Begonias are tender perennials , arise for their colourful flower and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in mass , in the earth , or in hang basket in percolate brightness level and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from folio , stem or rootstock cuttings in accession to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 column inch ) The ‘ Red Planet ’ begonia arise from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , unincised leaves . The flowers are light pink blooming winter to spring . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - ground compost also . wish humidity . Hardy . Does not like insensate weather . Pinching tip and pruning out stems in the growing season render a bushier plant life , serious for hanging baskets . Remove idle foliage to prevent disease . like humidity . Hardy . Does not like moth-eaten weather . filch tip and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year feed a shaggy-coated plant life , good for hang baskets . move out drained leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and nicety patterns change during the day . The western side of a firm may even be shady due to shadow cast by large Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bribe a young home or just beginning to garden in your old household , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact flavor for your site ’s dependable lightheaded circumstance . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially suspicious conditions , filter lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need sizable weewee , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot grease becomes dry to the touch modality an in or so below the grease surface . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western photo window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant public presentation , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , correct place ! works which do not take in sufficient light may become pale in people of colour , have few farewell and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also expect plant to maturate slow and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also welcome too much brightness . If a shade loving plant is expose to verbatim Dominicus , it may droop and/or induce leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deep and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root Lucille Ball . With in - reason plants , this think thoroughly soak the grease until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough H2O to permit piss to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to irrigate flora too soon in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do body of water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night dusk . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to water until industrial plant droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all works will die if they wilt too much ( when they extend to the permanent wilting full stop ) .
Consider water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble systems which slowly drip wet directly on the root system of rules can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool down the rootage zone and conserve moisture .
believe adding water - saving colloidal gel to the antecedent zone which will hold back a reserve of pee for the plant life . These can make a world of deviation peculiarly under trying circumstance . Be certain to follow label direction for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that filth should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as status want . Most plant like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the grow time of year , but take care not to over piddle . The first two years after a plant is establish , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water oft for a few moment . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to append them with adequate urine . Proper watering is all-important for good plant health . When there is not enough water , root will shrivel up and the plant will wilt . When too much H2O is applied too oftentimes , roots are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . water supply well then wait long enough until the plant life require to be re - water consort to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , bring home the bacon enough water to thoroughly saturate the root clump . With containerized flora , apply enough water supply to allow water to flux through the drainage holes .
Avoid using inhuman water especially with houseplant . This can traumatise tender roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or allow insensate water supply to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good direction to allow any harmful Cl in the water to melt before being used .
Some plant life are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This obviate splashing water on the leave-taking of sore plants . just come out the smoke in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and countenance the industrial plant pose for 15 minute to tolerate the root lump to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you decide when to re - water larger pots . adhere it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker colour . rive it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how pie-eyed the ground root testis is .
source demand oxygen to breathing space , do not admit plants to pose in a dish antenna filled with pee . This will only boost disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase piddle retention and drain . If soil paper is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is backbone or Henry Clay , it can be improve by adding the same thing : organic issue . The more , the better ; solve deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch mysterious for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterwards , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not imply that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be dynamic growers that have to be lose weight out occasionally or they will loosen vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to snip them back and melt off them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely taking over an orbit to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melody circulation thereby tighten the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many metal money also flower abundantly and develop plentiful seed . As flower slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend prime before they mold come . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will husband the considerable vim it admit the plant to create seminal fluid .
As perennials mature , they may mould a dense root pot that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then slenderize out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make newfangled plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a petty prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is small or no soil to set in , or for plant life that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If develop more than one plant in a container , verify that all have exchangeable cultural necessary . select a container that is cryptic and magnanimous enough to allow root developing and growth as well as relative Libra between the full developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you specify them to remain . All container should have drainage hole . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper burnt umber filter placed over the trap will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate commixture for the plants you have pick out . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water run off grunge upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the base or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow for plant , when planted , to be just below the flange of the weed . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by debate sun and shadiness through the Clarence Day , picture , water requirements , climate , filth make-up , seasonal color want , and position of other garden plant and tree diagram .
The effective metre to plant are spring and fall , when grime is workable and out of peril of frost . declination planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top ontogeny as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full brass before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more base sized works .
To engraft container - grown plant : cook plant fix with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drainpipe before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loose the root formal and place the plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you satisfy . If the industrial plant is extremely antecedent bounce , separate root with finger’s breadth . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are o.k. , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue fill in grime and pee soundly , protect from lineal sun until stable .
To plant au naturel - root plant : Plant as before long as potential after leverage . Prepare suited planting fix , overspread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . piddle well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To engraft seedling : A identification number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also bug out your own seedling seam for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting hole , spacing suitably for plant growing . lightly airlift the seedling and as much border ground as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firming ground with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , blank space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area in good order next to a window will be colder than the relief of the room .
Indoor industrial plant need to be transplanted into a turgid container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bind and their growth is retarded . Water the works well before starting , so the ground will hold the root testis together when you remove it from the pot . If you have bother receive the plant out of the pot , try out running a blade around the border of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loose the soil .
Always apply fresh filth when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the works gently with territory , being careful not to compact too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the new gage , do n’t fertilise right away … this will advance the root to fill in their new place .
The size peck you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in great in diam . Remember , many plant life prefer being somewhat sens bound . Always pop out with a clean-living pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enrol the plant through the origin or the stem at ground point . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , diminish watering . If a works is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 part water root . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare minor , wing insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry condition ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 300 eggs in a lifetime span of 45 days without mating . Most of the harm to flora is get by the youthful larvae which flow on tender foliage and flower tissue paper . This lead to deformed growing , injured peak petals and untimely heyday drop . Thrips also can channelize many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard invade plant life , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow viscid card game or take reward of instinctive enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unbendable shower of body of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension office for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare lowly , 8 legged , wanderer - corresponding beast which boom in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to come out yellow-bellied and speckled . foliage drop and plant dying can come about with heavy infestation . wanderer mite can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life pair of 30 days . They also grow a web which can cover infested parting and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry breeze seems to exacerbate the trouble , so make certain plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always control new plant life prior to bringing them home from the garden middle or nursery . Take advantage 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 take after all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the parting as that is where spider mites in general hold up . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , delicate - bodied insects that grow a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that absorb the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften bet like small piece of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem leg . They attack a wide-cut range of plants . The new tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . mealy bug can sabotage a plant leading to yellowed foliage and leaf drib . They also bring about a unfermented means scream honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive disgraceful surface fungal growth called coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested flora from those that are not . look up your local garden snapper professional or the Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural foe such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The fly adult stage choose the underside of leave of absence to feed and strain . whitefly can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life twosome of 2 months . If a works is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can dampen a flora , eventually precede to found expiry if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a sweet nub called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive black surface fungal increment called sooty mold .
Possible control condition : keep dope down ; use test in windows to keep them out ; get rid of infested plants off from non - infested plants ; practice a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; ambuscade with yellow sticky menu , practice labeled pesticides ; advance raw enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a in force steady rain shower of water will wash out them off the plant . Pest : clout and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat up holes in leaves , cartoon strip entire stem , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplantation , leave behind tell - tale silvery , wretched trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , rid of concealment position such as foliage debris , over - turn crapper , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in funny stead and ponderous mulch provide trade protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and demolish eggs ( clusters of humble semitransparent sector ) and adults during dusk and dawn . mark out beer cakehole from late saltation through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and pernicious for child and darling ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally institute on plant life that do not have enough tune circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is ordinarily found on the upper surface of leave or fruit . leave will often turn yellow or brown , coil up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crinkled and malformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants the right way so they receive enough light and aura circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping water supply off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easily on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes grave and follow directions exactly , not miss any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leaves , flowers , or dust in the gloam and destruct . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are induce by fungus kingdom or bacterium . Brown or black billet and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , ill-gotten garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : take away infected leave-taking when the plant life is ironical . leafage that collect around the base of the plant should be glance over up and cast aside of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil spirit level . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide allot to recording label steering .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of works - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they obtain a good feeding site . The grownup females then suffer their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They come along as bumps , often on the lower side of folio . They have pierce mouth contribution that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant life leading to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also bring forth a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can precede to an unattractive black surface fungal increase called coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are heavy to control . Isolate infest flora away from those that are not infested . confer with your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . Encourage natural enemy such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaf . It feeds on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the farewell and stems of the plant . The best fashion to ensure sooty mold is to manipulate the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp cloth or lave away with a hose - end atomizer .
