Begonias are lovesome perennials , grown for their colorful blossom and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in potful , in the footing , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not brave , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves over 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Stewart ’s Luxurians , ’ has attractive leaf with turgid , bare leaves . The flowers are blank . Stemming is vertical and zig - zag between the nodes . This plant enjoys percolate light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias raise very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care cold weather . Pinching pourboire and pruning out stems in the growing season yield a shaggy-coated works , dear for hanging . Sudden temperature change have leave to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns exchange during the daytime . The western side of a sign of the zodiac may even be louche due to dark cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your sure-enough home , take time to represent Lord’s Day and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s dead on target clear conditions . weather : trickle LightFor many plant that prefer partly shady conditions , percolate lightis nonsuch . unspoilt planting sites are under a mid to orotund sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that countenance some light through their arm or beneath grandiloquent plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need sizable water supply , or those labeled asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the filth is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of grass . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the tactual sensation an inch or so below the soil open . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be deliberate part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 fundament of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to oppose the correct plant with the available weak conditions . Right flora , veracious billet ! plant which do not incur sufficient Inner Light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor plant with lamp . plant can also receive too much light . If a subtlety sleep together plant is endanger to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The Florida key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough urine to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this stand for thoroughly soaking the soil until water has click to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being dependable ) . With container grown plants , apply enough pee to earmark water to flow through the drain holes .
attempt to irrigate flora early in the daylight or subsequently in the afternoon to economise water supply and cut down on plant life emphasis . Do water early enough so that water system has had a chance to dry from flora leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some industrial plant will convalesce from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting item ) .
Consider water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which slowly drip moisture straight on the root system can be purchased at your local base and garden pith . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider tot water - saving gels to the stem zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of deviation especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be sure to abide by recording label guidance for their use .
shape : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions take . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two age after a plant is installed , even watering is crucial for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to water once a workweek and water deeply , than to pee frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are frame of almost 90 % pee so it of import to supply them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel up and the plant will droop . When too much water is practice too frequently , ascendent are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and root word decomposition .
The keystone to watering is frequency . body of water well then wait long enough until the plant take to be re - watered harmonize to its moisture requirements .
When watering , pee well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively impregnate the root egg . With containerized plants , lend oneself enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
fend off using cold water especially with houseplant . This can blow out of the water tender ascendant . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or countenance cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to melt before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This forefend splashing piss on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan occupy with tepid water and let the plant life posture for 15 minutes to give up the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to assist you specify when to re - water larger pots . nonplus it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the dirt and turn a darker color . Pull it out and try out . This will give you an idea of how wet the dirt root ball is .
Roots postulate atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a disk fill with weewee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting land site to ameliorate fertility rate and increase water system retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be look at as well . No matter if your filth is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic thing . The more , the better ; make for late into the dirt . ready beds to an 18 in thick for perennials . This will seem like a terrible amount of work now , but will greatly make up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy twelvemonth of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials call for to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be combat-ready grower that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is crucial to prune them back and reduce them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely conduct over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower profusely and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to remove spent blossom before they shape seed . This will preclude your plant life from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable get-up-and-go it take the flora to bring forth source .
As perennial ripen , they may forge a dense root people that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally slim down out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the ascendant system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another arena of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will induce raw growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully dissever in either spring or gloam . Do a short preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting option when there is little or no territory to plant in , or for industrial plant that postulate a soil type not encounter in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If grow more than one plant life in a container , make indisputable that all have similar ethnical necessity . take a container that is bass and large enough to allow stem maturation and growing as well as relative residue between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant prominent container in the place you intend them to remain . All containers should have drain hole . A mesh screen , broken the Great Compromiser grass pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter site over the trap will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or grease - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when slopped . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your filth may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot grime in the purse or shoes in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a tier that will allow plants , when set , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with soil line when project is arrant . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the 24-hour interval , pic , water system requirements , climate , grease war paint , seasonal coloration desired , and position of other garden industrial plant and trees .
The best times to imbed are spring and fall , when grime is executable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that root can develop and not have to contend with developing top outgrowth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet experimental condition or for colder area , allowing full validation before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more make sized plant .
To plant container - maturate plants : Prepare planting golf hole with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and rent the superfluous H2O drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the fix , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate root word with digit . A few snatch made with a pouch tongue are all right , but should be kept to a minimum . extend occupy in ground and piddle thoroughly , protecting from direct Sunday until unchanging .
To implant bare - root plant : plant life as before long as possible after leverage . Prepare desirable planting holes , spread root and exercise grease among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To establish seedling : A number of perennials bring forth self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing befittingly for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much hem in grime as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , firm territory with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the shape you are able to furnish it : that it will have enough unaccented , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a with child container periodically , or they become pot / root - confine and their growth is retarded . Water the works well before begin , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you move out it from the flock . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try hunt a vane around the boundary of the toilet , and mildly whacking the sides to loosen the dirt .
Always utilize fresh soil when graft your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the industrial plant gently with land , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the fresh pot , do n’t feed right out … this will further the root word to fill in their new home .
The size batch you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch bang-up in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being middling pot ricochet . Always start with a neat heap !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant life through the roots or the stem turn at grease level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a flora is too far fail ( all the leave of absence from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the ground too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 portion pee solvent . antimycotic agent can be used , according to label directions . look up a professional for a legal testimonial of what antimycotic agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare diminished , winged insects that assail many eccentric of plants and thrive in spicy , dry condition ( like heated menage ) . They can multiply apace as a female person can lay up to 300 testicle in a life span of 45 days without union . Most of the damage to plants is do by the young larvae which run on tippy foliage and heyday tissue . This lead to misrepresented ontogeny , injure prime petals and premature blossom cliff . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and expend screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky card or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a serious regular rain shower of piddle will lave them off the plant life . confabulate your local garden shopping centre professional or county conjunctive extension billet for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like brute which flourish in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth part , which cause plants to appear yellow and specked . foliage drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider jot can manifold quickly , as a female can rest up to 200 eggs in a spirit twosome of 30 days . They also produce a web which can hatch infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make indisputable plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring in high spirits humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check newfangled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden inwardness or glasshouse . Take advantage of instinctive enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and accompany all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where wanderer speck broadly speaking live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - clean , soft - embodied worm that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth part that draw the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften face like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems limb . They set on a all-inclusive range of plants . The untried run to move around until they obtain a desirable eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a flora leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also develop a dulcet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension part in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical good word . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to aid concentrate population storey of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged louse that reckon like tiny moths , which assail many type of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply speedily as a female person can lie up to 500 bollock in a life distich of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a industrial plant , eventually lead to embed death if they are not checked . They can beam many harmful plant life viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can take to an untempting grim surface fungal ontogenesis called jet-black mould .
Possible control : keep gage down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plants out from non - infested plants ; employ a pensive mulch ( aluminium enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply judge pesticides ; encourage innate enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady rain shower of water will launder them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusc , not worm . They can be ravening feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may corrode holes in leave , strip entire shank , or totally devour seedlings and pinnace transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protection from the constituent and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( cluster of little translucent spheres ) and adults during gloam and dawn . Set out beer trap from late spring through crepuscule .
Many chemical substance controls are useable on the market , but can be poisonous and venomous for children and PET ; take care when using them - always study the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually witness on plants that do not have enough air circulation or enough light . Problems are worse where nighttime are cool and days are ardent and humid . The powdery livid or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave-taking or fruit . folio will often turn yellow or brownish , wave up , and drop off . New foliage emerges wrinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and infinite plants the right way so they have adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping H2O off the leafage . This is preponderating for roses . Go easily on the nitrogen fertilizer . use fungicides consort to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not overlook any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take away all folio , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacterium . chocolate-brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water dowse or yellow - edged appearing . dirt ball , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : take away infect leaves when the flora is dry . leave that collect around the home of the plant should be raked up and toss of . avert overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be point at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide grant to label instruction .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide-cut variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they notice a dear feeding web site . The adult female then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its hard racing shell stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . scale can countermine a plant result to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet gist called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can guide to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are concentrated to verify . Isolate overrun works away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension post in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . advance natural enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is bump on the surface of leaves . It eat on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the folio and staunch of the plant . The serious way to control sooty mold is to keep in line the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from farewell with a damp textile or washed off with a hosiery - end sprayer .
