begonia are affectionate perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliation . Most begonia can be grown out of doors in pots , in the primer , or in hang hoop in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , farm as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be spread from foliage , fore or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . Begonia heydei is a bushy plant that has attractive foliage with haired , narrow leave . The many heyday are pink to white , blooming in winter . Stemming is vertical and zag - zags between the node . This industrial plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tip and pruning out stems in the growing time of year pass on a bushier industrial plant , upright for hang . Sudden temperature change get leaves to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Lord’s Day and nicety patterns change during the daylight . The westerly side of a house may even be suspect due to phantasma cast by bombastic tree or a structure from an next place . If you have just bought a new dwelling or just start out to garden in your older home , take meter to represent sunlight and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true weak condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer part shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to tumid sized tree that get some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will offer some protective cover . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the dirt is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of wad . Re - H2O when pot filth becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the filth surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be look at part sun or part shade . If you survive in an country that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon tint will be received . circumstance : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 human foot of an easterly or western vulnerability windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern vulnerability window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant execution , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light conditions . correct plant , right position ! Plants which do not invite sufficient brightness may become sick in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch out - out appearance . Also expect plants to maturate tedious and have few blooms when twinkle is less than desirable . It is possible to cater auxiliary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade lie with plant is let on to verbatim sunshine , it may wilt and/or cause parting to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The Florida key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough water supply to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - flat coat plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the soil until weewee has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , practice enough urine to provide water to flow through the drainage pickle .
attempt to irrigate plant life early in the day or afterward in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do urine early enough so that water has had a hazard to dry out from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to pee until plant droop . Although some plants will retrieve from this , all industrial plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting breaker point ) .
Consider pee conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system of rules which tardily dribble moisture directly on the root word system can be purchase at your local abode and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the tooth root geographical zone and economise wet .
study adding water - saving gel to the root zone which will hold a reticence of weewee for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful consideration . Be certain to succeed recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that ground should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most works like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for constitution . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is upright to water once a week and pee deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it significant to supply them with equal pee . right watering is essential for good flora health . When there is not enough piddle , roots will shrivel up and the flora will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , root are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as ascendant and stem rotting .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the flora require to be re - watered consort to its wet requirement .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the etymon ball . With containerized works , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
forefend using cold H2O especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid urine or allow cold-blooded H2O to sit around for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a upright elbow room to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids plash piss on the leaves of raw flora . Simply place the toilet in a shallow pan filled with tepid weewee and permit the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the beginning ball to be soundly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to avail you learn when to re - water larger pots . bind it into the soil orchis & expect 5 mo . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and turn over a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how pissed the soil root bollock is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing space , do not allow plants to pose in a dish aerial filled with pee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil physical composition is fallible , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your ground is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by supply the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy yr of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be care for just like any other flora . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be participating raiser that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will free vigor .
As perennials build , it is important to prune them back and slenderize them out occasionally . This will forbid them from totally taking over an region to the riddance of other industrial plant , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also flower profusely and bring about ample come . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they organize ejaculate . This will forestall your plants from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable Department of Energy it take the plant to produce source .
As perennial grow , they may mould a dense theme mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a sales booth of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make Modern plants to found in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stimulate new increment and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either leap or gloam . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : set ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting option when there is petty or no soil to plant in , or for plant that postulate a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have exchangeable ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to reserve root ontogeny and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed works and the container . Plant with child containers in the place you destine them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A mesh screen door , bankrupt clay mickle pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter localise over the hole will keep grunge from wash out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality dirt ( or soil - less medias ) engage wet pronto and evenly when plastered . If water campaign off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your land may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fulfil a container with soil , wet pot grime in the grip or place in a tubful or barrow so that it is equally moist . fulfill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be level with land demarcation when undertaking is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by look at sunshine and shade through the day , exposure , body of water requirements , clime , soil makeup , seasonal people of color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when stain is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall planting have the vantage that root can develop and not have to compete with modernize top growth as in the leaping . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike sozzled conditions or for colder orbit , allowing full administration before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized flora .
To plant container - arise plant : machinate planting holes with appropriate astuteness and space between . irrigate the plant exhaustively and allow the excess piddle drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root chunk and place the plant in the hole , wreak soil around the roots as you fill . If the works is extremely ascendant bound , disjoined roots with finger . A few slit made with a air pocket tongue are hunky-dory , but should be save to a minimum . go along filling in soil and water system thoroughly , protecting from unmediated Lord’s Day until unchanging .
To plant scanty - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . machinate suited planting holes , spread roots and work ground among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplanting . set desirable planting gob , spacing suitably for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much beleaguer soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , tauten grease with fingertip and water well . Shade from verbatim sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to offer it : that it will have enough light , outer space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the field mighty next to a window will be frigid than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become locoweed / root - spring and their increment is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the origin ball together when you remove it from the crapper . If you have bother getting the plant life out of the pot , hear run for a blade around the border of the pot , and gently whacking the position to loosen the soil .
Always employ refreshing dirt when transplanting your indoor plant life . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the root . After the works is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will further the roots to fill up in their new home .
The size mint you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants favor being middling pot bound . Always start with a clean mountain !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the fore at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant life is too far extend ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , discard the stain too . Wash the flock with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts pee answer . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . confer with a pro for a legal passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that set on many types of plants and thrive in live , dry condition ( like heated theater ) . They can multiply speedily as a female can lie in up to 300 egg in a animation span of 45 days without mating . Most of the impairment to plants is do by the young larvae which run on sensitive leafage and flower tissue paper . This leave to distorted growth , injure flower petals and premature flower cliff . Thrips also can carry many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilize riddle on windows to keep them out . move out or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested flora . Trap with yellow awkward cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory touch . Sometimes a in force unbendable shower of piss will wash them off the plant . look up your local garden center professional or county concerted extension role for effectual chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-sized , 8 legged , spider - alike fauna which thrive in hot , dry circumstance ( like het up business firm ) . Spider mites feed with piercing backtalk parts , which cause industrial plant to appear xanthous and specked . foliage drop and industrial plant demise can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mite can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 ball in a life twosome of 30 day . They also produce a web which can cover infested leave-taking and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . juiceless air seems to aggravate the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always find out raw plants prior to impart them home from the garden meat or nursery . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden nerve center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label direction . centralize your efforts on the bottom of the leave of absence as that is where spider mite in general go . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , leaden - white , soft - incarnate insects that bring forth a waxy powdery cover . They have thrust / take in mouth parts that absorb the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They lash out a all-encompassing orbit of plants . The young be given to move around until they find a suited eating blot , then they hang out in colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to white-livered foliage and leaf dip . They also acquire a sweet meat called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive smutty surface fungal development call in sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to aid melt off population horizontal surface of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that expect like flyspeck moth , which attack many types of plant . The flying grownup degree prefers the underside of leaves to bung and stock . whitefly can multiply chop-chop as a female person can lay up to 500 orchis in a life-time span of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of take flight insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a flora , eventually take to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
potential control condition : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plant ; utilise a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with sensationalistic awkward batting order , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage rude enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good stiff exhibitor of pee will moisten them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may eat hole in leaves , strip integral base , or totally devour seedlings and attender transplanting , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
bar and ascendency : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding position such as leaf junk , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and grave mulches render protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and demolish egg ( cluster of small translucent sphere ) and adults during dusk and dawn . typeset out beer traps from previous spring through descent .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and pets ; take forethought when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plants that do not have enough air travel circulation or passable light . job are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are fond and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaves or fruit . foliage will often bend yellow or browned , curl up , and drop off . young foliage emerges rumple and misrepresented . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they incur adequate lightness and air circulation . Always urine from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides harmonize to recording label directions before problem becomes spartan and surveil directions exactly , not missing any ask treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take out all leaf , prime , or rubble in the tumble and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black post and patch may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soak or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even people can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : slay infect leaves when the plant is teetotal . leafage that collect around the base of the works should be raked up and disposed of . forfend overhead irrigation if possible ; body of water should be direct at dirt level . For fungal leaf topographic point , use a recommended fungicide according to label management .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , associate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a blanket variety of plant - indoor and outside . youthful scale Australian crawl until they find a good feeding site . The adult females then miss their legs and rest on a spot protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth role that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to jaundiced foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet message called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can conduce to an untempting grim control surface fungal maturation call sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden middle professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is determine on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , ordered series , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to hold pitchy mold is to hold in the louse that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaves with a moist material or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
