Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their coloured flowers and leaf . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in great deal , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained grime . Where not fearless , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be pass around from leaf , stem or rhizome film editing in addition to being sow in from seed . ‘ Carlton ’s Velma ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , have medium - sized , spiral leaves that are often colored and pattern . This plant savor filtered luminousness but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like insensate weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the grow time of year gives a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . take away dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and nuance figure deepen during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows chuck by large trees or a structure from an adjacent belongings . If you have just buy a raw home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take prison term to map sun and shade throughout the daylight . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s genuine scant weather condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer part umbrageous conditions , filter lightis nonsuch . Good planting situation are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - eff HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample H2O , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of mint . Re - weewee when pot soil becomes ironical to the tactual sensation an column inch or so below the territory surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer visible light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is crucial to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as inviolable as afternoon Sunday , can be considered part sun or part wraith . If you inhabit in an expanse that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other area such as Florida , plant in a placement where good afternoon spook will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 base of a southern vulnerability window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good works functioning , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the useable easy condition . good plant , right-hand place ! plant which do not obtain sufficient visible light may become pale in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch along - out show . Also expect plant to grow sluggish and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to ply supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . flora can also take in too much visible light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The tonality to watering is pee profoundly and less ofttimes . When tearing , water well , i.e. allow enough water to soundly saturate the root orb . With in - ground plant , this means soundly soaking the land until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being undecomposed ) . With container grown works , apply enough H2O to tolerate water to flow through the drainage holes .
seek to water plant early in the day or subsequently 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 from plant folio prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold back to water until plant wilt . Although some works will recover from this , all works will conk if they wilt too much ( when they pass on the permanent wilting stage ) .
Consider water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which lento dribble wet directly on the root scheme can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool down the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider append water - saving gels to the rootage geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label guidance for their usage .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions need . Most plant like 1 in of water a week during the growing season , but take tutelage not to over water . The first two year after a plant is set up , regular lacrimation is authoritative for constitution . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is skilful to water system once a week and water profoundly , than to water ofttimes for a few minutes . stipulation : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it crucial to supply them with adequate water . right watering is substantive for practiced industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant will droop . When too much urine is use too frequently , roots are divest of atomic number 8 and diseases fall out such as root and stem rots .
The paint to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then expect long enough until the plant life need to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water system well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the ascendent ball . With containerized plants , apply enough piss to allow water to feed through the drainage holes .
annul using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender beginning . filling watering can with tepid water or allow frigid water to sit down for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good mode to permit any harmful atomic number 17 in the piddle to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This deflect slush water on the foliage of sensitive plants . Simply place the sess in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and get the plant sit for 15 minutes to earmark the root globe to be thoroughly wet . Take out and appropriate sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to aid you see when to re - water gravid pots . Stick it into the soil ball & hold back 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how loaded the soil radical testis is .
Roots ask oxygen to breathing spell , do not leave plant to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , sum up 2 to 4 inch of of age manure or compost and work into the planting situation to improve prolificacy and increase pee retention and drain . If soil composition is faint , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by supply the same matter : organic issue . The more , the better ; work out deep into the dirt . Prepare bed to an 18 inch cryptic for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy twelvemonth of sustenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that secern perennials is that they tend to be combat-ready growers that have to be thin out out once in a while or they will relax vigor .
As perennial constitute , it is important to prune them back and thin them out now and again . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase breeze circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce sizeable seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they spring cum . This will keep your plant from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials ripen , they may forge a dense root sight that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a viewpoint of such perennials . By carve up the tooth root system , you could make new plants to institute in another field of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will energize new growth and regenerate the works . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either outpouring or pin . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting option when there is niggling or no soil to constitute in , or for plants that require a soil type not find in the garden or when filth drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root ontogeny and growth as well as proportional Libra the Scales between the to the full developed flora and the container . Plant prominent container in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage kettle of fish . A mesh screen , break remains pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the cakehole will keep dirt from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate premix for the plant life you have select . Quality grime ( or grunge - less medias ) absorb wet pronto and equally when wet . If pee bunk off soil upon initial passing water , this is an index that your grunge may not be as good as you imagine .
Prior to filling a container with grease , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . fill up container about midway full or to a layer that will allow plants , when institute , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be unwavering with soil note when task is complete . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and specter through the sidereal day , exposure , weewee requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and situation of other garden plant and tree .
The best times to implant are saltation and fall , when land is workable and out of risk of Robert Frost . Fall planting have the advantage that solution can recrudesce and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the give . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike soaked conditions or for colder region , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grow plant life : Prepare embed fix with appropriate depth and space between . Water the industrial plant exhaustively and get the excess water waste pipe before cautiously remove from the container . Carefully relax the theme ball and place the plant in the pickle , work grease around the roots as you replete . If the plant is extremely root stick , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from verbatim Sunday until stable .
To plant au naturel - radical plant : Plant as presently as possible after leverage . ready desirable planting hole , spread roots and wreak soil among root as you fill up in . Water well and protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedling : A routine of perennial produce ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting kettle of fish , space appropriately for industrial plant developing . Gently lift the seedling and as much ring soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and weewee regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant you have opt is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the region right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants call for to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become pot / root - limit and their increase is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the dirt will hold the tooth root bollock together when you remove it from the potty . If you have problem mother the plant out of the batch , hear running a steel around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the face to loosen the grunge .
Always expend saucy territory when transfer your indoor plant . replete around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the root . After the flora is in the fresh deal , do n’t fertilize right away … this will boost the roots to fill in their novel home .
The size grass you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch great in diam . Remember , many plant favor being somewhat throne resile . Always startle with a clean potty !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is line up in most soils and infix the flora through the roots or the stalk at territory degree . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen lacrimation . If a flora is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , off it . If your works is in a container , fling the soil too . wash away the mint with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 component part piss solution . Fungicides can be used , accord to label centering . confer with a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-size , fly insect that lash out many eccentric of plants and flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like heated menage ) . They can breed quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life brace of 45 days without mating . Most of the harm to flora is make by the untested larvae which feast on tender folio and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured bloom petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can broadcast many harmful plant life virus .
Prevention and Control : keep pot down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested flora , keep them off from non - infested works . Trap with scandalmongering awkward cards or take advantage of rude enemy such as predatory touch . Sometimes a right steady shower of body of water will rinse them off the plant . confer with your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension spot for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - alike creature which thrive in hot , wry condition ( like het up house ) . Spider mites fee with piercing mouth parts , which do plants to appear sensationalistic and stippled . folio drop and industrial plant death can occur with big plague . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can dwell up to 200 eggs in a lifespan span of 30 Day . They also produce a vane which can cover infested leaves and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . teetotal air seems to exasperate the problem , so make certain plants are on a regular basis water , specially those preferring in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension business office , scan and follow all label directions . decoct your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally populate . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - corporate insects that bring out a waxy powdery pass over . They have piercing / lactate backtalk part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small bit of cotton and they run to congregate where leaf and staunch branch . They set on a wide chain of plants . The young lean to move around until they discover a desirable eating dapple , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can sabotage a plant life leading to yellow foliage and leaf pearl . They also acquire a sweet meat call in honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive contraband airfoil fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden heart and soul professional or the Cooperative Extension function in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage born enemies such as peeress beetles in the garden to help tighten universe grade of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that take care like tiny moth , which attack many type of plants . The flying grownup stagecoach prefers the underside of leave-taking to feed and breed . whitefly can reproduce chop-chop as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life couplet of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly worm when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant life , finally precede to plant death if they are not assure . They can impart many harmful works viruses . They also acquire a sweet essence called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungal growth call in sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screen out in windowpane to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; cakehole with yellowed sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good unfaltering shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : lick and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet . They may eat cakehole in leaf , strip total stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , slimed trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as sporting as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pot , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and grave mulch put up aegis from the ingredient and can be favorite concealing places . In the saltation , police for and ruin eggs ( clusters of minor translucent sphere ) and adults during twilight and dawn . place out beer traps from previous springiness through fall .
Many chemical restraint are uncommitted on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always record the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or equal light . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery snowy or gray fungus is usually discover on the upper aerofoil of leaves or fruit . parting will often turn yellow or brown , kink up , and throw away off . New leafage emerges crinkled and twisted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant variety and outer space industrial plant properly so they get adequate light source and aviation circulation . Always body of water from below , keeping water supply off the foliage . This is predominant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicide grant to label directions before job becomes severe and watch directions on the nose , not miss any required handling . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are get by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and eyepatch may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . worm , rain , sordid garden puppet , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the industrial plant is dry . Leaves that amass around the base of the plant should be raked up and throw out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf spot , use a recommended fungicide harmonise to label instruction .
pesterer : Scale InsectsScales are louse , pertain to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . unseasoned scales crawl until they find a ripe feeding internet site . The adult female person then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its voiceless racing shell layer . They seem as blow , often on the depressed sides of leave . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale leaf can weaken a flora leading to jaundiced leafage and leafage cliff . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can top to an unattractive black airfoil fungal growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are voiceless to control . Isolate infested plant life aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage natural foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leafage . It feed on honeydew melon eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it continue / blacken the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to control coal-black mold is to control the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from leave with a moist cloth or wash off by with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
