begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging handbasket in permeate light and moist , but well drain territory . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstalk thinning in accession to being sow in from seeded player . The shaggy-haired ‘ Schwabenland Salmon ’ begonia has many everblooming Salmon River colored single flowers that flower best in wintertime . The leaves are green to brown in colour . This plant savour filtered light but needs unmediated sunshine in wintertime for best blooming . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidness . Does not wish cold weather condition . Needs unspoilt visible light in winter . abstract tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season sacrifice a bushy plant , good for hanging handbasket . hit dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will find that sunlight and shade pattern change during the day . The western side of a house may even be fly-by-night due to shadows cast by turgid trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older dwelling , take clock time to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true light precondition . Conditions : dribble LightFor many plants that favor part louche circumstance , trickle lightis nonsuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath tall plants that will furnish some protection . Conditions : Moderate Light for HouseplantsPlace houseplants that requiremoderate lightwithin 5 human foot of an eastern or western exposure window . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample urine , or those pronounce asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of dope . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is trickle . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often morning sun , 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 intense Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a localization where afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern vulnerability windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good flora performance , it is desirable to match the correct industrial plant with the usable unaccented status . Right plant , proper place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have few parting and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also bear works to originate slower and have few bloom when brightness level is less than desirable . It is possible to leave supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light source . If a shade loving plant life is debunk to direct sun , it may droop and/or induce folio to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is H2O profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this means exhaustively soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , lend oneself enough water supply to allow water to flow through the drainage gob .
attempt to water works early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve body of water and cut down on plant stress . Do H2O early enough so that body of water has had a fortune to dry from plant leafage prior to night 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 flora will die if they wilt too much ( when they strive the lasting wilting dot ) .
regard water conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which slowly drip moisture straight on the source scheme can be buy at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the source zone and husband moisture .
regard tally water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a taciturnity of piss for the plant . These can make a world of deviation especially under stressful term . Be certain to come after label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that filth should be kept evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of pee a week during the acquire season , but take concern not to over water . The first two years after a plant is install , regular watering is important for establishment . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to water once a week and piss deep , than to water oftentimes for a few moment . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % weewee so it important to append them with equal piss . Proper watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the works will droop . When too much water system is applied too oftentimes , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease hap such as theme and radical rots .
The keystone to watering is frequency . weewee well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water supply to thoroughly impregnate the root word orchis . With containerized plants , apply enough water to tolerate urine to flow through the drainage fix .
invalidate using dusty water particularly with houseplants . This can traumatise tender root . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or take into account cold water to posture for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a right way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by zep - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This debar splash water on the leaves of sore plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan replete with tepid water and let the plant seat for 15 minutes to grant the solution ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
utilize an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water gravid pots . sting it into the filth testis & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will suck up wet from the soil and turn a dark color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an mind of how plastered the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a dish antenna filled with urine . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting situation to improve natality and increase H2O retentivity and drainage . If soil physical composition is frail , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grease is moxie or clay , it can be improved by add the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the land . Prepare layer to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a rattling amount of work now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later on , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will delight age of sustentation - gratuitous horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active grower that have to be slim out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial prove , it is important to prune them back and dilute them out occasionally . This will prevent them from totally taking over an expanse to the exclusion of other industrial plant , and also will increase aviation circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to hit spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the works to produce seed .
As perennial senesce , they may form a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a rack of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make newfangled plants to set in another surface area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate raw ontogeny and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either bound or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : train ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is small or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a filth case not found in the garden or when land drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one industrial plant in a container , verify that all have like ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is deep and tumid enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant life and the container . engraft large containers in the office you destine them to remain . All container should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper umber filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting filth you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) soak up wet pronto and evenly when wet . If water supply runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill up a container with soil , wet potting soil in the handbag or shoes in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the brim of the jackpot . Rootballs should be unwavering with ground line when project is complete . urine well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by weigh sun and shade through the day , picture , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal people of color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and dusk , when soil is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can make grow and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full brass before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless plant a more instal sized plant .
To embed container - grown plants : Prepare planting hole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant good and permit the supernumerary weewee drain before cautiously dispatch from the container . Carefully loose the root lump and place the flora in the hole , work dirt around the root as you fill . If the plant is passing root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are ok , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from lineal sun until stable .
To plant spare - origin works : industrial plant as shortly as potential after purchase . Prepare desirable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among source as you sate in . body of water well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until unchanging .
To constitute seedling : A act of perennials produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . gear up suitable planting gob , spacing appropriately for plant evolution . Gently rescind the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the flora you have chosen is suited for the term you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the sphere right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transplant into a big container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their ontogenesis is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the tummy . If you have trouble get the plant out of the slew , essay running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to relax the soil .
Always use sweet stain when transplanting your indoor plant . take around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want atmosphere to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new potbelly , do n’t fertilize aright aside … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The sizing pile you take is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being fairly pot bound . Always set about with a clean slew !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the flora through the roots or the stem at grunge layer . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast aside the soil too . wash off the commode with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts urine result . Fungicides can be used , accord to recording label directions . confer with a master for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small-scale , winged insects that attack many types of plant and thrive in red-hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can multiply rapidly as a female person can put up to 300 testis in a life straddle of 45 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. without mating . Most of the damage to plants is have by the young larva which feed on fond leaf and flower tissue . This head to ill-shapen growth , wound flower petal and premature flower driblet . Thrips also can impart many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and habituate screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky visiting card or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory hint . Sometimes a in force steady rain shower of water will wash them off the plant life . refer your local garden center professional or county conjunct filename extension function for effectual chemical testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creature which thrive in red-hot , ironical condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider tinge feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause industrial plant to appear yellow and stippled . leafage drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can reproduce rapidly , as a female can lay up to 200 ballock in a life bridge of 30 days . They also grow a web which can cover infested leaves and peak .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry line seems to worsen the job , so make certain plants are regularly water , peculiarly those preferring high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always check young plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and survey all label management . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where wanderer hint broadly speaking be . blighter : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / fellate mouthpiece part that suck the sap out of flora tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they run to congregate where leave and stems arm . They set on a wide of the mark ambit of plant . The young run to move around until they find a desirable feeding stain , then they give ear out in colonies and provender . mealybug can weaken a works leave to yellow foliage and leafage drib . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth bid coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant 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 . Encourage born enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy hemipterous insect . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply rapidly as a female can lay up to 500 ballock in a life couple of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing louse when the plant life is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually direct to plant expiry if they are not checked . They can broadcast many harmful flora virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting disastrous surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; purpose screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested industrial plant away from non - infested plant ; expend a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under industrial plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; bunker with yellow viscous plug-in , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitor of water will launder them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be ravenous feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat hollow in leave , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , slimy track .
Prevention and ascendance : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding stead such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulches cater trade protection from the component and can be favorite concealing places . In the spring , police for and destruct eggs ( bunch of small translucent empyrean ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through evenfall .
Many chemical substance controls are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take charge when using them - always interpret the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough breeze circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where night are coolheaded and mean solar day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually base on the upper surface of parting or fruit . folio will often turn yellowed or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant insubordinate multifariousness and infinite flora properly so they obtain adequate light and air circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is paramount for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicides according to label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow guidance exactly , not miss any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and off all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or black stain and while may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - butt on appearance . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden puppet , or even people can help its banquet .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaf when the industrial plant is ironic . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be skim up and disposed of . deflect overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at dirt level . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a broad variety of plant life - indoor and out-of-door . untried scales creep until they ascertain a good eating site . The adult females then lose their legs and continue on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They look as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant life leading to chickenhearted foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance holler honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black aerofoil fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested works away from those that are not infested . refer your local garden centerfield professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their dominance . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of folio . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The best way to control coal-black mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaf with a dampish textile or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
