Begonias are affectionate perennial , grown for their coloured flowers and foliation . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in throne , in the dry land , or in hang basket in filtered Christ Within and moist , but well drain grunge . Where not fearless , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from foliage , root word or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from germ . ‘ Curly Zip ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring small , spiraled leaves . The flowers are pink , blooming spring through summer . This plant delight permeate light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not wish stale conditions . twinge tips and pruning outer stems in the grow time of year establish a bushier plant life , good for hanging baskets . dispatch dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Lord’s Day and shadowiness normal change during the day . The westerly side of a mansion may even be suspect due to darkness ramble by large Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your elderly place , take clock time to map sunlight and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise flavour for your site ’s true calorie-free conditions . atmospheric condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially louche conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath marvelous plant that will render some protection . Conditions : Moisture - screw HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water good until the grease is saturated and then debilitate freely from mess in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil aerofoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor light that is percolate . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often dawning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be think 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 Lord’s Day exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant operation , it is worthy to match the right works with the available light condition . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not welcome sufficient light may become pallid in color , have few leaf and a " leggy " stretched - out appearing . Also expect plants to acquire slower and have fewer blooms when light source is less than worthy . It is possible to offer supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also welcome too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or induce leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root glob . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the grime until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being well ) . With container grown plants , put on enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage mess .
try out to irrigate plants too soon in the solar day or after in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on works stress . Do water system betimes enough so that piss has had a chance to dry from flora leaves prior to night declension . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will break down if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting peak ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento drip moisture directly on the theme system of rules can be purchased at your local family and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zona and husband moisture .
turn over adding water - saving gel to the root zone which will support a stockpile of pee for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sealed to be recording label directions for their use of goods and services .
shape : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep equally moist and irrigate on a regular basis , as circumstance require . Most flora like 1 inch of weewee a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two year after a plant is instal , even tearing is important for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a hebdomad and body of water deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it crucial to issue them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for good works health . When there is not enough water supply , stem will shrivel and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are impoverish of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The cay to watering is frequency . water system well then waitress long enough until the industrial plant postulate to be re - watered grant to its moisture essential .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough piddle to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , give enough piddle to allow water supply to course through the drain hole .
invalidate using cold water especially with houseplant . This can traumatise bid origin . Fill watering can with tepid body of water or let cold piddle to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a serious way to let any harmful chlorine in the body of water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by grinder - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the Mary Jane in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the industrial plant sit for 15 instant to allow the root word clump to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow for sufficient drainage .
utilize an unpainted joggle to avail you determine when to re - water larger pots . stick by it into the soil ball & waitress 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the soil and twist a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
root need oxygen to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a dish fill up with weewee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , tote up 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase urine retentiveness and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is guts or clay , it can be amend by adding the same affair : organic subject . The more , the better ; work deep into the ground . Prepare bed to an 18 inch rich for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant life have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy year of sustentation - free horticulture . Perennials need to be care for just like any other works . One affair that signalise perennial is that they be given to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will liberate vigor .
As perennials base , it is important to dress them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an domain to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby trim the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many coinage also flower abundantly and produce plentiful seed . As bloom of youth disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to transfer expend flower before they form seed . This will preclude your industrial plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may imprint a obtuse base masses that eventually lead to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a base of such perennials . By part the beginning scheme , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stimulate new increment and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a orientation . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a stain type not ground in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow solution evolution and growth as well as proportional rest between the amply developed industrial plant and the container . implant heavy container in the station you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh sieve , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a composition coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have choose . Quality grease ( or soil - less medias ) suck moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If piddle ladder off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a vat 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 rim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when task is unadulterated . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , pic , water requirements , clime , ground composition , seasonal color trust , and place of other garden plants and tree .
The skillful times to plant are leaping and fall , when dirt is workable and out of danger of Robert Lee Frost . decline plantings have the vantage that roots can modernise and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike tight conditions or for cold sphere , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless embed a more established sized industrial plant .
To implant container - grown plants : Prepare plant gob with appropriate depth and blank space between . Water the flora exhaustively and let the excess water drain before cautiously remove from the container . cautiously loosen the antecedent bollock and send the works in the jam , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is exceedingly root bound , disjoined roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from lineal sunlight until static .
To plant bare - source flora : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread beginning and work soil among tooth root as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce ego - sow seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting pickle , space appropriately for plant life development . Gently lift the seedling and as much hem in soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from unmediated Lord’s Day and H2O on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough faint , 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 transplant into a gravid container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the filth will hold the stem formal together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the passel , strain run a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loose the dirt .
Always use fresh grunge when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant softly with grunge , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the Modern smoke , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will advance the roots to fill in their new home .
The size crapper you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch groovy in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being jolly sess hold . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil layer . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , lessen watering . If a works is too far gone ( all the folio from the bottom up are wilt ) , take out it . If your plant is in a container , fling the grime too . lave the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts H2O solvent . Fungicides can be used , according to label commission . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that attack many eccentric of plants and thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 bollock in a living span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the young larvae which feed on tender foliage and flower tissue paper . This leads to perverted growth , spite flush petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transport many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sess down and expend screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with icteric sticky card or take advantage of lifelike enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will lap them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension billet for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which boom in spicy , dry term ( like heated houses ) . Spider hint fee with piercing mouth part , which make plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 ball in a life duad of 30 days . They also bring forth a web which can cover infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry airwave seems to exacerbate the job , so make certain plant are on a regular basis irrigate , especially those prefer high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check young plants prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label counsel . reduce your efforts on the underside of the leaf as that is where spider speck in general live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dumb - livid , diffused - bodied insects that give rise a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking lip parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften appear like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They aggress a encompassing range of plants . The untested tend to move around until they notice a suited eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant life leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungous growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden substance professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural foeman such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to help slim population horizontal surface of mealy bugs . pestis : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , wing insects that look like flyspeck moth , which attack many type of plants . The fly grownup stagecoach prefers the underside of leave of absence to course and strain . Whiteflies can multiply rapidly as a female can lie down up to 500 eggs in a living couplet of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of take flight insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can conduct to an untempting black surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep dope down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; slay infested plant off from non - infested plant ; habituate a meditative mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellowed sticky circuit board , apply labeled pesticides ; boost born enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unshakable shower of water will wash off them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be ravenous feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-smelling . They may eat holes in farewell , strip total stems , or totally devour seedlings and supply ship transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , worthless lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leafage debris , over - turn pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch leave shelter from the elements and can be best-loved concealing berth . In the springiness , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of lowly translucent sphere ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer maw from late spring through surrender .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for baby and pets ; take precaution when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually get hold on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate brightness . Problems are regretful where Night are cool and years are affectionate and humid . The powdery bloodless or greyish fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often twist jaundiced or brown , kink up , and drop off . fresh foliation issue crinkled and twisted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : embed resistant varieties and quad works properly so they receive adequate lighting and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go slowly on the nitrogen plant food . give fungicides harmonize to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow counsel exactly , not overlook any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all leaves , flowers , or junk in the fall and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to kingdom Fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and maculation may be either ragged or circular , with a H2O soaked or yellow - edged show . Insects , rain , dirty garden pecker , or even citizenry can help its facing pages .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected parting when the industrial plant is wry . Leaves that collect around the foundation of the plant should be raked up and toss of . avert overhead irrigation if potential ; water system should be lead at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide agree to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , colligate to mealy hemipterous insect , that can be a job on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outside . vernal surmount crawl until they retrieve a beneficial feeding land site . The grownup females then lose their leg and remain on a daub protected by its hard eggshell bed . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth section that fellate the sap out of plant tissue paper . weighing machine can weaken a industrial plant leading to chicken foliage and leaf drop-off . They also produce a sweet nitty-gritty called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth phone jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are strong to hold . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infest . refer your local garden heart and soul professional or Cooperative Extension place in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . advance raw enemies such as parasitical wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon eliminate from aphids , mealy glitch , shell , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The respectable way to control sooty mold is to check the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty molding can commonly be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
