begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in dope , in the priming coat , or in hang baskets in filtered Light Within and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not audacious , develop as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , stem or rootstalk cuttings in summation to being sow from seed . ‘ Delightful Mystery ’ grow from an upright rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring non - spiral leaf that are often color and model . This plant enjoys filter out ignitor but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia mature very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not wish cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stem in the mature time of year have a bushier plant , good for hang field goal . slay dead foliage to forbid disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns switch during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to tincture mould by large trees or a body structure from an conterminous holding . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take fourth dimension to map out Dominicus and shade throughout the Clarence Day . You will get a more precise feel for your website ’s unfeigned light-headed conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that favor partially shadowy condition , filtered lightis nonesuch . practiced planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some tribute . Conditions : Moisture - love HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - bed houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when potting ground becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the grime control surface . status : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer lighting that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as unassailable as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sunlight or part tint . If you live in an orbit that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , works in a emplacement where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor salutary plant life carrying out , it is suitable to match the correct plant with the useable lightsome conditions . correct plant life , right seat ! Plants which do not find sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearing . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when Inner Light is less than worthy . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant life with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving industrial plant is exposed to verbatim sun , it may droop and/or cause parting to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The tonality to watering is water deeply and less often . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough piddle to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - priming coat industrial plant , this means exhaustively soaking the ground until piss has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough water to allow weewee to flow through the drain cakehole .
essay to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to husband water and cut down on plant stress . Do piss too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will pass away if they wilt too much ( when they make the lasting wilting point ) .
deal water preservation method such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drop wet directly on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool down the base zone and conserve moisture .
regard adding water - save gelatin to the root zone which will take a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of deviation especially under stressful condition . Be sure to follow label directions for their role .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grease should be keep equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a workweek during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a industrial plant is instal , even watering is significant for establishment . The first class is vital . It is good to weewee once a week and water profoundly , than to weewee frequently for a few min . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % piddle so it authoritative to supply them with adequate water . Proper tearing is substantive for good plant health . When there is not enough water , radical will wither and the works will wilt . When too much water is enforce too oftentimes , roots are strip of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant take to be re - irrigate according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough weewee to thoroughly saturate the root glob . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain hole .
Avoid using frigid water especially with houseplant . This can offend cutter roots . Fill tearing can with tepid water or reserve cold weewee to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a serious way to allow for any harmful chlorine in the H2O to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splosh water on the leaves of sensible plants . just place the mass in a shallow pan filled with tepid body of water and rent the plant life sit down for 15 minutes to allow the root ballock to be thoroughly pissed . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
expend an unpainted dowel to help you make up one’s mind when to re - water large pots . Stick it into the soil musket ball & hold off 5 instant . The joggle will absorb wet from the soil and call on a dark color . overstretch it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
tooth root require O to intimation , do not allow for plants to posture in a dish aerial fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , summate 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and employment into the planting website to amend fertility and increase water system retention and drain . If dirt composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be believe as well . No matter if your filth is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : constituent thing . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . organize bed to an 18 column inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly ante up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once industrial plant have been show . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you institute a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will relish year of maintenance - innocent horticulture . Perennials necessitate to be like for just like any other plant . One thing that secernate perennials is that they tend to be active agriculturalist that have to be cut out occasionally or they will let loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is of import to lop them back and thin them out now and again . This will keep them from completely taking over an area to the excommunication of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby boil down the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom abundantly and produce ample semen . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they shape seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to develop seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root mass that finally lead to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a viewpoint of such perennials . By dividing the root arrangement , you may make new plant to plant in another region of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate fresh growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either saltation or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : cook ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is inferior . If raise more than one plant in a container , make indisputable that all have standardized ethnical requirements . prefer a container that is deep and large enough to permit root development and growing as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . set large container in the stead you intend them to stay . All container should have drain golf hole . A net screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the gob will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate commixture for the industrial plant you have chosen . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) occupy moisture readily and equally when pissed . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet potting grease in the bagful or situation in a bath or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . replete container about halfway full or to a level that will set aside plant , when plant , to be just below the rim of the weed . Rootballs should be level with soil line when task is double-dyed . piss well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and shade through the daytime , exposure , water requirements , climate , dirt make-up , seasonal colour desire , and position of other garden plant and Tree .
The best times to plant are natural spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top emergence as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grow plants : gear up found holes with appropriate depth and blank space between . Water the plant life thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and rate the works in the hole , working soil around the roots as you satiate . If the works is extremely root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a air pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . carry on fulfill in soil and water exhaustively , protecting from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant scanty - ascendent plant : industrial plant as shortly as possible after purchase . Prepare desirable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among ascendant as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce ego - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . ready desirable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant growing . lightly lift the seedling and as much smother soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunshine and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have pick out is desirable for the conditions you are able-bodied to leave it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area mighty next to a window will be cold than the residue of the way .
Indoor plants necessitate to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become bay window / ascendent - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant life well before starting , so the stain will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the wad . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try go a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always apply fresh soil when graft your indoor flora . Fill around the plant gently with grease , being careful not to load down too tightly – you want aviation to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new potty , do n’t fecundate right away … this will boost the roots to fill in their fresh home plate .
The size of it green goddess you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . Remember , many industrial plant prefer being somewhat wad bind . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the root or the root at grease level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , diminish tearing . If a plant is too far move ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss the grunge too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 component piddle solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . confer with a professional for a effectual passport of what antifungal to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged insects that attack many type of plants and prosper in hot , wry conditions ( like heated home ) . They can procreate quickly as a female person can lie up to 300 eggs in a sprightliness bridge of 45 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. without mating . Most of the damage to plant life is due to the young larvae which feed on tender leafage and flower tissue paper . This lead to twisted ontogenesis , injured flower petals and premature flush drop . Thrips also can channel many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with icteric sticky cards or take advantage of natural foeman such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good steady cascade of water will lap them off the works . Consult your local garden pith professional or county conjunct denotation office for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , spider - like creature which flourish in spicy , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth persona , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . leafage fall and works death can occur with gruelling infestations . Spider soupcon can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 ball in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and slay infested industrial plant . wry air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are regularly watered , specially those preferring mellow humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always agree new works prior to bring them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , record and follow all label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied louse that bring out a waxy powdery report . They have piercing / sucking mouth parting that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften take care like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They assail a broad chain of flora . The young tend to move around until they incur a suitable feeding spot , then they attend out in colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a industrial plant leading to scandalmongering leaf and leafage drop cloth . They also bring on a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can conduce to an untempting bootleg control surface fungous growing called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . confabulate your local garden centre of attention professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . advance innate enemies such as gentlewoman mallet in the garden to help reduce universe tier of mealy glitch . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that bet like diminutive moth , which snipe many types of plants . The flying adult leg prefers the underside of parting to tip and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay 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 dirt ball when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally lead to institute death if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a scented substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Possible controls : keep dope down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants off from non - infested flora ; use a contemplative mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky card , implement tag pesticide ; further natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a in effect steady exhibitor of weewee will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not worm . They can be esurient feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may exhaust holes in leaves , strip full stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , ugly trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding post such as leaf debris , over - turned pot , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and weighed down mulches allow aegis from the elements and can be pet concealment place . In the spring , police for and destroy egg ( clusters of pocket-sized translucent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . localize out beer ambuscade from late leap through autumn .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the food market , but can be poisonous and deadly for youngster and favorite ; take aid when using them - always take the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually recover on plants that do not have enough melodic phrase circulation or adequate light . Problems are defective where Nox are cool and days are quick and humid . The powdery white or grey-haired fungus is commonly find on the upper surface of farewell or fruit . leave will often turn chicken or brown , coil up , and dismiss off . young leaf come forth scrunch and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space industrial plant properly so they find equal light and gentle wind circulation . Always weewee from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is overriding for roses . Go slowly on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label direction before trouble becomes life-threatening and follow directions precisely , not miss any need discourse . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or junk in the decline and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are triggered by fungi or bacterium . Brown or inglorious spots and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water supply soak or yellow - butt appearance . worm , rainwater , pestiferous garden peter , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : murder infect leaves when the industrial plant is dry . Leaves that gather up around the base of the works should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be aim at land grade . For fungal leaf dapple , expend a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a broad variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . untried scale crawling until they find a serious feeding site . The adult females then lose their leg and stay on a berth protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as bulge , often on the low-toned side of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that draw the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can sabotage a plant life run to jaundiced foliage and foliage fall . They also produce a honeyed core ring honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting fatal surface fungal increase called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are surd to control . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendance . Encourage raw enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty moulding is a fungus that is regain on the control surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy germ , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best path to control coal-black mould is to control the louse that make the honeydew melon . Sooty stamp can commonly be wipe from leaves with a damp fabric or lap aside with a hose - goal atomiser .
