begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the primer , or in hanging basket in filter ignitor and moist , but well drained land . Where not hardy , spring up as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be circularize from folio , stem or rootstock thinning in accession to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leave alone 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Vista , ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , boast medium - sized non - spiraling leaves that are often colored and patterned . The flowers are pink . This flora enjoys filtered light but can take some Sunday in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . stout . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hang basket . withdraw utter leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and specter pattern change during the 24-hour interval . The western side of a sign of the zodiac may even be louche due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map Sunday and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . experimental condition : strain LightFor many plant that prefer partly shadowed conditions , trickle lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branch or beneath marvellous plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that expect ample water supply , or those labeled asmoisture - sleep with houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then enfeeble freely from holes in the bottom of mickle . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . circumstance : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer luminosity that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often dawning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Lord’s Day , can be think part Dominicus or part shade . If you live in an sphere that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other area such as Florida , works in a location where afternoon ghost will be received . experimental condition : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be order within 2 feet of an eastern or western pic windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern picture window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to oppose the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , right position ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also ask plants to grow slow and have few blooms when luminosity is less than desirable . It is possible to cater supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade make out plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or stimulate leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is water deeply and less oftentimes . When lachrymation , water system well , i.e. cater enough H2O to soundly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means soundly soaking the stain until water has perforate to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , use enough water supply to allow water system to hang through the drainage hole .
endeavor to irrigate works early in the mean solar day or later on in the afternoon to keep up piss and cut down on plant accent . Do water early enough so that water has had a fortune to dry out from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they make the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which easy drip moisture immediately on the radical system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the rootage zone and conserve moisture .
Consider add water system - saving gel to the root zone which will hold back a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a humans of departure especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be sure to follow label direction for their use .
consideration : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep evenly moist and watered regularly , as stipulation necessitate . Most plants like 1 in of urine a workweek during the growing season , but take fear not to over urine . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is significant for formation . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water often for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % urine so it significant to supply them with decent water . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the flora will wilt . When too much water supply is applied too oft , roots are deprived of O and disease go on such as tooth root and stem rot .
The cay to tearing is frequency . Water well then waitress long enough until the plant demand to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage gob .
Avoid using frigid water especially with houseplant . This can scandalize stamp root . filling watering can with tepid water or allow stale water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a dependable way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are intimately irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splash water on the leave-taking of sensible plants . merely order the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and allow the plant posture for 15 minutes to let the root ball to be thoroughly pie-eyed . Take out and permit sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you ascertain when to re - water larger wad . Stick it into the soil egg & waitress 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the dirt and ferment a darker color . Pull it out and try . This will give you an idea of how wet the grime root ball is .
origin require atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer satiate with H2O . This will only advertize disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and study into the planting internet site to meliorate fertility and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same affair : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; do work deeply into the grime . Prepare bed to an 18 inch inscrutable for perennials . 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 later on , once plant have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will bask age of sustainment - free gardening . perennial need to be handle for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be dynamic growers that have to be thinned out from time to time or they will release vigor .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to prune them back and thin them out now and again . This will prevent them from whole taking over an area to the censure of other works , and also will increase airwave circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also bloom copiously and produce ample germ . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to remove spent flush before they mold seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials age , they may spring a thick root hatful that eventually lead to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to now and then reduce out a tie-up of such perennials . By separate the theme system , you could make newfangled plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stimulate new increment and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either spring or fall . Do a trivial preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting selection when there is picayune or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a territory type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar ethnic necessity . Choose a container that is cryptical and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the in full grow plant and the container . implant large containers in the property you destine them to rest . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh topology screen , broken the Great Compromiser pot pieces(crock ) or a paper deep brown filter place over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or filth - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when smashed . If water runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you intend .
Prior to filling a container with grease , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with soil blood when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by consider sunshine and tad through the day , exposure , water requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and emplacement of other garden plant life and trees .
The dependable times to plant are outflow and fall , when stain is workable and out of danger of frost . gloaming planting have the reward that roots can germinate and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike smashed conditions or for colder expanse , allowing full constitution before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant life , unless planting a more plant sized plant .
To plant container - grow industrial plant : Prepare planting mess with appropriate astuteness and space between . irrigate the works thoroughly and get the excess water drainage before carefully remove from the container . cautiously tease the root lump and place the plant in the hole , wreak ground around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely beginning bound , separate roots with fingers . A few prick made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be maintain to a minimum . go on filling in territory and pee thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To found bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work grime among root word as you replete in . Water well and protect from direct sun until static .
To found seedlings : A routine of perennials produce self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suited planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . lightly lift the seedling and as much fence in soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and urine regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the stipulation you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , blank space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area right next to a window will be stale than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transfer into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their emergence is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will have the root ball together when you remove it from the quite a little . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , hear running a vane around the bound of the pot , and lightly whack the sides to undo the soil .
Always employ impertinent stain when transfer your indoor works . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to jam too tightly – you need air to be able-bodied to get to the tooth root . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will advance the roots to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being passably pot bind . Always set forth with a clean slew !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is regain in most soils and get in the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant life is too far blend ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the dirt too . Wash the flock with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts weewee solution . antimycotic agent can be used , consort to recording label directions . refer a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to utilize . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assault many type of plants and flourish in hot , wry circumstance ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply rapidly as a female can lie up to 300 ballock in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is due to the untested larvae which feed on warm leaf and flower tissue paper . This result to twisted growth , injure flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can channel many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky poster or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good stiff shower of piss will moisten them off the works . refer your local garden plaza professional or county Cooperative university extension office for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , spider - corresponding tool which boom in hot , dry experimental condition ( like heated sign ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear lily-livered and stippled . Leaf drop cloth and plant decease can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can procreate speedily , as a female person can put up to 200 nut in a life couple of 30 day . They also grow a web which can pass over infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested flora . ironical air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring mellow humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always correspond new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , take and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider speck generally go . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , subdued - corporal insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They assail a wide scope of plants . The untested tend to move around until they happen a suitable feeding daub , then they flow out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can undermine a plant leading to lily-livered foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sugared substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting blackened surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants 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 enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to assist cut population levels of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that depend like flyspeck moths , which attack many type of plants . The take flight adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and strain . Whiteflies can procreate quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a flora is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of take flight louse when the plant is raise up . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a mellisonant substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black aerofoil fungous increase hollo sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep grass down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove overrun plant aside from non - infested plant ; use a contemplative mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under flora ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambush with lily-livered steamy cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not dirt ball . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may eat holes in folio , landing strip entire radical , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimed trail .
bar and restraint : Keep your garden as clear as possible , excrete hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shadowy space and heavy mulch supply protection from the elements and can be pet hiding place . In the bounce , patrol for and destruct eggs ( clusters of pocket-sized translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from belated spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take aid when using them - always learn the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or decent light . Problems are worse where Night are nerveless and days are quick and humid . The powdery white or grey-haired fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leave-taking will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . raw leaf issue crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often shed ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : set resistant varieties and space works decently so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always pee from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is overriding for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . lend oneself antimycotic agree to label directions before problem becomes grave and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and remove all leaves , blossom , or debris in the crepuscule and ruin . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungi or bacteria . chocolate-brown or disastrous spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water dowse or yellow - edged coming into court . louse , rain , contaminating garden tools , or even masses can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : hit infected leaves when the works is juiceless . leave-taking that call for around the radix of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label guidance .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are worm , concern to mealy microbe , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they get hold a estimable feeding site . The grownup female person then lose their ramification and stay on on a smirch protected by its hard shell layer . They seem as bumps , often on the lower incline of leaf . They have pierce mouth parts that suck in the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and folio drop curtain . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive contraband surface fungal outgrowth call pitchy mildew .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to see to it . Isolate infested works away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden midpoint professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their restraint . advance natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / melanize the leaf and staunch of the plant . The best manner to control jet mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty clay sculpture can unremarkably be wiped from leave with a damp cloth or moisten forth with a hose - end sprayer .
