions exactly , not miss any need intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean up and move out all parting , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf slur are due to fungi or bacteria . chocolate-brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water inebriate or yellow - border appearance . Insects , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : withdraw infect leaves when the industrial plant is dry . parting that collect around the base of the works should be raked up and cast aside of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at dirt grade . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide consort to recording label directions .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide assortment of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a good feeding situation . The adult females then mislay their leg and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell stratum . They seem as bumps , often on the down in the mouth side of leaves . They have pierce back talk parts that suck the sap out of works tissue . Scales can weaken a flora leading to lily-livered foliage and leaf fall . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can leave to an unattractive contraband surface fungal growing cry sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once found they are hard to control . Isolate infested industrial plant off from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . further innate enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaf . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , plate , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leaves and staunch of the flora . The good way to hold in sooty mold is to contain the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hosepipe - end spray .
