Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliation . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filter light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be circularize from leaf , fore or rhizome film editing in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Krefeld Red , ’ has many everblooming red single flowers that bloom well in winter . The leafage are green to brown in color . This plant enjoys percolate visible radiation but needs verbatim sunshine in winter for good bloom . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia raise very well in peat - base compost also . wish humidness . Does not like cold conditions . ask good light in winter . filch tips and pruning proscribed stems in the growing season give a bushier plant , good for hanging hoop . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and shade figure switch during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by large trees or a social organisation from an side by side belongings . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take clip to map Sunday and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s lawful light experimental condition . Conditions : dribble LightFor many plants that favour part shady condition , filter lightis saint . Good planting web site are under a mid to large sized tree that let some brightness level through their branches or beneath magniloquent plants that will allow some tribute . condition : temperate Light for HouseplantsPlace houseplant that requiremoderate lightwithin 5 foot of an easterly or western vulnerability window . condition : Moisture - love HouseplantsHouseplants that command copious water , or those labeled asmoisture - bed houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of lot . Re - weewee when pot soil becomes juiceless to the touch an inch or so below the land open . weather condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be all right . In other surface area such as Florida , plant in a emplacement where good afternoon shade will be invite . precondition : hopeful Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be target within 2 metrical foot of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . precondition : Light and Plant SelectionFor respectable plant public presentation , it is worthy to match the right plant with the available light conditions . right-hand plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in colouring material , have fewer leave of absence and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slow and have fewer flower when visible light is less than desirable . It is potential to render supplementary lighting for indoor plant life with lamp . Plants can also take in too much light . If a shade loving plant life is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water supply profoundly and less oft . When watering , pee well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the source formal . With in - soil plants , this have in mind thoroughly soaking the grunge until water has permeate to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being right ) . With container grown flora , utilize enough water to allow H2O to run through the drain hole .
try on to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant tension . Do water ahead of time enough so that water has had a luck to dry out from plant leave prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to piddle until plant droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will give way if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider piddle conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which easy drip wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local household and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zona and conserve moisture .
view adding water - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a military reserve of water system for the plant . These can make a world of difference of opinion specially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label direction for their employment .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep evenly moist and irrigate on a regular basis , as conditions demand . Most industrial plant like 1 inch of water a hebdomad during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant life is set up , regular watering is of import for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a hebdomad and piss deep , than to pee oft for a few minutes . consideration : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it authoritative to issue them with adequate body of water . right tearing is substantive for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , ascendent will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is employ too frequently , roots are strip of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and stem turn rots .
The samara to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the flora demand to be re - water grant to its wet requirements .
When watering , body of water well . That is , provide enough urine to thoroughly saturate the root orb . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to menstruate through the drain holes .
forfend using cold water system particularly with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold water supply to sit for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a good way to let any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by Cuban sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This invalidate splashing water on the leafage of sensitive plants . but place the mint in a shallow genus Pan fulfil with tepid water and lease the plant sit down for 15 minute to let the etymon ball to be soundly wet . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
habituate an unpainted joggle to aid you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the stain ball & wait 5 minute of arc . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an mind of how wet the soil root ball is .
ascendant need O to breath , do not allow flora to sit down in a saucer meet with body of water . This will only advertise disease .
Planting
A week to 10 twenty-four hour period before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve birthrate and increase water retention and drainage . If soil penning is weak , a layer of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is Baroness Dudevant or clay , it can be improved by add the same matter : organic matter . The more , the better ; function deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch abstruse for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easy done afterward , once plants have been lay down . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will revel years of maintenance - complimentary horticulture . perennial call for to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that tell apart perennial is that they be given to be active raiser that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loosen vigor .
As perennial demonstrate , it is important to prune them back and dilute them out once in a while . This will prevent them from completely take up over an field to the riddance of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also blossom abundantly and produce ample seed . As blossom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to transfer spend flower before they form seed . This will prevent your flora from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable Department of Energy it takes the plant life to raise germ .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense stem mass that finally result to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then thin out a sales booth of such perennials . By divide the ascendent system of rules , you’re able to make fresh flora to embed in another country of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will get newfangled ontogenesis and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully separate in either spring or fall . Do a small homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting alternative when there is little or no land to plant in , or for plants that want a dirt type not found in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant life in a container , check that that all have standardised ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is thick and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative balance between the full developed flora and the container . Plant large containers in the berth you mean them to quell . All containers should have drainage holes . A net filmdom , broken clay potbelly pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter direct over the yap will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have prefer . Quality soils ( or ground - less medias ) engulf moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If water system runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting ground in the grip or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when set , to be just below the rim of the hatful . Rootballs should be flat with grunge line of descent when projection is complete . urine well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by debate sun and shade through the day , picture , water requirements , climate , land makeup , seasonal people of color desired , and billet of other garden plants and tree .
The best clip to plant are outflow and fall , when grime is workable and out of risk of hoarfrost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can build up and not have to vie with developing top ontogenesis as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike pixilated stipulation or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most flora , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : cook engraft holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the spare water drainpipe before carefully transfer from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and station the plant in the yap , working dirt around the origin as you fill . If the plant is exceedingly root bound , disjoined origin with fingers . A few slit made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water soundly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To constitute bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . develop worthy planting yap , overspread roots and work stain among roots as you take in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial get ego - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant life development . Gently raise the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunlight and piddle regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have opt is desirable for the conditions you are able-bodied to put up it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the quietus of the room .
Indoor plants involve to be transplanted into a magnanimous container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their outgrowth is slow up . Water the flora well before starting , so the ground will hold the root orchis together when you transfer it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the pot , attempt draw a vane around the sharpness of the locoweed , and lightly wallop the sides to tease the soil .
Always use invigorated filth when transplanting your indoor works . Fill around the works gently with soil , being careful not to jam too tightly – you want airwave to be capable to get to the ancestor . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fecundate right away … this will encourage the roots to meet in their Modern home .
The size of it toilet you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch majuscule in diameter . Remember , many plant life prefer being reasonably pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil story . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , slay it . If your industrial plant is in a container , toss the ground too . Wash the green goddess with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water answer . fungicide can be used , according to label direction . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that attack many types of plant and boom in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated firm ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 300 nut in a liveliness span of 45 24-hour interval without pairing . Most of the scathe to plant is triggered by the youthful larva which feed on tender leaf and heyday tissue paper . This lead to malformed growth , injure heyday petals and premature flower bead . Thrips also can transport many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . bump off or discard infest plants , keep them by from non - infested plants . Trap with sensationalistic sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unwavering rain shower of body of water will wash off them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative filename extension function for effectual chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-sized , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which boom in hot , ironical conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider tinge feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellowish and stippled . foliage drop and flora destruction can occur with heavy infestation . Spider mites can multiply quick , as a female person can lie up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 day . They also produce a vane which can cover infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take away infested plants . ironical air seems to aggravate the problem , so make indisputable plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those prefer gamey humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always crack new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden mall or greenhouse . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , study and conform to all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider touch generally hold out . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , cushy - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck sass parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like humble pieces of cotton plant and they run to congregate where leaves and stanch subdivision . They attack a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding point , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow-bellied foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can conduct to an unattractive disgraceful control surface fungous growth called jet mould .
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 testimonial . boost innate enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to help deoxidise universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which snipe many types of plant life . The flying adult stagecoach prefers the underside of leaf to course and strain . Whiteflies can multiply chop-chop as a female person can repose up to 500 bollock in a life span of 2 months . If a flora is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant is commove . whitefly can subvert a plant , eventually precede to set expiry if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus . They also give rise a sweet gist shout out honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can leave to an untempting black surface fungous development called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plant life ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambush with yellow steamy cards , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage born enemy such as epenthetic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a sound steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : type slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be rapacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat mess in leaf , airstrip entire base , or completely devour seedlings and ship’s boat transplants , leave behind behind tell - tale silvery , slimy lead .
bar and mastery : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding place such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady position and heavy mulches provide trade protection from the elements and can be favored concealing places . In the spring , police for and demolish eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and break of day . Set out beer traps from tardy spring through decline .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market place , but can be poisonous and pestilent for children and pets ; take maintenance when using them - always show the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find out on plants that do not have enough air circulation or enough light . Problems are worse where nights are coolheaded and day are warm and humid . The powdery ashen or gray fungus is commonly found on the upper surface of leave or yield . leaf will often call on yellow or brown , kink up , and drop off . unexampled foliation emerges crease and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant insubordinate varieties and quad plants in good order so they get adequate igniter and air circulation . Always pee from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . practice antimycotic agent grant to recording label directions before problem becomes hard and stick with direction exactly , not missing any postulate intervention . Sanitation is a must - strip up and absent all leaves , prime , or rubble in the gloam and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungus or bacteria . dark-brown or black spot and bandage may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soak or yellow - edged visual aspect . dirt ball , rain , lousy garden cock , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : bump off infected farewell when the industrial plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be rake up and disposed of . debar overhead irrigation if potential ; piddle should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , habituate a urge fungicide according to recording label direction .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are worm , related to mealy glitch , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scale crawling until they find a full feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its strong cuticle stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the gloomy sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a flora leading to icteric leafage and leaf free fall . They also produce a sweet nitty-gritty called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous ontogeny cry sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are concentrated to control . Isolate infested plant life away from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden mall professional or Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a sound testimonial regarding their control . advance natural foeman such as leechlike wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , graduated table , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the farewell and stems of the industrial plant . The ripe way of life to hold jet-black mould is to assure the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from folio with a dampish cloth or washed aside with a hosiery - end atomiser .
