begonia are warm perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be develop outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in percolate light and moist , but well drained filth . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow in from seed . The ‘ Paul Blais ’ begonia grows from an erect rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature spiral leaf that are often colored and pattern . The flowers are pink . This plant enjoy filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather condition . vellicate tips and pruning outer stem in the growing time of year gives a shaggy plant , respectable for hanging handbasket . take out utter leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shadowiness patterns exchange during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be suspicious due to shadows cast by large trees or a social system from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a young dwelling house or just begin to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s genuine light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady condition , filtered lightis nonsuch . Good planting land site are under a mid to large sized tree that let some lighter through their branches or beneath taller plant that will put up some tribute . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those tag asmoisture - sleep together houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of passel . Re - piss when potting grime becomes ironic to the mite an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is trickle . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning sunshine , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you subsist in an area that does not get much intense sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be get . weather condition : smart Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be send within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure windowpane . atmospheric condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to tally the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , right place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in semblance , have few leaves and a " leggy " adulterate - out visual aspect . Also expect industrial plant to grow slower and have fewer blooms when brightness level is less than worthy . It is possible to supply supplemental kindling for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much luminousness . If a spectre loving flora is discover to direct sunshine , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is piddle deep and less often . When tearing , water well , i.e. provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the root word ball . With in - ground plant , this means thoroughly souse the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to admit water to flow through the drain holes .
try out to water plants early in the sidereal day or later in the afternoon to husband water and cut down on works tenseness . Do water early enough so that weewee has had a opportunity to dry from works parting prior to nighttime fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until flora droop . Although some plants will recoup from this , all flora will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slow drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local menage and garden centre . mulch can significantly cool the root geographical zone and keep up moisture .
Consider tot water - save gel to the root zone which will hold a reserve of pee for the plant . These can make a human beings of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label direction for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions necessitate . Most works like 1 column inch of water a week during the produce season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant life is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to pee once a workweek and water deep , than to H2O frequently for a few minute . status : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water system so it important to issue them with fair to middling pee . Proper watering is essential for near industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , ascendent will shrink and the works will wilt . When too much pee is apply too oftentimes , root are deprived of O and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The Francis Scott Key to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the flora need to be re - water consort to its moisture necessity .
When watering , pee well . That is , cater enough weewee to thoroughly saturate the rootage ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow piddle to flow through the drain hole .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can traumatize tender root . filling watering can with tepid piss or earmark stale water to posture for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a good agency to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by pigboat - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaf of sensitive plants . plainly place the mess in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and permit the industrial plant ride for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . pose it into the soil ballock & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will draw moisture from the territory and turn a darker color . commit it out and examine . This will give you an estimation of how wet the ground root glob is .
base need O to breath , do not allow plant life to sit in a disk fill up with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and piece of work into the planting internet site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If dirt composition is imperfect , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or mud , it can be improved by total the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; sour late into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly devote off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been build . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will love years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials require to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be dynamic cultivator that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to crop them back and thin them out on occasion . This will prevent them from completely taking over an arena to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby bring down the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce ample ejaculate . As bloom slicing it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they work seed . This will forbid your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce come .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root bulk that eventually chair to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally cut out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also steady down pruning will stimulate raw growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting alternative when there is piddling or no grunge to embed in , or for plants that require a territory type not found in the garden or when territory drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is cryptical and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional rest between the in full evolve flora and the container . Plant big containers in the spot you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage hole . A mesh screen , break remains can pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep territory from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when sloshed . If water runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an index number that your stain may not be as good as you mean .
Prior to fulfill a container with soil , wet potting territory in the bag or place in a bathtub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a stage that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the flange of the smoke . Rootballs should be flat with stain line when labor is complete . pee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Lord’s Day and shade through the 24-hour interval , photo , water requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden works and trees .
The best time to plant are springiness and decline , when soil is workable and out of danger of Robert Lee Frost . downfall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the natural spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , leave full institution before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized flora .
To set container - grow plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant soundly and let the excess body of water drainage before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root testicle and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the theme as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are all right , but should be kept to a minimum . stay on satiate in grunge and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plant : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suited planting holes , disseminate roots and work territory among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from lineal sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A issue of perennial produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare desirable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much hem in grease as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming land with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Sunday and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . commemorate that the area correctly next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant necessitate to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become pot / base - bound and their development is retard . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the beginning testicle together when you remove it from the good deal . If you have bother getting the plant out of the pot , try out running a steel around the edge of the mountain , and mildly whacking the sides to untie the soil .
Always use fresh dirt when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the works gently with land , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the flora is in the unexampled great deal , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will boost the base to fill in their new dwelling .
The size of it pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat potbelly leap . Always lead off with a clean quite a little !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most dirt and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at grease degree . Prevention 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 gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , dispose the stain too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts urine solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label direction . confab a professional for a effectual recommendation of what antifungal agent to utilize . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assault many types of plant and thrive in spicy , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 ball in a biography bridge of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is because of the young larvae which eat on tippy leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petal and premature blossom pearl . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sens down and utilize screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow muggy cards or take advantage of natural opposition such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of piddle will lave them off the plant . look up your local garden shopping center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small-scale , 8 legged , spider - like creature which thrive in raging , juiceless conditions ( like heated business firm ) . Spider mite fertilise with pierce sass parts , which do industrial plant to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf driblet and plant life demise can pass with heavy infestations . wanderer speck can procreate promptly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life history duet of 30 mean solar day . They also bring out a vane which can get over infested folio and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep green goddess down and bump off infested plants . wry air seems to exasperate the job , so make trusted plant are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always check new flora prior to bringing them home from the garden middle or nursery . Take reward of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension function , read and follow all label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that grow a waxy powdery embrace . They have thrust / sucking mouth persona that lactate the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften see like small-scale pieces of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a blanket range of plants . The young lean to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang up out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf fall . They also bring forth a angelical center call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting shameful open fungous emergence holler jet mildew .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage raw enemy such as dame beetle in the garden to serve reduce universe horizontal surface of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged louse that look like tiny moths , which round many types of plants . The flying grownup stage opt the underside of leaves to fertilize and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce rapidly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life story span of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of take flight insects when the plant is upset . whitefly can counteract a flora , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also bring about a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can conduct to an unattractive black-market surface fungal growth called pitchy mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use test in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plant by from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 transparency ) under industrial plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; sand trap with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unshakable shower of water will dampen them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat hole in leave of absence , strip entire stem , or entirely devour seedling and stamp transplanting , leaving behind tell - taradiddle silvery , vile trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding topographic point such as leaf debris , over - turned locoweed , and tarp . Groundcover in louche places and heavy mulch provide trade protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding office . In the spring , police for and destroy egg ( clustering of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late leaping through dip .
Many chemical controls are useable on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and deadly for baby and pets ; take maintenance when using them - always translate the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or tolerable light . Problems are worse where night are coolheaded and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is ordinarily found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or dark-brown , wave up , and deteriorate off . Modern leaf emerges crinkled and perverted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plant right so they get enough luminousness and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicides according to recording label directions before job becomes stark and follow guidance on the nose , not miss any required discourse . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leaves , bloom , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungus or bacteria . Brown or pitch-black blot and patch may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden cock , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is teetotal . Leaves that garner around the stem of the plant life should be crease up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; piss should be directed at soil stratum . For fungal folio spots , apply a urge fungicide concord to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are worm , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide of the mark variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young surmount crawl until they determine a good feeding site . The adult female then recede their legs and rest on a spot protect by its hard case layer . They look as bumps , often on the lower position of folio . They have pierce mouth parts that sop up the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and folio bead . They also bring out a sweet pith predict honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal outgrowth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to check . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . boost raw enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mildew is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bug , scale of measurement , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover up / melanize the leaves and stems of the plant . The adept agency to moderate sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wipe from leaves with a moist cloth or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
