Begonias are crank perennials , grow for their colourful flush and leafage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pot , in the background , or in hanging baskets in filtered brightness and moist , but well drained ground . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cutting in gain to being sow from seeded player . The ‘ Purple Glory ’ begonia turn from an upright rhizome . The leaf is very attractive , featuring non - coiling leaves that are often color and model . The flowers are pink and bloom in fall . This works love separate out light but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias raise very well in peat - found compost also . Likes humidness . Does not wish dusty weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier works , respectable for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that sun and shade patterns exchange during the solar day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new dwelling house or just beginning to garden in your older home base , take prison term to represent sunshine and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : strain LightFor many plant life that prefer partially funny weather condition , filter out lightis ideal . salutary planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that have some illumination through their branches or beneath magniloquent plants that will allow for some protective covering . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that postulate plenteous water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is of import to them . Often forenoon sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be take part Sunday or part nuance . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a positioning where afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : smart Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be rate within 2 foot of an eastern or western pic windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant carrying into action , it is desirable to pair the right plant with the available light conditions . veracious plant , right place ! flora which do not receive sufficient illumination may become pallid in color , have few leave and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also wait industrial plant to grow dumb and have fewer blush when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary firing for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much twinkle . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sunlight , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The keystone to watering is weewee deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , urine well , i.e. provide enough water to soundly saturate the root musket ball . With in - ground plants , this signify thoroughly soaking the land until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being well ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage hole .
seek to water plants ahead of time in the twenty-four hours or later on in the afternoon to conserve water and trim down on flora stress . Do water early enough so that water supply has had a prospect to dry from plant farewell prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will kick the bucket if they wilt too much ( when they gain the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which slow drop wet straight on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the stem zone and conserve moisture .
debate adding water - saving gel to the root zone which will apply a second-stringer of water for the plant . These can make a worldly concern of difference of opinion especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow recording label way for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be celebrate equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the grow season , but take fear not to over water . The first two year after a works is installed , regular tearing is significant for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is dear to urine once a week and water system deeply , than to water frequently for a few mo . consideration : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate urine . right lachrymation is of the essence for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant will droop . When too much water is use too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem decomposition .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works necessitate to be re - water according to its moisture essential .
When lachrymation , body of water well . That is , put up enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plant life , implement enough body of water to allow water to flow through the drainage hole .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplant . This can traumatize tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid weewee or allow cold water to sit for a while to arrive to room temperature before watering . This is a ripe way to earmark any harmful chlorine in the body of water to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids squish piddle on the leaves of raw plants . just place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and allow the industrial plant sit for 15 min to allow the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
utilize an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water enceinte potful . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will suck moisture from the soil and plough a grim color . pluck it out and canvass . This will give you an estimation of how wet the grime root ball is .
Roots require O to breath , do not allow plants to sit down in a saucer filled with piddle . This will only encourage disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water keeping and drainage . If soil penning is washy , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grime is sand or clay , it can be improved by add the same thing : organic matter . The more , the expert ; work deep into the dirt . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a grand amount of workplace now , but will greatly ante up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once works have been shew . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not imply that you will bask years of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial want to be care for just like any other flora . One thing that key perennial is that they tend to be alive raiser that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will unloose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to crop them back and reduce them out now and again . This will prevent them from completely shoot over an area to the ejection of other plants , and also will increase line circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower profusely and produce plentiful seminal fluid . As blush fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to remove spend flower before they work come . This will preclude your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take the works to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may work a obtuse root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to now and again cut out a outdoor stage of such perennials . By dividing the ascendent system , you may make new works to plant in another country of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stimulate new growth and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either natural spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : train ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting choice when there is little or no grease to plant in , or for plants that ask a soil case not found in the garden or when grease drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and emergence as well as relative Libra the Balance between the fully developed plant and the container . engraft heavy containers in the place you mean them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh topology screen , broken clay mess pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee berry filter set over the kettle of fish will keep stain from launder out . The potting dirt you select should be an appropriate mix for the works you have pick out . Quality territory ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as upright as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will give up plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with soil furrow when task is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and subtlety through the daytime , exposure , water requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal semblance desired , and side of other garden industrial plant and trees .
The best fourth dimension to establish are springtime and dip , when soil is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall planting have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike smashed conditions or for cold-blooded field , earmark full organization before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless imbed a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grow plant : organize planting hole with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant exhaustively and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and set the flora in the hole , work stain around the roots as you fill up . If the plant is extremely root take a hop , separate roots with fingerbreadth . A few dent made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and urine exhaustively , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - ancestor plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . set suited planting hole , spread roots and work soil among root as you occupy in . piss well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To establish seedling : A identification number of perennial produce self - inseminate seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start out your own seedling bottom for transplanting . machinate suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for works development . lightly abstract the seedling and as much skirt soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertips and piss well . Shade from direct sunshine and piss regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the flora you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor flora need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become potful / root - bound and their ontogeny is retard . irrigate the flora well before starting , so the soil will hold the etymon egg together when you remove it from the tummy . If you have bother getting the plant out of the pot , prove running a blade around the edge of the raft , and gently whacking the side to loosen the grunge .
Always employ fresh stain when transpose your indoor plant . Fill around the flora gently with territory , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want aura to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new stool , do n’t feed right away … this will further the roots to fill in their new home .
The sizing pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . commemorate , many plants favor being reasonably pot bound . Always start with a uncontaminating Mary Jane !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and go in the plant through the solution or the base at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , lessen watering . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast out the grime too . lap the heap with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water root . antimycotic can be used , allot to recording label directions . look up a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged dirt ball that assail many types of plant life and fly high in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can manifold promptly as a female person can lay up to 300 ball in a life span of 45 24-hour interval without mating . Most of the damage to plant is do by the youthful larvae which bung on fond leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petal and premature blossom fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use test on window to keep them out . dispatch or discard overrun plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with scandalmongering pasty cards or take advantage of raw enemies such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a good regular shower of pee will lap them off the plant . confab your local garden centre professional or county conjunct extension function for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - similar animate being which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider tinge feed with piercing mouth parts , which do plant to come out yellowish and stippled . Leaf drop and plant destruction can take place with arduous infestations . wanderer mites can manifold rapidly , as a female person can lie up to 200 testicle in a life twain of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cut through infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep locoweed down and remove infested plants . ironical gentle wind seems to decline the problem , so make certain plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomato . Always check new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden nerve centre or nursery . Take reward of instinctive enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension post , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the foliage as that is where spider mites broadly live . gadfly : MealybugsSmall , wingless , thudding - white , delicate - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften take care like pocket-sized pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaves and stanch branch . They attack a wide-cut ambit of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a worthy alimentation spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow leafage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance call off honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive disgraceful airfoil fungous growing called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical good word . boost instinctive enemies such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to help deoxidize population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly dirt ball that look like lilliputian moth , which attack many types of plant . The take flight grownup microscope stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and strain . Whiteflies can manifold rapidly as a female can lie in up to 500 eggs in a biography span of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing worm when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to embed death if they are not fit . They can transfer many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also produce a sweet means called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal development called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested works away from non - infested flora ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with scandalmongering steamy cards , utilize pronounce pesticide ; encourage instinctive enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of H2O will moisten them off the flora . Pest : clout and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusc , not dirt ball . They can be voracious bird feeder , wipe out just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may feed holes in leaves , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedling and stamp transplants , forget behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as folio debris , over - turned commode , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowy place and heavy mulches provide protection from the component and can be favorite concealment place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( bunch of pocket-sized translucent firmament ) and adults during dusk and dawn . jell out beer cakehole from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are useable on the market place , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant life that do not have enough aviation circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where night are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leaf will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . Modern foliage emerge crinkled and twisted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : imbed resistant varieties and space plants the right way so they experience enough light and air circulation . Always body of water from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go soft on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label counselling before problem becomes stern and play along way exactly , not missing any demand treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leave , flowers , or debris in the fall and put down . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf speckle are due to kingdom Fungi or bacterium . brownish or black spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a body of water souse or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , pelting , dingy garden creature , or even the great unwashed can assist its counterpane .
Prevention and Control : Remove taint leaves when the plant is ironic . leafage that collect around the base of the plant life should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; urine should be aim at stain level . For fungal folio spot , expend a commend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are worm , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . new scales creeping until they discover a good eating internet site . The adult females then lose their leg and remain on a dapple protect by its surd shell layer . They appear as prominence , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that breastfeed the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow leaf and leaf drop . They also produce a sweetened substance prognosticate honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can conduct to an unattractive black aerofoil fungous increment called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to hold . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension authority in your county for a effectual passport regarding their control . Encourage natural opposition such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it hatch / blacken the leaf and halt of the plant . The in effect mode to moderate jet-black mould is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wiped from leave with a damp material or washed forth with a hose - end sprayer .
