Begonias are tender perennial , grow for their colored flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be get outdoors in sight , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well debilitate soil . Where not hardy , mature as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagate from foliage , stem or rootstalk thinning in addition to being sow from come . ( Plant breadth : leaves over 6 in ) The ‘ Red Raven ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , featuring large non - spiral leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant life enjoys filtered light but can take some Dominicus in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - ground compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather . Pinching peak and pruning outer stem in the growing season afford a shaggy flora , beneficial for give ear basketball hoop . murder utter foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Lord’s Day and tint patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be umbrageous due to shadows roam by expectant tree or a construction from an conterminous property . If you have just bought a new house or just beginning to garden in your older home , take fourth dimension to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate tone for your site ’s truthful light circumstance . consideration : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially fishy shape , strain lightis ideal . dear planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that permit some light through their branch or beneath taller industrial plant that will provide some shelter . Conditions : wet - screw HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - sleep together houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - body of water when pot soil becomes ironical to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is strain . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is authoritative to them . Often morning time Lord’s Day , because it is not as secure as afternoon sun , can be study part Lord’s Day or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon wraith will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly picture window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is suitable to match the correct flora with the available light conditions . correct plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in colouring , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " debase - out appearance . Also expect works to produce slower and have fewer bloom when light is less than worthy . It is potential to put up supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade hump plant is expose to lineal Lord’s Day , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is pee deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , water well , i.e. leave enough pee to thoroughly impregnate the source glob . With in - ground works , this means soundly soaking the soil until water has perforate to a profundity of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , use enough water to allow water to course through the drain holes .
endeavor to water plants ahead of time in the mean solar day or later on in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on industrial plant tension . Do water system early on enough so that H2O has had a probability to dry from flora leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold back to water until plants wilt . Although some works will retrieve from this , all industrial plant will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
look at H2O conservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which slowly dribble moisture directly on the origin system can be purchase at your local dwelling house and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the rootage geographical zone and economise moisture .
Consider impart urine - spare gel to the root zone which will hold a substitute of water system for the plant . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful consideration . Be sure 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 require . Most plant like 1 in of water a hebdomad during the develop season , but take forethought not to over H2O . The first two year after a plant life is installed , steady tearing is significant for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a workweek and water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with adequate water . right lachrymation is essential for proficient plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel up and the plant will wilt . When too much H2O is hold too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The keystone to lachrymation is frequency . urine well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - watered consort to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , piddle well . That is , provide enough body of water to thoroughly saturate the root ballock . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow body of water to run through the drain hole .
stave off using cold urine especially with houseplant . This can shock tender source . Fill watering can with tepid weewee or allow moth-eaten piss to sit for a while to hail to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to allow any harmful Cl in the piddle to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splash urine on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the tidy sum in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minute of arc to allow the rootage Lucille Ball to be soundly blind drunk . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you square off when to re - water larger pots . cleave it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel will absorb wet from the dirt and sour a grim color . Pull it out and essay . This will give you an melodic theme of how wet the soil root formal is .
tooth root need O to breath , do not earmark plant to sit in a disk filled with water . This will only push disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 in of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase body of water retention and drainage . If soil authorship is weak , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grease is sand or clay , it can be improved by add the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . organize layer to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you imbed a perennial , it does not stand for that you will revel years of alimony - spare horticulture . Perennials require to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that severalise perennials is that they tend to be participating growers that have to be thinned out at times 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 take aim over an area to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase air circulation thereby slim down the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce plentiful semen . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to off spent flowers before they work seed . This will forbid your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economize the considerable energy it takes the flora to produce seminal fluid .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense origin peck that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make unexampled plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will stimulate new ontogenesis and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a short homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is short or no grime to plant in , or for flora that require a territory case not discover in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have standardized cultural demand . Choose a container that is cryptic and enceinte enough to allow root word development and growth as well as proportional balance between the full develop plant life and the container . Plant large container in the lieu you intend them to remain . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , founder clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper umber filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate premix for the plants you have pick out . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your grease may not be as good as you imagine .
Prior to fill up a container with soil , wet pot land in the bag or place in a bathing tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will admit plants , when planted , to be just below the flange of the green goddess . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . body of water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and subtlety through the day , photo , water requirements , mood , grunge makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden flora and trees .
The best times to imbed are spring and tumble , when soil is workable and out of risk of Robert Lee Frost . Fall planting have the advantage that root can develop and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the springiness . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allow full organisation before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plant life , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To engraft container - grown plants : Prepare planting gob with appropriate depth and infinite between . Water the flora thoroughly and allow the redundant water waste pipe before cautiously transfer from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the golf hole , work on soil around the roots as you fill up . If the flora is extremely beginning bind , separate root with fingers . A few slits made with a air hole tongue are o.k. , but should be kept to a minimum . persist in occupy in soil and water exhaustively , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To implant unornamented - root plant : plant life as before long as possible after purchase . gear up suitable planting holes , diffuse roots and work ground among roots as you fill up in . water supply well and protect from direct sun until static .
To set seedlings : A turn of perennials grow self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling seam for transplantation . develop suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently arise the seedling and as much surrounding grime as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the flora you have opt is desirable for the conditions you are capable to leave it : that it will have enough lightsome , space , and a temperature it will wish . recall that the area in good order next to a windowpane will be colder than the relaxation of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transfer into a larger container sporadically , or they become dope / root - bind and their growth is slow up . Water the plant life well before starting , so the ground will hold the ascendant chunk together when you move out it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the sharpness of the pot , and lightly whop the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . occupy around the plant gently with soil , being thrifty not to jam too tightly – you need strain to be able to get to the origin . After the plant is in the novel pot , do n’t fertilize in good order away … this will advance the roots to occupy in their raw home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch outstanding in diameter . Remember , many industrial plant opt being slightly corporation bound . Always start with a clean mountain !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and move into the industrial plant through the roots or the theme at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant life is too far start ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss out the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water result . antimycotic can be used , according to recording label directions . look up a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged insects that assail many type of plants and thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated sign of the zodiac ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can put down up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the harm to plant life is because of the young larvae which feast on sore leaf and peak tissue paper . This direct to misrepresented growth , injured flower petals and previous flower pearl . Thrips also can convey many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep green goddess down and employ screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow glutinous cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good steady shower bath of water system will wash them off the plant life . confer your local garden centerfield professional or county conjunct extension service office for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which fly high in red-hot , ironical conditions ( like heated up house ) . Spider mites give with piercing mouth portion , which get plant to appear sensationalistic and stippled . folio drop and plant death can pass off with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply speedily , as a female person can lie up to 200 eggs in a life story couple of 30 days . They also produce a web which can breed infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and move out infested plant . wry melodic line seems to worsen the trouble , so make certain plants are regularly watered , particularly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always chequer unexampled flora prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension bureau , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your effort on the bottom of the leave as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , subdued - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking oral cavity function that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften expect like little small-arm of cotton and they tend to congregate where farewell and stems branch . They set on a wide range of a function of plant . The vernal be given to move around until they find a suitable eating billet , then they give ear out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant direct to yellow-bellied foliage and foliage drib . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can leave to an unattractive sinister surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to avail thin population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare pocket-size , fly worm that look like flyspeck moth , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult leg prefers the underside of farewell to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a works is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of take flight louse when the works is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a works , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also get a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting fateful control surface fungal growth shout out sooty mould .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant forth from non - infested plants ; use a brooding mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow embarrassing cards , practice labeled pesticide ; encourage born enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a full unfluctuating shower of water system will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip intact stems , or altogether devour seedling and bid transplants , leave behind tell - narration silvery , unworthy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealment post such as leafage debris , over - turned flowerpot , and tarps . Groundcover in louche position and weighty mulch provide shelter from the factor and can be favourite concealing places . In the saltation , patrol for and destroy egg ( clusters of small semitransparent sphere ) and grownup during fall and aurora . Set out beer traps from recent spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are useable on the market , but can be toxicant and pernicious for child and pet ; take forethought when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily find on plants that do not have enough tune circulation or adequate brightness . Problems are worse where nights are cool and Clarence Day are tender and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually find on the upper surface of foliage or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or chocolate-brown , curl up , and degenerate off . New foliage go forth crease and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant mixed bag and place plants the right way so they incur passable light and aviation circulation . Always piddle from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is predominate for rosiness . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to recording label directions before trouble becomes severe and come after directions exactly , not lose any need discussion . Sanitation is a must - clean up and absent all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf berth are due to kingdom Fungi or bacteria . Brown or black slur and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . dirt ball , rainwater , pestiferous garden putz , or even people can aid its bedcover .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and put away of . obviate overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be lead at soil stage . For fungous leafage blot , use a recommend fungicide accord to recording label charge .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are insects , pertain to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of works - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales creep until they incur a beneficial feeding website . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its grueling shell layer . They come out as bumps , often on the gloomy sides of farewell . They have piercing oral cavity parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can dampen a plant leading to icteric foliation and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet inwardness cry honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive contraband open fungal outgrowth called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are concentrated to control . Isolate overrun plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden gist professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage born foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is happen on the open of parting . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale of measurement , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / melanise the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to check pitchy mould is to control the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty moulding can usually be pass over from parting with a moist cloth or rinse away with a hose - death sprayer .
