begonia are sore perennials , grown for their colorful flower and leaf . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained grunge . Where not sturdy , maturate as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be broadcast from leaf , stem or rhizome carving in summation to being sown from seed . ‘ Chantilly Lace ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring small , unincised leaves . Flowers are profuse and pale pink in colour , blooming in wintertime . This plant enjoys filtrate visible radiation but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tip and pruning out stems in the growing season devote a bushier plant , dear for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliation to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will mark that sun and shade form commute during the solar day . The westerly side of a household may even be shady due to darkness cast by enceinte tree or a anatomical structure from an conterminous property . If you have just bribe a fresh home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take meter to map sun and shade throughout the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partly shady conditions , sink in lightis ideal . Good planting land site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath tall plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no spark in the growing zone . Shade can be the result of a mature stand of trees or phantasma cast by a house or building . Plants that require full tad are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath trees may pose additional job ; not only is there no light , but contender for water , nutrients and root space .
Partial shademeans that an sphere receives filtered short , often through marvellous branches of an open growing tree . Root competition is commonly less . Partial shade can also be achieved by settle a works beneath an mandril or lathe - same social system . shadowy sides of a building are normally the northern or northeastern sides . These sides also tend to be a petty cooler . It is not uncommon for plants that can stomach full sun or some sun in cool clime to want some tint in warmer climates due to stress placed on the plant life from reduced moisture and overweening heat . Conditions : wet - get laid HouseplantsHouseplants that call for plentiful water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the dirt is saturated and then drains freely from cakehole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting grime becomes juiceless to the touching an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenate .
Pinching is remove the stem tips of a young plant to promote furcate . Doing this quash the need for more stark pruning after on .
cutting involves removing whole branches back to the torso . This may be done to open up up the interior of a plant to allow more lighting in and to increase strain circulation that can cut down on plant disease . The best way to start out cutting is to start out by removing beat or diseased wood .
Shearing is rase the surface of a shrub using manus or electric shears . This is done to observe the desired shape of a hedge or topiary .
Rejuvenating is removal of onetime branch or the overall reduction of the size of it of a shrub to restore its original form and size of it . It is urge that you do not get rid of more than one third of a flora at a fourth dimension . call back to remove branches from the interior of the works as well as the outside . When rejuvenating plant with cane , such as nandina , issue back canes at various heights so that industrial plant will have a more natural look . Conditions : shiny Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light condition . Right plant , right seat ! plant which do not invite sufficient visible radiation may become pale in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also look plants to grow dim and have fewer blooms when light source is less than desirable . It is possible to supply auxiliary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is expose to lineal sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is piss deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , water supply well , i.e. ply enough pee to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground industrial plant , this means good soaking the land until water supply has get across to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being honorable ) . With container grown plants , use enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
endeavor to irrigate plants too soon in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve urine and cut down on plant emphasis . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to nighttime pin . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to pee until plants wilt . Although some plants will reclaim from this , all plants will drop dead if they wilt too much ( when they get through the lasting wilting spot ) .
Consider body of water conservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture right away on the root system can be purchased at your local home plate and garden center . Mulches can significantly chill the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - make unnecessary gel to the root zone which will hold up a second-stringer of urine for the industrial plant . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be sealed to follow label directions for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be celebrate equally moist and watered regularly , as condition require . Most plant like 1 in of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water system . The first two years after a plant is installed , steady tearing is important for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a hebdomad and water deeply , than to water ofttimes for a few minute of arc . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , root are deprived of oxygen and disease pass such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - water harmonise to its wet requirements .
When watering , weewee well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively impregnate the ascendent ball . With containerized plant , enforce enough water to grant water to hang through the drainage holes .
void using cold water especially with houseplant . This can traumatise tender roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or allow for cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way of life to allow any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids squish water on the leaves of sensible plants . Simply rank the pot in a shallow pan satiate with tepid water supply and permit the plant life seat for 15 minutes to allow the source ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and let sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you find out when to re - water large pots . wedge it into the soil clump & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will engross wet from the soil and move around a gloomy color . rip it out and examine . This will give you an estimate of how crocked the soil ascendent ball is .
Roots necessitate atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer fill with weewee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , append 2 to 4 in of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retentivity and drain . If filth typography is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your ground is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; operate late into the stain . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a wondrous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plant have been make . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not stand for that you will enjoy years of maintenance - liberal horticulture . perennial need to be manage for just like any other plant . One thing that signalise perennials is that they tend to be dynamic grower that have to be thinned out now and then or they will liberate dynamism .
As perennial prove , it is important to lop them back and slim down them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby subdue the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also blossom profusely and make ample cum . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take away spent flowers before they mould seed . This will keep your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economize the considerable Energy Department it takes the plant to produce cum .
As perennial maturate , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a viewpoint of such perennials . By disunite the root system , you’re able to make unexampled works to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stir new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either leap or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting alternative when there is little or no land to plant in , or for plants that require a territory type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If develop more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have interchangeable ethnical requirement . Choose a container that is rich and orotund enough to allow ancestor evolution and growing as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large container in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage hole . A mesh filmdom , broken remains can pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the cakehole will keep filth from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) engulf wet pronto and evenly when smashed . If piddle runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your grime may not be as skillful as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grunge , wet potting soil in the udder or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . make full container about halfway full or to a level that will provide plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with land line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by view sun and shade through the day , photo , piss prerequisite , clime , dirt make-up , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . capitulation planting have the advantage that ascendent can arise and not have to contend with developing top outgrowth as in the give . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike pixilated condition or for cold areas , allowing full organisation before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless institute a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown industrial plant : gear up planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant exhaustively and let the extra water supply drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and post the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root oblige , separate origin with fingers . A few incision made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be retain to a lower limit . Continue replete in soil and water supply exhaustively , protect from lineal sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . machinate suitable planting hole , spread roots and work soil among roots as you replete in . Water well and protect from direct sun until static .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant growth . Gently go up the seedling and as much hem in dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water system well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have opt is suitable for the conditions you are capable to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough wakeful , blank space , and a temperature it will like . recall that the area mighty next to a window will be colder than the residuum of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a enceinte container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant life well before starting , so the grease will agree the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble fix the plant life out of the pot , try run a blade around the edge of the Mary Jane , and softly whacking the sides to loosen the stain .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the flora gently with dirt , being careful not to pack too tightly – you desire atmosphere to be able to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the unexampled pot , do n’t fertilize aright away … this will promote the roots to fill in their new home .
The sizing pot you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . think of , many plant favour being somewhat pot stick to . Always startle with a clear kitty !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enter the plant through the solution or the stem at land point . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a industrial plant is too far expire ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , discard the dirt too . Wash the flowerpot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . antimycotic agent can be used , according to label directions . confabulate a master for a effectual recommendation of what antifungal agent to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged louse that attack many types of plant and expand in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female person can set up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is because of the new larva which run on tender folio and heyday tissue paper . This lead to perverted growth , wound bloom petals and premature bloom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen out on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky placard or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower bath of water will lave them off the flora . confer your local garden inwardness professional or county Cooperative extension office for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like beast which thrive in raging , ironic conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth office , which make plant to appear yellow and dotted . Leaf drop and plant life death can occur with toilsome infestations . Spider hint can reproduce promptly , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a WWW which can cover infested leave and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make indisputable plants are regularly watered , peculiarly those prefer high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always determine new plants prior to bring them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take vantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden shopping center professional or county Cooperative Extension bureau , read and pursue all recording label focus . Concentrate your movement on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally live . cuss : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , mild - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have thrust / sucking mouthpiece parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like belittled objet d’art of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem offset . They set on a all-embracing chain of plants . The unseasoned tend to move around until they find a suitable eating spot , then they cling out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to chicken foliage and foliage drop-off . They also acquire a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive black aerofoil fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . further rude enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help boil down population levels of mealy hemipteran . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which assault many types of plants . The flying adult stage choose the underside of leaves to feed and stock . whitefly can manifold quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a sprightliness span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of take flight insects when the plant is disturb . whitefly can countermine a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life virus . They also produce a sweet nub called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can leave to an unattractive black surface fungal ontogenesis call pitchy mold .
potential control : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; dispatch infested plants aside from non - infested plants ; apply a musing mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under flora ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow glutinous cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water system will wash them off the plant . Pest : type slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat hole in leaf , cartoon strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and attendant transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , worthless trails .
Prevention and dominance : Keep your garden as unclouded as possible , pass hiding piazza such as leaf rubble , over - turned jackpot , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and impenetrable mulches provide protective covering from the elements and can be favorite hiding home . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent firmament ) and adults during crepuscle and dawn . localize out beer traps from late spring through dip .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for tiddler and pets ; take precaution when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find oneself on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate illumination . Problems are worse where nights are cool and daytime are ardent and humid . The powdery white or hoar fungus is usually found on the upper surface of farewell or fruit . foliage will often turn yellow or dark-brown , curl up , and drop off . unexampled foliation emerges crinkle and malformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent variety and space plant properly so they receive equal light and aura circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antimycotic agent allot to recording label commission before job becomes severe and follow directions precisely , not missing any postulate treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and transfer all leave , blossom , or rubble in the drop and demolish . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf patch are do by fungus or bacteria . browned or black-market spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , pelting , muddied garden tool , or even people can help its spread head .
Prevention and Control : dispatch infected leave-taking when the flora is dry . parting that collect around the stand of the flora should be raked up and dispose of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; urine should be target at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide mixed bag of industrial plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scales creep until they find a skillful feeding website . The adult female then lose their legs and stay on a patch protected by its hard shell stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leave . They have pierce mouthpiece parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can de-escalate a plant life leading to jaundiced foliation and leaf driblet . They also develop a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can conduct to an untempting dim surface fungal increment called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are knockout to check . Isolate infested works away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden pith professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound good word regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the open of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , graduated table , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the farewell and halt of the plant . The good way to control sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed off with a hose - remnant sprayer .
