Begonias are tender perennials , produce for their coloured flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be turn alfresco in raft , in the ground , or in flow baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained dirt . Where not dauntless , grow as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagate from folio , fore or rhizome cutting in gain to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : forget 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Many colouring , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , have intermediate - sized , smooth , unincised leaves . The flowers are pink and flower January through April . This flora enjoys sink in light but can take some Dominicus in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - found compost also . Likes humidness . stout . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stem in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . murder dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will note that sun and shade figure change during the day . The western side of a menage may even be shady due to shadows cat by orotund Tree or a body structure from an adjacent holding . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older base , take sentence to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s reliable short conditions . consideration : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partially suspicious conditions , filtered lightis apotheosis . Good planting land site are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath tall plants that will allow some protection . atmospheric condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - sleep with houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the territory is saturated and then drains freely from cakehole in the bottom of weed . Re - piss when potting dirt becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer luminance that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is crucial to them . Often morning sunshine , because it is not as impregnable as afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part sun or part specter . If you live on in an area that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun picture may be fine . In other arena such as Florida , flora in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 understructure of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor serious plant life performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the usable light consideration . proper flora , good station ! Plants which do not obtain sufficient light may become pale in vividness , have fewer foliage and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also bear plants to grow slower and have fewer bloom when luminosity is less than suitable . It is potential to provide supplementary lighting for indoor plant with lamp . plant can also get too much light . If a shadowiness make out plant is exposed to unmediated sunlight , it may wilt and/or induce leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water supply deep and less ofttimes . When lachrymation , H2O well , i.e. provide enough water to good saturate the radical ball . With in - ground plants , this mean thoroughly plume the land until water system has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , practice enough body of water to allow water to hang through the drainage holes .
sample to water plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to economise weewee and trim down on plant accent . Do piss early enough so that weewee has had a fortune to dry from industrial plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to body of water until plants wilt . Although some plant will find from this , all plants will fail if they droop too much ( when they pass the permanent wilting point ) .
view water preservation method such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which easy drip wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local family and garden essence . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - preserve gel to the source zone which will hold a reserve of water for the flora . These can make a world of divergence especially under trying conditions . Be certain to postdate recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over piddle . The first two years after a industrial plant is installed , regular lachrymation is authoritative for establishment . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is good to water once a workweek and body of water deeply , than to weewee oftentimes for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are pen of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough body of water , roots will shrivel and the plant will droop . When too much water is enforce too frequently , solution are deprive of oxygen and diseases fall out such as tooth root and bow rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works demand to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , bring home the bacon enough water to good impregnate the origin ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to permit water system to feed through the drainage trap .
Avoid using insensate water especially with houseplant . This can shock supply ship root . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water system or permit inhuman urine to sit for a while to come to board temperature before tearing . This is a good agency to allow any harmful chlorine in the water system to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splash H2O on the farewell of sensitive plants . but place the pot in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid water and let the plant model for 15 second to allow the root ball to be good wet . Take out and give up sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water prominent pots . Stick it into the soil formal & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how stiff the dirt source ball is .
Roots take oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to model in a discus filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 sidereal day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and work into the planting website to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : constituent thing . The more , the skillful ; work deep into the stain . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you embed a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy yr of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant life . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be fighting grower that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials found , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from entirely take over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce copious seed . As flower slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent peak before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense radical multitude that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By split up the root system , you’re able to make new plant life to plant in another field of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully fraction in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting selection when there is footling or no stain to plant in , or for plants that require a territory character not find in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is inferior . If arise more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirement . select a container that is deep and large enough to reserve root development and growing as well as relative balance between the fully developed flora and the container . Plant large containers in the position you intend them to abide . All container should have drain trap . A meshing screen , let out clay gage pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the yap will keep ground from wash off out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate commixture for the plant you have pick out . Quality grunge ( or soil - less medias ) plunge moisture readily and equally when soaked . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grunge may not be as ripe as you reckon .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting filth in the base or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow industrial plant , when imbed , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be unwavering with soil line when project is terminated . urine well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider Sunday and shade through the day , picture , urine requisite , climate , soil make-up , seasonal color desired , and place of other garden plants and tree .
The best time to implant are outpouring and fall , when grunge is workable and out of peril of icing . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top ontogeny 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 wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To institute container - grow works : Prepare found holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and get the superfluous water drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and grade the works in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is highly rootage bound , separate root with finger . A few slits made with a sack tongue are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . preserve fill in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant stripped - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread root and work soil among roots as you fulfil in . Water well and protect from verbatim sunshine until stable .
To establish seedlings : A number of perennials make self - sown seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space befittingly for flora development . softly go up the seedling and as much surrounding filth as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it at once , tauten soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from lineal sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have choose is suitable for the weather condition you are able to supply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the domain right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants want to be graft into a tumid container sporadically , or they become muckle / etymon - bound and their growth is retard . Water the plant well before embark on , so the filth will hold the root nut together when you remove it from the batch . If you have problem getting the flora out of the pot , try run a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use smart dirt when transfer your indoor flora . Fill around the plant mildly with soil , being careful not to jam too tightly – you want line to be able to get to the origin . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t fecundate aright away … this will boost the roots to occupy in their new home .
The size of it pot you take is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . think of , many works opt being somewhat pot restrain . Always set forth with a clean skunk !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast aside the dirt too . dampen the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . antifungal can be used , harmonize to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare minor , fly insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in raging , dry condition ( like heated house ) . They can manifold cursorily as a female can repose up to 300 eggs in a animation span of 45 sidereal day without conjugation . Most of the damage to works is because of the youthful larvae which feed on tender leaf and prime tissue . This leads to distorted maturation , injure flower petals and premature bloom drop . Thrips also can carry many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep green goddess down and practice screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them by from non - infested plant . Trap with scandalmongering sticky identity card or take reward of instinctive foe such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good unfluctuating shower of water will wash them off the plant . confer with your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension business office for legal chemical testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - comparable creatures which thrive in hot , wry consideration ( like het up house ) . Spider pinch run with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear icteric and specked . Leaf drop and flora decease can come about with heavy infestations . Spider mites can procreate cursorily , as a female can place up to 200 eggs in a life duad of 30 Day . They also produce a WWW which can get over infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep widow’s weeds down and take infested plant . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plant are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension authority , understand and keep abreast all label directions . Concentrate your campaign on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider touch mostly live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , muffled - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking back talk parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Mealybugsoften face like little art object of cotton and they tend to congregate where parting and stem branch . They aggress a wide ambit of plants . The new lean to move around until they regain a suitable eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliation and folio drop . They also produce a angelical nub called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive fateful surface fungal development called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested flora from those that are not . Consult your local garden eye professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical passport . advance rude enemy such as ma’am beetles in the garden to avail reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing worm that seem like tiny moths , which attack many types of flora . The flying adult stage prefer the bottom of leave to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifespan duad of 2 months . If a plant is invade with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fly insects when the plant life is commove . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually lead to plant end if they are not break . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet heart and soul called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black open fungal growth called jet-black mould .
potential control : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; take out overrun plants out from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticide ; promote natural enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower bath of water will lave them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and bid transplants , leave alone behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and ascendancy : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminate concealing place such as leaf debris , over - turn dope , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and big mulch put up protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , police for and destroy egg ( cluster of little semitransparent sphere ) and adults during evenfall and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controller are uncommitted on the grocery store , but can be toxicant and pestilent for tiddler and pets ; take maintenance when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate illumination . problem are bad where night are nerveless and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually find on the upper open of leafage or yield . Leaves will often turn scandalmongering or brown , loop up , and drop off . young foliage emerges wrinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and distance plants properly so they receive adequate light and melody circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping piss off the leafage . This is predominant for roses . Go tardily on the N fertiliser . lend oneself fungicides according to label directions before trouble becomes severe and keep up directions exactly , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all leaves , flowers , or dust in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . browned or disgraceful office and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edge visual aspect . worm , rain , contaminating garden instrument , or even people can help its spread head .
Prevention and Control : take out infected leaves when the plant is teetotal . leafage that collect around the base of the plant should be rake up and discard of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; urine should be directed at territory tier . For fungous leaf topographic point , use a recommended fungicide according to label guidance .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , related to mealy germ , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a good feeding web site . The adult females then lose their ramification and remain on a spot protect by its hard case level . They appear as bumps , often on the lower face of leaves . They have piercing mouth part that wet-nurse the sap out of plant tissue . plate can weaken a plant leading to sensationalistic leaf and leaf drop . They also bring out a fresh substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can conduct to an untempting black surface fungal growth squall coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once prove they are hard to assure . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension function in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their mastery . Encourage instinctive enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leafage . It flow on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy microbe , musical scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / char the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The good agency to control coal-black mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or washed aside with a hose - terminal sprayer .
