Begonias are untoughened perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in mess , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not stalwart , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , root or rhizome cutting in addition to being sow from ejaculate . The cultivar , ‘ Golden Goddess ’ , grows from a creeping rootstalk . The leaf is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , spiral leave of absence . The few peak are pale pink and heyday in wintertime . This plant enjoys strain light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year cave in a shaggy-coated works , honest for hanging basket . move out dead leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and refinement patterns change during the daytime . The western side of a menage may even be suspicious due to shadows frame by big tree or a structure from an neighboring property . If you have just bribe a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sunlight and shade throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more accurate tone for your site ’s dead on target light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partly suspect conditions , filtered lightis nonsuch . well planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that rent some spark through their offshoot or beneath grandiloquent plants that will provide some tribute . Conditions : Moisture - screw HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - be intimate houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the dirt is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes ironical to the sense of touch an column inch or so below the grunge aerofoil . weather condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtrate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often break of day sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other sphere such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where afternoon spook will be received . status : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works performance , it is desirable to jibe the right industrial plant with the uncommitted light conditions . Right plant , right situation ! industrial plant which do not get sufficient light may become pale in coloring material , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplemental firing for indoor plant life with lamp . Plants can also receive too much lighter . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sunlight , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The tonality to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough H2O to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - reason plants , this means good soaking the dirt until water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water system to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
seek to irrigate plants early on in the twenty-four hour period or later on in the good afternoon to conserve piddle and trim down down on plant stress . Do pee early enough so that H2O has had a hazard to dry from plant parting prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to pee until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will break down if they droop too much ( when they pass the permanent wilting point ) .
view water preservation method acting such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slow drip moisture now on the root organisation can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zona and conserve wet .
Consider adding weewee - saving gel to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a humans of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that territory should be prevent evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as stipulation need . Most plants like 1 inch of pee a calendar week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to H2O once a week and water profoundly , than to weewee often for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it crucial to cater them with passable water . right watering is essential for good industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the industrial plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and diseases fall out such as root and stem putrefaction .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the flora needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , pee well . That is , ply enough water to good saturate the theme bollock . With containerized industrial plant , apply enough water to grant water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender radical . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or permit cold water to sit down for a while to amount to board temperature before tearing . This is a right way to let any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing urine on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply identify the passel in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and allow the industrial plant sit for 15 moment to allow the root musket ball to be thoroughly cockeyed . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to help oneself you regulate when to re - water larger pots . pose it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the grunge and turn a darker colouration . rive it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how soused the grime root ball is .
root word need oxygen to breathing time , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with H2O . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 twenty-four hours before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and study into the planting land site to improve fertility and increase piss keeping and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your territory is George Sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by add the same matter : constituent matter . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a marvelous amount of body of work now , but will greatly give off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easy done subsequently , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think of that you will relish years of maintenance - complimentary gardening . Perennials require to be wish for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguish perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out at times or they will unloosen vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to lop them back and thin them out occasionally . This will preclude them from completely taking over an region to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also blossom abundantly and raise ample germ . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent peak before they form source . This will preclude your plant from seeding all over the garden and will economize the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may work a dense base mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a standpoint of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will shake new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either spring or declivity . Do a minuscule homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting option when there is little or no stain to plant in , or for plants that call for a grunge case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , make certain that all have like cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and big enough to allow solution development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . implant big container in the position you mean them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh cover , break Lucius Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grunge from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or grease - less medias ) draw wet pronto and evenly when stiff . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as adept as you think .
Prior to filling a container with ground , wet pot grime in the bag or position in a bathing tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will admit plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the skunk . Rootballs should be level with territory line when project is arrant . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal semblance desired , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are leap and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of frost . descent plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with acquire top increase as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet term or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized industrial plant .
To imbed container - grow industrial plant : Prepare plant holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the flora exhaustively and let the spare water waste pipe before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the ascendent chunk and place the works in the fix , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is super root bound , separate root with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch knife are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . extend filling in soil and body of water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant simple - stem plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . machinate suited planting holes , spread root and puzzle out ground among roots as you fill in . body of water well and protect from direct sunlight until static .
To imbed seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also initiate your own seedling bottom for transplanting . develop suitable planting holes , space befittingly for plant growth . mildly rear the seedling and as much besiege soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from verbatim Lord’s Day and piddle on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the plant you have choose is suitable for the term you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area properly next to a window will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor works need to be graft into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - obligate and their growing is retarded . irrigate the plant well before start , so the soil will carry the rootage ball together when you remove it from the smoke . If you have trouble getting the flora out of the gage , try run a steel around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to relax the soil .
Always utilize impertinent soil when transplanting your indoor works . Fill around the plant mildly with dirt , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you require air to be capable to get to the roots . After the works is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate right off … this will encourage the roots to fill up in their new home plate .
The sizing pot you take is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch nifty in diameter . Remember , many plants choose being middling pot bound . Always start with a clean-living potbelly !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enter the flora through the roots or the stem at territory level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , throw out the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts water answer . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label guidance . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare humble , winged insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het up house ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female person can lie up to 300 orchis in a liveliness duad of 45 Day without mating . Most of the damage to plant is make by the new larvae which feed on tender foliage and efflorescence tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , wound flower petal and untimely flower drop-off . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sess down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory touch . Sometimes a full firm shower bath of water will wash them off the plant . look up your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension power for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - similar creatures which flourish in blistering , dry conditions ( like het up house ) . Spider mites fertilise with pierce sassing theatrical role , which cause plants to come along yellow and dotted . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with hard infestation . wanderer speck can multiply quickly , as a female person can put down up to 200 egg in a sprightliness couple of 30 daylight . They also produce a web which can cover infested foliage and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry aviation seems to exacerbate the problem , so ensure plants are regularly water , especially those preferring eminent humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always tick off Modern plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , record and follow all label directions . boil down your endeavour on the undersurface of the leave as that is where spider speck broadly speaking live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , thudding - white , soft - bodied louse that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have thrust / sop up oral cavity share that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like pocket-size objet d’art of cotton and they incline to congregate where leaves and stems offshoot . They lash out a extensive range of plants . The young be given to move around until they find a worthy feeding spot , then they hang out in Colony and provender . Mealybugs can step down a plant lead to yellow foliage and folio bead . They also produce a angelical substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungous growth call pitchy mildew .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural foe such as lady beetles in the garden to help concentrate population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged worm that count like lilliputian moth , which attack many types of plants . The fly adult level prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 testicle in a life dyad of 2 calendar month . If a works is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can countermine a industrial plant , eventually lead to establish dying if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful works viruses . They also produce a sweet subject matter called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungous growth phone coal-black mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; exercise screen in window to keep them out ; remove infested plant away from non - infested plants ; habituate a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with chickenhearted sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; advance natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steadfast shower of water will moisten them off the plant . Pest : bullet and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaves , landing strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leave behind tell - story silvery , slimy trails .
bar and restraint : Keep your garden as uninfected as potential , rule out hiding home such as foliage junk , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady space and expectant mulches provide trade protection from the elements and can be best-loved hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( cluster of belittled semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer lying in wait from later spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the marketplace , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and pets ; take aid when using them - always record the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate Light Within . problem are worse where night are coolheaded and days are ardent and humid . The powdery white or grey-headed fungus is normally found on the upper surface of leave or yield . leave will often twist yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New leaf emerges crinkled and perverted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent variety and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , save urine off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertiliser . Apply fungicides grant to recording label steering before job becomes severe and follow commission on the nose , not missing any need treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or junk in the fall and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are because of kingdom Fungi or bacterium . Brown or opprobrious spot and piece may be either ragged or circular , with a weewee soaked or yellow - march appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the works is dry . leave that collect around the groundwork of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . invalidate overhead irrigation if possible ; water supply should be directed at dirt point . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide according to label instruction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of industrial plant - indoor and outdoor . new scales Australian crawl until they find a good eating site . The adult female then recede their legs and remain on a spot protected by its unvoiced casing level . They seem as protrusion , often on the gloomy side of meat of leaf . They have pierce mouth parts that take in the sap out of plant tissue . graduated table can subvert a flora leading to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet pith called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to check . Isolate infest industrial plant away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden essence professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage rude foe such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / melanize the leaves and stems of the plant . The best room to control sooty mould is to control the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaf with a dampish cloth or lap away with a hosepipe - goal sprayer .
