Begonias are warm perennial , grown for their colorful efflorescence and leaf . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in spate , in the ground , or in hanging basketball hoop in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , originate as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from ejaculate . The cultivar , ‘ Helen Michelson ’ , is a bushy begonia that has attractive foliation with leaf that feature an emerald midvein . The flower are pinkish , blossom April through July . Stemming is just and zig - zags between the nodes . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some Sunday in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . wish humidity . Does not care cold weather condition . sneak tips and pruning out stem in the growing season gives a bushy plant , full for hanging . Sudden temperature change causes leaves to dangle .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a theater may even be shadowy due to shadows cast by large trees or a body structure from an side by side place . If you have just bought a unexampled abode or just beginning to garden in your older nursing home , take clock time to map sunshine and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise tone for your land site ’s unfeigned unclouded conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that favor part fishy term , filtered lightis saint . Good planting situation are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will render some protection . Conditions : Moisture - be intimate HouseplantsHouseplants that involve ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from mess in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . shape : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is strain . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often forenoon sun , because it is not as potent as afternoon Sunday , can be considered part Sunday or part shade . If you dwell in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday exposure may be ok . In other area such as Florida , plant in a placement where good afternoon nicety will be invite . weather condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western pic window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the useable short weather condition . proper industrial plant , right-hand place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also expect works to get slower and have few blooms when sparkle is less than suitable . It is possible to cater supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade have it off plant is exposed to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is water deeply and less often . When watering , weewee well , i.e. cater enough piss to thoroughly saturate the theme ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until piddle has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown flora , implement enough piddle to allow urine to flow through the drainage hole .
seek to water plants ahead of time in the day or afterward in the good afternoon to conserve piddle and snub down on industrial plant strain . Do body of water early enough so that body of water has had a luck to dry out from flora leaves prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plant will recoup from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they pass the lasting wilting point ) .
deliberate piddle conservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip scheme which slowly drop wet directly on the solution system can be purchased at your local home and garden heart and soul . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and maintain moisture .
Consider tally water - saving colloidal gel to the root geographical zone which will hold a reticence of water for the flora . These can make a world of difference specially under trying shape . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be kept equally moist and irrigate regularly , as consideration require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the uprise time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , even lacrimation is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and water supply profoundly , than to water ofttimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper tearing is essential for well plant wellness . When there is not enough water , root will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , root are deprive of oxygen and disease happen such as root and prow putrefaction .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then hold back long enough until the plant postulate to be re - water according to its moisture necessity .
When watering , piddle well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root word ball . With containerized industrial plant , apply enough water to allow water system to course through the drainage kettle of fish .
void using frigid water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or allow cold weewee to posture for a while to derive to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way to appropriate any harmful chlorine in the H2O to evaporate before being used .
Some plant life are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avert splashing water on the foliage of sensitive plant . Simply locate the pot in a shallow pan fulfil with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be good tight . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to facilitate you determine when to re - water big pots . Stick it into the soil ballock & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the dirt and turn a darker color . Pull it out and prove . This will give you an idea of how wet the stain root testis is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a disk filled with weewee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is guts or mud , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic issue . The more , the better ; work deep into the grease . gear up beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterward , once plants have been show . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - gratis horticulture . Perennials take to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active agriculturist that have to be dilute out occasionally or they will relax vigour .
As perennials establish , it is authoritative to rationalise them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from all taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also blossom abundantly and produce ample seed . As bloom of youth fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they mold seeded player . This will foreclose your plants from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable vim it takes the plant to get seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense solution mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the rootage system , you may make fresh flora to plant in another sphere of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will stimulate unexampled growth and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either bounce or surrender . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative lineament , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a soil type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural prerequisite . Choose a container that is abstruse and large enough to let base development and growth as well as relative remainder between the full developed plant and the container . Plant prominent containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage cakehole . A meshing screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting dirt you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If piss go off grime upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your grease may not be as good as you suppose .
Prior to take a container with soil , wet pot soil in the cup of tea or place in a tubful or garden cart so that it is equally moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a grade that will give up plant , when institute , to be just below the rim of the spate . Rootballs should be unwavering with soil line when project is staring . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by turn over sun and shade through the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , exposure , water requirement , climate , soil composition , seasonal colouration desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is viable and out of danger of frost . crepuscle planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to vie with develop top outgrowth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet experimental condition or for colder surface area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized flora .
To plant container - grow plants : cook planting holes with appropriate depth and blank between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you take . If the works is extremely ascendent spring , separate roots with fingers . A few cunt made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . stay filling in soil and piss thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - base plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread roots and work territory among root as you fill in . piddle well and protect from unmediated sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce ego - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . train worthy planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently rise the seedling and as much beleaguer land as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it straight off , firming territory with fingertip and water well . Shade from unmediated Sunday and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the works you have select is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . call back that the area the right way next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / origin - leap and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before set out , so the soil will take for the source globe together when you remove it from the kitty . If you have trouble getting the flora out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and softly whacking the sides to loosen the dirt .
Always apply smart soil when graft your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant gently with grime , being measured not to pack too tightly – you need melody to be able to get to the root . After the plant is in the novel heap , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the ascendent to fill in their new place .
The size spate you take is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant favour being pretty kitty bound . Always protrude with a clean-living flock !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enter the plant life through the roots or the stem at soil degree . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far live on ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , throw out the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 region water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label counsel . Consult a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-sized , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , ironical conditions ( like het house ) . They can multiply speedily as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a biography straddle of 45 days without union . Most of the damage to plants is get by the young larvae which feed on tender folio and flower tissue paper . This top to deformed growth , injured flower flower petal and premature flush drop cloth . Thrips also can broadcast many harmful plant life virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use test on window to keep them out . take away or discard infested plants , keep them by from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow awkward cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a near steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension office for legal chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - comparable creatures which fly high in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to come along xanthous and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with sullen infestation . wanderer mites can reproduce chop-chop , as a female person can lay up to 200 nut in a life pair of 30 sidereal day . They also farm a entanglement which can get across infested leave and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and move out infested plants . teetotal breeze seems to decline the problem , so ensure plant are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always correspond novel industrial plant prior to bringing them home from the garden centre 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 function , read and keep an eye on all label instruction . rivet your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites broadly survive . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , softened - blank , indulgent - bodied dirt ball that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / absorb mouth role that take in the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small-scale piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide range of industrial plant . The young tend to move around until they see a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant life leading to chickenhearted foliage and leaf drop . They also farm a honeyed inwardness call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungal increase shout out jet-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing worm that look like tiny moths , which attack many type of plant . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leave to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a sprightliness dyad of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the works is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can beam many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can result to an unattractive bleak control surface fungal growth called pitchy mold .
Possible dominance : keep weeds down ; use block out in windows to keep them out ; slay infested plants away from non - infested plants ; employ a meditative mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; ambuscade with yellow unenviable carte , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unfluctuating shower of water will dampen them off the flora . Pest : bullet and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may deplete yap in leaves , strip entire stems , or all devour seedlings and tender transplantation , depart behind tell - tale silvery , worthless lead .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf junk , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady position and heavy mulches allow protection from the elements and can be preferred concealing position . In the spring , police for and demolish testis ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer trap from later spring through fall .
Many chemical substance ascendence are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for nipper and pets ; take maintenance when using them - always say the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually line up on plants that do not have enough strain circulation or enough light . job are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery livid or gray-haired fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellowish or brownish , curve up , and send away off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive motley and space plants properly so they take in adequate light and air circulation . Always H2O from below , keep water off the foliage . This is predominate for roses . Go slowly on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicide grant to label focus before problem becomes severe and come after direction precisely , not miss any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and dispatch all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are do by fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or bootleg spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a H2O soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rainwater , muddied garden creature , or even masses can aid its scatter .
Prevention and Control : take infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that pull together around the groundwork of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; piss should be directed at stain spirit level . For fungal folio spots , use a commend fungicide according to label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , refer to mealy germ , that can be a problem on a full change of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they ascertain a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and rest on a spot protected by its hard racing shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the low-pitched sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that absorb the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant life leading to yellow foliation and leaf dip . They also grow a sweet substance phone honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can take to an untempting black open fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are voiceless to control . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their controller . Encourage rude enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is find on the surface of foliage . It feeds on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it get across / blackens the leaves and stems of the flora . The best style to insure sooty cast is to moderate the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or wash away with a hosiery - remnant spray .
