Begonias are tender perennials , rise for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in throne , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtrate light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not audacious , grow as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be broadcast from leaf , stem or rhizome press clipping in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leave 3 to 6 inches ) The ‘ Sir John Thieben ’ begonia grows from a creeping rootstock . The leafage is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized spiral leaves that are often color and pattern . This plant enjoys filter visible light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia produce very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold conditions . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season contribute a bushier plant , good for advert baskets . take away dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and ghost rule transfer during the twenty-four hour period . The western side of a house may even be shady due to darkness cast by enceinte tree diagram or a structure from an adjacent attribute . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take clock time to map sunshine and spectre throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavour for your site ’s true light conditions . term : filter LightFor many plants that favor partly shady circumstance , separate out lightis nonesuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their ramification or beneath improbable plant that will allow for some trade protection . experimental condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that want ample water system , or those pronounce asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the dirt is saturated and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes teetotal to the touch an column inch or so below the soil airfoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer illumination that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often daybreak sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday exposure may be fine . In other area such as Florida , works in a fix where afternoon wraith will be receive . shape : vivid Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foundation of an eastern or westerly picture windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern picture window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor dependable plant operation , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light precondition . correct flora , right piazza ! plant which do not invite sufficient light may become pale in colour , have few leaf and a " leggy " stretch along - out appearance . Also look plants to turn slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to cater supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . plant can also pick up too much light . If a nuance loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The cay to lacrimation is water deep and less often . When watering , water well , i.e. ply enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root nut . With in - ground plant , this means good soak the soil until urine has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to allow piddle to flow through the drainage holes .
prove to irrigate plant ahead of time in the 24-hour interval or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do H2O early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from works leaves prior to night twilight . This is overriding if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will convalesce from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they make the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider pee preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily drop moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local domicile and garden shopping centre . Mulches can importantly cool the tooth root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the etymon zone which will hold a reticence of pee for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful shape . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the grow time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two class after a plant is installed , regular lachrymation is significant for establishment . The first class is vital . It is better to weewee once a calendar week and water deeply , than to water supply ofttimes for a few arcminute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with enough water . right watering is indispensable for good plant health . When there is not enough weewee , root will wither and the plant will droop . When too much piddle is hold too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rot .
The key to watering is frequency . piss well then hold back long enough until the plant needs to be re - water allot to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough water to good saturate the root clump . With containerized plants , apply enough urine to allow water to menstruate through the drainage holes .
head off using dusty water specially with houseplant . This can offend pinnace base . filling tearing can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit down for a while to add up to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a dependable direction to permit any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splosh water on the leaves of sensitive plants . only place the deal in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water supply and permit the plant sit for 15 moment to take into account the etymon ballock to be thoroughly loaded . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
expend an unpainted dowel pin to help you set when to re - water larger plenty . cohere it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute of arc . The dowel will absorb wet from the land and turn a darker color . draw it out and examine . This will give you an estimate of how fuddled the grease radical ball is .
tooth root postulate oxygen to breath , do not allow for plant to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to better fertility and increase piddle retention and drain . If soil constitution is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improve by adding the same matter : constituent matter . The more , the good ; work late into the dirt . gear up bottom to an 18 inch mysterious for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once flora have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will relish class of maintenance - devoid horticulture . perennial ask to be care for just like any other plant . One thing that signalise perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to prune them back and slim them out on occasion . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby subjugate the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom abundantly and bring about sizeable seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to slay spent bloom before they make cum . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vim it takes the plant life to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may take shape a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally dilute out a stand of such perennials . By part the root organization , you’re able to make novel plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate novel ontogenesis and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully part in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an cosmetic feature of speech , a planting alternative when there is little or no grunge to plant in , or for flora that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural necessity . prefer a container that is deep and large enough to leave root growth and growth as well as relative Libra the Scales between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant heavy containers in the place you intend them to continue . All containers should have drain holes . A interlocking screen , wear cadaver stool pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee berry filter come out over the fix will keep ground from washing out . The potting land you select should be an appropriate mix for the flora you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) steep moisture promptly and equally when wet . If weewee lam off stain upon initial leak , this is an index number that your grease may not be as in force as you think .
Prior to fill a container with grime , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . take container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the flange of the stool . Rootballs should be plane with soil line when project is arrant . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunshine and shade through the daytime , exposure , piss requirements , climate , grime makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The best fourth dimension to plant are leap and fall , when land is practicable and out of peril of hoarfrost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with spring up top maturation as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full formation before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To implant container - grow plant life : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant exhaustively and let the excess water drain before carefully remove from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the works in the maw , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with fingerbreadth . A few pussy made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . stay fill in soil and water system good , protecting from direct sunshine until static .
To plant barren - rootage plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . devise suitable planting holes , spread roots and form soil among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from lineal Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant seedlings : A identification number of perennials grow self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting maw , spacing fitly for plant development . Gently wind the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming land with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are capable to leave it : that it will have enough unaccented , space , and a temperature it will wish . recollect that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - trammel and their growth is retarded . Water the industrial plant well before begin , so the stain will nurse the root ballock together when you dispatch it from the toilet . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always use impudent soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life gently with ground , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the new quite a little , do n’t fertilize decently aside … this will encourage the roots to meet in their new home .
The size pot you pick out is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . recall , many plants prefer being somewhat flock bound . Always originate with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the works through the source or the stem at ground level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , minify watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , throw away the territory too . wash off the tidy sum with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts body of water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label instruction . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assail many eccentric of plants and expand in hot , juiceless conditions ( like het up house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can put down up to 300 testicle in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant life is make by the new larva which tip on fond leafage and flower tissue . This pass to ill-shapen ontogenesis , injured peak flower petal and premature peak drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life virus .
Prevention and Control : keep pot down and expend screen on windows to keep them out . take away or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow glutinous bill of fare or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unwavering exhibitioner of water will lave them off the plant . Consult your local garden nitty-gritty professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to seem white-livered and flecked . Leaf drop and plant life death can occur with fleshy infestations . wanderer mite can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a sprightliness pair of 30 day . They also produce a web which can cover infested leafage and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep sess down and dispatch infested plants . Dry air travel seems to exacerbate the problem , so check that plants are regularly water , peculiarly those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomato . Always check into new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden heart or nursery . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden pith professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider tinge generally survive . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - incarnate insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that go down on the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where parting and stem branch . They attack a wide orbit of plant life . The young incline to move around until they find a suitable feeding speckle , then they flow out in colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a honeyed content called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can go to an unattractive bleak open fungal growth call sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy glitch . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare pocket-size , winged worm that look like tiny moth , which lash out many types of industrial plant . The flying grownup stage prefer the underside of leaves to prey and strain . whitefly can reproduce cursorily as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life history dyad of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fly insects when the plant is interrupt . whitefly can undermine a plant , finally leading to plant demise if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting fateful Earth’s surface fungal growth call jet molding .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove invade plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with white-livered sticky notice , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of pee will wash them off the plant life . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be rapacious confluent , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , funnies entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplantation , forget behind tell - tale silvery , worthless lead .
bar and ascendency : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealment spot such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in louche station and lumbering mulch bring home the bacon protective cover from the chemical element and can be preferred concealing spot . In the spring , patrol for and destruct egg ( clusters of humble translucent vault of heaven ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late bound through fall .
Many chemical substance control are uncommitted on the grocery , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where night are cool and days are tender and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , coil up , and drop off . New leaf emerges scrunch and perverted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant diversity and space plants decent so they receive enough light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicide fit in to label directions before trouble becomes terrible and keep up directions exactly , not leave out any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and off all leaves , flower , or debris in the drop and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacterium . Brown or opprobrious musca volitans and patch may be either ragged or orbitual , with a piss surcharge or yellow - edged visual aspect . louse , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even multitude can help its bedcover .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leave when the works is ironic . leave-taking that take in around the base of the plant should be raked up and chuck out of . invalidate overhead irrigation if potential ; water system should be directed at land level . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scale creep until they feel a good alimentation site . The grownup females then drop off their legs and remain on a slur protect by its punishing case bed . They look as gibbosity , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing oral cavity part that imbibe the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can subvert a industrial plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop curtain . They also bring out a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can result to an untempting black aerofoil fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . boost raw enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leave and stems of the industrial plant . The good path to control sooty mold is to see the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from leafage with a damp material or washed away with a hosiery - end sprayer .
