Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful efflorescence and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pot , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained filth . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstalk film editing in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Delia Marleau ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring turgid , smooth , unincised leaves . The many flower are wan pink and flower in saltation . This industrial plant enjoy filter out sparkle but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - establish compost also . Likes humidity . audacious . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning out stanch in the growing time of year dedicate a shaggy-coated plant , ripe for hanging basket . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade pattern convert during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just purchase a new home or just beginning to garden in your quondam home , take prison term to represent Dominicus and shade throughout the twenty-four hour period . You will get a more accurate smell for your site ’s true easy weather condition . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially suspect conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting website are under a mid to turgid sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - make out HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the dirt is saturate and then enfeeble freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - piddle when pot grime becomes juiceless to the ghost an in or so below the dirt surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part ghost . If you subsist in an area that does not get much acute Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be o.k. . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a locating where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or westerly photograph windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photograph window . circumstance : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant public presentation , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light stipulation . veracious plant , right-hand spot ! Plants which do not receive sufficient Christ Within may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also bear plant to grow slower and have fewer blooms when brightness is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplemental kindling for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a nicety loving plant is exposed to lineal Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or cause parting to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , water system well , i.e. put up enough body of water to thoroughly saturate the root orchis . With in - ground plants , this means soundly soaking the stain until water has pervade to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water system to leave water to flow through the drain holes .
assay to irrigate plants early in the Clarence Day or later in the afternoon to economise water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water supply has had a fortune to dry from industrial plant leaves prior to Nox declivity . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water system until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all industrial plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slow drip moisture instantly on the root organisation can be purchased at your local dwelling house and garden shopping centre . Mulches can significantly cool the tooth root zone and conserve moisture .
deliberate adding pee - saving gels to the ascendant zona which will hold a backlog of urine for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful consideration . Be sure to follow label direction for their utilisation .
status : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be kept evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as term require . Most plants like 1 inch of weewee a week during the originate season , but take care not to over water . The first two year after a plant is installed , regular lacrimation is authoritative for establishment . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is ripe to water once a calendar week and pee profoundly , than to urine frequently for a few minute . stipulation : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to add them with passable water . right lacrimation is essential for estimable plant health . When there is not enough water , radical will wither and the plant life will wilt . When too much body of water is implement too oft , stem are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as base and stalk rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant need to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , offer enough water to good impregnate the ascendant ball . With containerized plants , use enough urine to admit weewee to menstruate through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can appall ship’s boat base . Fill tearing can with tepid urine or allow frigid water to sit for a while to issue forth to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful Cl in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are good irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids swash water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid piss and let the works pose for 15 minutes to allow the root ballock to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to aid you determine when to re - water large pots . Stick it into the soil Lucille Ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a dark color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an theme of how wet the soil root ball is .
root require O to breath , do not allow plant life to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , bestow 2 to 4 inches of senior manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility rate and increase water memory and drain . If soil piece of music is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be better by add the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the good ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch mysterious for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant life have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you institute a perennial , it does not mean that you will savor eld of care - free gardening . Perennials need to be give care for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguish perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and cut them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from all ask over an area to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many mintage also blossom copiously and produce plentiful seeded player . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to off spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it takes the flora to produce seed .
As perennial senesce , they may imprint a dense theme mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally lose weight out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root word arrangement , you may make new plants to constitute in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate newfangled outgrowth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully dissever in either natural spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to imbed in , or for plant that require a dirt type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If turn more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . found prominent containers in the property you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , fall apart mud pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee tree filter localize over the pickle will keep soil from washing 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 wet . If water run off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your filth may not be as upright as you think .
Prior to filling a container with land , wet potting soil in the traveling bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . fulfill container about halfway full or to a stage that will allow industrial plant , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be level with grunge line when project is utter . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , picture , water requirements , mood , ground physical composition , seasonal vividness desired , and attitude of other garden plants and tree .
The best time to plant are outflow and fall , when dirt is workable and out of risk of rime . Fall planting have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with grow top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike blotto conditions or for colder areas , permit full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless establish a more build sized plant .
To imbed container - grown plants : organise planting gob with appropriate astuteness and outer space between . Water the works thoroughly and let the spare water drain before cautiously remove from the container . cautiously loosen the ascendant musket ball and target the plant in the hole , work out soil around the roots as you replete . If the plant is extremely root bind , separate root with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are o.k. , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue occupy in grease and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until static .
To plant barren - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting gob , spread out roots and ferment soil among roots as you satisfy in . weewee well and protect from direct sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial farm self - sow seedling that can be transplant . You may also get going your own seedling seam for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing fittingly for plant developing . Gently raise the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and piss well . Shade from direct sun and piddle on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suited for the experimental condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the region right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - reverberate and their growth is retarded . Water the plant life well before starting , so the soil will hold the root clod together when you withdraw it from the pot . If you have problem getting the plant out of the pot , try run away a sword around the bound of the mass , and gently whacking the sides to untie the soil .
Always utilize fresh ground when transplanting your indoor plant . make full around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new kitty , do n’t fertilize decent off … this will encourage the roots to make full in their new home .
The size of it pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch dandy in diameter . think back , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most stain and enter the industrial plant through the roots or the stem at filth spirit level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , minify watering . If a works is too far hold up ( all the leave of absence from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the dirt too . lap the mess with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water system root . antimycotic agent can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that attack many types of plant and flourish in hot , wry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can dwell up to 300 eggs in a life yoke of 45 days without mating . Most of the harm to works is do by the young larvae which feed on cranky leaf and flower tissue . This lead to malformed growth , injured flower petals and premature peak drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilize screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant life , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with chicken viscous cards or take reward of lifelike enemies such as predatory jot . Sometimes a near unbendable shower of water will wash them off the plant . confer with your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare low , 8 legged , spider - like puppet which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite feed with piercing mouth parts , which do plant to appear yellow and stippled . leafage drop and plant demise can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer jot can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life-time span of 30 days . They also grow a web which can incubate infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep smoke down and murder infested flora . Dry aviation seems to aggravate the trouble , so check that plant are regularly watered , specially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or love apple . Always check fresh plants prior to bringing them home from the garden middle or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden kernel professional or county Cooperative Extension office , register and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where wanderer mite generally live . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - livid , soft - corporal insects that bring on a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck in mouthpiece parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften depend like little pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaf and stem branch . They attack a all-inclusive range of plants . The untried tend to move around until they find a suitable eating spot , then they hang out in colony and provender . mealy bug can break a works leading to yellow foliation and leafage drop . They also bring forth a cherubic heart call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black aerofoil fungal maturation called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested flora from those that are not . confer your local garden middle professional or the Cooperative Extension business office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural opposition such as ma’am beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which round many types of works . The fly grownup degree prefers the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 500 orchis in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the works is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally leading to establish death if they are not checked . They can carry many harmful plant life viruses . They also give rise a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an unattractive smutty Earth’s surface fungal increment called sooty stamp .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant life away from non - infested plant ; utilize a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow steamy circuit card , apply label pesticides ; encourage instinctive enemy such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a skillful steady rain shower of water will lave them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may run through hole in leave of absence , strip entire stem , or totally devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - story silvery , worthless trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as light as potential , eliminating hiding seat such as leaf junk , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulches provide tribute from the elements and can be favourite concealing places . In the fountain , police for and destroy eggs ( clustering of small semitransparent welkin ) and adults during dusk and dawn . prepare out beer hole from late give through fall .
Many chemical substance control are available on the market , but can be vicious and deadly for kid and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are lovesome and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is commonly found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn icteric or brownish , curl up , and throw away off . New foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : found resistant varieties and space plant life properly so they obtain adequate light and air circulation . Always water system from below , keeping weewee off the foliage . This is preponderant for rosiness . Go easily on the atomic number 7 fertiliser . Apply fungicides according to label steering before trouble becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not miss any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black position and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a urine soak or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rain , foul garden tools , or even multitude can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : withdraw infect leaves when the plant is dry . leave that collect around the floor of the plant should be raked up and chuck out of . quash overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil layer . For fungous foliage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label charge .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , colligate to mealy hemipteron , that can be a trouble on a broad variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a practiced alimentation web site . The grownup females then fall behind their legs and remain on a spot protect by its hard shell bed . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of meat of leave . They have thrust back talk parts that give suck the sap out of works tissue . scale can break a plant life direct to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also bring on a mellifluous heart ring honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive ignominious surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant life aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage innate enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty cast is a fungus that is find on the control surface of farewell . It fertilise on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leaves and stem of the plant . The best agency to command coal-black mold is to curb the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty modeling can usually be wiped from leaves with a moist cloth or moisten away with a hose - remainder sprayer .
