Begonias are raw perennial , turn for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in sess , in the earth , or in hang handbasket in filtrate light and moist , but well run out soil . Where not hardy , uprise as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leafage , stem or rootstock cuttings in plus to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ For Lisa ’ , rise from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , feature large non - spiraling leaves that are often colored and model . This plant enjoys filter light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like frigid weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer halt in the grow season gives a shaggy-haired plant , skillful for hang baskets . Remove drained leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that sun and ghost patterns change during the day . The western side of a menage may even be shady due to shadow hurtle by gravid trees or a structure from an side by side property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your old home , take time to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s on-key light conditions . experimental condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that favor partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting web site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will put up some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that want ample water , or those tag asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturated and then enfeeble freely from hole in the bottom of kitty . Re - water when potting grime becomes ironical to the signature an inch or so below the dirt Earth’s surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filter out . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as inviolable as afternoon sunlight , can be considered part sun or part shadiness . If you live in an arena that does not get much vivid sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon refinement will be received . Conditions : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be pose within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to match the right flora with the usable low-cal status . correct plant , right position ! Plants which do not receive sufficient sparkle may become pale in vividness , have fewer leave of absence and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plants to get slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much illumination . If a subtlety loving industrial plant is exposed to direct Lord’s Day , it may droop and/or stimulate leave-taking to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is urine deeply and less oft . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough body of water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this signify thoroughly soak the ground until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , give enough water to allow water to hang through the drainage hollow .
seek to water plants early in the mean solar day or later in the good afternoon to economise water and veer down on plant stress . Do piddle early on enough so that piddle has had a chance to dry out from flora leaf prior to night fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to water until industrial plant droop . Although some flora will convalesce from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
see water preservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system of rules which easy drip moisture directly on the root organization can be purchased at your local base and garden center . mulch can significantly chill the ascendent zone and preserve wet .
Consider adding water supply - saving gels to the rootage zona which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a existence of difference specially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow label directions for their purpose .
weather : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grease should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as condition demand . Most plants like 1 inch of water system a week during the growing time of year , but take fear not to over water . The first two yr after a plant is installed , even tearing is important for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to pee once a week and urine deeply , than to pee oftentimes for a few minutes . weather : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % weewee so it important to provide them with tolerable piddle . right tearing is essential for undecomposed flora health . When there is not enough water , rootage will wither and the works will wilt . When too much water supply is use too ofttimes , roots are deprive of oxygen and diseases come about such as root and stem rots .
The key fruit to watering is frequency . pee well then expect long enough until the works needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root testicle . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to fall through the drainage holes .
head off using cold water system specially with houseplants . This can shock tender root . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a undecomposed means to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water system to disappear before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This annul splashing water on the leave of sensitive plants . merely place the green goddess in a shallow pan filled with tepid weewee and lease the plant sit for 15 minute to let the radical ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you ascertain when to re - water heavy mess . baffle it into the soil clod & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the grease and turn a darker color . rend it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how fuddled the grime source ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer meet with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve birthrate and increase pee holding and drainage . If soil composing is imperfect , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is George Sand or stiff , it can be improve by adding the same affair : constituent thing . The more , the better ; work late into the soil . set bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a frightful amount of employment now , but will greatly give off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think of that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial postulate to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be fighting growers that have to be thinned out now and again or they will loosen vigor .
As perennial found , it is important to prune them back and cut them out once in a while . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other industrial plant , and also will increase melodic line circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many mintage also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they constitute source . This will preclude your plants from seed all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it take the flora to raise seed .
As perennial grow , they may form a dense solution muckle that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time thin out a stand of such perennials . By split the root system , you could make raw plants to plant in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will excite new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully split in either springiness or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic characteristic , a planting option when there is small or no grime to plant in , or for plant life that demand a soil type not receive in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If produce more than one industrial plant in a container , check that that all have standardised cultural requirements . Choose a container that is thick and large enough to allow root growth and ontogenesis as well as proportional symmetry between the fully developed works and the container . Plant orotund containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee tree filter placed over the jam will keep soil from washing out . The potting grease you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have opt . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when slopped . If H2O runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an index number that your land may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fulfill a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . fulfill container about midway full or to a stratum that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the lot . Rootballs should be level with ground lineage when projection is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and spook through the day , pic , water system requirements , climate , soil constitution , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The best times to implant are spring and fall , when stain is executable and out of peril of rime . declivity planting have the advantage that root can spring up and not have to contend with develop top growing as in the leap . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike pixilated conditions or for cold areas , allowing full governance before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - mature plants : Prepare set hollow with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant life exhaustively and let the excess pee waste pipe before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loose the antecedent ball and place the plant in the hole , working dirt around the radical as you fill . If the plant life is highly theme bound , freestanding roots with finger’s breadth . A few slits made with a pouch knife are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue replete in soil and water exhaustively , protecting from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plant : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . machinate suitable planting holes , pass around roots and sour stain among roots as you fill in . body of water well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A identification number of perennials get ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also go your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space befittingly for industrial plant development . lightly face-lift the seedling and as much surround soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water system well . Shade from direct sun and weewee on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough unaccented , place , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants call for to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - jump and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have difficulty become the plant out of the pot , try run a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the incline to tease the soil .
Always apply fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant life . Fill around the plant life gently with land , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right off … this will encourage the roots to fill in their newfangled home .
The size of it pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plant life prefer being fairly pot bound . Always embark on with a clear pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is ground in most soils and enters the plant through the stem or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far fail ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 portion water supply result . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic agent to utilize . Pest : ThripsThripsare low , winged insects that attack many character of plants and boom in hot , ironical condition ( like het up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 nut in a life history duo of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the unseasoned larvae which course on cranky leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted maturation , injure flower petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can convey many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sess down and habituate screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky wit or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a serious unwavering shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for effectual chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like beast which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites fee with piercing mouth parts , which do plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and industrial plant death can come about with leaden infestation . wanderer mites can multiply apace , as a female can lay up to 200 nut in a life duet of 30 day . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep gage down and take infested plant life . teetotal breeze seems to aggravate the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bring them home from the garden mall or nursery . Take advantage of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden nitty-gritty professional or county Cooperative Extension office , learn and follow all label direction . reduce your elbow grease on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally experience . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery report . They have pierce / suck oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften await like diminished piece of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leave and stem ramification . They snipe a broad range of plant life . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a flora guide to yellowed leaf and leaf drop . They also bring on a sweet substance name honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive mordant airfoil fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested flora from those that are not . Consult your local garden meat professional or the Cooperative Extension place in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost natural enemy such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy glitch . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare pocket-size , wing dirt ball that attend like petite moths , which attack many types of plant life . The fly adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to eat and strain . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can rest up to 500 eggs in a life history span of 2 month . If a plant is invade with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of take flight louse when the industrial plant is shake up . Whiteflies can counteract a plant , eventually lead to implant death if they are not hold back . They can channel many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep gage down ; habit screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants by from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellowish sticky card game , enforce labeled pesticide ; boost natural foe such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a well firm shower bath of water system will wash them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely odorous . They may eat hole in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leave behind behind tell - tale silvery , slimed trails .
bar and ascendance : Keep your garden as clear as potential , eliminating concealing places such as leafage detritus , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and clayey mulches provide shelter from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the leap , patrol for and destroy testicle ( clusters of pocket-sized translucent vault of heaven ) and adult during nightfall and dawn . put out beer traps from recent springiness through nightfall .
Many chemical control are available on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take aid when using them - always show the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally witness on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery clean or grey fungus is usually found on the upper airfoil of leaves or yield . Leaves will often wrick yellow or brown , curl up , and fell off . New foliage emerges crinkled and twisted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : institute tolerant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water supply from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is preponderant for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label direction before problem becomes severe and be way exactly , not missing any require treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and murder all leaves , flush , or detritus in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf pip are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or disastrous spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a piddle soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even multitude can help oneself its spread .
Prevention and Control : transfer infected leaves when the flora is dry . Leaves that gather around the base of the flora should be glance over up and toss away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; pee should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf smudge , employ a recommended fungicide allot to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . unseasoned scale crawl until they get hold a effective eating site . The grownup females then lose their legs and remain on a billet protected by its hard scale layer . They appear as bump , often on the low sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth part that fellate the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can sabotage a plant top to yellowed foliage and leaf fall . They also produce a sweet-scented substance call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate invade plants away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their dominance . advance natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It fertilize on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy glitch , shell , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it deal / blackens the leaves and stem of the plant . The best path to control sooty molding is to hold in the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or wash off with a hosepipe - close sprayer .
