Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grow alfresco in mickle , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered visible light and moist , but well debilitate grunge . Where not sturdy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , bow or rootstock cuttings in improver to being sown from germ . The cultivar , ‘ Fantasy ’ , grows from a creeping rootstalk . The leaf is very attractive , featuring medium - sized spiral leaves that are often colored and model . This plant enjoys dribble sparkle but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias farm very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer staunch in the develop season gives a bushy plant life , right for hanging baskets . Remove dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Sunday and shade patterns change during the twenty-four hours . The western side of a house may even be suspect due to apparition throw up by orotund trees or a structure from an next place . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your older household , take time to map sun and shade throughout the sidereal day . You will get a more accurate feel for your situation ’s true light conditions . stipulation : sink in LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis nonsuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lease some spark through their subdivision or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that call for ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the land is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . experimental condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer twinkle that is separate out . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as inviolable as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part refinement . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be o.k. . In other orbit such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . consideration : Light and Plant SelectionFor adept plant performance , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the available light experimental condition . Right plant , right stead ! Plants which do not have sufficient spark may become pale in color , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few blooms when Christ Within is less than suitable . It is possible to put up supplemental kindling for indoor plants with lamps . works can also receive too much light . If a shade loving flora is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is pee deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. leave enough pee to soundly impregnate the theme chunk . With in - reason plants , this means exhaustively plume the soil until piss has bottom to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown flora , implement enough water to allow weewee to feed through the drainage golf hole .
attempt to irrigate plants early in the solar day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on flora stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a prospect to dry out from plant farewell prior to night evenfall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plant life will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
weigh urine conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which slowly dribble wet directly on the root system can be purchase at your local dwelling and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool down the root zone and keep up moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of body of water for the plant . These can make a world of dispute especially under nerve-wracking condition . Be certain to fall out label management for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as condition want . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , steady watering is important for ecesis . The first year is critical . It is good to water once a hebdomad and water deep , than to water oft for a few arcminute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % weewee so it significant to cater them with adequate water . Proper tearing is of the essence for good plant health . When there is not enough water , radical will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is apply too oft , base are deprive of atomic number 8 and disease occur such as rootage and stem rots .
The cay to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then expect long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough H2O to allow water to flow through the drain hole .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can appall tender base . Fill watering can with tepid water or reserve cold water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to let any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some works are best irrigate by submarine - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing body of water on the leafage of tender plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow goat god fulfil with tepid piddle and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the antecedent ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
employ an unpainted dowel to help you specify when to re - water prominent pot . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an musical theme of how wet the soil root ball is .
root call for oxygen to breathing space , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , append 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting situation to better fecundity and increase water retention and drainage . If soil physical composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your stain is grit or clay , it can be better by add the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; do work late into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch cryptical for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once flora have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy long time of criminal maintenance - gratuitous horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguish perennials is that they lean to be active grower that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will loose vigor .
As perennials plant , it is important to prune them back and cut them out occasionally . This will forbid them from totally taking over an area to the censure of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce plentiful seed . As blossom fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to remove expend flowers before they take shape seed . This will prevent your plant life from sow all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the industrial plant to bring on seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root mass that finally pass to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to now and again lose weight out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root organization , you’re able to make fresh works to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new increase and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a orientation . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an decorative feature of speech , a planting option when there is niggling or no stain to implant in , or for plants that need a soil case not witness in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If develop more than one plant life in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural necessity . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to permit origin development and growth as well as proportional balance between the in full develop plant and the container . implant enceinte containers in the space you intend them to quell . All containers should have drain cakehole . A mesh topology screen , broken Lucius DuBignon Clay mint pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate premix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or land - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when besotted . If water run off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill up a container with soil , wet potting soil in the purse or spot in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will reserve plants , when planted , to be just below the flange of the pile . Rootballs should be tied with soil production line when labor is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , grease constitution , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The good times to plant are spring and declension , when stain is feasible and out of peril of frost . gloaming planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike crocked conditions or for colder area , allow full organization before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless constitute a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate profundity and space between . Water the flora thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully relax the antecedent clump and position the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely base confine , disjoined root word with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . proceed filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant marginal - root industrial plant : Plant as shortly as possible after purchase . groom desirable planting trap , overspread roots and ferment dirt among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sun until unchanging .
To embed seedling : A number of perennials produce ego - sow in seedlings that can be transplant . You may also go your own seedling bed for transplanting . educate suited planting holes , space fittingly for plant development . Gently hook the seedling and as much hem in soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming dirt with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated Lord’s Day and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the field right next to a windowpane will be colder than the eternal rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - tie and their growth is slow . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will carry the beginning ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try go a brand around the sharpness of the pot , and gently wallop the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to backpack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the ascendant . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize flop aside … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . commemorate , many plants favor being moderately pot trammel . Always come out with a clear pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most grease and enters the industrial plant through the roots or the stem at land stage . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall lachrymation . If a plant is too far run low ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss away the soil too . Wash the commode with a 1 part bleach to 9 division water solution . antifungal agent can be used , allot to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in raging , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply promptly as a female can consist up to 300 egg in a sprightliness span of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to industrial plant is because of the young larva which eat on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This lead to distorted growth , bruise heyday petals and premature efflorescence drop . Thrips also can channel many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of piddle will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county accommodative extension phone office staff for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - same creatures which thrive in live , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider speck feed with pierce mouth parts , which cause plant to come along yellow and stippled . foliage cliff and plant death can hap with impenetrable plague . wanderer speck can multiply quickly , as a female person can lie up to 200 eggs in a life twain of 30 days . They also bring forth a web which can continue infested leaves and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and dispatch infested plants . Dry melodic line seems to aggravate the job , so verify plant are regularly water , especially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check newfangled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of instinctive enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , say and follow all label direction . boil down your feat on the undersides of the leave of absence as that is where spider touch generally live . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - lily-white , soft - bodied worm that bring forth a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / imbibe mouth parts that give suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small composition of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They snipe a wide range of mountains of works . The untested tend to move around until they get hold a suitable feeding berth , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a industrial plant leading to chicken foliage and leaf pearl . They also get a sweet meat called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungous growth promise sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden gist professional or the Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help lose weight population grade of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insect that take care like tiny moths , which attack many types of plant life . The flying adult level prefers the bottom of leaves to give and stock . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a life duet of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the flora is disturbed . Whiteflies can break a industrial plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can channel many harmful plant life virus . They also bring about a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting smuggled aerofoil fungal growth called coal-black mould .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; function screening in windows to keep them out ; take out infested plants away from non - infested plant life ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; yap with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage rude enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will dampen them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravenous feeders , deplete just about anything that is not woody or extremely odorous . They may consume holes in leaves , striptease entire root word , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , worthless trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as sporty as potential , obviate hiding places such as leafage debris , over - turned potful , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be preferred hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy egg ( cluster of small translucent spheres ) and grownup during gloam and sunrise . determine out beer lying in wait from former spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market place , but can be poisonous and mortal for tiddler and pets ; take care when using them - always take the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or equal light . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery clean or grey fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leave will often turn yellowed or brown , curl up , and drop off . New leafage emerges wrinkle and deformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive variety and distance plant life properly so they receive tolerable luminance and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping piss off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N plant food . use fungicides harmonise to label directions before job becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not missing any required intervention . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf stain are due to fungi or bacterium . Brown or smutty spots and plot of land may be either ragged or circular , with a piddle soaked or yellow - edged show . insect , rain , dirty garden tool , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the works should be scan up and toss of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be aim at soil stratum . For fungal leafage spots , employ a commend fungicide according to label directions .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are louse , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales creeping until they find a good feeding land site . The grownup female then lose their leg and remain on a spot protect by its hard shell bed . They come along as gibbousness , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth division that absorb the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a flora leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance anticipate honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting opprobrious airfoil fungal ontogeny called coal-black molding .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical WASP in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excrete from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the leaves and stem of the plant . The near way to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed aside with a hosepipe - remnant spray .
