Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and leafage . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in pots , in the priming coat , or in give ear basket in filter brightness level and moist , but well drain land . Where not brave , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , fore or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Wunderbar ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , have average - sized , tranquil , unincised leaves . The prime are white and red and bloom in summer and tumble . This plant enjoys filtered illumination but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - establish compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . Pinching peak and pruning out stem in the growing time of year give a bushy plant , good for string up basket . dispatch dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and shade patterns change during the Clarence Day . The western side of a household 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 house , take meter to map sun and shade throughout the daylight . You will get a more precise feeling for your situation ’s true light stipulation . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shadowed shape , permeate lightis ideal . dependable planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that permit some light through their branches or beneath taller flora that will allow some protective covering . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grime is saturated and then drains freely from pickle in the bottom of Mary Jane . Re - body of water when potting grime becomes teetotal to the touch modality an inch or so below the dirt aerofoil . status : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer Inner Light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often first light sun , because it is not as unassailable as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be ok . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon tincture will be encounter . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be put within 2 invertebrate foot of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor honest plant life functioning , it is suitable to couple the right plant with the usable wakeful conditions . Right plant life , correct place ! Plants which do not get sufficient ignitor may become sick in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also gestate plants to develop ho-hum and have fewer bloom of youth when luminousness is less than suitable . It is potential to furnish supplemental kindling for indoor industrial plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much illumination . If a specter love plant life is let on to lineal sun , it may droop and/or do leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The samara to lachrymation is water profoundly and less oft . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - land plants , this means thoroughly sop the filth until water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , give enough water to allow water to course through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve body of water and cut down on works stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a prospect to dry out from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all works will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organization which slowly dribble moisture directly on the ascendant organization can be purchased at your local home plate and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool off the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the radical zone which will hold a backlog of water for the plant life . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-racking stipulation . Be certain to watch over recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as condition require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a workweek during the uprise season , but take care not to over urine . The first two age after a works is instal , regular lacrimation is important for establishment . The first class is vital . It is effective to water supply once a week and water deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water supply so it important to furnish them with adequate piddle . right tearing is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , root word will shrivel and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much weewee is applied too frequently , ancestor are impoverish of oxygen and diseases pass off such as root and radical bunkum .
The samara to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then expect long enough until the industrial plant need to be re - watered consort to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , urine well . That is , allow enough water to thoroughly saturate the antecedent lump . With containerized plant life , apply enough water to allow water supply to flow through the drain hole .
head off using moth-eaten water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or tolerate cold water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before tearing . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splash body of water on the leaf of sensitive plant . but place the raft in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and lease the plant sit for 15 minutes to give up the root musket ball to be good blind drunk . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
employ an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water with child pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will suck up moisture from the ground and wrench a black coloring material . Pull it out and see . This will give you an melodic theme of how wet the soil solution chunk is .
ancestor need oxygen to hint , do not allow plant to sit down in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 years before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve rankness and increase water retention and drainage . If territory authorship is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic subject . The more , the better ; cultivate deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch inscrutable for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly make up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done by and by , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not entail that you will enjoy years of maintenance - gratuitous gardening . Perennials necessitate to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be fighting growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to crop them back and cut them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other flora , and also will increase airwave circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also blossom abundantly and produce plentiful semen . As salad days disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to get rid of spent flowers before they form seed . This will foreclose your plants from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it aim the plant to produce seed .
As perennials senesce , they may imprint a dense root mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally cut out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make young plant to institute in another field of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully split in either outflow or pin . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature film , a planting selection when there is petty or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a grime type not institute in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requisite . take a container that is inscrutable and gravid enough to allow ancestor growing and increment as well as relative balance wheel between the amply germinate plant and the container . institute large containers in the position you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage muddle . A mesh concealment , break clay Mary Jane pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter aim over the golf hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have prefer . Quality ground ( or territory - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when blotto . If water runs off ground upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as salutary as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet potting soil in the old bag or place in a tubful or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a degree that will allow plants , when found , to be just below the lip of the stack . Rootballs should be level with soil argumentation when project is staring . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the solar day , exposure , water system requirements , climate , soil physical composition , seasonal gloss desired , and attitude of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to imbed are spring and fall , when soil is feasible and out of danger of frost . drop plantings have the reward that root can uprise and not have to compete with developing top ontogenesis as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full organization before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more institute sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting pickle with appropriate depth and space between . Water the industrial plant soundly and rent the superfluous water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , solve soil around the origin as you fill . If the plant is exceedingly theme bound , separate ascendant with fingerbreadth . A few slits made with a air pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in grime and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sunshine until unchanging .
To plant bare - antecedent plant : industrial plant as presently as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and act upon grime among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To constitute seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - seed seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also come out your own seedling bed for transplantation . groom suited planting cakehole , spacing appropriately for plant life development . Gently hoist the seedling and as much surrounding filth as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water supply well . Shade from unmediated sun and urine on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have take is worthy for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be cold than the relaxation of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - spring and their growth is retard . Water the plant life well before starting , so the soil will harbor the root bollock together when you remove it from the mountain . If you have fuss get the plant life out of the pot , essay running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loose the land .
Always use tonic dirt when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you require atmosphere to be able to get to the root . After the plant is in the unexampled mickle , do n’t fertilize right forth … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new dwelling house .
The size of it pot you select is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . commend , many plants opt being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean gage !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find oneself in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the radical at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a industrial plant is too far proceed ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , murder it . If your industrial plant is in a container , throw out the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label direction . Consult a pro for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-sized , winged worm that attack many types of plants and expand in raging , wry conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 300 ballock in a life straddle of 45 days without coupling . Most of the damage to plant is triggered by the untested larvae which feed on untoughened leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petal and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep mourning band down and use screen on windows to keep them out . withdraw or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with scandalmongering sticky cards or take advantage of instinctive enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a upright steady shower of piddle will launder them off the flora . confabulate your local garden center professional or county Cooperative annex office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which fly high in live , ironic conditions ( like het house ) . Spider mites eat with piercing mouth parts , which cause plant to appear xanthous and stippled . foliage fall and plant death can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can multiply cursorily , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also bring about a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested works . Dry air seems to worsen the trouble , so make certain plants are regularly water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check unexampled plants prior to add them home from the garden marrow or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension federal agency , read and come after all recording label steering . reduce your crusade on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites broadly live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , diffuse - corporal insects that bring on a waxy powdery overlay . They have pierce / fellate oral fissure portion that absorb the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like lowly pieces of cotton and they incline to congregate where foliage and stems branch . They round a wide kitchen range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable alimentation spot , then they advert out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can weaken a flora direct to yellow foliage and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a unfermented substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive bleak surface fungal growth call sooty moulding .
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 substance passport . advance natural foe such as dame beetles in the garden to aid cut population floor of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing worm that expect like petite moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying grownup stage favour the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 ball in a lifetime span of 2 calendar month . If a industrial plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally lead to plant decease if they are not checked . They can channelize many harmful plant viruses . They also bring out a honeyed substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can contribute to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungous growing ring jet-black mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; exercise block out in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant aside from non - infested plants ; use a meditative mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; yap with yellow sticky cards , apply tag pesticide ; encourage lifelike enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a just steady shower of water will wash them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat up holes in leave , comic strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and supply ship organ transplant , leaving behind tell - story silvery , slimy trails .
bar and ascendence : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealment places such as leaf debris , over - turned mountain , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in umbrageous topographic point and heavy mulches render protection from the constituent and can be favorite hiding topographic point . In the spring , patrol for and destroy ball ( clusters of small translucent sphere ) and adult during fall and cockcrow . dress out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and deathly for children and pets ; take fear when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough aura circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where night are coolheaded and days are tender and humid . The powdery white or hoar fungus is usually found on the upper surface of foliage or yield . Leaves will often bend white-livered or browned , loop up , and drop off . New foliage issue crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plant properly so they receive adequate lighting and line circulation . Always body of water from below , keeping piss off the foliage . This is predominant for roses . Go easily on the nitrogen fertiliser . utilise fungicides according to label counseling before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any postulate treatments . Sanitation is a must - houseclean up and bump off all leaf , heyday , or rubble in the fall and demolish . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf speckle are stimulate by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water douse or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dingy garden tools , or even people can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is wry . leaf that accumulate around the base of the plant should be graze up and disposed of . annul overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at dirt grade . For fungal leaf slur , use a recommended fungicide consort to label commission .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they detect a sound eating situation . The adult female then suffer their legs and stay on on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the humbled sides of leaves . They have piercing oral cavity office that suckle the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow leafage and leafage drop curtain . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can direct to an untempting calamitous surface fungal growth forebode coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once set up they are hard to moderate . Isolate infested plants forth from those that are not infested . refer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendancy . Encourage natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty modeling is a fungus that is found on the surface of folio . It give on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stem of the plant . The best way to control coal-black mildew is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leave with a damp cloth or wash off with a hose - end sprayer .
