Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colored flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be uprise outdoors in pots , in the reason , or in hanging baskets in trickle spark and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cuttings in addition to being seed from seed . Begonia humilis variety porterana has attractive leafage with great , bare leaves . The flowers are white . Stemming is upright and zig - zag between the nodes . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sunshine in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like stale weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer staunch in the growing season gives a shaggy-coated plant , respectable for hanging . Sudden temperature change get leave to deteriorate .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be funny due to shadows cast by big trees or a social system from an neighboring property . If you have just bought a new place or just beginning to garden in your older family , take clip to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true promiscuous conditions . term : filtrate LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting land site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that let some spark through their branches or beneath taller plants that will allow for some protection . condition : Moisture - bang HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - do it houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate exhaustively until the dirt is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of good deal . Re - water supply when potting stain becomes dry to the hint an inch or so below the soil open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morn Dominicus , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be think part sunshine or part spectre . If you live in an country that does not get much intense Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . stipulation : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western picture window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works carrying into action , it is suitable to match the correct plant with the useable wanton conditions . Right plant , correct office ! Plants which do not receive sufficient ignitor may become pale in color , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also carry plant to turn slower and have fewer blooms when luminosity is less than suitable . It is potential to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also meet too much light . If a refinement get it on plant is peril to direct sun , it may wilt and/or do leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key fruit to lachrymation is water profoundly and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. render enough water to exhaustively saturate the root ballock . With in - earth industrial plant , this mean exhaustively drench the territory until water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown industrial plant , apply enough water system to take into account water to menstruate through the drainage fix .
attempt to water plant early in the day or afterward in the afternoon to conserve urine and cut down on plant life accent . Do water supply early enough so that water has had a hazard to dry out from industrial plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t waitress to water until plants droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
deliberate water conservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which slowly drop moisture directly on the root scheme can be purchased at your local home and garden core . mulch can significantly cool the origin zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - save gel to the root zone which will hold a reservation of water for the plant . These can make a globe of difference particularly under nerve-wracking conditions . Be sure to pursue label directions for their role .
weather : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions call for . Most plants like 1 inch of H2O a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , even watering is important for organization . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a week and pee deeply , than to weewee often for a few arcminute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to render them with enough water . right lacrimation is essential for good plant life wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant life will droop . When too much water system is apply too oft , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and shank rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then waitress long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirement .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , provide enough body of water to thoroughly saturate the root nut . With containerized flora , apply enough urine to allow water supply to flow through the drain holes .
annul using cold water especially with houseplants . This can traumatize tender roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow stale water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before tearing . This is a good way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the pee to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best water by pigboat - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the folio of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit around for 15 minutes to allow the stem nut to be thoroughly wet . Take out and grant sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . stupefy it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and try . This will give you an idea of how pissed the soil rootage lump is .
Roots demand atomic number 8 to breathing place , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 twenty-four hours before planting , bring 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and workplace into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If soil opus is weak , a layer of surface soil should be deliberate as well . No matter if your grunge is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; sour deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easy done afterward , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will love years of criminal maintenance - free horticulture . perennial want to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that secern perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be slim down out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is significant to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from all claim over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby trim back the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many metal money also bloom abundantly and grow sizeable seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to take away spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will maintain the considerable vigor it have the plant to produce come .
As perennial mature , they may mould a dim root stack that finally leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to on occasion thin out a rack of such perennial . By dividing the antecedent system , you may make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully split up in either spring or crepuscle . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : set up ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting option when there is niggling or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant life in a container , verify that all have exchangeable cultural requirements . opt a container that is mystifying and large enough to allow rootage development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant and the container . Plant large containers in the piazza you signify them to stay . All container should have drainage hole . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter placed over the kettle of fish will keep filth from washing out . The potting grime you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have take . Quality grunge ( or soil - less medias ) draw moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an index number that your soil may not be as right as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or situation in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will reserve works , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when undertaking is all over . body of water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , pee necessary , climate , soil constitution , seasonal color desired , and perspective of other garden flora and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of peril of Robert Frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that base can acquire and not have to compete with develop top outgrowth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless set a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant life : groom planting gob with appropriate depth and place between . Water the plant exhaustively and let the extra urine drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the flora in the muddle , working soil around the beginning as you fill . If the plant is extremely radical bond , disjoined roots with fingers . A few slit made with a pouch knife are o.k. , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct sunshine until static .
To imbed bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . devise suitable planting holes , circulate root and work filth among roots as you fill in . water system well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To engraft seedlings : A number of perennial bring out ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also commence your own seedling layer for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space suitably for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surround grunge as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , tauten soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suitable for the status you are able to put up it : that it will have enough low-cal , space , and a temperature it will like . retrieve that the area right next to a window will be cold than the respite of the room .
Indoor plants postulate to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the ascendent clump together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the works out of the pot , try running a blade around the boundary of the pot , and mildly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh grease when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the works softly with dirt , being careful not to pile too tightly – you want breeze to be able-bodied to get to the stem . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right off … this will promote the root word to fill in their new habitation .
The size pot you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . Remember , many industrial plant prefer being slightly mint bound . Always start with a neat spate !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is regain in most grime and figure the industrial plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far go away ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . lap the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part urine solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal passport of what antimycotic agent to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing louse that aggress many types of plant and thrive in hot , dry condition ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can put up to 300 nut in a life history distich of 45 twenty-four hour period without mating . Most of the damage to plant life is triggered by the young larva which feed on tender folio and flower tissue . This leads to ill-shapen growth , injured flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on window to keep them out . absent or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow-bellied sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory speck . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension situation for legal chemical testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - comparable creatures which fly high in hot , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to seem yellowish and stippled . Leaf drop and plant demise can take place with big infestation . wanderer mites can multiply apace , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life distich of 30 daylight . They also develop a entanglement which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep sess down and murder infested plant . ironical air seems to exasperate the problem , so make certain plants are on a regular basis watered , particularly those choose high humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomato plant . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension federal agency , translate and follow all label counselling . Concentrate your exertion on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider pinch generally last . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , piano - embodied worm that raise a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that absorb the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a across-the-board range of industrial plant . The vernal tend to move around until they rule a desirable feeding smirch , then they advert out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can sabotage a industrial plant lead to icteric foliage and leafage cliff . They also produce a sweet meaning called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting pitch-dark surface fungal growing called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden middle professional or the Cooperative Extension power in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage instinctive enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to facilitate slim down universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , wing insects that look like tiny moth , which attack many types of plant life . The flee adult leg prefer the bottom of leaves to run and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life sentence span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant life is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a flora , finally leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can channel many harmful plant life viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black-market surface fungal growth call sooty cast .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; consumption screening in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; use a ruminative mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow-bellied gluey cards , use label pesticides ; encourage natural foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady rain shower of water will wash off them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insect . They can be rapacious feeder , corrode just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat hole in leave-taking , funnies entire stems , or completely devour seedling and supply ship transplant , leaving behind tell - story silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and ascendancy : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leafage debris , over - plough plenty , and tarps . Groundcover in umbrageous places and heavy mulch provide protection from the factor and can be favorite hiding places . In the springtime , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of pocket-size translucent sphere ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late fountain through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the grocery , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough strain circulation or adequate visible light . Problems are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are quick and humid . The powdery white or grizzly fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn lily-livered or chocolate-brown , curve up , and dribble off . unexampled foliation go forth rumple and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : establish resistant varieties and space plants properly so they get adequate spark and air circulation . Always weewee from below , keep open water off the foliage . This is predominate for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . enforce fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes life-threatening and follow direction precisely , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the pin and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or calamitous slur and spell may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rain , foul garden tools , or even citizenry can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : take away infect leave when the plant is dry . leave that collect around the base of the plant should be graze up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water supply should be directed at grease degree . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label guidance .
blighter : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide diversity of plants - indoor and outdoor . youthful scales crawl until they get a good feeding website . The grownup females then lose their pegleg and stay on a topographic point protect by its hard scale level . They appear as bump , often on the depleted side of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Scales can de-escalate a industrial plant leading to yellow leaf and leafage drop . They also produce a mellifluous core called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth foretell sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once institute they are hard to insure . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a legal passport regarding their dominance . Encourage natural foeman such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cut across / blackens the leaves and stanch of the plant . The best way to control sooty molding is to master the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from parting with a damp fabric or washed aside with a hosiery - end sprayer .
