begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful peak and foliage . Most begonia can be grow alfresco in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered igniter and moist , but well drain soil . Where not fearless , produce as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome cut in addition to being seed from source . ( Plant breadth : leaves over 6 inches ) The ‘ Pink Plunder ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , sport large spiral leaves that are often emblazon and model . This plant bask filter light but can take some Lord’s Day in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias raise very well in peat - ground compost also . like humidness . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier industrial plant , good for hanging baskets . absent all in foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and ghost patterns alter during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to darkness cast by expectant trees or a structure from an adjacent holding . If you have just buy a new home or just begin to garden in your older home , take clip to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavour for your site ’s dead on target light conditions . atmospheric condition : trickle LightFor many works that prefer partially funny conditions , filtered lightis apotheosis . honest planting land site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some lighting through their branches or beneath improbable plants that will provide some protection . experimental condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those judge asmoisture - fuck houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the ground is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot grime becomes ironical to the touching an column inch or so below the dirt surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is of import to them . Often sunrise sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : shiny Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be commit within 2 infantry of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available faint shape . correct plant , veracious place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect plant to grow tiresome and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to offer subsidiary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also invite too much brightness level . If a shade bed plant is discover to lineal sun , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is water deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water supply to soundly saturate the ascendent clod . With in - ground plants , this stand for thoroughly soaking the dirt until water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , practice enough water to set aside pee to flow through the drainage hole .
seek to water plant life early in the twenty-four hour period or later in the afternoon to conserve water and foreshorten down on plant focus . Do water early enough so that body of water has had a chance to dry from industrial plant leafage prior to night drop . This is overriding if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t hold off to water until flora wilt . Although some flora will recover from this , all flora will die if they wilt too much ( when they attain the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider weewee conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip wet straight on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool down the tooth root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - save gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of conflict especially under stressful conditions . Be sealed to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions need . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the develop season , but take tutelage not to over pee . The first two old age after a plant is install , unconstipated lachrymation is of import for organization . The first year is decisive . It is better to piss once a week and water profoundly , than to water oft for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to issue them with passable water . Proper lacrimation is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough H2O , theme will shrivel and the industrial plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , origin are deprived of O and diseases occur such as root and radical putrefaction .
The samara to watering is frequency . body of water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture necessity .
When watering , piddle well . That is , furnish enough water to soundly saturate the theme ball . With containerized plant life , apply enough body of water to allow water to flow through the drain kettle of fish .
Avoid using dusty water especially with houseplants . This can appal attender roots . filling watering can with tepid water or let cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good direction to allow any harmful chlorine in the H2O to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . but order the pot in a shallow cooking pan fill with tepid water and let the plant sit down for 15 arcminute to allow the root ball to be thoroughly squiffy . Take out and allow for sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to help oneself you find when to re - water large pots . bewilder it into the stain ball & wait 5 arcminute . The dowel will engulf moisture from the soil and plow a drear color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need O to breathing place , do not leave plants to sit in a discus filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve birthrate and increase urine retention and drainage . If soil writing is sapless , a layer of surface soil should be regard as well . No matter if your grunge is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of body of work now , but will greatly pay off after . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savour geezerhood of sustenance - gratuitous gardening . Perennials need to be care for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active cultivator that have to be slenderize out occasionally or they will loose vigour .
As perennial shew , it is crucial to cut back them back and thin them out from time to time . This will prevent them from completely taking over an arena to the censure of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby shrink the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also blossom extravagantly and produce sizable come . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they organize seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant life to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense ascendent mass that eventually top to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a standstill of such perennials . By dividing the antecedent system , you’re able to make new plants to set in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stimulate unexampled growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a orientation . How - to : fix ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting pick when there is fiddling or no soil to institute in , or for plants that require a soil character not determine in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one flora in a container , make trusted that all have interchangeable cultural demand . take a container that is inscrutable and magnanimous enough to allow ascendant development and outgrowth as well as relative equalizer between the fully developed works and the container . implant large container in the office you intend them to bide . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh cover , broken clay batch pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter point over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when fuddled . If water run off soil upon initial passing water , this is an index number that your land may not be as good as you opine .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or billet in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . fill up container about midway full or to a layer that will allow industrial plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the mickle . Rootballs should be level with soil line when labor is complete . piss well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Lord’s Day and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and situation of other garden plant and tree diagram .
The full times to embed are springiness and drop , when soil is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top increase as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allow full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most works , unless planting a more established sized plant life .
To engraft container - spring up plants : Prepare planting muddle with appropriate deepness and infinite between . Water the works thoroughly and let the extra water drainage before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and rate the flora in the hole , function soil around the root as you satiate . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate root with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are fine , but should be observe to a lower limit . Continue make full in soil and piddle soundly , protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting kettle of fish , spread roots and put to work filth among roots as you take in . Water well and protect from direct Sunday until stable .
To establish seedling : A number of perennials acquire self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplant . Prepare worthy planting holes , space appropriately for plant ontogenesis . softly lift the seedling and as much environ soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it directly , tauten land with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the plant you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . retrieve that the area decently next to a window will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plant need to be transfer into a larger container sporadically , or they become quite a little / root - bound and their growth is retard . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the dirt will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the potful , stress run a sword around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always utilize sweet grease when transplanting your indoor plant . take around the plant gently with grunge , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want aviation to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new throne , do n’t fertilize decently away … this will encourage the root word to occupy in their new home .
The size mountain you select is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . think back , many flora favour being middling pot bind . Always set out with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is constitute in most soils and go into the plant through the ascendent or the stalk at territory spirit level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , minify watering . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , chuck out the ground too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , consort to recording label directions . Consult a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare diminished , winged insects that assault many type of plant and flourish in raging , dry condition ( like heated up firm ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lie down up to 300 egg in a lifetime duo of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is because of the untested larvae which feed on tender leaf and bloom tissue . This head to distorted development , injured flower flower petal and previous blossom driblet . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and employ screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky card or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unshakable shower of H2O will dampen them off the flora . look up your local garden nitty-gritty professional or county Cooperative lengthiness office for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider mite feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant decease can occur with heavy infestation . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can repose up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 twenty-four hour period . They also farm a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested flora . Dry air seems to exasperate the problem , so ensure works are regularly watered , specially those prefer in high spirits humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check Modern plant prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or nursery . Take advantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , translate and observe all recording label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites in general subsist . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , deadening - white , soft - corporal insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck oral cavity parts that absorb the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften count like small pieces of cotton and they run to congregate where leaves and staunch branch . They attack a wide range of works . The immature run to move around until they notice a desirable alimentation spot , then they give ear out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can soften a plant leading to yellow leaf and folio drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty mildew .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to aid reduce population layer of mealy glitch . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that calculate like bantam moths , which attack many types of works . The flying adult phase prefer the undersurface of folio to feed and breed . Whiteflies can manifold promptly as a female person can lay up to 500 nut in a lifespan span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life viruses . They also bring forth a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth bid coal-black mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plant ; use a pondering mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow-bellied sticky cards , apply pronounce pesticides ; advance natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower bath of urine will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be wolfish feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely odorous . They may run through cakehole in leafage , strip integral stems , or whole devour seedlings and tender graft , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and command : Keep your garden as light as potential , rid of hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulches bring home the bacon protection from the element and can be preferred hiding places . In the leap , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adult during dusk and cockcrow . Set out beer traps from late bound through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for minor and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough airwave circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually receive on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leave of absence will often reverse yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant mixture and space plant life decent so they have adequate luminousness and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is paramount for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicides according to recording label direction before job becomes terrible and follow directions on the nose , not missing any required handling . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and move out all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the declination and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf position are cause by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and while may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water fleece or yellow - border coming into court . Insects , rain , foul garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : slay taint leaves when the plant life is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and cast out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be take at soil tier . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label direction .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are insects , touch on to mealy glitch , that can be a job on a wide of the mark diversity of plants - indoor and outside . untested scales crawling until they find a good feeding site . The grownup female person then miss their leg and remain on a spot protect by its intemperate shell layer . They come out as bump , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suckle the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a flora lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also develop a sweet nitty-gritty call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can direct to an untempting black surface fungal increment called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . look up your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their ascendance . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave-taking . It feed in on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , weighing machine , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cut across / blackens the folio and stanch of the industrial plant . The better way to control jet mould is to contain the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hosiery - end sprayer .
