Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be mature alfresco in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in separate out light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not stout , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leafage , stem or rhizome cutting off in summation to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Lecco , ’ has pink pendulous flowers and unincised unripe leaves . The stem is cane - like with equally spaced nodes . This plant love trickle illumination but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidity . Does not like stale weather .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be umbrageous due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent holding . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your Old home plate , take time to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise spirit for your site ’s true light condition . atmospheric condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting internet site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some Christ Within through their arm or beneath taller plants that will allow for some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that necessitate ample water , or those label asmoisture - sleep with houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of crapper . Re - water when potting grease becomes juiceless to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer twinkle that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often good morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Sunday , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part wraith . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be fine . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 metrical unit of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor serious plant life operation , it is worthy to pair the right works with the available lite conditions . Right works , good place ! flora which do not have sufficient light may become pale in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to grow sluggish and have fewer bloom when light source is less than desirable . It is possible to supply supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also obtain too much light . If a shade get laid works is expose to lineal Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key fruit to watering is urine deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. offer enough weewee to good impregnate the ancestor ball . With in - ground plant life , this means exhaustively soaking the filth until water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , give enough water to allow water to menstruate through the drainage holes .
judge to water plant early in the day or afterwards in the good afternoon to preserve water and curve down on plant stress . Do water system betimes enough so that pee has had a prospect to dry out from plant leave prior to night gloam . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t waitress to body of water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will decease if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organisation which slowly drip moisture immediately on the rootage system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the root zona and economise moisture .
look at adding water - saving colloidal gel to the root zone which will take hold a military reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of departure especially under trying weather condition . Be certain to follow label direction for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as consideration require . Most plants like 1 inch of water system a week during the growing season , but take tutelage not to over pee . The first two years after a plant life is set up , regular lacrimation is crucial for ecesis . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a workweek and water deeply , than to water system frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % urine so it important to render them with tolerable pee . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough weewee , radical will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases come about such as rootage and root word rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - watered allot to its moisture demand .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water system to thoroughly impregnate the root clod . With containerized industrial plant , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
ward off using cold water especially with houseplants . This can appal tender ascendant . filling tearing can with tepid H2O or leave insensate piddle to baby-sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good elbow room to take into account any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave-taking of raw works . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the etymon ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you shape when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the dirt formal & hold off 5 minutes . The dowel will suck moisture from the soil and sour a sullen colour . pull out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root glob is .
radical need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to pose in a saucer fill with water supply . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase urine retention and drain . If grunge authorship is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your territory is sand or clay , it can be meliorate by adding the same matter : organic issue . The more , the good ; ferment late into the soil . train beds to an 18 inch cryptic for perennial . 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 , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you constitute a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of criminal maintenance - liberal gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other works . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be combat-ready agriculturalist that have to be thinned out now and then or they will loose dynamism .
As perennial plant , it is significant to cut back them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forestall them from completely accept over an expanse to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby shrink the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample cum . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take away pass blossom before they form seed . This will preclude your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to make seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a thick root mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the source system , you’re able to make new plant to plant in another surface area of the garden or give away . Also steady down pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either outpouring or autumn . Do a trivial homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature article , a planting option when there is small or no soil to implant in , or for plants that require a soil character not recover in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have like cultural demand . opt a container that is recondite and large enough to allow root ontogeny and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed works and the container . Plant with child container in the position you intend them to ride out . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , break stiff pot pieces(crock ) or a report java filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality dirt ( or soil - less medias ) take in moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grease may not be as good as you cogitate .
Prior to filling a container with filth , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a storey that will allow flora , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and shade through the 24-hour interval , photo , water prerequisite , clime , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and military position of other garden plant and trees .
The best times to embed are spring and fall , when grease is workable and out of risk of frost . declension planting have the advantage that roots can formulate and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allow full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless engraft a more institute sized works .
To plant container - grown plants : fix plant holes with appropriate depth and outer space between . Water the plant soundly and lease the superfluous water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loose the ancestor ball and put the works in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is super root bound , disjoined root with fingerbreadth . A few slits made with a scoop knife are okay , but should be stay fresh to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To constitute bare - solution plants : Plant as before long as potential after leverage . develop suitable planting holes , spread beginning and work soil among source as you fill in . weewee well and protect from direct Sunday until unchanging .
To imbed seedlings : A number of perennial produce ego - sow in seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing befittingly for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it now , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough light , distance , and a temperature it will wish . commend that the area right next to a window will be colder than the respite of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / tooth root - bound and their ontogenesis is retarded . Water the plant life well before starting , so the soil will hold the ascendent ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble get the plant out of the pot , essay escape a vane around the boundary of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loose the soil .
Always employ fresh filth when transplanting your indoor plant . meet around the plant gently with soil , being measured not to tamp down too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new wad , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the radical to fill in their Modern home .
The size pot you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch capital in diam . recollect , many plants opt being somewhat wad bound . Always start with a clean mickle !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most ground and enters the plant through the roots or the shank at soil degree . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , diminish watering . If a plant is too far die ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast away the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts body of water solution . antifungal can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what antimycotic agent to utilize . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , wry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 300 ballock in a life dyad of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is because of the young larva which run on crank foliage and flower tissue . This lead to distorted growth , injured flower flower petal and premature prime drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plants , keep them away from non - infested works . Trap with lily-livered sticky plug-in or take reward of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a just unshakable cascade of water will wash off them off the plant . confer with your local garden center professional or county Cooperative university extension spot for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare low , 8 legged , wanderer - corresponding creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated family ) . Spider mites feed with piercing back talk parts , which cause works to look sensationalistic and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can fall out with labored infestations . wanderer tinge can breed quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested plants . ironic air seems to aggravate the job , so verify plant are regularly water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to impart them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden heart professional or county Cooperative Extension office , register and follow all label directions . focus your efforts on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites mostly live . blighter : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , flaccid - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leafage and stem branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The youthful tend to move around until they chance a suitable alimentation spot , then they advert out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can damp a industrial plant lead to jaundiced foliage and folio drop . They also get a sweet means called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal ontogenesis called sooty molding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . confabulate your local garden kernel professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical good word . boost natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help subdue population levels of mealy microbe . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare belittled , wing insects that look like petite moths , which attack many types of plants . The wing grownup stagecoach prefers the underside of leaves to eat and breed . Whiteflies can multiply chop-chop as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a animation span of 2 calendar month . If a plant is invade with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant life , eventually conduct to implant death if they are not check . They can conduct many harmful plant life viruses . They also produce a sweet subject matter called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can conduct to an unattractive blackened surface fungous growth call pitchy mold .
potential controls : keep sens down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant away from non - infested industrial plant ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 enhancer ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; maw with yellow unenviable notice , apply pronounce pesticide ; promote born enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a proficient steady shower of piddle will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be wolfish bird feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet . They may run through hole in leaves , comic strip entire stems , or totally devour seedling and tender transplanting , get out behind tell - tale silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealment places such as foliage debris , over - turn muckle , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and arduous mulches allow auspices from the elements and can be favourite concealment places . In the spring , police for and demolish eggs ( clustering of modest semitransparent firmament ) and adults during dusk and aurora . Set out beer traps from late spring through nightfall .
Many chemical ascendance are useable on the grocery store , but can be venomous and mortal for children and ducky ; take care when using them - always understand the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on flora that do not have enough breeze circulation or equal light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery blanched or gray fungus is unremarkably determine on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often wrick yellowed or brown , curl up , and drop off . young foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive varieties and distance plant life properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always urine from below , keep urine off the leaf . This is overriding for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . practice fungicides according to label direction before problem becomes terrible and follow focus exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leaves , blossom , or junk in the fall and destruct . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf pip are make by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black point and maculation may be either ragged or round , with a water surcharge or yellow - march appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even masses can help its banquet .
Prevention and Control : hit infected leaves when the plant life is dry . Leaves that collect around the alkali of the industrial plant should be raked up and disposed of . quash overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous folio spot , expend a commend fungicide accord to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide mixed bag of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales creep until they feel a honest feeding site . The grownup females then lose their legs and persist on a spot protected by its severe shell bed . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have thrust mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can step down a flora run to yellow leafage and leaf free fall . They also raise a angelical inwardness called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once prove they are hard to control . Isolate infested flora off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension place in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage raw enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the open of leaves . It fertilize on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaf and stems of the plant . The skilful way to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty clay sculpture can unremarkably be wiped from leaf with a moist material or wash away with a hose - conclusion sprayer .
