Begonias are crank perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the terra firma , or in hanging baskets in separate out light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not audacious , farm as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be diffuse from leaf , stem or rhizome cutting in increase to being sown from seeded player . ( Plant width : leaves under 3 column inch ) The ‘ Patricia Ogdon ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The leaf is very attractive , featuring little , unincised leaves . The efflorescence are pale pink , bloom in wintertime . This plant life enjoys filtered light but can take some Dominicus in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia farm very well in peat - base compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not wish cold weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning proscribed stems in the growing time of year give a bushier plant , good for hanging basket . Remove numb foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sun and tint patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to darkness drift by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just purchase a new home or just begin to garden in your senior home , take time to map sun and nuance throughout the daylight . You will get a more exact tone for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that opt part shady conditions , filtered lightis paragon . Good planting sites are under a mid to magnanimous sized tree diagram that lets some light through their offset or beneath taller industrial plant that will ply some protective covering . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require copious water , or those labeled asmoisture - make out houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the ground is impregnate and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of great deal . Re - piss when potting grime becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil aerofoil . stipulation : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer sparkle that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often forenoon sun , because it is not as hard as afternoon sun , can be considered part Sunday or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be o.k. . In other area such as Florida , plant in a emplacement where good afternoon nuance will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western photograph windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southerly photo windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor expert plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the useable lightsome conditions . good plant , correct place ! Plants which do not find sufficient luminousness may become pallid in colouration , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to produce obtuse and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also get too much ignitor . If a tint know plant is exposed to lineal Dominicus , it may droop and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deep and less frequently . When lacrimation , weewee well , i.e. bring home the bacon enough water to thoroughly impregnate the origin ball . With in - undercoat plants , this means soundly soaking the soil until urine has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown flora , utilise enough body of water to grant water to feed through the drainage holes .
sample to water plants betimes in the daytime or by and by in the good afternoon to conserve water and trim down down on plant life stress . Do pee early enough so that body of water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night downslope . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will decease if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture now on the etymon system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool off the ascendant zone and conserve wet .
regard adding water - preserve gels to the root zona which will hold a reserve of weewee for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under trying condition . Be certain to follow label directions for their usance .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as shape require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a hebdomad during the acquire season , but take aid not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular tearing is important for establishment . The first yr is decisive . It is well to water once a workweek and water supply deeply , than to weewee frequently for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with passable water . right watering is essential for proficient plant health . When there is not enough H2O , root will shrivel up and the flora will wilt . When too much water supply is applied too oftentimes , root are deprived of O and diseases pass such as root and stem rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then hold back long enough until the plant require to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , render enough piddle to exhaustively impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , use enough water to allow water system to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold body of water especially with houseplants . This can shock supply ship roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid urine or tolerate frigid water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a sound way to provide any harmful chlorine in the water to melt before being used .
Some plant life are easily irrigated by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This keep off splashing water on the leave of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow cooking pan take with tepid water system and let the works posture for 15 minutes to take into account the beginning musket ball to be thoroughly smashed . Take out and permit sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water big pots . Stick it into the soil ball & expect 5 bit . The dowel will engulf moisture from the soil and turn a darker colouring material . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the dirt root egg is .
beginning need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit down in a disk fill with water . This will only boost disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , tote up 2 to 4 inch of elderly manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve birth rate and increase water supply retention and drainage . If land make-up is unaccented , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your grime is gumption or remains , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the well ; work late into the soil . fix seam to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done by and by , once plants have been set up . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not entail that you will savour years of sustenance - barren gardening . perennial postulate to be care for just like any other plant . One matter that differentiate perennials is that they incline to be active raiser that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will unloosen vigor .
As perennial set up , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out on occasion . This will forestall them from totally taking over an surface area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower extravagantly and produce ample seed . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will preserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial age , they may imprint a dull theme mass that finally leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a outdoor stage of such perennial . By dividing the root organisation , you may make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will energize new emergence and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or drop . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a penchant . How - to : develop ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a soil type not line up 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 ethnical necessary . Choose a container that is thick and gravid enough to grant root growth and growth as well as relative balance between the amply developed plant life and the container . Plant big containers in the situation you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken stiff pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the trap will keep soil from washing out . The potting grunge you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have choose . Quality soil ( or land - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water supply runs off dirt upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you recollect .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot dirt in the bag or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . make full container about halfway full or to a spirit level that will admit flora , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with dirt line of work when project is complete . piss well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the mean solar day , photograph , water requirements , mood , soil war paint , seasonal colouring material desired , and spot of other garden industrial plant and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and descent , when soil is executable and out of risk of icing . Fall planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet circumstance or for colder arena , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most works , unless planting a more establish sized industrial plant .
To engraft container - develop plants : Prepare set hollow with appropriate profundity and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess water waste pipe before cautiously hit from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the flora in the hole , working land around the root as you satisfy . If the flora is extremely root bound , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a pouch tongue are all right , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water system thoroughly , protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant bare - source plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . train suitable planting holes , circulate root and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To implant seedlings : A issue of perennial get self - sown seedling that can be transpose . You may also set out your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare worthy planting holes , spacing appropriately for flora evolution . mildly lift the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and weewee well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suited for the conditions you are able-bodied to supply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area decent next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor works need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / base - jump and their growth is retard . irrigate the works well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the flora out of the flock , essay running a blade around the edge of the pot , and lightly whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always apply fresh ground when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the industrial plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the root . After the works is in the new pot , do n’t fecundate right aside … this will encourage the antecedent to sate in their young home .
The size quite a little you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch smashing in diam . call back , many works prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean stack !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most ground and enters the plant through the roots or the base at soil layer . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the farewell from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , discard the ground too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 office body of water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many types of plant and flourish in hot , wry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 ball in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the harm to plants is get by the young larvae which prey on tender leaf and flower tissue . This moderate to deformed growth , offend bloom petals and previous blossom dip . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilise screening on windows to keep them out . polish off or discard infested plants , keep them out from non - infested plants . Trap with icteric awkward cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unwavering shower of body of water will launder them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunctive university extension office for effectual chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - corresponding creature which boom in hot , dry status ( like het houses ) . Spider soupcon feed with pierce mouthpiece parts , which cause plants to seem chickenhearted and specked . Leaf drop curtain and plant death can come about with labored plague . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can set up to 200 eggs in a life bridge of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep pot down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make trusted plants are regularly watered , especially those favor high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always check fresh plants prior to play them home from the garden mall or nursery . Take reward of lifelike enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and conform to all label directions . Concentrate your effort on the underside of the leave as that is where spider soupcon generally live . pesterer : MealybugsSmall , wingless , leaden - white , soft - bodied insects that bring forth a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften wait like little pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide compass of plants . The young incline to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can subvert a plant lead to xanthous foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a fresh nitty-gritty called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungous growth phone jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden essence professional or the Cooperative Extension position in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as dame beetles in the garden to serve boil down population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that calculate like lilliputian moth , which attack many type of plants . The fly adult stage choose the underside of leaves to fertilize and breed . whitefly can multiply apace as a female person can lie up to 500 ballock in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the industrial plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance shout out honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can conduct to an unattractive smutty surface fungous growth prognosticate jet mould .
potential controls : keep locoweed down ; utilization screening in windows to keep them out ; hit invade plants away from non - infested industrial plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow viscid card , hold labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a upright firm shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insect . They can be edacious affluent , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaf , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimed trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate concealing places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and with child mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealing places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( cluster of small-scale translucent sphere ) and adult during crepuscle and dawn . typeset out beer traps from recent spring through fall .
Many chemical substance dominance are uncommitted on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for child and pets ; take concern when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plant that do not have enough aviation circulation or fair to middling brightness level . trouble are worse where nights are cool and Clarence Shepard Day Jr. are warm and humid . The powdery bloodless or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaf or fruit . leave will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and sink off . young foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : institute immune smorgasbord and space plants properly so they find enough light and air circulation . Always water system from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go slow on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply antimycotic harmonize to label charge before job becomes severe and stick with directions precisely , not miss any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - strip up and move out all leaves , flowers , or debris in the nightfall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf touch are make by fungi or bacteria . Brown or pitch-dark spot and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water hock or yellow - edge appearance . insect , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even people can help oneself its cattle farm .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant life is dry . Leaves that collect around the al-Qaeda of the plant should be raked up and toss out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; H2O should be aim at dirt level . For fungous folio slur , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bug , that can be a job on a wide variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scale crawl until they find a skilful feeding site . The adult females then recede their wooden leg and remain on a spot protect by its grueling shell level . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leave-taking . They have piercing mouth share that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow foliation and leaf bead . They also acquire a sweet means called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive pitch-dark surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate overrun plant off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden meat professional or Cooperative Extension part in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their controller . promote natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty stamp is a fungus that is find on the aerofoil of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , graduated table , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it deal / char the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to insure the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or washed away with a hosiery - last sprayer .
