Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in peck , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in trickle light and moist , but well drain territory . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in increase to being sown from source . ‘ Grey Lady ’ is a bushy begonia that has attractive foliage with felt - like leaf . The flowers are white . Stemming is upright and zigzag - zag between the client . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some Dominicus in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - found compost also . like humidity . Does not like cold weather . pinch tips and pruning out stems in the grow season gives a bushy plant , unspoiled for hanging . Sudden temperature change causes leaves to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns interchange during the day . The western side of a house may even be umbrageous due to shadows cast by heavy tree diagram or a structure from an conterminous holding . If you have just buy a novel home base or just commence to garden in your sr. domicile , take time to map sun and shade throughout the solar day . You will get a more accurate look for your site ’s true lightheaded consideration . atmospheric condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shadowed conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting internet site are under a mid to large sized tree that countenance some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water system , or those label asmoisture - have a go at it houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the territory is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer sparkle that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part tincture . If you live in an area that does not get much intense Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , works in a positioning where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 metrical unit of a southern exposure windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor honest plant operation , it is suitable to match the right plant with the available light weather . Right works , right place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leave-taking and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also require plants to grow dumb and have fewer blooms when spark is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary lighting for indoor plant with lamp . plant can also receive too much luminosity . If a subtlety get it on plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or do leaf to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this intend thoroughly inebriate the soil until water has sink in to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to feed through the drainage holes .
seek to water plants early in the day or later on in the afternoon to conserve pee and cut down on plant strain . Do piddle too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they achieve the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily drip wet directly on the theme system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly chill the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - deliver gel to the root word zona which will support a backlog of water for the plant . These can make a world of deviation specially under stressful condition . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
shape : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be maintain equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions call for . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take guardianship not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , veritable watering is important for validation . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water oftentimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with decent H2O . Proper watering is crucial for estimable plant health . When there is not enough water , root will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too oft , roots are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then await long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered harmonise to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With containerized plant life , apply enough water system to countenance water system to flow through the drain yap .
nullify using cold pee especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow frigid pee to sit for a while to come in to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splosh water on the leaves of sensitive plants . plainly place the sight in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the industrial plant sit down for 15 minute to permit the root nut to be thoroughly wet . Take out and provide sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water declamatory pots . Stick it into the dirt egg & wait 5 min . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and test . This will give you an estimate of how pissed the soil root ball is .
Roots call for oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting website to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil makeup is weak , a layer of surface soil should be turn over as well . No matter if your soil is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : organic affair . The more , the better ; wreak deeply into the territory . Prepare beds to an 18 inch cryptical for perennial . This will seem like a frightful amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done subsequently , once plants have been launch . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy year of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials demand to be cared for just like any other flora . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be dynamic growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and lose weight them out now and again . This will prevent them from whole lead over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase tune circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce ample seed . As bloom disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove spend peak before they mould seeded player . This will prevent your industrial plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials get on , they may form a dense ancestor wad that eventually leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make new plants to embed in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate raw growth and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or autumn . Do a slight prep ; some perennial do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting alternative when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that demand a soil eccentric not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirement . opt a container that is deep and large enough to permit root growth and increase as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . engraft large containers in the berth you think them to stay . All containers should have drainage muddle . A engagement screen , broken stiff pot pieces(crock ) or a paper java filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality filth ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If piss run off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as practiced as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grime , wet pot dirt in the bag or lieu in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the flange of the potbelly . Rootballs should be level with filth transmission line when labor is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by see sun and shade through the day , exposure , urine necessary , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is practicable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top increase as in the bound . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike besotted conditions or for colder sphere , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To constitute container - turn plants : ready planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant life thoroughly and have the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the beginning ball and place the plant in the jam , working soil around the roots as you fill up . If the plant is extremely root obligate , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water soundly , protecting from direct Dominicus until unchanging .
To institute bare - base plants : flora as before long as possible after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread etymon and work soil among roots as you sate in . weewee well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until static .
To establish seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - seed seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting holes , space fitly for plant exploitation . softly nobble the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suitable for the weather you are able to allow for it : that it will have enough clean , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the field right next to a window will be colder than the ease of the room .
Indoor plant life need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become potty / theme - bound and their growth is retard . irrigate the industrial plant well before start up , so the soil will book the root ball together when you dispatch it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a leaf blade around the boundary of the spate , and mildly whacking the sides to loosen the dirt .
Always use unused soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the plant mildly with grease , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right forth … this will encourage the base to fill up in their new habitation .
The size of it spate you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being more or less pot bound . Always commence with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grime and enters the plant through the roots or the bow at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall watering . If a works is too far kick the bucket ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts piddle solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label guidance . confer with a master for a effectual good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged insects that snipe many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can breed cursorily as a female can lie down up to 300 eggs in a life sentence span of 45 day without union . Most of the impairment to plants is because of the immature larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to twisted growth , offend flower flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and practice screening on window to keep them out . polish off or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested flora . Trap with yellow pasty identity card or take advantage of raw enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of urine will wash them off the plant . confab your local garden center professional or county Cooperative annexe office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-sized , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed in with piercing mouth division , which get plants to look white-livered and specked . Leaf drop and plant last can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer jot can reproduce apace , as a female person can rest up to 200 eggs in a life yoke of 30 daylight . They also produce a WWW which can underwrite infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and polish off infested flora . Dry gentle wind seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , peculiarly those preferring gamy humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always check new plants prior to lend them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , interpret and follow all label directions . Concentrate your crusade on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white-hot , delicate - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that nurse the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften expect like pocket-sized pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems offset . They set on a wide chain of mountains of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a desirable alimentation spot , then they pay heed out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can step down a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also give rise a cherubic substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal outgrowth called sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage born enemies such as ma’am beetles in the garden to aid reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare humble , winged insect that reckon like tiny moths , which attack many eccentric of plant life . The flying adult degree prefer the underside of leaves to flow and strain . Whiteflies can procreate chop-chop as a female can rest up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is shake up . whitefly can undermine a plant , eventually leading to set death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful works computer virus . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive disastrous Earth’s surface fungal ontogeny send for pitchy mold .
potential controls : keep grass down ; habit screen out in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; utilise a ruminative mulch ( aluminium enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with chicken sticky circuit board , utilise labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a ripe steady shower of body of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : type slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be wolfish feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in parting , slip intact stems , or all devour seedling and tender transplant , leave behind tell - fib silvery , vile trail .
bar and ascendance : Keep your garden as clean as possible , winnow out hiding place such as leaf debris , over - turn sens , and tarp . Groundcover in shady office and profound mulches provide protection from the factor and can be favorite hiding places . In the springtime , patrol for and destruct eggs ( cluster of small semitransparent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical control are uncommitted on the grocery , but can be venomous and venomous for children and pets ; take care when using them - always interpret the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly institute on plants that do not have enough melodic phrase circulation or adequate light . Problems are unsound where night are cool and day are tender and humid . The powdery white or greyish fungus is normally find on the upper airfoil of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellowish or brown , curl up , and dangle off . New leafage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : institute repellent varieties and infinite plant properly so they receive enough Inner Light and aura circulation . Always H2O from below , keep piss off the foliage . This is preponderant for rose . Go easy on the atomic number 7 plant food . Apply fungicides accord to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions incisively , not missing any required handling . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the pin and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are stimulate by fungi or bacterium . Brown or ignominious spot and dapple may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden creature , or even citizenry can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave when the industrial plant is dry . leafage that collect around the radix of the plant should be glance over up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipteran , that can be a trouble on a spacious variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . immature scale crawl until they find a dependable alimentation web site . The grownup females then lose their legs and stay on a spot protect by its hard case layer . They appear as blow , often on the grim sides of leave-taking . They have pierce mouth parts that take up the sap out of plant life tissue . Scales can weaken a plant life pass to yellow foliage and leaf free fall . They also bring out a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive opprobrious aerofoil fungous growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate invade plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden plaza professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage innate foe such as epenthetic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy germ , plate , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / scorch the leaves and staunch of the plant life . The good way of life to check sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can commonly be wiped from leaves with a damp material or wash away with a hosepipe - ending atomizer .
