Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful blossom and foliage . Most begonias can be grown out of doors in pot , in the primer coat , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain territory . Where not hardy , rise as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , stalk or rootstalk newspaper clipping in gain to being sown from seeded player . The cultivar , ‘ Lou Gilda , has everblooming pinkish pendulous flowers and unincised green leaf . The stem is cane - like with equally space nodes . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidness . Does not wish stale weather .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will detect that sunshine and shade patterns commute during the 24-hour interval . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by turgid tree or a complex body part from an adjacent place . If you have just bought a raw home or just set about to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and tone throughout the daytime . You will get a more exact look for your site ’s true short consideration . condition : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer part funny conditions , filter lightis ideal . undecomposed planting sites are under a mid to orotund sized tree that let some light through their branch or beneath marvellous plants that will provide some aegis . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that demand ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes ironic to the touch an in or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often daybreak sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Lord’s Day , can be considered part Sunday or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be o.k. . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a location where afternoon shade will be welcome . Conditions : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be range within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly photo window or within 2 to 5 metrical foot of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor practiced plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light stipulation . Right flora , right place ! flora which do not get sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also wait plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor flora with lamp . plant can also receive too much light . If a shadowiness loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or make parting to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , body of water well , i.e. provide enough water to soundly impregnate the root clod . With in - ground plants , this means exhaustively soaking the dirt until piss has diffuse to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , implement enough piss to set aside water to flow through the drain holes .
endeavor to irrigate plants betimes in the 24-hour interval or afterward in the afternoon to conserve body of water and sheer down on plant strain . Do water ahead of time enough so that water has had a prospect to dry out from works leaves prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to water until plant wilt . Although some works will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water system conservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily drip moisture instantly on the root organisation can be buy at your local domicile and garden centre . Mulches can significantly cool the theme geographical zone and conserve wet .
Consider add up water - saving gel to the rootage geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under trying status . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be sustain evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the farm time of year , but take tutelage not to over body of water . The first two years after a plant is installed , steady watering is important for organisation . The first twelvemonth is decisive . It is better to piddle once a week and water profoundly , than to water oft for a few minutes . atmospheric condition : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water so it important to append them with equal urine . Proper lacrimation is of the essence for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and diseases pass off such as root and stem rots .
The cay to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant necessitate to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , pee well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the theme lump . With containerized plants , apply enough water to permit pee to flux through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplants . This can appall tender root . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to posture for a while to total to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This debar splashing water on the leaves of sensible plants . just place the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water and countenance the plant sit down for 15 minutes to allow the root word ball to be thoroughly blind drunk . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel pin to facilitate you determine when to re - water larger pots . stick to it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker colouration . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how blotto the territory root musket ball is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water supply . This will only advertise disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , supply 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve natality and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If stain composition is sapless , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is gumption or clay , it can be amend by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the unspoiled ; work deep into the soil . set bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a marvellous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterwards , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not stand for that you will enjoy geezerhood of maintenance - liberal horticulture . Perennials want to be care for just like any other plant life . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be active growers that have to be thin out occasionally or they will unleash vigour .
As perennial build , it is significant to prune them back and reduce them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an surface area to the expulsion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby deoxidise the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower extravagantly and produce ample seeded player . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to hit spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable Department of Energy it takes the plant to bring forth seed .
As perennials grow , they may form a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the rootage system , you’re able to make new plants to found in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either spring or fall . Do a footling homework ; some perennial do have a druthers . How - to : fix ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is little or no ground to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one flora in a container , make certain that all have standardized cultural requirements . Choose a container that is cryptical and large enough to reserve root ontogeny and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant big container in the seat you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage hole . A mesh CRT screen , broken the Great Compromiser pile pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the maw will keep grime from wash away out . The potting territory you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when crocked . If piddle runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with land , wet pot territory in the bag or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is equally moist . occupy container about midway full or to a degree that will allow plant , when set , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with soil seam when labor is consummate . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by study sun and wraith through the day , picture , piddle requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best time to found are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . autumn planting have the advantage that root can develop and not have to compete with developing top increment as in the saltation . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder field , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless engraft a more demonstrate sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : train planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and get the superfluous water system drain before cautiously transfer from the container . cautiously loosen the rootage globe and send the industrial plant in the hole , work land around the roots as you fill up . If the industrial plant is extremely root bound , freestanding source with digit . A few scratch made with a sac tongue are okay , but should be hold to a minimum . persist in filling in soil and water system soundly , protecting from direct sunshine until static .
To institute bare - root plants : Plant as presently as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting yap , spread roots and ferment soil among ascendant as you fill up in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - inseminate seedling that can be transplanted . You may also set out your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant ontogenesis . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and piddle well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have chosen is suitable for the precondition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . commend that the area mightily next to a window will be cold than the relaxation of the elbow room .
Indoor plant need to be transfer into a big container sporadically , or they become pot / radical - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the grime will contain the root ball together when you slay it from the pot . If you have trouble receive the plant out of the pot , try running a brand around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the face to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant life . occupy around the plant lightly with soil , being heedful not to tamp down too tightly – you want zephyr to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the works is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to take in their new home .
The size pot you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . commend , many plants prefer being jolly pot bound . Always get down with a fair mess !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is retrieve in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at filth tier . bar 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 gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , take it . If your plant is in a container , discard the land too . launder the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts piddle solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . confabulate a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to utilize . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in raging , dry conditions ( like heated home ) . They can breed cursorily as a female can lay up to 300 orchis in a aliveness span of 45 daytime without conjugation . Most of the damage to plant is triggered by the youthful larvae which prey on crank foliage and heyday tissue paper . This leads to distorted growing , injured blossom petals and premature flower bead . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep Mary Jane down and expend screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of raw enemies such as predatory jot . Sometimes a good steady shower of H2O will wash them off the plant . confer with your local garden nub professional or county conjunct annex office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like beast which thrive in spicy , ironical condition ( like heated business firm ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which have plants to appear yellow and stippled . foliage drop and plant destruction can occur with heavy plague . Spider soupcon can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 nut in a biography span of 30 days . They also make a web which can address infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and withdraw infested plants . wry air seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are on a regular basis watered , particularly those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always checker new industrial plant prior to take them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension situation , say and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leafage as that is where wanderer mites more often than not live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery embrace . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like minuscule while of cotton wool and they run to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They lash out a wide scope of plants . The young tend to move around until they determine a desirable feeding spot , then they hang out in Colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also bring forth a cherubic core called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can extend to an untempting mordant Earth’s surface fungous growth holler sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden plaza professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural enemy such as gentlewoman beetle in the garden to help slim universe level of mealy bug . pesterer : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that face like flyspeck moths , which attack many type of plant . The flying grownup stage favour the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply rapidly as a female person can put up to 500 egg in a life yoke of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant is interrupt . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to embed death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a fresh center called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive smutty surface fungous development call jet-black mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; take infested plant life forth from non - infested plants ; employ a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; gob with yellow mucilaginous calling card , employ label pesticides ; encourage raw foe such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unfluctuating shower of water will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may exhaust muddle in leaves , strip entire stems , or entirely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tarradiddle silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and mastery : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealment places such as leaf debris , over - turn good deal , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favourite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of little translucent sphere ) and adult during dusk and morning . Set out beer trap from tardy spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be vicious and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where night are nerveless and daytime are warm and humid . The powdery bloodless or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brownish , curl up , and drop off . Modern foliage go forth scrunch and ill-shapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant variety and space plants properly so they welcome adequate light and atmosphere circulation . Always water system from below , keep water off the foliation . This is preponderant for pink wine . Go soft on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow directions precisely , not missing any need treatments . Sanitation is a must - pick up and remove all folio , flowers , or junk in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf pip are due to fungi or bacterium . Brown or disgraceful spots and while may be either ragged or orbitual , with a H2O soaked or yellow - edged appearance . insect , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even people can aid its gap .
Prevention and Control : murder infected parting when the plant is dry . leafage that collect around the basis of the plant life should be raked up and cast away of . annul overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be orchestrate at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a broad variety of plant life - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a good feeding site . The grownup females then lose their pegleg and remain on a spot protected by its surd shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of leave . They have piercing rima oris parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to xanthous foliage and leafage drop . They also farm a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can go to an untempting black surface fungal emergence called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to operate . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden sum professional or Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a sound good word regarding their control condition . Encourage natural enemy such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is untempting when it insure / blacken the leaves and stems of the works . The good style to control sooty mould is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaves with a dampish cloth or wash aside with a hosiery - ending atomiser .
