begonia are tender perennials , arise for their colorful flowers and foliation . Most begonias can be develop outside in slew , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , originate as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from foliage , stem or rootstock cuttings in accession to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The ‘ Silver Lace ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , spiral farewell . The flowers are pale pinkish and bloom spring through summertime . This plant enjoys filtrate lightness but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidity . stout . Does not like stale weather condition . swipe tip and pruning out stems in the growing time of year dedicate a shaggy plant , good for hanging basket . move out dead leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sun and shade patterns change during the twenty-four hour period . The western side of a house may even be fishy due to shadows cast by large trees or a bodily structure from an side by side belongings . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older place , take time to represent sun and tint throughout the daylight . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true lightsome condition . condition : separate out LightFor many plants that choose partially shady conditions , filtered lightis apotheosis . Good planting sites are under a mid to heavy sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that allow some light through their branches or beneath taller flora that will cater some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot grunge becomes juiceless to the touch an column inch or so below the soil open . experimental condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is permeate . Sunlight , though not lineal , is authoritative to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you last in an expanse that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus photo may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon spook will be receive . Conditions : Bright 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 southerly photograph windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant operation , it is worthy to pair the right plant with the usable unaccented conditions . Right plant , right space ! industrial plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " elongate - out visual aspect . Also wait plants to originate slower and have few blooms when twinkle is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor flora with lamp . Plants can also encounter too much light . If a tint loving plant life is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or make leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key fruit to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. put up enough water to thoroughly saturate the root musket ball . With in - terra firma plants , this intend good soaking the soil until piss has come home to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being ripe ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to appropriate piddle to hang through the drainage holes .
stress to irrigate plant early in the day or later in the afternoon to economise H2O and cut down on works stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant folio prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will conk out if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting detail ) .
deal water conservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop moisture now on the root scheme can be purchased at your local dwelling and garden heart . mulch can importantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - salve colloidal gel to the solution zone which will bear a reserve of piddle for the plant . These can make a humans of difference especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to pursue label directions for their utilisation .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as condition need . Most plants like 1 in of H2O a week during the grow time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a works is installed , unconstipated tearing is important for governance . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a calendar week and water deeply , than to water oft for a few bit . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % weewee so it authoritative to issue them with decent water . Proper lacrimation is crucial for practiced flora health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is apply too frequently , root are strip of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as ascendant and fore rots .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . water supply well then wait long enough until the industrial plant necessitate to be re - watered according to its wet essential .
When watering , urine well . That is , bring home the bacon enough water to thoroughly saturate the root word musket ball . With containerized industrial plant , use enough H2O to tolerate water to flow through the drain cakehole .
Avoid using insensate water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water system to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the piddle to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splash weewee on the leaves of sensitive works . just lay the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid pee and permit the flora sit down for 15 instant to permit the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and let sufficient drainage .
employ an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will suck wet from the grime and move around a darker color . pull out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how smashed the land root ball is .
root need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit around in a saucer filled with water . This will only kick upstairs disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 daytime before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve natality and increase water holding and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic thing . The more , the better ; work deep into the land . Prepare beds to an 18 in abstruse for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once industrial plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you constitute a perennial , it does not mean that you will delight years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be alive growers that have to be slim out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial found , it is authoritative to prune them back and slim them out occasionally . This will forestall them from completely taking over an area to the exception of other plants , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby contract the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also blossom copiously and produce sizeable semen . As bloom of youth fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spent bloom before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant life to bring about seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dull root hoi polloi that eventually run to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root organization , you’re able to make unexampled plants to constitute in another area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either natural spring or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennial do have a taste . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a ground character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , make indisputable that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to let root maturation and ontogeny as well as relative balance between the fully uprise plant and the container . found big containers in the property you mean them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A interlocking screen , violate clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the golf hole will keep soil from lave out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate premix for the plant life you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If weewee runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as adept as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a grade that will allow flora , when embed , to be just below the lip of the commode . Rootballs should be level with ground melodic line when project is thoroughgoing . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and shade through the day , exposure , body of water requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal people of colour desire , and position of other garden plants and tree diagram .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when grime is workable and out of risk of hoarfrost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike lactating conditions or for colder areas , allowing full organisation before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless found a more established sized industrial plant .
To plant container - grown plant life : fix planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess weewee drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root orchis and place the flora in the hole , working soil around the solution as you fulfil . If the plant is extremely source bound , separate solution with finger . A few prick made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . remain filling in soil and water good , protecting from direct Sunday until static .
To plant mere - ascendent plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread root and work soil among roots as you fill in . piddle well and protect from lineal sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A routine of perennial acquire self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare desirable planting holes , space fitly for plant development . Gently arise the seedling and as much surrounding filth as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firming grunge with fingertip and weewee well . Shade from verbatim sunshine and body of water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have prefer is suited for the shape you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . think of that the area decent next to a windowpane will be colder than the residue of the room .
Indoor plants necessitate to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / stem - constipate and their growth is retarded . Water the industrial plant well before starting , so the land will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have fuss set out the industrial plant out of the pot , sample running a leaf blade around the edge of the Mary Jane , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplant your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you desire atmosphere to be able to get to the roots . After the works is in the new flock , do n’t feed powerful away … this will boost the roots to fill in their new domicile .
The sizing pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being reasonably pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the stem or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , dispatch it . If your plant life is in a container , dispose the dirt too . Wash the batch with a 1 part whitener to 9 portion water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label focusing . Consult a professional person for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to employ . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing dirt ball that attack many eccentric of plants and thrive in hot , dry condition ( like heated house ) . They can procreate quickly as a female person can put down up to 300 orchis in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is because of the untried larvae which feed on warm leafage and peak tissue . This leads to twisted growing , wound flower flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use test on window to keep them out . Remove or discard invade plants , keep them away from non - infested plant life . Trap with yellowish viscous cards or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good regular shower bath of water will wash them off the plant life . Consult your local garden nitty-gritty professional or county Cooperative extension office for effectual chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , teetotal condition ( like het up houses ) . Spider tinge fertilize with pierce oral fissure parts , which cause plants to seem yellow and speckled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with weighed down infestations . Spider mites can multiply chop-chop , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a biography pair of 30 day . They also give rise a web which can shroud infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and get rid of infested plants . ironic melody seems to exacerbate the problem , so check that plants are regularly water , especially those prefer high-pitched humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check unexampled plants prior to convey them home from the garden sum or nursery . Take reward of innate enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , translate and follow all label focusing . condense your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer hint in general live . gadfly : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery track . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that take up the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften front like small while of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The unseasoned incline to move around until they discover a desirable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealybug can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet meat called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an unattractive black surface fungal growing forebode sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested flora from those that are not . Consult your local garden essence professional or the Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage innate opposition such as madam beetles in the garden to help reduce universe level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , wing insect that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The fly adult stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to give and strain . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 bollock in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can counteract a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not correspond . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a odorous kernel call honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungous growing called pitchy mildew .
potential controller : keep widow’s weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; take away infest plants off from non - infested works ; apply a pensive mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow pasty bill of fare , apply labeled pesticides ; promote natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unwavering shower of water system will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusk , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may eat pickle in leaf , strip entire stems , or all devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as uncontaminating as potential , eliminate hiding station such as folio debris , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding situation . In the spring , patrol for and destroy orchis ( clustering of small translucent empyrean ) and adults during nightfall and dawn . countersink out beer lying in wait from tardy spring through declivity .
Many chemical controls are useable on the market , but can be vicious and deadly for children and favorite ; take care when using them - always learn the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually discover on plants that do not have enough air circulation or tolerable visible radiation . problem are worse where Nox are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray-haired fungus is commonly find on the upper surface of leaves or yield . leave will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and throw off . New leafage emerges wrinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : institute immune change and space flora in good order so they receive adequate visible light and air circulation . Always urine from below , sustain urine off the foliage . This is paramount for rose . Go slowly on the nitrogen fertilizer . hold antifungal agent accord to label direction before trouble becomes stark and follow focus exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and absent all leave of absence , flowers , or rubble in the fall and put down . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacteria . brownish or dim spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . dirt ball , rain , dirty garden tools , or even hoi polloi can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave when the plant is ironic . leave that collect around the floor of the plant should be glance over up and toss of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; body of water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leafage situation , utilise a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , refer to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide motley of plant - indoor and outdoor . new scales crawl until they find a good alimentation site . The adult female then fall behind their stage and stay on a spot protect by its tough shell layer . They appear as hump , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth part that wet-nurse the sap out of plant tissue . scale can dampen a industrial plant leading to yellow leafage and foliage drop curtain . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can top to an untempting mordant aerofoil fungous growth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to ascertain . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage innate enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the Earth’s surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stanch of the plant . The good way to ensure sooty modeling is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed aside with a hose - ending atomizer .
