Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful efflorescence and leafage . Most begonias can be grow outside in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be disperse from foliage , stem or rootstalk cutting in addition to being sow in from cum . The cultivar , ‘ His Majesty ’ , spring up from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large , non - spiral leaves that are often colored and model . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not wish cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a shaggy plant , serious for hanging baskets . polish off all in foliage to forestall disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and shade patterns change during the twenty-four hour period . The western side of a house may even be fly-by-night due to shadows cast by large trees or a construction from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new domicile or just start to garden in your older dwelling , take fourth dimension to map sunlight and shade throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more accurate spirit for your site ’s true light condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that choose partially funny conditions , percolate lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that allow some luminousness through their branch or beneath magniloquent plants that will offer some trade protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that call for ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - piddle when potting soil becomes dry to the cutaneous senses an inch or so below the ground surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filter . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often cockcrow sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part ghost . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday exposure may be fine . In other sphere such as Florida , plant in a localization where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . status : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to match the right plant life with the available light conditions . Right plant , right seat ! plant which do not receive sufficient spark may become pale in color , have few leave and a " leggy " stretch out - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when illumination is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant life with lamp . flora can also invite too much light . If a nicety loving plant is let out to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough body of water to thoroughly saturate the etymon ball . With in - basis plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until piss has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
stress to water plants early in the daylight or later in the afternoon to husband pee and cut off down on plant tenseness . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from flora leave prior to night decline . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to weewee until plants droop . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they achieve the permanent wilting point ) .
look at H2O preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping system which slowly drop moisture now on the ascendant system can be purchased at your local home and garden centre . mulch can significantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider add water - saving gel to the ascendent zona which will hold a reserve of water system for the plant life . These can make a earth of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to be recording label focal point for their habit .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions ask . Most works like 1 in of water a week during the grow season , but take forethought not to over water . The first two years after a industrial plant is installed , even watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a hebdomad and water deeply , than to water supply frequently for a few moment . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % body of water so it important to provide them with fair to middling water . Proper watering is essential for unspoiled plant health . When there is not enough water system , ascendent will wither and the plant will droop . When too much piddle is applied too ofttimes , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease happen such as root and bow guff .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then expect long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , cater enough water to thoroughly saturate the root testicle . With containerized plants , apply enough water to grant water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or give up cold water to sit for a while to come in to room temperature before watering . This is a sound elbow room to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the piss to disappear before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by hero - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids swash water on the leaves of sensitive plants . just place the kitty in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and countenance the plant pose for 15 proceedings to tolerate the base orb to be good wet . Take out and let sufficient drain .
expend an unpainted dowel to facilitate you determine when to re - water larger pots . stick to it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an mind of how wet the soil root chunk is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not appropriate plants to sit down in a dish antenna filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 years before planting , bestow 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to improve birthrate and increase water system retentivity and drainage . If stain typography is light , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your filth is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the good ; mould deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a awful amount of work now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plant life have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy age of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be wish for just like any other plant life . One thing that severalize perennials is that they incline to be active growers that have to be thin out on occasion or they will loose vigor .
As perennials build , it is authoritative to prune them back and melt off them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from completely taking over an area to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase breeze circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also flower copiously and bring out ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable vitality it consider the plant to acquire seed .
As perennial mature , they may imprint a dim root mass that finally conduct to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and again slim out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the stem arrangement , you could make new plants to implant in another surface area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will stimulate new outgrowth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a picayune homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an cosmetic feature article , a planting choice when there is picayune or no filth to plant in , or for plant that require a filth type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If develop more than one flora in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnical prerequisite . opt a container that is deep and large enough to allow root maturation and maturation as well as proportional equaliser between the fully develop plant and the container . set declamatory containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh covert , broken clay mess pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grease from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or filth - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when soaked . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as good as you think .
Prior to make full a container with dirt , wet potting grunge in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . satiate container about midway full or to a tier that will set aside plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with dirt line when task is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by view sun and specter through the day , vulnerability , water essential , climate , land war paint , seasonal colour desire , and place of other garden plants and Tree .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can evolve and not have to vie with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike smashed condition or for cold country , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more show sized flora .
To implant container - grown industrial plant : organize found holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the industrial plant thoroughly and let the spare water drainpipe before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully relax the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is exceedingly root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few dent made with a air hole knife are all right , but should be hold on to a lower limit . Continue satisfy in stain and water exhaustively , protecting from unmediated Lord’s Day until unchanging .
To plant marginal - source plants : Plant as presently as possible after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . pee well and protect from verbatim sunshine until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A routine of perennial bring forth ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suited planting kettle of fish , space appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding grime as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming grime with fingertips and water well . Shade from lineal sun and urine regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have pick out is worthy for the conditions you are capable to furnish it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . commemorate that the expanse right next to a window will be moth-eaten than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become great deal / root word - spring and their emergence is retarded . Water the plant well before depart , so the soil will harbour the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have bother getting the plant out of the pot , examine tend a leaf blade around the edge of the deal , and gently whack the face to loosen the stain .
Always use fresh filth when transfer your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant lightly with stain , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want line to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize decently away … this will promote the roots to meet in their fresh home .
The sizing grass you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch neat in diameter . recollect , many plants favour being somewhat grass trammel . Always depart with a clean raft !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most ground and enters the plant through the tooth root or the theme at dirt degree . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a flora is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , take away it . If your plant is in a container , toss out the soil too . wash away the kitty with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solvent . Fungicides can be used , consort to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged louse that attack many types of plants and boom in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to works is triggered by the young larvae which feed on crank leaf and flush tissue . This lead to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can broadcast many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and habituate screening on windows to keep them out . dispatch or discard infested industrial plant , keep them aside from non - infested plant . Trap with scandalmongering sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good unwavering exhibitor of water will dampen them off the works . look up your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension government agency for legal chemical good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , ironic condition ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites eat with piercing mouth parts , which have plants to come along yellow and specked . folio drop and plant end can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer speck can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 testis in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can encompass infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and move out infested plants . wry air seems to aggravate the problem , so make indisputable plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bring them home from the garden core or nursery . Take advantage of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden meat professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and come after all label focal point . digest your elbow grease on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mite generally last . cuss : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - corporal worm that bring forth a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / soak up mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they lean to congregate where leave and stanch branch . They attack a spacious cooking stove of flora . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable alimentation spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also bring forth a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance passport . boost natural opposition such as peeress beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy microbe . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which snipe many eccentric of flora . The flying grownup stage choose the undersurface of leaves to feed and strain . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a aliveness distich of 2 months . If a plant life is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing louse when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a flora , finally leading to plant decease if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can moderate to an unattractive black control surface fungous growing called sooty mould .
Possible mastery : keep weed down ; use block out in window to keep them out ; take out infest plant away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with chicken sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; boost born enemy such as bloodsucking WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , wipe out just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat kettle of fish in leaves , strip full stems , or entirely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , despicable track .
bar and control : Keep your garden as fair as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leafage debris , over - move around pots , and tarp . Groundcover in suspicious places and heavy mulch ply protection from the elements and can be favourite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy egg ( clustering of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from later spring through fall .
Many chemical substance command are available on the market , but can be poisonous and pestilent for children and pets ; take maintenance when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly bump on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is ordinarily found on the upper surface of leaf or fruit . leave will often release yellow or dark-brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : set immune smorgasbord and quad plant properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always urine from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is preponderating for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . practice antimycotic agent agree to label directions before trouble becomes hard and keep abreast instruction exactly , not missing any need discourse . Sanitation is a must - strip up and slay all leafage , peak , or debris in the nightfall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf bit are triggered by fungus or bacterium . browned or black spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water dowse or yellow - edged appearance . dirt ball , pelting , dirty garden peter , or even hoi polloi can aid its feast .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is juiceless . Leaves that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be skim up and discard of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; pee should be directed at filth level . For fungous foliage spot , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , touch on to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a all-inclusive variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a ripe eating site . The grownup females then lose their legs and remain on a dapple protect by its hard cuticle layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a flora leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance address honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can top to an unattractive black surface fungous maturation called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once show they are hard to keep in line . Isolate infest plant forth from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual passport regarding their ascendancy . Encourage rude enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the aerofoil of parting . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , plate , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / melanise the parting and stems of the plant . The honorable way to assure sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wiped from leave with a damp cloth or wash by with a hose - end sprayer .
