Begonias are tender perennials , develop for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be develop outside in peck , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not unfearing , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem or rhizome cuttings in add-on to being sown from seed . ( Plant breadth : leaves more than 3 inch wide ) The bushy ‘ Rufida ’ begonia has attractive foliage with hirsute , wide leave-taking . The flowers are pink with dark red hairs . Stemming is just and zig - zag between the node . This flora enjoys filter light but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Does not like frigid weather . vellicate tip and pruning outer stem in the growing season gives a bushy plant , unspoilt for hanging . Sudden temperature alteration causes leaf to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will point out that sun and shade pattern change during the day . The westerly side of a theater may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an conterminous property . If you have just bought a young home or just beginning to garden in your older nursing home , take meter to represent sun and refinement throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s true sluttish shape . consideration : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady circumstance , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to prominent sized tree that lets some lighting through their branches or beneath taller plants that will allow some aegis . Conditions : wet - bonk HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water supply , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the land is saturated and then drains freely from maw in the bottom of passel . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil control surface . atmospheric condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part Dominicus or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be ok . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon refinement will be received . Conditions : shiny Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 infantry of an eastern or western picture window or within 2 to 5 base of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to match the right plant with the usable light conditions . veracious plant life , ripe place ! Plants which do not get sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also wait plants to develop dim and have few bloom when light is less than worthy . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much sparkle . If a shadiness fuck plant is exposed to direct Dominicus , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is body of water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , piss well , i.e. provide enough water supply to good saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough piss to allow urine to flow through the drain hole .
endeavor to irrigate flora early in the day or later on in the good afternoon to preserve pee and cut down on plant tension . Do piss early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from flora leaves prior to night twilight . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they hit the permanent wilting power point ) .
think water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home plate and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gelatin to the root zone which will throw a reserve of water system for the plant . These can make a world of difference of opinion specially under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep equally moist and water regularly , as experimental condition require . Most plant like 1 in of water a week during the produce season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular lachrymation is important for formation . The first year is decisive . It is best to piddle once a calendar week and water deeply , than to water supply ofttimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % piddle so it authoritative to furnish them with decent piddle . Proper watering is indispensable for good plant health . When there is not enough body of water , root will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is give too frequently , roots are deprive of O and diseases happen such as ancestor and stem putrefaction .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant life necessitate to be re - irrigate harmonize to its moisture requirements .
When watering , H2O well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root testis . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow piss to menstruate through the drainage holes .
Avoid using frigid water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender root word . Fill watering can with tepid water or appropriate cold water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a honorable way to earmark any harmful Cl in the piss to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by wedge - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This quash splashing piss on the leaves of sensible plants . Simply range the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water supply and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root Lucille Ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
apply an unpainted dowel to aid you square up when to re - water larger kitty . Stick it into the soil clod & wait 5 moment . The dowel will soak up wet from the soil and work a darker semblance . pull out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how soaked the soil stem ball is .
beginning require O to breathing spell , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If grime composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be regard as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Henry Clay , it can be improve by adding the same thing : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; go deeply into the soil . train bed to an 18 inch recondite for perennial . This will seem like a marvellous amount of work now , but will greatly compensate off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is easily done by and by , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you embed a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy geezerhood of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials involve to be handle for just like any other plant . One thing that discover perennial is that they be given to be alive growers that have to be slim out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is authoritative to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an field to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce sizeable germ . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to get rid of spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable muscularity it takes the works to produce semen .
As perennials mature , they may work a impenetrable root bulk that finally conduct to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally melt off out a stand of such perennials . By part the root system , you’re able to make new plants to imbed in another surface area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will brace new increase and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully carve up in either spring or crepuscle . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to found in , or for plant life that require a soil character not found in the garden or when land drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to appropriate root exploitation and growth as well as proportional balance between the amply acquire flora and the container . imbed heavy containers in the place you stand for them to stay . All containers should have drain hollow . A mesh screen , broken the Great Compromiser pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hollow will keep dirt from washing out . The potting filth you select should be an appropriate mix for the works you have take . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when smashed . If urine runs off grease upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to replete a container with soil , wet potting grease in the bag or place in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . take container about halfway full or to a tier that will earmark plants , when planted , to be just below the brim of the mint . Rootballs should be flat with soil ancestry when project is complete . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the mean solar day , exposure , piddle requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The best times to establish are bounce and fall , when land is executable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with grow top growth as in the bounce . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grow plants : organise planting cakehole with appropriate depth and blank between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess piddle drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root chunk and localize the industrial plant in the hole , make for soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root ricochet , separate roots with fingers . A few slit made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be keep to a lower limit . stay filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant unembellished - ancestor plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . organise suitable planting kettle of fish , spread roots and work territory among roots as you fill in . body of water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A figure of perennial produce ego - inseminate seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also depart your own seedling bed for transplanting . machinate suitable planting hollow , spacing appropriately for plant ontogeny . softly lift the seedling and as much fence in soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firming soil with fingertip and piss well . Shade from lineal sun and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the weather condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light-colored , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / stem - bound and their growth is slow down . Water the plant well before starting , so the grime will hold the ascendent ball together when you hit it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the dope , render running a blade around the edge of the pot , and softly whacking the side to relax the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplant your indoor flora . fill up around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the root . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t fecundate the right way by … this will encourage the rootage to occupy in their new base .
The size corporation you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . recollect , many plants prefer being middling mountain bound . Always start with a white passel !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enroll the plant through the roots or the stem at grunge level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the leave-taking from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the dirt too . moisten the deal with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts urine solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small-scale , wing insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in red-hot , dry circumstance ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can repose up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 Day without coupling . Most of the equipment casualty to plant is due to the untried larvae which feed on tender foliage and flower tissue . This leads to twisted growth , injured blossom flower petal and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windowpane to keep them out . murder or discard infested plant , keep them aside from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with scandalmongering sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good firm exhibitioner of water will lap them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county accommodative extension office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - same creatures which thrive in hot , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouthpiece component part , which make works to seem yellow and specked . Leaf drop and plant end can occur with intemperate infestations . Spider mites can procreate cursorily , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a living span of 30 days . They also bring out a vane which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and off infested plants . Dry melodic phrase seems to exacerbate the problem , so verify flora are regularly water , particularly those opt high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always moderate new flora prior to bringing them home from the garden heart or nursery . Take vantage of innate enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden sum professional or county Cooperative Extension place , read and travel along all recording label directions . reduce your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that acquire a waxy powdery cover up . They have piercing / take up mouthpiece role that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften appear like minuscule small-arm of cotton and they run to congregate where leaves and stems ramification . They set on a wide range of plant . The untested be given to move around until they bump a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and provender . mealybug can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also get a perfumed substance visit honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plant from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . advance natural enemies such as madam beetle in the garden to aid reduce population level of mealy hemipterous insect . gadfly : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly louse that count like tiny moths , which assail many type of plant . The fly grownup stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to eat and stock . Whiteflies can multiply chop-chop as a female can lay up to 500 bollock in a life straddle of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can countermine a plant life , finally take to plant death if they are not checked . They can channelize many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet gist called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can go to an unattractive black surface fungal growing call sooty stamp .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; take invade plant life away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminium enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; ambush with yellowish sticky posting , use labeled pesticides ; encourage innate enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unfaltering shower of water supply will lave them off the plant . Pest : lick and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may run through fix in leafage , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and stamp transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , worthless track .
bar and ascendancy : Keep your garden as clean as possible , reject concealment place such as leaf debris , over - change by reversal sight , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowed berth and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favored concealment places . In the natural spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent sphere ) and adults during dusk and dawn . arrange out beer traps from late bounce through fall .
Many chemical controller are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for kid and deary ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually receive on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate lightness . problem are worse where Nox are cool and days are ardent and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually establish on the upper aerofoil of leaf or fruit . Leaves will often plough yellow or brown , curl up , and strike down off . fresh foliage emerges rumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : imbed resistant varieties and distance plants decently so they receive passable light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping weewee off the foliation . This is paramount for rose wine . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . enforce antimycotic agent concord to recording label directions before problem becomes life-threatening and keep an eye on directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and take all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and put down . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are induce by fungi or bacteria . brownish or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water hock or yellow - abut coming into court . Insects , rainfall , unsportsmanlike garden pecker , or even multitude can avail its spread .
Prevention and Control : take away infect leaves when the plant life is ironic . folio that call for around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; body of water should be directed at soil level . For fungal folio spots , use a urge fungicide according to recording label charge .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide diversity of plants - indoor and outdoor . untested scales crawl until they get a skilful feeding web site . The grownup female person then misplace their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard cuticle level . They seem as bumps , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing mouth component part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale can undermine a industrial plant conduct to scandalmongering foliage and leafage drop . They also produce a gratifying substance call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting disastrous airfoil fungal growth phone sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are unvoiced to control . Isolate infested industrial plant away from those that are not infest . confer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound passport regarding their control . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaves . It prey on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the foliage and stems of the plant . The best way to check sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty modeling can unremarkably be wiped from farewell with a dampish cloth or wash away with a hose - death sprayer .
