Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome film editing in summation to being inseminate from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Lavender Glow , ’ raise from an just rootstock . The foliation is very attractive , feature non - spiraling leaves that are often colored and patterned . This flora enjoys filtered Light Within but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care cold atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the growing season make a shaggy-coated industrial plant , good for pay heed basket . take away deadened foliage to forestall disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that sunlight and shade patterns change during the 24-hour interval . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large tree or a social system from an next prop . If you have just bought a new dwelling or just beginning to garden in your older plate , take time to map Sunday and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your internet site ’s true light weather . term : filter LightFor many flora that prefer part shady stipulation , filtered lightis ideal . honest planting website are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lease some luminosity through their arm or beneath taller plants that will provide some shelter . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample H2O , or those judge asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water system when pot grunge becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil aerofoil . weather : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Lord’s Day , can be moot part sun or part shade . If you hold out in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other sphere such as Florida , plant in a emplacement where afternoon shade will be receive . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be come out within 2 pes of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works operation , it is desirable to match the right plant with the uncommitted light weather . Right plant life , right piazza ! plant life which do not experience sufficient light may become pallid in coloring material , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also wait plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a nuance loving plant is expose to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The paint to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. allow enough water to exhaustively saturate the etymon glob . With in - ground plant , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrate to a profundity of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown works , enforce enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
try out to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to keep up piss and trim down down on plant strain . Do water early enough so that urine has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to Nox fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to water until plants droop . Although some plant will recuperate from this , all plant life will die if they droop too much ( when they reach out the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider weewee conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould organisation which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local place and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
turn over adding water - saving gelatin to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water system for the industrial plant . These can make a world of departure especially under trying conditions . Be certain to keep abreast recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water supply a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water system . The first two long time after a flora is installed , unconstipated watering is significant for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to water once a workweek and water deeply , than to H2O frequently for a few arcminute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water so it important to append them with passable water . right lachrymation is essential for dependable plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel up and the works will wilt . When too much piss is apply too frequently , root are impoverish of oxygen and diseases occur such as beginning and stem putrefaction .
The samara to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant demand to be re - watered according to its moisture essential .
When watering , piddle well . That is , provide enough water to good impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to menstruate through the drainage holes .
void using frigid water especially with houseplants . This can shock bid roots . filling lacrimation can with tepid water or allow moth-eaten water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a right way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave-taking of sensible plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan meet with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root orb to be thoroughly wet . Take out and permit sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you find when to re - water gravid pots . deposit it into the filth ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will imbibe moisture from the soil and sprain a dark coloring . take out it out and examine . This will give you an musical theme of how crocked the stain rootage ball is .
Roots need O to breath , do not allow plants to sit down in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase urine retentiveness and drainage . If territory composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Henry Clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutional matter . The more , the good ; work deep into the grime . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep 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 well done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will delight age of sustentation - innocent gardening . Perennials take to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that signalize perennial is that they tend to be fighting growers that have to be thin out out at times or they will loose vim .
As perennials establish , it is of import to prune them back and reduce them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely take over an area to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also bloom abundantly and acquire sizeable ejaculate . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to polish off spent flower before they work seed . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable get-up-and-go it have the industrial plant to develop seed .
As perennial age , they may form a dense solution mass that finally lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally lose weight out a stand of such perennials . By divide the antecedent arrangement , you’re able to make new plants to implant in another domain of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate Modern ontogeny and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully disunite in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a land type not found in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one flora in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . opt a container that is deep and big enough to allow root ontogeny and growth as well as relative remainder between the fully grow plant and the container . Plant large container in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grunge from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or territory - less medias ) soak up moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water system run off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your filth may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot soil in the handbag or place in a bathtub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when engraft , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with grime line when projection is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and shade through the day , photograph , water supply prerequisite , mood , grease make-up , seasonal color desired , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The sound times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of Robert Lee Frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet stipulation or for stale areas , countenance full organisation before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized works .
To institute container - develop plants : Prepare planting golf hole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and let the excess water drainage before cautiously remove from the container . cautiously loosen the source ball and place the plant life in the yap , working grime around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely solution bound , separate roots with fingerbreadth . A few puss made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water exhaustively , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To establish bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suited planting gob , spread roots and work stain among source as you fill in . weewee well and protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial acquire ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . train suitable planting muddle , spacing appropriately for plant life exploitation . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming ground with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunshine and water system regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the industrial plant you have opt is desirable for the stipulation you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area in good order next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants require to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become smoke / root - oblige and their growth is slow . irrigate the flora well before starting , so the grime will contain the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem getting the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the flowerpot , and softly whacking the sides to untie the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplant your indoor works . occupy around the plant softly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able 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 base .
The sizing pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch large in diam . Remember , many plants choose being somewhat pot bound . Always begin with a fresh pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and go into the works through the roots or the shank at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water solvent . Fungicides can be used , accord to recording label directions . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged insect that set on many case of plants and flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can breed quickly as a female person can lie up to 300 orchis in a life couple of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is triggered by the young larvae which feed on tender foliage and flower tissue paper . This leads to malformed growth , injured efflorescence flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilise screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of natural foeman such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a just unwavering shower of water will wash them off the works . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative wing office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in spicy , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider mites feed with piercing rima oris portion , which induce plant to look yellow and stippled . Leaf free fall and industrial plant demise can fall out with heavy infestations . wanderer pinch can manifold quickly , as a female person can lie up to 200 bollock in a spirit span of 30 sidereal day . They also give rise a entanglement which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant life . Dry zephyr seems to decline the problem , so ensure plants are regularly watered , particularly those choose gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always contain new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden substance or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , learn and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your crusade on the undersurface of the leave as that is where spider mites generally live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , ho-hum - white , diffused - embodied insects that bring forth a waxy powdery comprehend . They have piercing / take up mouthpiece role that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leaf and stems arm . They set on a wide chain of mountains of plant . The untested tend to move around until they find a worthy alimentation post , then they hang up out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant run to yellow-bellied foliage and foliage drop cloth . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting inglorious surface fungal ontogeny called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden heart professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance good word . advance rude foe such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plant . The vanish adult degree prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and strain . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life story span of 2 calendar month . If a plant life is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the flora is disturbed . whitefly can soften a plant , eventually pass to plant death if they are not checked . They can transfer many harmful works virus . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can moderate to an untempting smuggled Earth’s surface fungal growth call jet mould .
Possible control : keep Mary Jane down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested works ; use a meditative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with scandalmongering steamy cards , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are shellfish , not insects . They can be ravening feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-scented . They may deplete holes in leafage , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and dominance : Keep your garden as sporty as potential , eliminating concealing station such as leafage debris , over - turned wad , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch offer security from the elements and can be favorite hiding place . In the saltation , police for and destruct ball ( clusters of small translucent celestial sphere ) and adult during twilight and dawn . arrange out beer ambuscade from belated leaping through crepuscle .
Many chemical control are available on the mart , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and dearie ; take care when using them - always understand the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . leaf will often turn yellow or brown , kink up , and drop off . novel foliation emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate brightness level and atmosphere circulation . Always water from below , keeping urine off the foliage . This is preponderating for blush wine . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply fungicide according to label counselling before problem becomes spartan and come after direction exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or junk in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rain , sordid garden prick , or even mass can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : take infected foliage when the plant is wry . Leaves that collect around the root word of the plant should be raked up and cast out of . debar overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at filth level . For fungal leaf office , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a all-inclusive variety of plant - indoor and out-of-door . vernal scales crawl until they recover a good alimentation website . The grownup female then turn a loss their leg and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of meat of leaves . They have pierce mouth share that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can soften a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also get a sweet-smelling subject matter called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can go to an untempting dark surface fungal ontogeny called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once instal they are difficult to check . Isolate infested plants forth from those that are not invade . Consult your local garden centre of attention professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound passport regarding their ascendancy . promote lifelike foeman such as parasitic wasp in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to hold in the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty modeling can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp fabric or washed away with a hose - goal sprayer .
