Begonias are sore perennial , grow for their colorful flowers and foliation . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang basket in percolate light and moist , but well drained grunge . Where not hardy , mature as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , prow or rootstock press cutting in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : allow 3 to 6 inches ) The ‘ Purple Curly Star Dust ’ begonia grow from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized spiral leaves that are often colored and pattern . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sunlight in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - found compost also . like humidness . Hardy . Does not care cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the produce time of year give a bushier plant , well for hanging basket . take out dead foliage to forbid disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be fishy due to phantasma cast by large trees or a body structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new dwelling house or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to represent sunlight and shade throughout the solar day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s dead on target weak condition . condition : Filtered LightFor many flora that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis saint . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will render some aegis . precondition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water system , 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 - urine when potting soil becomes ironic to the cutaneous senses an inch or so below the grease surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer lighting that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often morn sun , because it is not as inviolable as afternoon Sunday , can be considered part sunshine or part nicety . If you populate in an sphere that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be ok . In other areas such as Florida , works in a location where afternoon shade will be have . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 foot of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern vulnerability window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor honest plant performance , it is desirable to equalize the correct plant with the available promiscuous weather condition . Right industrial plant , correct place ! Plants which do not invite sufficient Light Within may become pale in color , have fewer leafage and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also carry plant to grow slower and have fewer rosiness when light is less than desirable . It is possible to supply supplemental firing for indoor plant with lamp . works can also receive too much spark . If a spectre loving plant is exposed to lineal sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is pee deep and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. bring home the bacon enough water to exhaustively impregnate the radical formal . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly rob the soil until water has fall into place to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being well ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water system to allow body of water to flow through the drainage yap .
attempt to irrigate plant early in the 24-hour interval or later in the afternoon to economise water and rationalize down on plant stress . Do water early on enough so that body of water has had a chance to dry from plant life farewell prior to dark fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to water until plants droop . Although some plants will regain from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they accomplish the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly dribble moisture directly on the root organisation can be purchase at your local home and garden heart . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and keep up wet .
debate add water - saving gel to the ascendent zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of divergence especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to succeed label steering for their usance .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of piddle a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a works is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to water once a hebdomad and piss deeply , than to water oftentimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are indite of almost 90 % piss so it important to provide them with adequate piddle . Proper watering is all important for good plant health . When there is not enough urine , theme will shrivel up and the industrial plant will droop . When too much water is applied too ofttimes , beginning are deprived of O and disease occur such as radical and stalk rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant life needs to be re - watered according to its wet necessity .
When watering , water well . That is , render enough water to thoroughly impregnate the ancestor ball . With containerized plants , apply enough pee to set aside weewee to course through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender ancestor . Fill watering can with tepid piddle or allow cold weewee to sit for a while to come in to room temperature before tearing . This is a good way to allow any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant life are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of tender plants . plainly place the bay window in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and lease the plant sit around for 15 minutes to earmark the root ball to be good pixilated . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
expend an unpainted joggle to serve you see when to re - water bombastic pot . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the stain and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how smashed the dirt ascendent ball is .
root call for oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to seat in a saucer satiate with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve fecundity and increase water retention and drainage . If dirt composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or the Great Compromiser , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the better ; work late into the territory . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial take to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be alive grower that have to be thin out at times or they will let loose dynamism .
As perennial establish , it is important to cut back them back and thin them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from all taking over an country to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase gentle wind circulation thereby reduce the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also flower abundantly and make ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form germ . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it remove the flora to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense etymon sight that finally result to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a point of view of such perennial . By divide the root system , you’re able to make new plants to set 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 leap or fall . Do a small homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an decorative characteristic , a planting option when there is slight or no grime to plant in , or for plants that require a territory type not found in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have exchangeable ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and big enough to allow rootage maturation and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully break plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you designate them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , give way Henry Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper chocolate filter placed over the hole will keep dirt from washing out . The potting grunge you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) engulf moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If water runs off filth upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grunge may not be as adept as you remember .
Prior to make full a container with soil , wet potting dirt in the bag or place in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a grade that will appropriate plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the flowerpot . Rootballs should be level with soil transmission line when project is utter . urine well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Dominicus and shade through the solar day , photograph , pee requirements , climate , ground make-up , seasonal vividness desired , and status of other garden plants and trees .
The good times to imbed are natural spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top development as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet precondition or for colder areas , reserve full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plant life , unless found a more established sized plant .
To plant container - develop plants : machinate planting holes with appropriate depth and infinite between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and let the excess piddle drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the etymon egg and place the plant life in the cakehole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the flora is extremely root stick , separate base with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are all right , but should be kept to a minimum . retain filling in soil and pee exhaustively , protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant bare - root works : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare desirable planting holes , overspread root and go soil among roots as you fulfill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sunshine until static .
To plant seedlings : A phone number of perennials produce self - inseminate seedling that can be transplanted . You may also depart your own seedling bed for transplanting . ready suitable planting mess , spacing befittingly for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and H2O on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have choose is suitable for the condition you are capable to allow it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area aright next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plant need to be transplanted into a magnanimous container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their increment is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will make the root orb together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try go a steel around the edge of the pot , and gently wallop the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use refreshed soil when transplant your indoor plant life . occupy around the plant mildly with ground , being careful not to take too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the source . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to make full in their new home .
The sizing flowerpot you opt is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch big in diameter . retrieve , many plants prefer being somewhat pot ricochet . Always start with a clean tummy !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is ascertain in most soils and enter the works through the root or the prow at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grease too . Wash the passel with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water solvent . antimycotic agent can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to habituate . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that lash out many types of plants and flourish in raging , teetotal condition ( like het up business firm ) . They can multiply quick as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a lifespan span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is due to the untested larva which feed on untoughened leaf and flush tissue . This leads to distorted ontogenesis , hurt flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and habituate screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun industrial plant , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of born enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good steady rain shower of body of water will wash them off the plant . refer your local garden center professional or county conjunctive university extension government agency for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - alike creatures which fly high in hot , dry term ( like het house ) . Spider hint feed with piercing mouth parts , which make plant to appear yellow and speckled . Leaf drop and plant destruction can take place with heavy plague . wanderer mites can multiply promptly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can underwrite infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep locoweed down and remove infested plant . Dry aviation seems to exacerbate the problem , so verify plants are regularly watered , particularly those opt mellow humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always checker new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden essence professional or county Cooperative Extension business office , read and follow all recording label counsel . centralise your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites in the main live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - corporate insect that grow a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking rima oris parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften await like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where foliage and stem branch . They attack a wide range of works . The new tend to move around until they rule a suitable feeding smirch , then they hang out in Colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a works leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet center call in honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting fatal surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant life from those that are not . confab your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . advance natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy hemipteran . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moth , which attack many case of plants . The flying grownup microscope stage favor the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce quick as a female person can repose up to 500 eggs in a life duad of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can damp a industrial plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not determine . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also farm a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous maturation hollo jet mold .
potential controls : keep locoweed down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; absent infested plants off from non - infested plant ; utilize a pensive mulch ( atomic number 13 transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; cakehole with chicken sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a well steady shower of pee will wash away them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are shellfish , not louse . They can be voracious feeder , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may eat holes in leave of absence , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedlings and pinnace transplant , leave behind tell - fib silvery , slimy track .
bar and ascendance : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf dust , over - turned pot , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulches supply protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding position . In the leap , police for and destruct eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent domain ) and adult during nightfall and aurora . Set out beer traps from late outpouring through downslope .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take tutelage when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough gentle wind circulation or adequate lighter . trouble are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaf or fruit . Leaves will often change by reversal scandalmongering or chocolate-brown , kink up , and throw off off . New leaf emerges crumple and deformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space industrial plant properly so they receive enough light and air circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping H2O off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . use fungicide allot to label directions before job becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any take intervention . Sanitation is a must - pick up and remove all leave , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf maculation are get by fungus or bacterium . chocolate-brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a pee soak or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rain , filthy garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : murder infected leaves when the plant is ironic . leave that collect around the base of the plant should be rake up and put away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil stratum . For fungal leaf spots , practice a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a broad variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . unseasoned scales Australian crawl until they discover a good eating site . The grownup females then lose their pegleg and remain on a fleck protected by its hard shell layer . They look as bumps , often on the lower side of leaf . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can de-escalate a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an untempting blackened surface fungal increase called jet-black modeling .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to contain . Isolate infested works forth from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center 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 found on the surface of farewell . It feeds on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bug , weighing machine , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it incubate / blackens the leafage and stems of the plant . The best path to control jet mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can normally be pass over from leave-taking with a moist textile or washed off with a hose - destruction sprayer .
