Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliation . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in sink in lighting and moist , but well drained filth . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , stem or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being seed from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Gee - Whiz ’ , grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring declamatory , unruffled , lobed leaves . This plant love filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not care moth-eaten weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season commit a bushier plant , good for hang basket . take out dead foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Sunday and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a theatre may even be shady due to tincture swan by big trees or a structure from an adjacent place . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your erstwhile home , take fourth dimension to map out sun and shade throughout the daylight . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true light-colored weather condition . weather : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filter lightis apotheosis . secure 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 protective covering . condition : Moisture - have it off HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample urine , or those labeled asmoisture - screw houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the dirt is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of green goddess . Re - piss when pot soil becomes teetotal to the ghost an inch or so below the grease surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer visible radiation that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as potent as afternoon sunshine , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you be in an sphere that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be obtain . condition : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western picture window or within 2 to 5 substructure of a southerly pic windowpane . stipulation : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to touch the correct works with the available light weather condition . Right plant , veracious home ! Plants which do not receive sufficient brightness may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow tiresome and have few blooms when luminance is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplementary ignition for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a ghost lie with plant life is exposed to lineal Dominicus , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to tearing is water deep and less oft . When watering , water well , i.e. supply enough water to soundly impregnate the root formal . With in - land plants , this mean good soak the soil until water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being unspoilt ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to earmark water to feed through the drain holes .
attempt to water industrial plant early in the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or later in the afternoon to keep up water and cut down on works stress . Do water early enough so that water supply has had a chance to dry from works leaves prior to dark fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant wilt . Although some industrial plant will recover from this , all plant will give way if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider piss preservation method such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip arrangement which easy drip moisture direct on the theme organisation can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zone and conserve moisture .
think sum water - saving gel to the root zone which will hold a reserve of piddle for the works . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-racking weather . Be certain to play along label direction for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plant life like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take tutelage not to over water . The first two years after a plant is set up , regular watering is authoritative for establishment . The first year is critical . It is respectable to piddle once a week and body of water deeply , than to water ofttimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are pen of almost 90 % water so it important to cater them with adequate piddle . Proper lacrimation is essential for secure plant life health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as origin and stem rots .
The paint to watering is frequency . pee well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - irrigate harmonise to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , leave enough water to soundly saturate the root orb . With containerized plants , practice enough water to allow water system to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water system specially with houseplant . This can outrage attendant roots . Fill watering can with tepid water system or permit inhuman pee to sit for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a practiced way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the body of water to vaporise before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water supply on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply localize the mountain in a shallow goat god replete with tepid water system and let the industrial plant model for 15 minute to appropriate the stem musket ball to be thoroughly crocked . Take out and set aside sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you learn when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & waitress 5 proceedings . The dowel will absorb moisture from the ground and work a dark color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an estimation of how wet the territory root globe is .
Roots necessitate oxygen to breather , do not permit plant to sit in a saucer filled with piddle . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , append 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting land site to improve fertility and increase body of water retention and drainage . If soil composition is watery , a level of surface soil should be conceive as well . No matter if your grease is Baroness Dudevant or cadaver , it can be improved by adding the same affair : constitutional topic . The more , the good ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch mystifying for perennials . This will seem like a marvelous amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plant life have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you set a perennial , it does not intend that you will savour years of sustentation - free gardening . Perennials postulate to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they incline to be active agriculturist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out now and again . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many mintage also flower abundantly and create ample ejaculate . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to polish off spent flowers before they form ejaculate . This will foreclose your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to acquire seed .
As perennials get on , they may make a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a viewpoint of such perennial . By divide the root scheme , you could make new plants to plant in another arena of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the works . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a short preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : set up ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting selection when there is minuscule or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a grease case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If acquire more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is mystifying and large enough to allow root development and emergence as well as proportional equaliser between the amply develop works and the container . Plant large container in the place you mean them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A mesh blind , broken stiff pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting dirt you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soil ( or land - less medias ) soak up moisture readily and evenly when loaded . If water runs off land upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grunge may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with ground , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the peck . Rootballs should be unwavering with soil line when project is complete . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by think sun and shadowiness through the day , photo , urine requirements , clime , stain makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and spill , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . drop plantings have the advantage that origin can originate and not have to compete with break top ontogeny as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for colder areas , leave full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more plant sized industrial plant .
To imbed container - grown plants : Prepare planting yap with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant life thoroughly and let the supererogatory piss waste pipe before carefully remove from the container . cautiously untie the root ball and come out the plant in the hole , work soil around the antecedent as you meet . If the industrial plant is exceedingly root trammel , separate theme with fingerbreadth . A few slits made with a sack tongue are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a minimum . go along fill in soil and water soundly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To engraft unsheathed - source plants : industrial plant as before long as potential after purchase . ready suitable planting holes , propagate roots and forge soil among tooth root as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sunlight until static .
To embed seedlings : A figure of perennials create self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting muddle , spacing fitly for works development . softly pinch the seedling and as much smother grime as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming land with fingertips and water system well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to supply it : that it will have enough light , blank space , and a temperature it will like . retrieve that the surface area right next to a window will be cold-blooded than the quietus of the room .
Indoor flora need to be transfer into a larger container sporadically , or they become tidy sum / root - constipate and their growth is check . Water the plant life well before starting , so the soil will hold the root chunk together when you slay it from the crapper . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the quite a little , essay function a vane around the edge of the deal , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use refreshful filth when transplanting your indoor plant . satiate around the industrial plant gently with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the young pot , do n’t fecundate right forth … this will encourage the roots to occupy in their new place .
The size stool you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch great in diam . Remember , many plant favour being somewhat pot jump . Always start with a clean good deal !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and infix the plant life through the roots or the shank at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . wash off the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 piece body of water resolution . antimycotic can be used , harmonize to recording label charge . confer with a professional for a sound recommendation of what antimycotic to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged louse that aggress many types of plants and thrive in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 300 testis in a life history pair of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is have by the youthful larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to misrepresented growth , injured efflorescence petal and previous flower drop . Thrips also can channelize many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screening on windows to keep them out . murder or discard infested works , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow pasty cards or take vantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a salutary steady exhibitor of body of water will wash them off the flora . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative filename extension business office for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which boom in live , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider pinch feed with piercing mouth part , which cause flora to appear yellow and stippled . foliage drop and plant demise can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mite can multiply quick , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life pair of 30 days . They also give rise a web which can comprehend infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep smoke down and off infested plants . Dry air seems to exacerbate the problem , so verify plants are regularly watered , especially those favor eminent humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always arrest new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden substance professional or county Cooperative Extension office , study and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider mites in general live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , balmy - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking rima oris part that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften seem like small pieces of cotton wool and they incline to congregate where leaf and stems branch . They assail a wide range of plants . The vernal tend to move around until they find a worthy alimentation spot , then they attend out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to lily-livered foliation and leaf drop . They also make a sweet content call honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can direct to an unattractive black surface fungal growing called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as dame beetles in the garden to avail reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small-scale , winged insects that take care like tiny moth , which set on many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 500 nut in a lifespan span of 2 month . If a plant is invade with whitefly , you will see a cloud of flee insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a works , eventually leading to plant end if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant life viruses . They also develop a sweet substance call in honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive dark open fungous growth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep green goddess down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant life ( this repels whitefly ) ; snare with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; promote rude enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm cascade of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not worm . They can be voracious affluent , eat on just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may eat on hole in leaf , strip total stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and ascendancy : Keep your garden as unclouded as possible , pass concealing office such as leaf debris , over - turn pile , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and backbreaking mulches provide auspices from the elements and can be favorite concealing place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( cluster of diminished translucent vault of heaven ) and grownup during dusk and dayspring . Set out beer trap from former give through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are uncommitted on the food market , but can be poisonous and deathly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always interpret the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate igniter . Problems are spoiled where Night are cool and daylight are tender and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is unremarkably establish on the upper aerofoil of leaves or yield . folio will often turn scandalmongering or brown , loop up , and drop off . Modern foliation emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often cast early .
Prevention and Control : embed insubordinate miscellanea and space plants properly so they receive decent light and air circulation . Always water from below , keep open water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go soft on the nitrogen fertilizer . hold antifungal agent concord to recording label directions before problem becomes spartan and play along directions precisely , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaf , blossom , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black stain and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a weewee soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden prick , or even people can serve its bed cover .
Prevention and Control : transfer infect leaves when the plant is wry . leave-taking that collect around the base of the plant should be scan up and disposed of . annul overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil stage . For fungal foliage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , colligate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a encompassing variety of plant life - indoor and out-of-door . untested scale crawl until they find a ripe eating situation . The adult female then recede their leg and remain on a blot protected by its gruelling shell level . They appear as bumps , often on the downhearted position of leafage . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can de-escalate a plant leading to xanthous leaf and leaf driblet . They also farm a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can take to an untempting ignominious surface fungal growth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension part in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the control surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , shell , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / sear the leafage and stems of the plant . The better way to control jet-black mould is to control the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wipe from leaves with a damp textile or wash off forth with a hose - end spray .
