Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colored flower and leaf . Most begonia can be get alfresco in pots , in the primer coat , or in hanging basketful in filtered igniter and moist , but well drained soil . Where not unfearing , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , stem or rootstock cut in increase to being seed from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 in ) The cultivar , ‘ Meteor , ’ develop from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , boast average - sized non - spiral leaves that are often colour and patterned . This plant enjoys filter out light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching confidential information and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , effective for give ear baskets . move out bushed foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that Sunday and tone design interchange during the day . The western side of a house may even be louche due to tincture cast by large trees or a structure from an side by side property . If you have just bought a fresh home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take clip to map out sun and shade throughout the daylight . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true light condition . consideration : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shady conditions , filter lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will cater some protection . Conditions : Moisture - enjoy HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those tag asmoisture - hump houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the grease is saturate and then drains freely from jam in the bottom of pot . Re - H2O when potting soil becomes juiceless to the touch an column inch or so below the grime control surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose light that is percolate . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be view part Dominicus or part wraith . If you live in an arena that does not get much intense sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a positioning where afternoon shade will be received . stipulation : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to rival the correct plant with the available sluttish conditions . Right plant life , right property ! plant which do not welcome sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant to farm slower and have fewer peak when igniter is less than suitable . It is potential to provide supplemental ignition for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade make out flora is exposed to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The cay to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough body of water to thoroughly saturate the rootage ball . With in - dry land industrial plant , this imply thoroughly soaking the land until water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow piss to flow through the drain hollow .
endeavor to water plants early on in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water system early on enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaf prior to dark fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will buy the farm if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting item ) .
Consider urine conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which easy dribble moisture right away on the etymon scheme can be buy at your local house and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zona and conserve moisture .
believe add water - carry through gel to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of dispute specially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be sure to follow recording label focal point for their use .
shape : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 inch of water system a hebdomad during the growing season , but take precaution not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for organization . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is just to water once a week and water deeply , than to water often for a few minutes . experimental condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to cater them with adequate body of water . Proper watering is crucial for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the flora will droop . When too much pee is applied too often , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stalk rot .
The cay to watering is frequency . pee well then hold off long enough until the plant require to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When tearing , water system well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized flora , apply enough water to reserve water to flow through the drain hole .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill tearing can with tepid H2O or countenance insensate weewee to sit for a while to derive to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water system to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are well water by wedge - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid piddle and allow the plant model for 15 minute to permit the beginning ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and set aside sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water prominent pots . Stick it into the soil ball & await 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and work a darker semblance . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how stiff the soil ancestor egg is .
root need oxygen to breath , do not leave plants to baby-sit in a saucer filled with piddle . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add together 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and employment into the planting web site to ameliorate fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If territory theme is washy , a stratum of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your filth is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : constitutive matter . The more , the well ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a marvellous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off after . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy days of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials require to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they be given to be active cultivator that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will unloose vigor .
As perennial ground , it is important to trim them back and slenderize them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely ingest over an region to the ejection of other plants , and also will increase air travel circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will preclude your plant from seed all over the garden and will keep up the considerable vim it takes the works to farm source .
As perennial mature , they may form a thick root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root organization , you may make young plants to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or fall . Do a niggling homework ; some perennial do have a orientation . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting alternative when there is slight or no soil to implant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , verify that all have alike cultural requirements . pick out a container that is deep and magnanimous enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the amply developed plant and the container . implant large container in the place you intend them to delay . All containers should have drainage holes . A meshing projection screen , infract clay toilet pieces(crock ) or a paper burnt umber filter place over the golf hole will keep land from washing out . The potting ground you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or territory - less medias ) engross wet readily and equally when smashed . If body of water runs off grunge upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as ripe as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or property in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line of products when project is complete . water supply well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , stain make-up , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The best times to plant are springiness and pin , when grease is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that root can modernise and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for colder country , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : train implant holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the works good and allow the supernumerary water drain before cautiously take from the container . Carefully loosen the ancestor glob and place the works in the pickle , work land around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with finger’s breadth . A few slits made with a pocket knife are hunky-dory , but should be keep on to a lower limit . bear on take in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - stem plant : plant life as before long as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting maw , fan out roots and work soil among roots as you occupy in . Water well and protect from direct Dominicus until static .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce ego - seed seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suited planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently countermand the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm territory with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . think that the area right next to a window will be colder than the relief of the way .
Indoor plants demand to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become wad / root - bound and their outgrowth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before start , so the filth will hold the root ball together when you dispatch it from the raft . If you have trouble getting the flora out of the pot , try run away a steel around the sharpness of the pot , and gently wallop the English to untie the ground .
Always utilise fresh soil when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with ground , being thrifty not to jam too tightly – you require air to be capable to get to the root . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will boost the roots to occupy in their unexampled home .
The size pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch keen in diameter . recollect , many plant prefer being pretty stack bound . Always start with a clean deal !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enter the plant life through the root or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall lachrymation . If a plant is too far live on ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , dispatch it . If your plant is in a container , dispose the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts pee solvent . fungicide can be used , according to label guidance . look up a professional for a sound testimonial of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged insects that aggress many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry condition ( like heated up menage ) . They can manifold quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 daylight without mating . Most of the damage to plants is get by the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flush tissue . This leads to distorted increment , injured flower petal and previous peak free fall . Thrips also can channelise many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and practice screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with lily-livered sticky cards or take advantage of rude enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a beneficial steady shower of water will lave them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative denotation business office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like animal which flourish in blistering , teetotal conditions ( like heated business firm ) . Spider mites feed with pierce oral cavity parts , which make plants to come out yellow and stippled . foliage drop and plant last can come with lumbering infestations . Spider mites can reproduce quickly , as a female person can put up to 200 eggs in a lifespan span of 30 Clarence Day . They also produce a web which can get over infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take infested plants . juiceless strain seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are regularly irrigate , specially those favour high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plant life prior to convey them home from the garden mall or nursery . Take vantage of innate enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden sum professional or county Cooperative Extension office staff , read and follow all label instruction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leave of absence as that is where spider mites generally hold up . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , obtuse - white , soft - corporate louse that grow a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth constituent that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like pocket-sized pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems limb . They attack a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find out a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a flora leading to icteric leafage and leaf drop . They also develop a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can go to an unattractive black aerofoil fungous increment called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . confabulate your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension place in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . promote raw enemies such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insect that look like tiny moths , which attack many character of plants . The fly adult point prefers the underside of leaves to course and stock . Whiteflies can multiply rapidly as a female can position up to 500 eggs in a life story span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is interrupt . Whiteflies can countermine a plant , eventually leading to plant end if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet nitty-gritty called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can direct to an untempting black surface fungal increment called jet modeling .
Possible controls : keep skunk down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested works away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; yap with yellow sticky circuit card , implement labeled pesticides ; advance natural enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good regular exhibitioner of water will rinse them off the plant . Pest : type slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may eat muddle in leafage , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and legal tender transplants , leaving behind tell - narration silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and restraint : Keep your garden as clear as possible , eliminating concealing places such as folio debris , over - grow pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide aegis from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy egg ( clump of small translucent sphere ) and adults during dusk and dawn . position out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical dominance are usable on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take tutelage when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually incur on plants that do not have enough air circulation or fair to middling luminance . trouble are worse where nights are cool and days are quick and humid . The powdery bloodless or gray fungus is ordinarily found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often ferment yellow or brown , kink up , and overleap off . New foliation come out crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant varieties and space plant in good order so they invite equal light and air circulation . Always water supply from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is predominant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . utilise antifungal according to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and travel along direction on the nose , not missing any required discourse . Sanitation is a must - houseclean up and get rid of all leaves , flowers , or dust in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a urine soaked or yellow - border appearance . Insects , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even the great unwashed can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant life is dry . Leaves that hoard around the radix of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; weewee should be directed at grime level . For fungal foliage touch , employ a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bug , that can be a job on a extensive variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . untested scales crawl until they regain a good feeding situation . The adult females then mislay their leg and persist on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They seem as protuberance , often on the low sides of leave . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . scurf can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also farm a sweet substance cry honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black-market surface fungous increment called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Once institute they are heavy to control . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their ascendance . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is regain on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the flora . The best path to control sooty cast is to moderate the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can commonly be wiped from leaves with a damp material or lap by with a hosepipe - end atomizer .
