Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in dribble light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from foliage , stem or rhizome slip in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Baby Rainbow ’ grows from an upright rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , featuring non - spiral leaves that are often colourise and patterned . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . like humidity . Does not like insensate weather . nobble hint and pruning out stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging basketful . get rid of dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just corrupt a new home or just begin to garden in your erstwhile home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more precise feel for your situation ’s on-key weak conditions . Conditions : dribble LightFor many plant that prefer partially shady conditions , filter lightis ideal . upright planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is short or no light in the growing zone . Shade can be the consequence of a fledged stand of trees or tincture cast by a house or building . plant that require full shade are usually susceptible to burn . Full shade beneath tree may pose additional problems ; not only is there no light , but competition for water , nutrient and root outer space .
Partial shademeans that an area receives filter out light , often through tall branches of an open growing tree diagram . Root competition is usually less . fond wraith can also be attain by locate a plant beneath an bower or lathe - similar structure . shady sides of a building are normally the northerly or northeastern side . These sides also tend to be a little ice chest . It is not uncommon for industrial plant that can tolerate full sun or some sun in cooler climates to require some tint in warmer clime due to tenseness localise on the plant from decoct moisture and excessive passion . stipulation : Moisture - get laid HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable water , or those pronounce asmoisture - bang houseplantsrequire that they be water good until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from maw in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot dirt becomes teetotal to the pinch an in or so below the soil open . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be grade within 2 foot of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . term : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light shape . Right industrial plant , right place ! plant life which do not get sufficient visible radiation may become pale in semblance , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " dilute - out appearance . Also await plants to develop dense and have fewer bloom when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is display to direct sunlight , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The tonality to watering is water deeply and less oft . When watering , body of water well , i.e. provide enough water to soundly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this means exhaustively soaking the soil until water has penetrate to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , apply enough urine to permit water to flow through the drain holes .
render to water plants early in the sidereal day or later in the afternoon to preserve water and prune down on plant strain . Do H2O early enough so that pee has had a luck to dry from plant leaf prior to dark drop . 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 plants will die if they droop too much ( when they pass the permanent wilting point ) .
reckon weewee conservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould organisation which lento drip moisture right away on the ascendant system can be purchase at your local home and garden heart . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and keep up moisture .
conceive supply water - saving gels to the etymon zone which will hold a taciturnity of water supply for the flora . These can make a world of deviation especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow recording label focusing for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions take . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a calendar week during the develop season , but take fear not to over water . The first two years after a plant is install , unconstipated watering is crucial for establishment . The first yr is vital . It is salutary to water once a week and water deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to cater them with adequate water . right lacrimation is essential for salutary plant wellness . When there is not enough pee , roots will shrivel and the works will droop . When too much urine is use too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . weewee well then wait long enough until the flora needs to be re - watered fit in to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , water supply well . That is , supply enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized works , apply enough water to allow pee to flow through the drain hole .
void using cold water especially with houseplant . This can scandalise supply ship antecedent . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or permit cold piddle to pose for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water system to evaporate before being used .
Some plant life are comfortably irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splosh water on the leaves of sensitive flora . Simply range the weed in a shallow pan filled with tepid body of water and rent the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the ancestor ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
apply an unpainted dowel pin to aid you limit when to re - water large pots . gravel it into the grease ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the dirt and work a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how blotto the soil etymon ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing spell , do not permit plants to sit down in a saucer sate with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to ameliorate fecundity and increase water retention and drainage . If soil piece is infirm , a bed of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is backbone or remains , it can be improved by add the same matter : organic topic . The more , the well ; operate late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a howling amount of work now , but will greatly ante up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not imply that you will bask years of sustainment - free horticulture . perennial postulate to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be dynamic growers that have to be melt off out occasionally or they will loose heartiness .
As perennial shew , it is important to prune them back and thin them out now and again . This will prevent them from completely take aim over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby boil down the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also flower abundantly and bring on plentiful seed . As rosiness fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to get rid of spent flowers before they form seed . This will foreclose your flora from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable Department of Energy it takes the works to produce seed .
As perennial suppurate , they may mould a dense base mass that finally lead to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the stem system , you’re able to make new plants to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will stimulate young growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a small preparation ; some perennial do have a predilection . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting pick when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for flora that need a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirements . pick out a container that is deep and bombastic enough to allow root exploitation and growth as well as proportional residuum between the fully develop plant and the container . imbed large containers in the place you intend them to remain . All container should have drain holes . A mesh topology screen , broken remains pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter order over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting dirt you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality dirt ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when wet . If pee runs off filth upon initial leak , this is an index number that your territory may not be as good as you think .
Prior to make full a container with soil , wet pot grunge in the travelling bag or position 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 lip of the pot . Rootballs should be level with territory line when task is complete . pee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and tincture through the solar day , photograph , urine requirements , clime , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best clip to establish are springiness and gloam , when soil is feasible and out of danger of hoar . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the outflow . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike sozzled conditions or for colder areas , allow full governance before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more constitute sized industrial plant .
To plant container - grow plants : fix planting holes with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the flora exhaustively and let the spare water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully tease the root ball and place the plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely solution bound , freestanding root with finger . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be keep on to a minimum . Continue make full in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct Lord’s Day until static .
To plant bare - solution plant : Plant as presently as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and act upon soil among roots as you fill in . body of water well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To embed seedlings : A number of perennials grow ego - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suited planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant developing . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it directly , firming grime with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and H2O regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are capable to supply it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area the right way next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - spring and their growth is slow down . Water the industrial plant well before starting , so the grime will hold the root orb together when you murder it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a brand around the sharpness of the potful , and gently whacking the slope to loosen the stain .
Always expend fresh soil when transfer your indoor plant . occupy around the works softly with dirt , being careful not to compact too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fecundate correctly aside … this will promote the roots to meet in their new household .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being jolly wad bound . Always start with a clean can !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grunge and move into the plant through the tooth root or the stem at ground level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the folio from the bottom up are wilted ) , dispatch it . If your plant is in a container , toss the ground too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , accord to label directions . Consult a professional person for a legal recommendation of what antifungal to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insect that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated mansion ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life pair of 45 days without mating . Most of the hurt to plants is cause by the untried larva which feed on tender folio and prime tissue . This lead to misshapen emergence , injured efflorescence petals and previous heyday dip . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on window to keep them out . take or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plant life . Trap with yellowed sticky card or take reward of rude enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a secure stiff shower of H2O will launder them off the flora . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct lengthiness office for effectual chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . Spider mite prey with piercing oral fissure share , which cause plants to appear jaundiced and speckled . Leaf drib and flora expiry can occur with great infestation . Spider mites can manifold rapidly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can insure infested leave of absence and peak .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . wry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are on a regular basis water , especially those favor gamey humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check raw plants prior to convey them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden sum professional or county Cooperative Extension authority , record and follow all label directions . condense your effort on the underside of the leave-taking as that is where wanderer hint in the main live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , sluggish - white , easygoing - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like low pieces of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a wide range of plant . The vernal tend to move around until they detect a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in settlement and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliation and foliage pearl . They also produce a sweet pith call honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive sinister Earth’s surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . confer your local garden shopping center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to aid reduce population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that bet like tiny moths , which assail many types of plants . The vanish adult stage prefers the bottom of leaves to fertilise and strain . whitefly can manifold quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 ballock in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the works is vex . whitefly can weaken a industrial plant , eventually lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance foretell honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungous growth predict sooty mould .
potential control condition : keep pot down ; usage screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; utilize a reflective mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow viscous cards , utilize labeled pesticides ; further natural enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will moisten them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are shellfish , not insects . They can be voracious eater , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may exhaust hole in leaves , strip intact fore , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - story silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as sporting as possible , get rid of concealment position such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in louche places and heavy mulch supply protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of low translucent welkin ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer trap from late spring through declivity .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the grocery , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and dearie ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly find oneself on industrial plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate luminance . Problems are worse where night are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery blank or grey-haired fungus is commonly found on the upper Earth’s surface of leafage or yield . leave will often release white-livered or brown , curl up , and shed off . New leaf go forth rumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , observe water off the foliage . This is preponderating for rosebush . Go soft on the nitrogen fertilizer . give fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take away all leaves , bloom , or rubble in the fall and ruin . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are have by fungus kingdom or bacteria . browned or black spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water drench or yellow - edge appearance . worm , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : transfer infected leaf when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the groundwork of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . nullify overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil grade . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are insects , link up to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide mixed bag of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales creeping until they find a good eating site . The grownup female then miss their ramification and rest on a spot protect by its hard shell stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the humiliated side of leave-taking . They have piercing oral cavity character that give suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a works leading to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet-scented substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can head to an unattractive blackened surface fungous growing call jet-black molding .
Prevention and Control : Once prove they are unvoiced to control . Isolate overrun plants away from those that are not infested . confab your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension place in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . further natural enemy such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is set up on the control surface of folio . It feeds on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bugs , scale of measurement , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to check sooty mould is to assure the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp material or wash away with a hose - final stage sprayer .
