Begonias are raw perennials , grown for their coloured flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be produce outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filter light and moist , but well drain grunge . Where not sturdy , acquire as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , base or rhizome cutting in accession to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves over 6 inches ) The ‘ Red Stone ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large non - spiral leaves that are often gloss and model . This industrial plant enjoys filtered igniter but can take some Dominicus in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias develop very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care stale weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the growing time of year gives a bushy flora , good for hanging basket . Remove dead leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that sun and shade pattern interchange during the day . The westerly side of a family may even be shadowed due to shadows rove by large tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just get down to garden in your older home , take fourth dimension to represent sun and spook throughout the day . You will get a more accurate spirit for your land site ’s true light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially fly-by-night conditions , filtered lightis ideal . effective planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that rent some lighting through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . condition : wet - jazz HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water exhaustively until the grease is saturate and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting territory becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil airfoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is strain . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often dawn Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a position where good afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be order within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly vulnerability windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . experimental condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant operation , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the available light condition . Right plant , right home ! Plants which do not pick up sufficient light may become wan in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch along - out visual aspect . Also expect industrial plant to turn slow and have few blooms when Light Within is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental kindling for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave of absence to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is water deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , piddle well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root formal . With in - land plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the soil until water has get through to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough water to allow water to menstruate through the drain holes .
attempt to water plants early in the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or later in the afternoon to keep up water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early on enough so that water has had a prospect to dry from plant parting prior to night capitulation . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to pee until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they hit the permanent wilting item ) .
Consider body of water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system of rules which slowly drip wet flat on the radical system can be purchased at your local home plate and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - write gel to the root zona which will hold a reserve of pee for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful term . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
circumstance : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water system . The first two years after a plant life is installed , veritable watering is of import for organisation . The first class is critical . It is good to water once a week and water profoundly , than to piss ofttimes for a few transactions . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % H2O so it important to supply them with tolerable water system . right watering is crucial for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is hold too often , rootage are divest of O and diseases occur such as ascendent and prow rots .
The headstone to watering is frequency . Water well then look long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered allot to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , cater enough water to exhaustively saturate the theme ball . With containerized plants , employ enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage yap .
obviate using moth-eaten H2O particularly with houseplant . This can shock ship’s boat source . filling watering can with tepid urine or allow cold water to sit for a while to get to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to take into account any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splash body of water on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow genus Pan fulfil with tepid water and let the plant sit down for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and tolerate sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to aid you find when to re - water orotund potentiometer . Stick it into the filth ball & wait 5 minute . The joggle will draw wet from the soil and twist a darker color . Pull it out and study . This will give you an theme of how plastered the soil theme ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not let plants to sit down in a dish occupy with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , sum 2 to 4 inches of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water memory and drain . If grime paper is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your land is gumption or clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; crop late into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a howling amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly pay off after . Besides , this is not something that is well done subsequently , once plants have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you imbed a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy year of maintenance - complimentary horticulture . Perennials want to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be alive growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will unloosen vigor .
As perennials show , it is significant to prune them back and dilute them out from time to time . This will foreclose them from completely taking over an area to the exception of other plants , and also will increase gentle wind circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also blossom abundantly and create ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they forge seed . This will preclude your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to develop seed .
As perennials mature , they may take form a dense ascendent mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and again lose weight out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root arrangement , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stimulate newfangled ontogeny and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a trivial homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : train ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting selection when there is fiddling or no ground to plant in , or for plants that need a ground character not get in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow ascendant growth and growth as well as relative balance between the fully develop plant life and the container . Plant large container in the piazza you mean them to stay on . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh CRT screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have opt . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) soak up moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If water runs off filth upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as well as you think .
Prior to filling a container with territory , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tubful or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . meet container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the potbelly . Rootballs should be plane with soil line of descent when projection is complete . urine well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and ghost through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , grunge physical composition , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden flora and trees .
The good times to establish are bound and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of hoarfrost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top increment as in the give . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet stipulation or for colder area , 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 engraft container - grown plants : set planting holes with appropriate depth and distance between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess urine drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the works in the hole , working soil around the ascendent as you fill . If the plant is passing antecedent bind , separate roots with fingers . A few incision made with a pouch tongue are okay , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue satisfy in soil and water system thoroughly , protect from direct sun until static .
To plant bare - root plants : flora as before long as potential after leverage . get up suitable planting gob , spread tooth root and work soil among roots as you fill in . pee well and protect from lineal sunlight until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial farm ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . machinate desirable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding ground as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm grunge with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are capable to put up it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the expanse in good order next to a windowpane will be colder than the sleep of the way .
Indoor plant need to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become pot / root - bind and their growth is slow down . Water the plant well before start , so the dirt will hold the ancestor bollock together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem getting the flora out of the pot , try running a brand around the sharpness of the plenty , and gently whop the sides to loosen the dirt .
Always utilise fresh land when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant mildly with soil , being careful not to tamp down too tightly – you want zephyr to be able to get to the source . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will advance the root to fill in their newfangled home .
The sizing pot you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . commend , many plant prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is regain in most territory and enters the plant through the source or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , diminish 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 , discard the soil too . wash away the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water answer . Fungicides can be used , according to label focussing . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , winged insects that round many type of industrial plant and flourish in hot , dry condition ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 24-hour interval without mating . Most of the equipment casualty to plants is cause by the young larva which feed in on fond leafage and flower tissue paper . This lead to deformed development , injure flower flower petal and premature heyday drop-off . Thrips also can channel many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep green goddess down and use screen on window to keep them out . take away or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow viscid lineup or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good steady exhibitor of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunctive extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , spider - like creature which flourish in red-hot , ironic conditions ( like heated home ) . Spider soupcon feed with pierce mouth parts , which do plants to appear yellow and flecked . Leaf drop and works destruction can happen with heavy infestations . Spider hint can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 ballock in a life span of 30 day . They also raise a WWW which can insure infested parting and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep sens down and remove infested plants . Dry atmosphere seems to exacerbate the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis water , especially those opt high humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomato . Always check new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or nursery . Take vantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label focus . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the farewell as that is where spider mites by and large live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blank , diffuse - bodied louse that raise a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stanch branch . They attack a wide orbit of plants . The young lean to move around until they incur a suitable feeding daub , then they fall out in settlement and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow leafage and folio driblet . They also create a dulcet substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive sinister open fungal growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as peeress beetles in the garden to help trim universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minuscule , fly insects that look like tiny moths , which lash out many types of plants . The flying grownup stagecoach prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can manifold speedily as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a flora is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing worm when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a industrial plant , finally leading to plant dying if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called coal-black mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; enjoyment sort in windows to keep them out ; off invade flora away from non - infested flora ; use a musing mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; snare with jaundiced sticky cards , apply pronounce pesticides ; encourage born enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will lave them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat up hole in leaves , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as uninfected as potential , eliminating concealing places such as folio debris , over - sour pots , and tarps . Groundcover in umbrageous places and expectant mulch provide aegis from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the natural spring , patrol for and destruct eggs ( clusters of little semitransparent domain ) and adult during dusk and break of day . Set out beer trap from former spring through gloam .
Many chemical control are useable on the marketplace , but can be vicious and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually obtain on plants that do not have enough air circulation or tolerable light . job are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white-hot or gray fungus is usually establish on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges scrunch up and deformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : found resistant variety and outer space plant properly so they receive adequate brightness level and breeze circulation . Always piss from below , hold water system off the foliation . This is paramount for rose . Go tardily on the nitrogen fertilizer . hold fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow focusing exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and move out all leaves , peak , or debris in the fall and put down . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or smuggled musca volitans and patch may be either ragged or rotary , with a H2O imbue or yellow - butt on appearance . Insects , pelting , soiled garden tools , or even the great unwashed can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is teetotal . leaf that gather up around the base of the plant should be raked up and dispose of . avert overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at grunge level . For fungous leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , link to mealy microbe , that can be a problem on a broad variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young descale creeping until they witness a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their leg and remain on a spot protected by its severe shell layer . They come along as bumps , often on the blue side of parting . They have piercing lip parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale can damp a plant leading to sensationalistic leafage and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a sugared gist called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested works away from those that are not invade . refer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension billet in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their mastery . Encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaf . It feeds on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale leaf , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The best way to control pitchy mold is to assure the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a moist cloth or wash away with a hosepipe - last sprayer .
