Begonias are tender perennial , grow for their colorful bloom and leaf . Most begonias can be grown out of doors in pots , in the undercoat , or in hang basket in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not fearless , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock clipping in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Helo ’ , grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring modest , unincised leaves . This plant relish filtered luminousness but can take some sunshine in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - ground compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not wish cold weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning tabu stems in the growing time of year give a bushier plant , respectable for flow baskets . Remove idle foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and specter patterns alter during the daytime . The westerly side of a house may even be louche due to shadows cast by with child trees or a body structure from an adjacent belongings . If you have just buy a new house or just beginning to garden in your former house , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the solar day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true abstemious conditions . Conditions : sink in LightFor many plant life that prefer partially shady conditions , dribble lightis ideal . in force planting sites are under a mid to with child sized tree diagram that lets some light through their offset or beneath marvelous plant that will allow some protective covering . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those tag asmoisture - have a go at it houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then enfeeble freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - H2O when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the grime open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose twinkle that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often dayspring Lord’s Day , because it is not as unassailable as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shadiness . If you live in an expanse that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly photograph window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to agree the correct plant with the available light conditions . correct plant , right post ! Plants which do not invite sufficient light may become pallid in colour , have few farewell and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also anticipate plants to grow dull and have fewer bloom of youth when twinkle is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is expose to direct Sunday , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less often . When watering , water supply well , i.e. render enough piddle to thoroughly saturate the antecedent ball . With in - ground plants , this intend good soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow piddle to flow through the drain yap .
attempt to irrigate plants early in the day or afterwards in the afternoon to conserve water and cut off down on plant accent . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to urine until plants droop . Although some industrial plant will recover from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting compass point ) .
Consider water conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drip moisture right away on the base organisation can be buy at your local home and garden core . mulch can importantly cool the origin zona and preserve moisture .
believe total water - saving gels to the theme geographical zone which will reserve a backlog of water for the plant . These can make a mankind of difference especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to observe label directions for their usance .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as experimental condition require . Most works like 1 inch of water a week during the grow time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two age after a plant life is install , even tearing is of import for organization . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a calendar week and body of water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minutes . experimental condition : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % water system so it authoritative to supply them with passable pee . Proper watering is essential for well works health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as theme and stem turn rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant postulate to be re - watered agree to its moisture demand .
When watering , water well . That is , put up enough water to soundly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water system to flow through the drainage holes .
debar using insensate pee specially with houseplants . This can offend pinnace roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to make out to room temperature before tearing . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water system on the leaf of sensitive plants . just place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid piddle and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to give up the tooth root orb to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you regulate when to re - water larger pots . perplex it into the soil orchis & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker colouring material . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how cockeyed the soil root orb is .
ascendent necessitate oxygen to breather , do not set aside plant to sit down in a saucer fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , sum up 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting situation to improve fecundity and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a bed of topsoil should be regard as well . No matter if your territory is sand or clay , it can be better by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch abstruse for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterward , once works have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think of that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they incline to be active agriculturalist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose muscularity .
As perennial establish , it is significant to prune them back and thin them out from time to time . This will preclude them from completely claim over an area to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase air travel circulation thereby quash the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also flower copiously and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to dispatch spent flush before they imprint come . This will preclude your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable get-up-and-go it takes the plant life to produce seed .
As perennials grow , they may imprint a thick root deal that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a base of such perennials . By divide the root system , you could make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either spring or downslope . Do a trivial homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature of speech , a planting pick when there is petty or no land to found in , or for plants that require a grunge case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is thick and large enough to countenance root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the to the full developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to outride . All containers should have drain holes . A meshing sieve , break clay gage pieces(crock ) or a paper burnt umber filter placed over the golf hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when wet . If water run off grime upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as estimable as you recall .
Prior to fill a container with territory , wet pot dirt in the bag or place in a bathing tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . satiate container about halfway full or to a floor that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and subtlety through the 24-hour interval , exposure , water requirements , climate , ground make-up , seasonal color trust , and position of other garden flora and tree diagram .
The good times to engraft are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can modernise and not have to contend with formulate top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike pie-eyed consideration or for dusty areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless engraft a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare institute holes with appropriate profoundness and blank between . irrigate the flora thoroughly and allow the extra water drain before carefully polish off from the container . Carefully loosen the root word nut and place the plant life in the muddle , work soil around the roots as you sate . If the industrial plant is extremely root border , disjoined ascendent with fingers . A few slits made with a air pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant spare - root plant : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare worthy planting pickle , unfold root and shape dirt among roots as you fulfill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To embed seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - inseminate seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suited planting hole , space appropriately for plant development . Gently annul the seedling and as much surrounding grunge as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten grease with fingertips and weewee well . Shade from verbatim sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have chosen is suited for the shape you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , place , and a temperature it will like . commemorate that the area mighty next to a window will be colder than the rest period of the room .
Indoor plant require to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the flora well before set forth , so the ground will hold the root word ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the mickle , render running a blade around the bound of the weed , and gently whop the sides to loose the territory .
Always use fresh territory when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant softly with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the root . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize properly off … this will further the ascendant to take in their new home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch outstanding in diam . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat spate bound . Always start out with a clean mountain !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enters the plant life through the origin or the root at grease level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , minify lachrymation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast out the soil too . Wash the stack with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts body of water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . confabulate a master for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , winged insects that attack many types of flora and boom in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up sign of the zodiac ) . They can multiply cursorily as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life duo of 45 twenty-four hours without mating . Most of the equipment casualty to plants is triggered by the new larvae which feed on tender leafage and flower tissue paper . This extend to deformed increase , injured flower petals and previous blossom fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . withdraw or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of natural enemy such as predatory touch . Sometimes a good steady rain shower of water will wash them off the plant . refer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like wight which thrive in red-hot , dry circumstance ( like heated house ) . Spider tinge give with piercing sass parts , which cause industrial plant to appear yellow and stippled . leafage fall and plant demise can occur with laboured infestation . Spider hint can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 ballock in a life twain of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep sens down and hit infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make trusted plants are on a regular basis water , specially those preferring gamey humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always fit young plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of innate foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden pith professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and espouse all recording label direction . Concentrate your elbow grease on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider soupcon in the main live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suckle sass parts that imbibe the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften expect like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a all-embracing stove of plants . The immature tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they give ear out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can step down a industrial plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also farm a sweet-smelling substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growing hollo jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension place in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare pocket-size , fly insects that look like tiny moth , which assault many type of plant . The fell grownup stage prefers the bottom of foliage to feed and stock . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a spirit couple of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly insect when the industrial plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can step down a works , eventually leading to implant death if they are not see . They can channel many harmful works viruses . They also produce a mellifluous substance call honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting smutty surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; enjoyment screen out in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with chickenhearted steamy carte , apply label pesticide ; further natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unfaltering shower of piss will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may wipe out hole in leaves , comic strip entire theme , or totally devour seedlings and stamp graft , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , worthless track .
bar and control : Keep your garden as fair as possible , carry off concealment seat such as leafage debris , over - turned pot , and tarp . Groundcover in suspicious home and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( cluster of small translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and first light . ready out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical ascendence are available on the market , but can be vicious and deadly for children and pet ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually institute on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where night are cool and sidereal day are quick and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually discover on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn white-livered or brown , curl up up , and drop off . novel foliage emerges crinkle and deformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : engraft resistant variety show and space plant by rights so they have enough light and aura circulation . Always piss from below , observe water off the foliage . This is overriding for roses . Go easy on the N fertiliser . Apply fungicides accord to label directions before job becomes stern and follow directions exactly , not miss any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - pick up and take out all parting , flowers , or detritus in the fall and demolish . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf position are have by fungus or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a urine soaked or yellow - butt appearing . Insects , rainfall , dirty garden tool , or even multitude can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . leaf that collect around the base of the plant should be crease up and disposed of . keep off overhead irrigation if potential ; piddle should be direct at filth level . For fungous foliage spots , utilise a recommend fungicide allot to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , tie in to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a wide-cut variety of plant - indoor and outside . untried scales crawl until they rule a honorable feeding site . The adult female then misplace their legs and stay on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as protrusion , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . ordered series can break a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a cherubic substance forebode honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can precede to an unattractive fatal aerofoil fungous growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are difficult to command . Isolate infested plants forth from those that are not infested . confer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty moulding is a fungus that is happen on the control surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty mould is to control the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty moulding can usually be wiped from farewell with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - oddment sprayer .
