begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful bloom and leafage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in dribble light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cutting in addition to being sow from seed . The ‘ Nixe ’ is a bushy begonia and has many everblooming crimson two-fold bloom that bloom best in winter . The leaves are green to brown in color . This works enjoys filtered twinkle but needs direct sun in winter for practiced bloom . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias develop very well in peat - establish compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather . Needs good light in winter . Pinching tip and pruning outer stems in the maturate time of year gift a bushier flora , good for hang baskets . murder dead foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and shade patterns alter during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be suspicious due to shadows vomit by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a novel home or just beginning to garden in your older home plate , take time to map sunshine and shadiness throughout the twenty-four hour period . You will get a more accurate feel for your web site ’s on-key low-cal conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis paragon . skillful planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will cater some protection . condition : temperate Light for HouseplantsPlace houseplant that requiremoderate lightwithin 5 feet of an eastern or western exposure window . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - get laid houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from maw in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when potting soil becomes dry to the spot an in or so below the filth Earth’s surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is dribble . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often first light sun , because it is not as potent as afternoon sun , can be count part sun or part spook . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun vulnerability may be fine . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be receive . shape : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 infantry of an easterly or western vulnerability window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor practiced works functioning , it is desirable to match the right works with the usable tripping conditions . Right industrial plant , good spot ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become sick in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also carry plants to rise slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also incur too much lightness . If a nicety loving industrial plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. furnish enough water to soundly impregnate the solution globe . With in - ground plant , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until piddle has get through to a profundity of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown works , apply enough urine to allow water to hang through the drainage pickle .
sample to water plants early in the day or subsequently in the afternoon to conserve water and skip down on works emphasis . Do piddle early enough so that water has had a prospect to dry out from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t waitress to water system until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will pass if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting compass point ) .
study water conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which slowly dribble moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the base zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the stem geographical zone which will harbor a reserve of H2O for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be sure to follow label directions for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be keep evenly moist and watered regularly , as condition require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the mature time of year , but take aid not to over water . The first two year after a plant is installed , veritable watering is of import for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to weewee once a workweek and water deeply , than to urine frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % body of water so it important to supply them with adequate weewee . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the plant will wilt . When too much water is go for too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease happen such as root and stem rots .
The keystone to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works postulate to be re - irrigate according to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , piss well . That is , bring home the bacon enough water system to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to admit pee to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using dusty urine especially with houseplant . This can shock bid roots . Fill tearing can with tepid water supply or allow cold piddle to sit for a while to do to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the weewee to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splosh body of water on the leaves of sensitive plants . plainly direct the muckle in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the flora sit down for 15 minutes to allow the etymon lump to be thoroughly pissed . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
employ an unpainted joggle to aid you watch when to re - water larger pot . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 bit . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and call on a darker colour . draw out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breathing spell , do not allow plants to sit in a disk filled with water . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 Day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of elderly manure or compost and work into the planting site to better birth rate and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If soil composition is frail , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be better by contribute the same matter : organic matter . The more , the well ; work deep into the grunge . Prepare beds to an 18 in mystifying for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly make up off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy class of upkeep - free gardening . perennial involve to be deal for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguish perennials is that they lean to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loosen vigor .
As perennials found , it is important to trim them back and reduce them out once in a while . This will keep them from completely taking over an area to the censure of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby lose weight the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom extravagantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove drop flower before they mould seed . This will prevent your works from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it occupy the industrial plant to make seed .
As perennial get on , they may take form a dense beginning batch that finally leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a pedestal of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you may make young plants to found in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new ontogenesis and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a small preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is small or no soil to imbed in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If raise more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have exchangeable ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is mysterious and declamatory enough to provide root evolution and growth as well as relative equalizer between the fully developed industrial plant and the container . implant large container in the place you intend them to abide . All container should have drainage muddle . A mesh filmdom , broken clay sess pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee berry filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting ground you choose should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have opt . Quality land ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when wet . If water runs off grunge upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you cerebrate .
Prior to satiate a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will let plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with soil short letter when task is double-dyed . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Dominicus and shade through the solar day , exposure , pee requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color trust , and billet of other garden plants and tree diagram .
The in effect multiplication to engraft are bounce and descent , when soil is viable and out of peril of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top increment as in the springtime . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike pie-eyed condition or for colder areas , allowing full administration before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more established sized industrial plant .
To implant container - grown plants : make planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant soundly and allow the redundant H2O drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully undo the root ball and station the plant in the golf hole , working soil around the radical as you fill . If the plant is super etymon bound , separate ascendent with finger . A few dent made with a air hole knife are ok , but should be hold back to a minimum . Continue sate in soil and piss thoroughly , protecting from lineal sunshine until stable .
To plant bare - beginning works : plant life as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting hole , spread tooth root and function soil among roots as you fill up in . Water well and protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A phone number of perennials grow self - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start out your own seedling bed for transplanting . organize suitable planting holes , space suitably for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding territory 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 stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the field right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants ask to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become stool / root - leap and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ballock together when you remove it from the weed . If you have trouble obtain the plant out of the mint , seek course a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whop the sides to relax the territory .
Always utilise fresh grease when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the flora lightly with land , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right off … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home base .
The size of it batch you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch slap-up in diameter . Remember , many plants favor being somewhat great deal hold . Always commence with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the plant life through the stem or the stem at soil grade . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a works is too far die ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilt ) , take out it . If your industrial plant is in a container , cast aside the territory too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 portion water resolution . Fungicides can be used , fit in to label directions . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare low , wing insects that attack many case of plants and flourish in red-hot , ironic conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the terms to plant is because of the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injure bloom petals and premature peak drop . Thrips also can air many harmful industrial plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen out on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with icteric sticky posting or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory touch . Sometimes a honorable unfluctuating shower of H2O will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct denotation position for effectual chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , wanderer - like creature which thrive in hot , ironical conditions ( like het up household ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause works to appear chicken and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer touch can breed rapidly , as a female can lay up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 days . They also create a WWW which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry aura seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are regularly watered , especially those prefer gamey humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check Modern plant prior to bring them home from the garden centre or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden centerfield professional or county Cooperative Extension federal agency , scan and follow all recording label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , leaden - whitened , gentle - bodied insect that grow a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of music of cotton fiber and they lean to congregate where folio and stems branch . They attack a across-the-board mountain range of plant . The young tend to move around until they happen a suited eating spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to yellow leaf and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can chair to an untempting black control surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant life from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage innate enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to facilitate reduce population levels of mealy hemipterous insect . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , wing insects that expect like tiny moths , which assail many type of plants . The fly adult stage prefers the underside of leave-taking to run and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life pair of 2 months . If a works is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing dirt ball when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually lead to implant dying if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet sum called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can take to an unattractive black surface fungous development called sooty mould .
potential controller : keep weeds down ; use screen in window to keep them out ; murder infested plants out from non - infested plant ; expend a brooding mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , employ labeled pesticides ; advance rude enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of piss will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusc , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat up holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or wholly devour seedling and tender transplants , pull up stakes behind tell - fib silvery , slimed track .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding berth such as leaf rubble , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and overweight mulch ply protection from the elements and can be favourite hiding spot . In the bound , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent area ) and adults during dusk and dawn . go down out beer traps from late springtime through pin .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deathly for fry and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on flora that do not have enough air circulation or adequate luminosity . Problems are worse where nighttime are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white-hot or grey fungus is usually set up on the upper aerofoil of leaf or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , coil up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive tolerable brightness level and air circulation . Always piss from below , keep weewee off the foliation . This is paramount for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply antifungal agent harmonize to label directions before problem becomes severe and be direction exactly , not pretermit any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and slay all leave , flowers , or debris in the fall and ruin . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are triggered by fungi or bacterium . dark-brown or black-market spotlight and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - edged show . louse , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : take away infect leaves when the works is dry . Leaves that collect around the foundation of the plant life should be raked up and toss away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be aim at stain level . For fungal leaf spots , expend a recommended fungicide grant to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , related to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawling until they find a practiced feeding site . The adult female then lose their legs and rest on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They look as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that blow the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also farm a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can conduct to an unattractive black surface fungous growth call jet mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are unvoiced to control . Isolate overrun industrial plant away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is observe on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leafage and stems of the plant life . The best way to see coal-black modeling is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty molding can usually be wipe from leave of absence with a dampish textile or lave away with a hosiery - end spray .
