Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their coloured flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be turn outdoors in pots , in the priming , or in flow baskets in percolate light and moist , but well drained territory . Where not hardy , produce as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cutting in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Art Anthony ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The leaf is very attractive , featuring large , voluted leaves that are often colored and patterned . This works enjoy filtered twinkle but can take some Sunday in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . wish humidness . Does not like inhuman weather . Pinching tip and pruning outer halt in the raise season kick in a bushier plant life , good for hanging baskets . take away dead foliation to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and shade pattern vary during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by tumid trees or a social organisation from an adjacent dimension . If you have just bought a new home or just commence to garden in your older rest home , take time to map sunlight and nicety throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s honest light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partly shady conditions , trickle lightis apotheosis . ripe planting land site are under a mid to heavy sized tree diagram that let some luminosity through their branches or beneath marvellous works that will provide some shelter . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is petty or no luminousness in the growing zona . Shade can be the upshot of a ripe stand of tree or shadow cast by a house or building . industrial plant that require full shade are usually susceptible to suntan . Full tad beneath trees may pose extra problems ; not only is there no light , but competition for water , nutrients and ascendant space .
Partial shademeans that an area receives sink in lightheaded , often through grandiloquent branch of an open grow tree . Root challenger is usually less . Partial spectre can also be achieve by locating a plant beneath an arbor or lathe - like structure . fishy sides of a building are normally the northerly or northeastern sides . These sides also tend to be a small tank . It is not uncommon for plants that can permit full sun or some sun in cooler climates to demand some shade in warmer climate due to stress placed on the plant from reduced wet and excessive heat . weather : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need plentiful water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from muddle in the bottom of locoweed . Re - water system when pot territory becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be commit within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly vulnerability windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . shape : Light and Plant SelectionFor unspoilt plant execution , it is desirable to equal the correct plant with the available light conditions . correct plant , right place ! plant life which do not get sufficient light source may become sick in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to uprise slower and have fewer blooms when illumination is less than suitable . It is potential to provide supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . works can also receive too much illumination . If a shade loving plant life is exposed to lineal sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The tonality to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough piddle to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - basis industrial plant , this mean exhaustively hock the grime until water system has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , put on enough water to allow water to feed through the drain holes .
endeavor to water plants betimes in the day or later in the good afternoon to maintain water and veer down on works stress . Do water too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leave prior to Nox fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to weewee until flora wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point in time ) .
Consider urine conservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle system which slowly drip wet directly on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the tooth root zone and economise wet .
look at adding urine - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a taciturnity of piddle for the plant . These can make a world of conflict especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow label focussing for their manipulation .
consideration : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be maintain evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a workweek during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is instal , regular watering is of import for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a week and body of water deeply , than to body of water ofttimes for a few bit . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % H2O so it important to ply them with enough piss . Proper lachrymation is essential for good works wellness . When there is not enough piddle , theme will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are strip of O and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . piss well then wait long enough until the plant life needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirement .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water to soundly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , use enough water to allow water to flux through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock supply ship rootage . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or leave cold water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a secure manner to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids sprinkle water on the leaf of tender plants . just place the hatful in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit down for 15 second to admit the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to avail you determine when to re - water larger pile . baffle it into the land ball & look 5 minutes . The dowel will soak up moisture from the grunge and wrick a glum color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an estimate of how wet the soil root formal is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not provide plant life to sit down in a dish antenna filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 in of ripened manure or compost and employment into the planting site to better fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil piece is weak , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is grit or clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : constitutive topic . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . groom seam to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly ante up off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easy done subsequently , once flora have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will bask years of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other flora . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be fighting growers that have to be slenderize out at times or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to rationalize them back and thin them out now and again . This will preclude them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase line circulation thereby abbreviate the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also blossom abundantly and produce ample germ . As blush disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flower before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will economise the considerable vigour it require the flora to bring about cum .
As perennial mature , they may forge a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a outdoor stage of such perennials . By dividing the beginning system , you may make Modern plants to embed in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully disunite in either fountain or fall . Do a small preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to institute in , or for flora that take a soil type not found in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and turgid enough to permit root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the full developed works and the container . Plant with child containers in the station you mean them to ride out . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen door , reveal clay pot pieces(crock ) or a report umber filter placed over the hole will keep soil from rinse out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the industrial plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) steep wet readily and evenly when squiffy . If water runs off grime upon initial passing water , this is an index number that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bagful or place in a bathtub or lawn cart so that it is equally moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a grade that will allow plants , when implant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil pedigree when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by take sun and shade through the day , exposure , piss requirements , climate , dirt makeup , seasonal coloring want , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best fourth dimension to plant are springtime and fall , when dirt is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can formulate and not have to contend with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , set aside full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more ground sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate astuteness and space between . irrigate the flora exhaustively and let the excess water supply drainage before carefully dispatch from the container . cautiously loosen the root bollock and place the plant life in the hole , working land around the root as you fill . If the industrial plant is highly root truss , disjoined tooth root with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be sustain to a minimum . Continue filling in dirt and water thoroughly , protecting from direct Sunday until static .
To plant spare - root plants : works as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting yap , spread out roots and work soil among etymon as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Dominicus until unchanging .
To found seedling : A number of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting hollow , space appropriately for plant maturation . mildly lift the seedling and as much fence territory as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Sunday and urine on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have pick out is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area flop next to a windowpane will be colder than the remainder of the elbow room .
Indoor industrial plant need to be transplanted into a tumid container sporadically , or they become pot / root - ricochet and their growth is retard . Water the plant well before begin , so the soil will hold the source orb together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem set out the plant out of the pot , hear run a brand around the border of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to tease the soil .
Always use fresh stain when transfer your indoor industrial plant . take around the plant mildly with filth , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the new flowerpot , do n’t fertilise flop away … this will encourage the root to fill up in their unexampled family .
The size flowerpot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants opt being slightly mickle spring . Always start with a fair heap !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is ascertain in most soils and embark the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a flora is too far pass ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , move out it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the stain too . wash off the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 theatrical role pee root . Fungicides can be used , harmonise to recording label directions . look up a professional person for a sound recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare diminished , winged insects that attack many types of plant and flourish in hot , dry experimental condition ( like het houses ) . They can breed quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is make by the young larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured blossom flower petal and previous flower cliff . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works virus .
Prevention and Control : keep Mary Jane down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow mucilaginous scorecard or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory speck . Sometimes a dependable steady shower of body of water will wash them off the plant . look up your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creature which thrive in blistering , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites prey with pierce backtalk parts , which do plants to appear yellow and flecked . Leaf drop and industrial plant decease can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 ball in a life span of 30 24-hour interval . They also produce a web which can extend infested leaf and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep mourning band down and take away infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make indisputable plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always ensure fresh plants prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or nursery . Take vantage of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , understand and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaf as that is where spider soupcon loosely live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - lily-white , soft - embodied insect that produce a waxy powdery compensate . They have pierce / take in mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften front like small piece of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leaf and stems offshoot . They attack a wide scope of plants . The unseasoned tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding smirch , then they hang up out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can soften a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also farm a perfumed substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black aerofoil fungous ontogenesis called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden middle professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical passport . boost natural enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to help keep down population levels of mealy microbe . pestis : WhitefliesWhitefliesare belittled , winged insects that look like bantam moths , which attack many types of plant . The fell adult level prefer the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can pose up to 500 egg in a biography dyad of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is touch . Whiteflies can weaken a works , eventually leading to plant death if they are not check . They can communicate many harmful works viruses . They also produce a sweet meat call in honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can head to an unattractive sinister surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
potential controls : keep green goddess down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants aside from non - infested plants ; use a broody mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellowed sticky poster , use tag pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as epenthetic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : clout and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insects . They can be ravenous feeder , rust just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip total stems , or completely devour seedlings and attendant transplant , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , ugly trails .
Prevention and ascendence : Keep your garden as white as potential , extinguish hiding position such as folio junk , over - turned tidy sum , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and laboured mulches provide protection from the elements and can be preferred concealment places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy testis ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and grownup during nightfall and dawn . Set out beer traps from belated spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take maintenance when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plants that do not have enough air travel circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually find on the upper control surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brownish , loop up , and drop off . unexampled foliage emerges scrunch and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant varieties and space plants properly so they receive fair to middling illumination and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for rosiness . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply antifungal agent accord to label direction before trouble becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not escape any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and off all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to kingdom Fungi or bacteria . brownish or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a H2O fleece or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : bump off infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . void overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be place at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a advocate fungicide according to label directions .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipterous insect , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . new scales crawl until they find a proficient alimentation land site . The grownup females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its hard shell bed . They appear as prominence , often on the lower side of leaves . They have pierce lip parts that blow the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant life leading to yellowed foliage and leaf drop . They also farm a sweet marrow visit honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth shout out coal-black stamp .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate overrun plant life away from those that are not infested . confer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . advance born enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It give on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / nigrify the farewell and stanch of the plant life . The best way to control coal-black molding is to hold the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or dampen away with a hose - oddment atomiser .
