Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colourful flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be grown outside in pots , in the footing , or in hang baskets in permeate light and moist , but well drained stain . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in plus to being sown from seed . Begonia caraguatatubensis has attractive foliage with bombastic , desolate leaves . The flowers are clean . Stemming is unsloped and zig - zag between the nodes . This flora enjoys filtered light but can take some Sunday in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia develop very well in peat - base compost also . like humidness . Does not wish cold weather . pinch tips and pruning outer stem in the rise season gives a shaggy plant , serious for hanging . Sudden temperature change causes leave-taking to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will mark that sunshine and tint formula vary during the day . The western side of a sign may even be shady due to shadow cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a raw home or just beginning to garden in your old base , take fourth dimension to map sun and specter throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s lawful unclouded conditions . weather : Filtered LightFor many plants that favor partly shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting situation are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that let some light source through their limb or beneath taller plants that will provide some tribute . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample H2O , or those labeled asmoisture - eff houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting grunge becomes ironical to the touch an in or so below the soil airfoil . weather : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer luminance that is filter out . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as inviolable as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an expanse that does not get much vivid sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon wraith will be received . condition : vivid Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 fundament of an eastern or western pic window or within 2 to 5 metrical unit of a southerly vulnerability windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor beneficial flora performance , it is desirable to agree the correct flora with the useable wanton condition . proper plant , right berth ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " load - out appearance . Also expect plant to grow dull and have fewer bloom when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also welcome too much brightness level . If a nicety loving works is expose to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause parting to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The samara to lacrimation is water deeply and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough pee to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this have in mind thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough weewee to allow H2O to flux through the drain holes .
hear to irrigate plants betimes in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on industrial plant tension . Do water early enough so that water system has had a chance to dry from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to piss until plants wilt . Although some plants will recoup from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they touch the permanent wilting stop ) .
see piddle preservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which slowly drip wet directly on the stem system of rules can be purchase at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
believe adding urine - deliver gel to the base zone which will hold a reserve of water supply for the plant . These can make a mankind of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to fall out label directions for their consumption .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as status require . Most plant like 1 column inch of weewee a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two age after a plant is establish , regular watering is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is beneficial to pee once a week and piddle deep , than to H2O frequently for a few second . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % piddle so it important to supply them with enough H2O . right watering is essential for full plant life health . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are deprived of O and diseases take place such as root and fore rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water fit in to its wet requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plant , use enough pee to grant water to course through the drainage hole .
nullify using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock ship’s boat roots . Fill tearing can with tepid water or allow cold water to ride for a while to issue forth to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to let any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the farewell of sore plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water system and let the industrial plant sit for 15 instant to permit the root ball to be soundly smashed . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to avail you determine when to re - water great jackpot . Stick it into the soil nut & hold off 5 minutes . The joggle will occupy wet from the soil and turn a dour people of color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil theme ball is .
solution necessitate atomic number 8 to breather , do not allow works to sit in a discus filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , supply 2 to 4 in of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve prolificacy and increase water keeping and drainage . If soil physical composition is weak , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be better by add the same matter : organic affair . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly compensate off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done subsequently , once plants have been demonstrate . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not stand for that you will bask long time of maintenance - free gardening . perennial postulate to be wish for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active cultivator that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose heartiness .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and lose weight them out now and again . This will prevent them from totally involve over an sphere to the elision of other works , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many metal money also flower extravagantly and produce ample ejaculate . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove drop flowers before they mould germ . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vigour it takes the plant to acquire ejaculate .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root mass that finally lead to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a tie-up of such perennials . By dividing the source organisation , you may make raw plants to implant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or surrender . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a penchant . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting option when there is little or no soil to establish in , or for plants that involve a territory type not found in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is inferior . If produce more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have exchangeable cultural requirement . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow ascendent development and growth as well as proportional equilibrium between the to the full explicate industrial plant and the container . establish bombastic containers in the spot you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh blind , fall in clay pot pieces(crock ) or a composition coffee filter placed over the yap will keep soil from wash out . The potting dirt you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or grunge - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and evenly when wet . If water run off grunge upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your ground may not be as sound as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot grease in the grip or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a degree that will provide plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be level with filth pipeline when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and specter through the day , pic , H2O requirements , clime , soil composition , seasonal colour hope , and position of other garden plant life and trees .
The best time to plant are leap and fall , when grunge is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike blind drunk condition or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless plant a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grown flora : fix institute muddle with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the flora thoroughly and allow the supernumerary body of water waste pipe before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and position the flora in the hole , working grime around the roots as you fill . If the plant is highly root tie down , separate radical with finger . A few pussy made with a pouch knife are fine , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue take in soil and water thoroughly , protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant bare - base works : plant life as soon as possible after leverage . organize suitable planting holes , spread roots and work grime among root as you fill in . piddle well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To set seedlings : A number of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplant . organise worthy planting holes , spacing fitly for industrial plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it right away , firm ground with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and piddle on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the flora you have choose is worthy for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough loose , blank space , and a temperature it will like . commend that the area in good order next to a window will be insensate than the rest of the room .
Indoor flora involve to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / tooth root - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will make the root ball together when you withdraw it from the plenty . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the raft , try running a sword around the edge of the commode , and lightly whack the side to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant life . Fill around the works gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the root . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize properly away … this will encourage the roots to replete in their new home .
The size good deal you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . commend , many plants prefer being slightly passel bound . Always start with a clean quite a little !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , absent it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water root . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label direction . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , winged insects that assail many types of plants and thrive in hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated mansion ) . They can manifold chop-chop as a female person can consist up to 300 egg in a sprightliness twain of 45 days without mating . Most of the impairment to plant is because of the untried larva which feed in on sore leaf and blossom tissue . This leads to misrepresented maturation , injured flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep sens down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested industrial plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow pasty cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory touch . Sometimes a dependable steady exhibitioner of water will wash them off the flora . refer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative annex office staff for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which fly high in hot , wry precondition ( like het up house ) . Spider jot feed with piercing mouth portion , which cause plants to look yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant expiry can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a WWW which can underwrite infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to decline the trouble , so make certain plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new works prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden snapper professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and travel along all recording label directions . Concentrate your endeavour on the undersurface of the leaf as that is where wanderer jot generally live . blighter : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck up the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they be given to congregate where foliage and stems limb . They attack a wide range of plant . The immature be given to move around until they find a worthy feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to chicken foliage and leaf dip . They also produce a angelical substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black aerofoil fungous development called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest works from those that are not . confabulate your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help thin population level of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like flyspeck moth , which assault many types of plants . The vanish adult stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can breed quick as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life yoke of 2 month . If a flora is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant life is disturb . whitefly can weaken a flora , eventually head to establish death if they are not checked . They can convey many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weed down ; use test in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a ruminative mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; lying in wait with yellow sticky carte du jour , use labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as leechlike white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a practiced unfaltering exhibitor of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : type slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be rapacious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may eat gob in leaves , strip integral stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , give behind tell - fib silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and control condition : Keep your garden as clear as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pot , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and arduous mulches bring home the bacon protection from the element and can be preferred concealment place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( bunch of small translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and cockcrow . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical control are available on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for child and PET ; take care when using them - always understand the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on flora that do not have enough air circulation or decent spark . problem are bad where nights are nerveless and days are ardent and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is unremarkably found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow-bellied or brown , loop up , and drop off . Modern foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drop down early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they get adequate lighter and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides harmonise to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not lack any postulate treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leave , flowers , or debris in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf point are cause by fungi or bacteria . brownish or black spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soak or yellow - edge appearance . dirt ball , rain , foul garden tools , or even the great unwashed can help its bedcover .
Prevention and Control : off infected leaves when the plant is juiceless . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be crease up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be take at grease level . For fungal foliage spots , use a recommended fungicide allot to recording label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide-eyed variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a unspoiled alimentation land site . The adult females then lose their peg and remain on a smear protect by its hard casing layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of leaves . They have pierce mouth parting that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can soften a plant conduct to sensationalistic foliage and leaf driblet . They also produce a sweet nitty-gritty hollo honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Once set up they are hard to keep in line . Isolate infested industrial plant away from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual good word regarding their ascendence . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is feel on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy hemipteran , musical scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it plow / blackens the parting and stems of the plant . The best way to control pitchy mold is to see to it the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wiped from leave of absence with a dampish cloth or wash away with a hosepipe - end nebulizer .
