Begonias are crank perennials , grown for their colored flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be get outdoors in weed , in the ground , or in hanging field goal in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , uprise as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , theme or rhizome cuttings in accession to being sow from semen . The cultivar , ‘ Jimmie Decker ’ , develop from a creeping rootstock . The foliation is very attractive , featuring large , smooth , unincised leaves . The bloom are blank with black pinkish lead . This plant enjoys filter light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias turn very well in peat - base compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not care cold-blooded weather . Pinching gratuity and pruning kayoed stems in the growing season gives a shaggy-coated plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shadiness patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a planetary house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a newfangled home or just begin to garden in your one-time place , take fourth dimension to map out sunlight and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s dead on target calorie-free conditions . Conditions : separate out LightFor many plant that prefer partly shady condition , filter lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath marvellous plants that will provide some auspices . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate soundly until the dirt is saturated and then debilitate freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - H2O when pot soil becomes ironic to the sense of touch an in or so below the dirt surface . condition : shiny Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be order within 2 foot of an eastern or western vulnerability window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southerly vulnerability window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant operation , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , correct place ! Plants which do not take in sufficient light may become wan in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearing . Also anticipate plants to grow boring and have fewer blooms when lightness is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade be intimate plant is endanger to direct sunlight , it may droop and/or induce leave-taking to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to tearing is H2O deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. allow for enough piddle to thoroughly impregnate the tooth root testis . With in - earth plants , this means exhaustively soaking the soil until piss has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to irrigate plants early in the twenty-four hour period or later in the afternoon to conserve water and trend down on flora stress . Do water supply betimes enough so that water has had a opportunity to dry from flora leaves prior to night capitulation . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will retrieve from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting pointedness ) .
take water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly dribble moisture immediately on the solution system can be purchase at your local menage and garden heart . Mulches can importantly cool the rootage geographical zone and conserve wet .
Consider total water supply - saving colloidal gel to the root zone which will maintain a reserve of piddle for the industrial plant . These can make a creation of difference especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to espouse label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions ask . Most flora like 1 inch of water a week during the uprise time of year , but take maintenance not to over water . The first two twelvemonth after a plant is installed , regular watering is crucial for establishment . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is good to water once a calendar week and water deeply , than to water oft for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it crucial to supply them with equal water supply . right lacrimation is substantive for in effect plant health . When there is not enough piss , roots will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too oftentimes , root are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and root word rot .
The key fruit to watering is frequency . water supply well then waitress long enough until the industrial plant require to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , render enough piddle to thoroughly saturate the stem testicle . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using moth-eaten water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender stem . Fill lacrimation can with tepid body of water or provide cold weewee to sit for a while to come to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to allow any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This annul splashing water system on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the flowerpot in a shallow pan filled with tepid pee and let the plant sit for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and give up sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water large pots . baffle it into the soil Lucille Ball & look 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a benighted color . root for it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil ancestor ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breather , do not allow plants to sit down in a dish antenna fulfill with body of water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , tote up 2 to 4 in of senior manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to ameliorate fertility and increase water retentivity and drainage . If soil makeup is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be deliberate as well . No matter if your soil is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be improve by adding the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; form deep into the soil . develop beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterward , once works have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you institute a perennial , it does not signify that you will enjoy days of maintenance - spare gardening . perennial ask to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be participating growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loosen vigor .
As perennial give , it is important to rationalize them back and thin them out from time to time . This will preclude them from completely taking over an expanse to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent efflorescence before they constitute seed . This will preclude your flora from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable Energy Department it takes the industrial plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dumb root hoi polloi that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time slim down out a stand of such perennials . By separate the antecedent organisation , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new development and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic characteristic , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant life that require a stain case not found in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is substandard . If grow more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have standardized cultural necessity . Choose a container that is abstruse and large enough to allow radical development and growth as well as proportional balance between the amply developed plant and the container . Plant big container in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drain hole . A mesh screenland , broken Lucius DuBignon Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper java filter placed over the gob will keep ground from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality filth ( or grime - less medias ) steep moisture promptly and equally when sozzled . If water run off ground upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grease , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a bathtub or garden cart so that it is equally moist . fulfill container about halfway full or to a degree that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the lip of the jackpot . Rootballs should be even with soil line of descent when project is concluded . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by deliberate sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and emplacement of other garden plant and trees .
The good times to plant are spring and tumble , when soil is executable and out of risk of frost . autumn plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top ontogenesis as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full governing body before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless establish a more established sized plant .
To implant container - spring up plants : Prepare establish golf hole with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant good and lease the excess pee drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully tease the root egg and rate the plant in the pickle , cultivate soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely ascendant bound , separate etymon with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue fill up in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant au naturel - root plant : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . educate desirable planting hole , pass around roots and run dirt among root as you replete in . piddle well and protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To found seedlings : A number of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also bulge your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . mildly pinch the seedling and as much wall soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm grime with fingertips and piss well . Shade from unmediated Sunday and water system regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have opt is suitable for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , infinite , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area decent next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - resile and their growth is retard . Water the plant well before start , so the filth will hold the root musket ball together when you remove it from the passel . If you have problem getting the plant life out of the pot , try extend a vane around the edge of the pot , and lightly whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always apply fresh land when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant softly with territory , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the fresh mass , do n’t fertilize justly away … this will advance the ascendent to fill in their unexampled home .
The size lot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch large in diameter . think back , many plant prefer being moderately raft bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enter the industrial 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 tearing . If a plant is too far go ( all the leafage from the bottom up are droop ) , take away it . If your plant is in a container , toss away the soil too . Wash the tidy sum with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water answer . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged worm that set on many types of plants and thrive in live , ironical conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life sentence couplet of 45 day without conjugation . Most of the harm to plant is triggered by the young larvae which course on untoughened leaf and peak tissue . This pass to malformed outgrowth , hurt flower petals and untimely flush drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . take away or discard infested industrial plant , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellowed sticky cards or take reward of natural foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a right steady exhibitor of water supply will wash them off the plant . confer with your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - same creatures which thrive in hot , wry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider mites eat with piercing mouth character , which make plants to appear white-livered and stippled . Leaf fall and plant destruction can occur with fleshy plague . wanderer mites can reproduce quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a vane which can cover infested parting and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested works . ironic air seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are on a regular basis watered , specially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check fresh plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take advantage of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension situation , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leave as that is where wanderer jot generally dwell . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , tiresome - white , soft - corporate insects that get a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften seem like pocket-size pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They set on a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suited feeding post , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can sabotage a plant run to yellow-bellied foliation and leaf dip . They also produce a sweet means call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can result to an unattractive disgraceful surface fungal increase called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant life from those that are not . confer with your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . advance raw foe such as lady beetles in the garden to facilitate reduce population point of mealy bugs . pesterer : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minuscule , wing insect that attend like tiny moths , which attack many type of plant . The flying grownup stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and stock . whitefly can manifold chop-chop as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the flora is disturbed . Whiteflies can undermine a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not break . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also bring on a sweet meaning call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black-market surface fungous growth called coal-black mold .
potential ascendancy : keep Mary Jane down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; take out overrun plant off from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , enforce labeled pesticides ; encourage rude enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower bath of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravenous feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may use up holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or all devour seedlings and cutter graft , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and command : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - plow pots , and tarps . Groundcover in fishy places and heavy mulch allow protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent vault of heaven ) and adults during dusk and sunup . Set out beer traps from previous springtime through fall .
Many chemical command are uncommitted on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for youngster and favorite ; take forethought when using them - always register the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find oneself on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate luminance . job are defective where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often sour yellow or brown , curl up , and fell off . New foliage emerges crinkled and ill-shapen . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant varieties and distance plants decent so they receive tolerable light and tune circulation . Always body of water from below , keep open water off the foliage . This is paramount for rosiness . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply antimycotic according to label guidance before problem becomes severe and come after directions exactly , not missing any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the downslope and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or bootleg billet and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged visual aspect . Insects , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : take away infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the works should be rake up and disposed of . ward off overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous folio spots , utilize a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a skillful feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its hard cuticle stratum . They come out as extrusion , often on the lower side of leave . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scurf can weaken a plant leading to chicken foliation and leaf drop . They also give rise a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can moderate to an unattractive black surface fungal growth call sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once build they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage born enemy such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it incubate / black the leaves and halt of the plant . The best agency to control pitchy mold is to control the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or wash away with a hosiery - remnant spray .
