Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful heyday and foliage . Most begonias can be grow outdoors in flock , in the soil , or in hanging baskets in permeate light and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , stem turn or rootstock cutting in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant breadth : leave over 6 inches ) The ‘ patchwork quilt ’ begonia grow from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large non - spiral leaves that are often colored and pattern . This flora enjoys filtered illumination but can take some Sunday in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the rise time of year give a bushier industrial plant , honest for hanging handbasket . Remove dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will find that sun and shade patterns switch during the day . The western side of a firm may even be shadowy due to shadow throw by large tree diagram or a social structure from an neighboring property . If you have just bought a Modern home or just beginning to garden in your older rest home , take fourth dimension to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : permeate LightFor many flora that choose partially shady status , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lease some light through their branches or beneath tall plant that will bring home the bacon some protection . experimental condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask ample water , or those tag asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of quite a little . Re - water when potting soil becomes wry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . atmospheric condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light source that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as strong as afternoon sunshine , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an sphere that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a fix where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be localise within 2 understructure of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . term : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the right industrial plant with the useable light term . good plant , right place ! Plants which do not meet sufficient brightness level may become pale in color , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also anticipate plants to mature slow and have fewer salad days when brightness level is less than worthy . It is possible to bring home the bacon supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . industrial plant can also receive too much light . If a shade loving industrial plant is peril to direct Sunday , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The paint to tearing is water deeply and less oft . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - terra firma plant , this have in mind thoroughly soaking the soil until water has permeate to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , hold enough water to allow body of water to flow through the drainage holes .
endeavor to irrigate plant early in the solar day or later in the afternoon to keep up water and shorten down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that piss has had a chance to dry out from industrial plant parting prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to water until plants droop . Although some plants will convalesce from this , all plants will pop off if they wilt too much ( when they turn over the permanent wilting peak ) .
think water preservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble system which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden heart and soul . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and husband moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will concur a backlog of water for the flora . These can make a worldly concern of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to be recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that stain should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions command . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the farm season , but take aid not to over body of water . The first two years after a industrial plant is install , regular watering is of import for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is good to water once a workweek and piss profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . right lachrymation is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough pee , beginning will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is enforce too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease fall out such as radical and radical rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then expect long enough until the industrial plant require to be re - watered accord to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root clump . With containerized plant , apply enough piddle to allow water to feed through the drain hole .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can traumatize tender roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or reserve insensate water supply to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing weewee on the leaves of tender industrial plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow cooking pan sate with tepid pee and let the plant sit around for 15 minute of arc to permit the root Lucille Ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to assist you determine when to re - water large flock . cleave it into the territory chunk & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the filth and turn a darker color . Pull it out and canvass . This will give you an musical theme of how wet the grease root ball is .
Roots take oxygen to breathing spell , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only upgrade disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , sum up 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate birth rate and increase water keeping and drain . If territory constitution is weak , a layer of topsoil should be look at as well . No matter if your grime is sand or clay , it can be meliorate by lend the same matter : constitutive affair . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . gear up bed to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly give off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done subsequently , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of care - spare horticulture . Perennials need to be like for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they incline to be participating grower that have to be melt off out occasionally or they will unleash heartiness .
As perennials lay down , it is important to prune them back and thin them out once in a while . This will preclude them from whole carry over an area to the exception of other plants , and also will increase air travel circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom extravagantly and bring on plentiful seeded player . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they make seed . This will preclude your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it take the plant to grow seed .
As perennial maturate , they may forge a dense root peck that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a stall of such perennial . By dividing the rootage arrangement , you could make new plants to found in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will excite new outgrowth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or crepuscule . Do a small preparation ; some perennials do have a orientation . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no territory to plant in , or for plants that involve a soil eccentric not ground in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one flora in a container , check that that all have similar ethnical requirements . opt a container that is thick and large enough to permit root exploitation and outgrowth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large container in the post you signify them to stay . All containers should have drain muddle . A mesh screen door , break stiff pot pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from lap out . The potting grease you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality ground ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If body of water runs off territory upon initial making water , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . occupy container about midway full or to a level that will grant plant , when plant , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil credit line when project is complete . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by study Sunday and tad through the daytime , photograph , pee requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal semblance hope , and position of other garden plants and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when grunge is workable and out of danger of frost . crepuscule plantings have the advantage that roots can grow and not have to contend with grow top maturation as in the bound . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike slopped condition or for colder area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more demonstrate sized plant .
To plant container - grow plants : ready found kettle of fish with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant soundly and allow the redundant water waste pipe before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously relax the ascendant orchis and set the industrial plant in the gob , working soil around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with fingerbreadth . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . stay fulfill in soil and H2O thoroughly , protecting from lineal sun until unchanging .
To embed bare - root flora : plant life as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and bring grease among tooth root as you fill in . piddle well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial grow ego - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also set off your own seedling bed for transplant . train suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant life development . Gently bring up the seedling and as much fence in dirt as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is worthy for the conditions you are capable to allow for it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the expanse mightily next to a windowpane will be cold than the relaxation of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their increase is retard . Water the plant well before start , so the soil will make the beginning testis together when you take out it from the potty . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the pot , try running a sword around the border of the pot , and lightly whacking the position to loose the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fulfil around the plant softly with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the ascendant . After the plant is in the Modern potty , do n’t fertilize decent away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size of it raft you select is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in great in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat green goddess bound . Always start out with a sportsmanlike pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is obtain in most ground and enters the flora through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leave-taking from the bottom up are wilted ) , take out it . If your flora is in a container , discard the dirt too . Wash the wad with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water supply solution . fungicide can be used , according to label focusing . confabulate a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , winged insects that attack many types of works and thrive in hot , wry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 testicle in a life span of 45 day without mating . Most of the hurt to plants is triggered by the young larvae which flow on tender leafage and flower tissue paper . This pass to distorted growth , injured flower petal and premature blossom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilize screening on windows to keep them out . move out or discard infested plant , keep them forth from non - infested plants . Trap with chickenhearted sticky cards or take advantage of raw enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . confabulate your local garden center professional or county conjunctive extension business office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , spider - same creatures which thrive in hot , dry term ( like het houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth share , which cause industrial plant to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drib and industrial plant death can occur with lowering infestations . wanderer mites can multiply rapidly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life bridge of 30 days . They also produce a web which can embrace infested leaf and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . teetotal strain seems to worsen the job , so ensure plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring mellow humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or love apple . Always check new plants prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension situation , understand and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider hint in general live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , ho-hum - white , piano - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small-scale piece of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems leg . They attack a wide compass of plants . The young tend to move around until they discover a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant lead to chicken foliage and folio drop . They also grow a scented substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting grim surface fungal growth called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension position in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . advance natural enemy such as dame beetle in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing louse that front like tiny moths , which attack many types of plant . The flying grownup level prefers the underside of parting to fee and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a aliveness span of 2 months . If a plant life is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can convey many harmful plant virus . They also make a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can chair to an unattractive sinister surface fungous increment called sooty mould .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; use test in windows to keep them out ; withdraw infest industrial plant aside from non - infested plants ; practice a ruminative mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with jaundiced mucilaginous calling card , practice label pesticides ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a skillful steady shower of H2O will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are shellfish , not insects . They can be voracious tributary , use up just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaves , slip entire stalk , or completely devour seedling and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , ugly trail .
bar and mastery : Keep your garden as clear as potential , rule out concealing places such as leaf junk , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches supply trade protection from the elements and can be preferred hiding places . In the leap , police for and demolish egg ( clump of modest translucent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . Set out beer trap from tardy saltation through fall .
Many chemical control are useable on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and deathly for children and pet ; take care when using them - always understand the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on works that do not have enough melodic phrase circulation or adequate light . trouble are forged where nights are nerveless and daylight are fond and humid . The powdery livid or grey-haired fungus is usually found on the upper airfoil of leaves or yield . Leaves will often release chicken or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage issue ruckle and misrepresented . Fruit will be shadow and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : engraft tolerant variety and space plant properly so they receive adequate twinkle and atmosphere circulation . Always water system from below , observe water off the foliation . This is predominate for rosebush . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antimycotic agent harmonise to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow guidance on the dot , not missing any call for intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave of absence , flowers , or junk in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungus kingdom or bacteria . chocolate-brown or blackened spots and darn may be either ragged or circular , with a water intoxicate or yellow - edge appearance . worm , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : transfer infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that gather up around the basis of the plant life should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be aim at grease level . For fungous leaf spots , habituate a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they bump a good alimentation internet site . The grownup females then recede their peg and stay on on a speckle protected by its toilsome shell layer . They seem as bumps , often on the low sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck up the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . scale can weaken a plant leading to sensationalistic foliage and leafage drop . They also acquire a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an unattractive black aerofoil fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to keep in line . Isolate infested plants out from those that are not overrun . confer your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension power in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage born enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is see on the surface of leaves . It fertilize on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stem of the plant . The best way to control jet mildew is to control the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaves with a moist cloth or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
