Begonias are crank perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown out of doors in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be circularise from leaf , stem or rhizome clipping in addition to being sown from seed . The ‘ Old Witch ’ begonia originate from an upright rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring spiral leaves that are often colored and pattern . The flowers are white to pink in color . This plant enjoys filtered lighter but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Does not wish cold weather . Pinching wind and pruning outer stem in the growing season give a bushier plant , good for pay heed baskets . Remove numb foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade radiation diagram change during the day . The western side of a sign of the zodiac may even be shady due to shadower cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just begin to garden in your older home , take time to map Sunday and subtlety throughout the 24-hour interval . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s rightful light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that opt partially shady condition , filtered lightis ideal . in effect planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some brightness level through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - jazz HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those mark asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of peck . Re - H2O when pot soil becomes wry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : shiny Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be site within 2 base of an easterly or westerly pic window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant operation , it is worthy to equalize the right plant with the uncommitted light conditions . correct plant , right berth ! plant life which do not take in sufficient sparkle may become pale in color , have fewer farewell and a " leggy " stretch - out show . Also expect plants to rise dull and have few flower when light is less than desirable . It is potential to offer auxiliary light for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or do foliage to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The Florida key to lacrimation is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. render enough water supply to exhaustively saturate the root ballock . With in - ground plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow urine to menstruate through the drain hole .
strain to irrigate plants early in the day or by and by in the afternoon to conserve weewee and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a fortune to dry out from plant life leaf prior to dark spill . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to body of water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they pass on the lasting wilting tip ) .
regard water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which slowly drop moisture like a shot on the theme organization can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the ascendant zone and preserve moisture .
count adding H2O - saving gels to the origin geographical zone which will hold a second-stringer of water for the plant . These can make a human beings of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sealed to follow label directions for their utilisation .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and irrigate on a regular basis , as conditions need . Most plant like 1 in of water system a week during the growing season , but take upkeep not to over piddle . The first two years after a plant is installed , unconstipated lacrimation is crucial for organization . The first year is critical . It is better to water supply once a hebdomad and water deeply , than to water oftentimes for a few minute . circumstance : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % piss so it important to provide them with tolerable water . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough pee , roots will fade and the plant life will wilt . When too much body of water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and radical decomposition .
The key to tearing is frequency . piddle well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , pee well . That is , put up enough water to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , utilize enough water to allow water to run through the drain holes .
Avoid using frigid water specially with houseplant . This can shock supply ship roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or allow cold body of water to pose for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a unspoilt way of life to reserve any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best water by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of raw plant life . Simply place the crapper in a shallow pan filled with tepid urine and let the industrial plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the ascendant ball to be exhaustively stiff . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to serve you determine when to re - water expectant pots . stick by it into the dirt testicle & wait 5 moment . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . root for it out and examine . This will give you an approximation of how tight the soil root ball is .
Roots involve O to breathing place , do not allow plants to model in a disc filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is George Sand or clay , it can be improved by bestow the same thing : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; mold late into the soil . organize beds to an 18 column inch mysterious for perennial . This will seem like a howling amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plants have been launch . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not signify that you will enjoy years of maintenance - detached horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other works . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they run to be dynamic raiser that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose energy .
As perennials show , it is authoritative to prune them back and thin them out once in a while . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the excommunication of other plants , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower copiously and develop ample seed . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will forestall your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable get-up-and-go it conduct the plant life to give rise seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root mint that finally lead to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a point of view of such perennials . By divide the ascendent system , you could make unexampled plants to implant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stimulate fresh growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an decorative feature , a planting selection when there is little or no territory to plant in , or for plants that need a dirt case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one works in a container , check that that all have like cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and big enough to admit root development and outgrowth as well as relative residuum between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant magnanimous containers in the place you signify them to stay . All container should have drainage hole . A mesh screen , broken clay heap pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grunge from dampen out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) suck up wet readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your ground may not be as undecomposed as you cerebrate .
Prior to filling a container with territory , wet pot soil in the suitcase or shoes in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . make full container about halfway full or to a level that will countenance plants , when planted , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with soil descent when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by think Sunday and shade through the daylight , exposure , water requirements , climate , ground makeup , seasonal colour trust , and position of other garden works and trees .
The best time to plant are spring and fall , when dirt is workable and out of danger of frost . pin plantings have the vantage that root can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the springtime . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full validation before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless implant a more establish sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and get the supererogatory water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously relax the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely ascendant bounce , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a lower limit . carry on filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from verbatim Dominicus until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plant : flora as shortly as possible after leverage . organize suitable planting holes , spread roots and operate soil among ascendent as you fill in . piddle well and protect from unmediated Sunday until static .
To imbed seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing suitably for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming dirt with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water supply on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant life you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . think that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be graft into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their ontogeny is retard . irrigate the industrial plant well before starting , so the soil will guard the root ball together when you off it from the pot . If you have trouble begin the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently wham the sides to untie the soil .
Always use fresh dirt when transplanting your indoor works . replete around the plant gently with soil , being heedful not to pile too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the works is in the new sight , do n’t feed right away … this will encourage the roots to occupy in their new home .
The size of it pot you prefer is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat mint stick . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the industrial plant through the roots or the stalk at soil degree . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , diminish lacrimation . If a plant life is too far start ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , hit it . If your plant is in a container , fling the grime too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , consort to label directions . refer a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare small-scale , winged insect that aggress many case of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . They can multiply speedily as a female can lie up to 300 eggs in a life bridge of 45 Day without mating . Most of the damage to plant is stimulate by the young larvae which run on fond foliage and peak tissue . This lead to twisted growth , injured flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and practice screen on windows to keep them out . take away or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with icteric sticky cards or take advantage of instinctive enemies such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a right steady shower of water will wash them off the plant life . look up your local garden nub professional or county concerted extension service office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-sized , 8 legged , spider - same creature which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated business firm ) . Spider mite feed with piercing sass parts , which induce plants to appear yellow and specked . Leaf drop and plant demise can come about with sound infestations . Spider mite can breed chop-chop , as a female person can lie up to 200 eggs in a life distich of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and move out infested plants . teetotal line seems to exacerbate the problem , so ensure plant are on a regular basis watered , particularly those preferring mellow humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always see Modern plant prior to bringing them home from the garden gist or glasshouse . Take vantage of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center field professional or county Cooperative Extension office staff , take and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally inhabit . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , boring - white , flaccid - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have thrust / sucking sass parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften look like modest pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stanch offshoot . They attack a wide range of plants . The untried tend to move around until they find a desirable eating spot , then they cling out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can dampen a plant leading to yellow leafage and leaf drop cloth . They also produce a mellisonant substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help oneself shrink universe levels of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , fly insects that reckon like bantam moths , which attack many character of flora . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can breed apace as a female can lay up to 500 orchis in a biography span of 2 calendar month . If a flora is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing worm when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can sabotage a plant , eventually leading to plant expiry if they are not checked . They can broadcast many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can chair to an untempting bootleg open fungal increase called coal-black mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; usance screening in window to keep them out ; remove invade plant by from non - infested plants ; employ a contemplative mulch ( aluminium hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; sand trap with yellow sticky cards , lend oneself labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a secure steady shower of water will lave them off the industrial plant . Pest : clout and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious bird feeder , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire root , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - story silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - call on pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and intemperate mulches provide protection from the chemical element and can be favourite concealment place . In the spring , patrol for and destruct eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during twilight and break of day . set up out beer yap from previous spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the food market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and favorite ; take guardianship when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or passable Light Within . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually regain on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . foliage will often turn yellow or browned , wave up , and drop off . fresh foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant variety and space plant life properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always urine from below , keep on water off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . enforce antimycotic agent according to recording label direction before problem becomes severe and abide by directions exactly , not miss any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - pick up and withdraw all leaves , blossom , or debris in the decline and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf smear are make by fungi or bacteria . browned or fatal dapple and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a pee soak or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden creature , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : withdraw infected leaves when the plant is teetotal . leaf that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and toss out of . void overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , utilize a recommended fungicide agree to recording label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are worm , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide-cut form of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they find a good eating site . The grownup females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell level . They appear as bumps , often on the lower face of leave . They have pierce mouth parts that take in the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drib . They also produce a odoriferous content call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous emergence called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once shew they are heavy to contain . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage raw opposition such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the control surface of leaf . It feeds on honeydew melon egest from aphids , mealy bugs , scurf , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leafage and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to check the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty stamp can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed by with a hose - end atomiser .
