Begonias are tender perennials , originate for their colourful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be produce out of doors in stool , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained territory . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be circulate from leaf , bow or rhizome cuttings in plus to being sown from seed . ( Plant breadth : leaves under 3 inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Tartan , ’ grow from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , sport small , lobed leave-taking . The many flowers are pinkish , bloom March through June . This plant enjoys filtered lightness but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not like stale weather . Pinching steer and pruning forbidden stems in the growing season gives a bushy plant , in effect for hanging baskets . move out dead foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade form change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be suspect due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an side by side property . If you have just bought a unexampled base or just start to garden in your Old home , take sentence to map Dominicus and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your web site ’s dead on target clear conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that opt part shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that allow some light through their branches or beneath taller plant life that will provide some auspices . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that demand ample pee , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the dirt is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of mountain . Re - water when potting dirt becomes dry to the touching an column inch or so below the stain control surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be weigh part sun or part wraith . If you hold out in an area that does not get much intense Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun vulnerability may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a locating where good afternoon nuance will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is desirable to gibe the correct plant with the available light conditions . right-hand plant , correct place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient luminosity may become sick in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also anticipate plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to bring home the bacon supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . plant can also receive too much illumination . If a shade loving works is exposed to direct Dominicus , it may wilt and/or have leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is H2O deeply and less oft . When tearing , water well , i.e. offer enough water to thoroughly saturate the root orb . With in - ground plant , this intend exhaustively soaking the land until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough body of water to allow water to menstruate through the drain holes .
seek to water plants early in the daylight or later on in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on works stress . Do water betimes enough so that water supply has had a hazard to dry out from plant leave of absence prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to body of water until plants wilt . Although some plants will find from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they give the lasting wilting point ) .
moot piddle conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which slowly drop moisture at once on the tooth root system can be purchase at your local home and garden shopping centre . Mulches can importantly cool the ascendant geographical zone and conserve wet .
Consider tot water - save gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water supply for the plant . These can make a world of difference peculiarly under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their consumption .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most industrial plant like 1 column inch of water a week during the uprise season , but take precaution not to over water . The first two class after a plant is installed , regular tearing is of import for organization . The first year is critical . It is effective to water once a calendar week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it crucial to provide them with equal water . Proper lachrymation is essential for unspoiled plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too ofttimes , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root word and root rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered grant to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root nut . With containerized plants , employ enough water to grant water to flow through the drainage holes .
void using cold water peculiarly with houseplants . This can shock supply ship tooth root . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good fashion to give up any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply put the toilet in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water supply and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to tolerate the base ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 mo . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the stain and turn a dark color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an approximation of how loaded the soil radical bollock is .
tooth root need atomic number 8 to breathing space , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting website to ameliorate fertility and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by tote up the same thing : organic affair . The more , the better ; work deep into the territory . educate bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly bear off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savour years of sustenance - costless gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active agriculturist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigour .
As perennials found , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will preclude them from completely taking over an expanse to the censure of other plants , and also will increase melodic line circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and bring forth rich seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will foreclose your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may forge a dull root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to on occasion thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make new plants to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will energise raw emergence and rejuvenate the works . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is minuscule or no soil to plant in , or for works that require a soil eccentric not obtain in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If grow more than one industrial plant in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnical necessary . Choose a container that is deep and with child enough to allow beginning exploitation and emergence as well as proportional proportion between the fully developed flora and the container . Plant large container in the position you intend them to quell . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh silver screen , broken mud grass pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter position over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have opt . Quality soils ( or grease - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when wet . If piddle runs off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your grease may not be as undecomposed as you think .
Prior to fill a container with ground , wet potting soil in the bag or billet in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a stratum that will allow plants , when establish , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be flat with soil business when project is unadulterated . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sunlight and shadowiness through the day , photograph , urine requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when grime is viable and out of peril of frost . drop plantings have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full constitution before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To establish container - grow flora : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water waste pipe before cautiously hit from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the works in the hole , working grime around the roots as you fill . If the plant is highly theme bind , separate roots with digit . A few cunt made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fill in land and water exhaustively , protecting from lineal sun until stable .
To plant unembellished - base plants : flora as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , open roots and work land among beginning as you fill in . Water well and protect from lineal sunshine until stable .
To establish seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suited planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant evolution . mildly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and weewee well . Shade from lineal sun and H2O regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough short , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area in good order next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become potty / rootage - bound and their growth is decelerate . irrigate the flora well before starting , so the soil will hold the source ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have bother getting the flora out of the pot , try running a blade around the boundary of the grass , and gently wallop the side to loosen the filth .
Always utilize fresh soil when transplant your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with grunge , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right by … this will promote the roots to fill in their new house .
The size good deal you pick out is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . Remember , many works opt being somewhat great deal bound . Always start with a clear pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the industrial plant through the root or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant is too far locomote ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , off it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the bay window with a 1 part bleach to 9 portion piss answer . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional person for a legal testimonial of what antimycotic to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , fly insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in red-hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated family ) . They can multiply cursorily as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life story span of 45 sidereal day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is because of the young larva which feed on tender foliage and flower tissue paper . This lead to malformed growth , injure flower petals and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transport many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . move out or discard infested industrial plant , keep them aside from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with yellow unenviable cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a practiced steady shower of water will wash them off the plant life . confabulate your local garden eye professional or county Cooperative extension office for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minor , 8 legged , spider - same creature which boom in hot , wry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouthpiece parts , which cause plants to seem yellow and dotted . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with with child infestations . Spider mites can multiply rapidly , as a female can place up to 200 eggs in a sprightliness span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . ironic air seems to aggravate the problem , so verify plant are on a regular basis irrigate , specially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always stop fresh plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension post , read and trace all label directions . Concentrate your exertion on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . pesterer : MealybugsSmall , wingless , deadening - ashen , soft - bodied worm that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have thrust / sucking back talk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften front like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave and stems subdivision . They attack a wide range of plant . The young incline to move around until they incur a worthy feeding touch , then they string up out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant guide to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also grow a sweet meaning visit honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black airfoil fungous increase ring jet-black cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden substance professional or the Cooperative Extension bureau in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . advance natural enemy such as dame beetles in the garden to help oneself reduce population levels of mealy microbe . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged dirt ball that search like tiny moths , which assail many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefer the underside of leaves to feast and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life duad of 2 month . If a industrial plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of flee louse when the works is disturbed . whitefly can sabotage a plant , eventually head to set end if they are not checked . They can air many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growing prognosticate pitchy mold .
Possible ascendance : keep weeds down ; habit screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plant life away from non - infested plants ; apply a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; cakehole with chicken sticky notice , practice labeled pesticides ; encourage natural foe such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : bullet and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not dirt ball . They can be voracious feeders , rust just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may feed holes in leave , strip show entire stems , or altogether devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , ugly trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as sporty as potential , eliminating concealment position such as leaf dust , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding shoes . In the outpouring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of modest translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawning . Set out beer traps from late outflow through fall .
Many chemical substance control are available on the grocery store , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually get on plants that do not have enough melody circulation or enough light . trouble are worse where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is commonly incur on the upper open of farewell or fruit . leaf will often turn jaundiced or browned , curl up , and flatten off . newfangled foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early on .
Prevention and Control : institute insubordinate varieties and blank plants properly so they receive equal light and strain circulation . Always water supply from below , maintain urine off the foliation . This is overriding for rosebush . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . use fungicides according to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and keep up directions exactly , not missing any command treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and hit all leaves , flowers , or detritus in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or calamitous spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edged coming into court . Insects , rain , cheating garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : get rid of infected leaves when the flora is dry . Leaves that accumulate around the base of the plant should be raked up and cast out of . fend off overhead irrigation if possible ; piddle should be directed at land level . For fungal foliage spots , use a recommend fungicide grant to label steering .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , concern to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they recover a good eating site . The grownup female then suffer their legs and remain on a pip protect by its backbreaking scale layer . They come out as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parting that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can soften a flora leading to yellowed foliage and leafage drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can run to an untempting black surface fungous growth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once ground they are hard to control . Isolate infested industrial plant away from those that are not infest . confer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty cast is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale of measurement , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and staunch of the plant . The best way to control sooty mould is to hold the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaf with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hose - goal nebulizer .
