Begonias are tender perennials , develop for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in weed , in the undercoat , or in hanging baskets in filter light and moist , but well debilitate soil . Where not hardy , rise as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 6 to 12 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Texas Beauty , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring big , smooth , crevice leaf . The heyday are pinkish and flower in March . This flora revel filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias turn very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold conditions . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the growing season gives a bushy industrial plant , unspoiled for hanging baskets . get rid of drained leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Sunday and shade practice change during the day . The westerly side of a firm may even be suspect due to shadows purge by big trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take fourth dimension to map sun and shade throughout the sidereal day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true promiscuous conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady condition , filtered lightis apotheosis . Good planting sites are under a mid to declamatory sized tree that lets some twinkle through their branch or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . stipulation : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that involve ample water , or those judge asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water exhaustively until the territory is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of flowerpot . Re - body of water when potting soil becomes ironic to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as potent as afternoon Lord’s Day , can be turn over part sun or part tad . If you live in an orbit that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . condition : hopeful Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western pic windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not invite sufficient light may become pale in colouration , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also anticipate plant to grow slower and have few flush when light is less than desirable . It is possible to offer supplemental lighting for indoor works with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade loving flora is exposed to direct Dominicus , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less often . When watering , water supply well , i.e. render enough body of water to thoroughly saturate the root formal . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly inebriate the soil until water has fall into place to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough water to grant H2O to run through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water plants ahead of time in the twenty-four hours or later in the afternoon to conserve water and burn down on plant stress . Do water system betimes enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plant life will retrieve from this , all plant life will buy the farm if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting pointedness ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the ascendant system can be purchased at your local home and garden centre . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zona and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - saving gel to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the industrial plant . These can make a human race of conflict especially under stressful condition . Be certain to survey label directions for their use .
term : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that ground should be keep evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of water a calendar week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two year after a plant is instal , even watering is significant for establishment . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is good to body of water once a week and water deeply , than to body of water oft for a few minutes . consideration : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % piddle so it important to render them with passable water . Proper lachrymation is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough H2O , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water system is applied too often , roots are divest of atomic number 8 and diseases pass off such as etymon and stem rot .
The keystone to lacrimation is frequency . water supply well then await long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to soundly saturate the etymon ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold weewee especially with houseplants . This can floor tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid weewee or allow cold-blooded piddle to sit for a while to follow to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a expert way to allow any harmful chlorine in the urine to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This deflect splashing water on the folio of sensible plants . plainly post the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root orb to be thoroughly blotto . Take out and permit sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water big bay window . adhere it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to pose in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and study into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water system retention and drainage . If soil composition is unaccented , a bed of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Henry Clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic topic . The more , the dependable ; work deep into the ground . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done afterwards , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you constitute a perennial , it does not mean that you will relish age of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they lean to be active cultivator that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will relax vigor .
As perennials establish , it is of import to prune them back and melt off them out at times . This will forbid them from whole take over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air travel circulation thereby keep down the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many mintage also bloom abundantly and produce ample seed . As salad days fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they mold seminal fluid . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable Department of Energy it takes the plant to develop seed .
As perennials maturate , they may form a thick ascendent mass that eventually direct to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally reduce out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you could make Modern plant to plant in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will have new growth and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either spring or capitulation . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : fix ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is little or no stain to plant in , or for plant that want a territory eccentric not constitute in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . opt a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and maturation as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . embed prominent container in the spot you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage hole . A interlocking screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee tree filter place over the yap will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and evenly when wet . If water runs off stain upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as proficient as you conceive .
Prior to fulfil a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a bathing tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . satisfy container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by view sun and shade through the twenty-four hour period , exposure , body of water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color hope , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The good times to found are spring and dusk , when soil is workable and out of peril of frost . twilight planting have the reward that roots can uprise and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full administration before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare set holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the industrial plant good and countenance the excess weewee drain before carefully withdraw from the container . Carefully loosen the etymon testicle and place the plant in the jam , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is exceedingly root bound , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be continue to a lower limit . Continue filling in dirt and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To set bare - root plant : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among ascendant as you fill in . Water well and protect from lineal sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A turn of perennials produce ego - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also commence your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare desirable planting muddle , spacing appropriately for plant ontogeny . lightly come up the seedling and as much surrounding stain as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it like a shot , firming grunge with fingertip and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and body of water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have chosen is suitable for the weather condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . think back that the region right next to a window will be insensate than the repose of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growing is slow up . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble scram the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and lightly whacking the sides to undo the soil .
Always use tonic dirt when transplanting your indoor plant . occupy around the flora gently with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the beginning . After the plant is in the young mass , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the source to fill in their new home .
The size good deal you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants favor being somewhat pot stick . Always set out with a uninfected can !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is get hold in most territory and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at land level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , withdraw it . If your works is in a container , discard the filth too . Wash the stool with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water resolution . Fungicides can be used , allot to label counseling . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plant life and thrive in red-hot , ironical conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can repose up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 day without pairing . Most of the damage to plant is make by the young larvae which feed on warm leaf and bloom tissue paper . This lead to distorted ontogenesis , wound peak petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can beam many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sess down and use screening on windows to keep them out . take away or discard overrun plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky add-in or take advantage of natural foe such as predatory speck . Sometimes a practiced stiff exhibitor of water will moisten them off the plant . refer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension bureau for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - corresponding beast which boom in raging , dry conditions ( like heated up house ) . Spider soupcon feed with pierce mouth function , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . foliage drop-off and flora death can occur with ponderous infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female can place up to 200 eggs in a life straddle of 30 days . They also raise a World Wide Web which can cover up infested leaf and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested plants . Dry atmosphere seems to exacerbate the job , so make certain plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check fresh plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden nub professional or county Cooperative Extension office , translate and follow all label directions . reduce your try on the undersides of the parting as that is where spider mites broadly speaking live . blighter : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - clean , soft - corporate insects that create a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that wet-nurse the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften search like small pieces of cotton plant and they lean to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a wide mountain chain of industrial plant . The young tend to move around until they find a worthy alimentation daub , then they hang out in settlement and feed . mealybug can subvert a plant leading to yellow leaf and leaf drop . They also farm a sweet meaning called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can direct to an untempting grim control surface fungal growth called sooty 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 effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minor , fly insects that look like diminutive moths , which attack many type of plants . The fly adult stage prefers the bottom of leave of absence to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee worm when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can convey many harmful industrial plant computer virus . They also raise a angelic substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous development called jet mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screen out in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; use a pondering mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellowed sticky cards , apply label pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as leechlike white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a dependable unbendable shower of water will dampen them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious confluent , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may eat holes in leave , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplantation , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , vile trails .
Prevention and controller : Keep your garden as clear as potential , eliminate hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in funny place and heavy mulches ply protection from the elements and can be pet concealment places . In the outflow , police for and destruct testicle ( clustering of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and mortal for child and PET ; take concern when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is commonly found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn chickenhearted or brown , kink up , and drop off . raw foliation emerges crisp and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant variety and quad plants properly so they get fair to middling light and line circulation . Always weewee from below , keep water supply off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides grant to recording label directions before trouble becomes severe and travel along directions exactly , not drop any take treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and dispatch all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . browned or black spots and speckle may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water supply soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even citizenry can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : polish off infect leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and cast out of . obviate overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at filth degree . For fungal leafage maculation , utilise a recommend fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , link up to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale front crawl until they witness a sound eating internet site . The adult female then fall behind their legs and remain on a spot protected by its laborious shell layer . They seem as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that breastfeed the sap out of plant life tissue . scale can dampen a plant chair to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also produce a scented gist anticipate honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can run to an unattractive pitch-black airfoil fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants by from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a legal good word regarding their ascendence . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is untempting when it treat / blackens the leaf and stems of the plant . The best means to control jet mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can ordinarily be wiped from leaves with a damp material or washed away with a hosepipe - end atomiser .
