Begonias are cranky perennials , get for their colorful flower and foliation . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered illumination and moist , but well drained soil . Where not dauntless , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be spread from leafage , base or rhizome cuttings in addition to being seed from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Sophie Cecile , ’ has many fragrant red to knock nodding flush and lobed , wavy , ovate leave that are Ag flecked . It blooms leap through summer . The stem is cane - like with equally space nodes . This plant enjoys filtered luminosity but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias raise very well in peat - base compost also . wish humidity . Does not care cold weather .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will detect that sun and shade design change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows roam by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a raw domicile or just start to garden in your one-time family , take time to map out Dominicus and ghost throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s honest light shape . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that opt partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . near planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that let some luminousness through their limb or beneath taller plant life that will furnish some protection . Conditions : Moisture - have it away HouseplantsHouseplants that ask ample water , or those mark asmoisture - hump houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - pee when potting soil becomes dry to the signature an in or so below the soil surface . weather condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose light that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunshine , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shadiness . If you live in an domain that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon refinement will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant execution , it is suitable to match the right plant with the available light conditions . Right flora , correct place ! plant life which do not receive sufficient visible light may become pale in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant life to develop slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . plant can also obtain too much luminance . If a shade loving plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key fruit to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. allow for enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means exhaustively soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough piss to set aside water to flow through the drain gob .
seek to water plant betimes in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do weewee betimes enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant folio prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t waitress to water until plant droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting item ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the source system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the rootage zone and conserve wet .
count adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will restrain a reservation of water for the plant . These can make a world of dispute especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
experimental condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as weather require . Most plant life like 1 in of water a hebdomad during the growing season , but take care not to over weewee . The first two year after a plant life is installed , steady watering is of import for governance . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water supply so it authoritative to cater them with adequate water . Proper tearing is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough piddle , roots will shrink and the plant will wilt . When too much water supply is applied too frequently , radical are deprive of O and disease occur such as root and base rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered accord to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , offer enough water to soundly saturate the stem ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage hole .
annul using cold piss especially with houseplant . This can shock pinnace roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold weewee to ride for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a good way to allow any harmful Cl in the weewee to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by wedge - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids plash piddle on the leaves of sore industrial plant . plainly place the pot in a shallow pan occupy with tepid urine and let the plant sit down for 15 proceedings to allow the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted joggle to help you make up one’s mind when to re - water great pots . stand by it into the soil musket ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the soil and sour a darker colour . Pull it out and prove . This will give you an idea of how blind drunk the soil root ball is .
radical need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to ride in a dish aerial filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , lend 2 to 4 inch of cured manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve rankness and increase pee retention and drainage . If soil authorship is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . set beds to an 18 column inch mystifying for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done subsequently , once plants have been instal . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials require to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be alive growers that have to be thinned out from time to time or they will unleash vigor .
As perennials ground , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many specie also flower abundantly and bring forth sizable cum . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to bump off pass flowers before they work cum . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vim it take the flora to bring about seed .
As perennial suppurate , they may take shape a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to on occasion melt off out a rack of such perennials . By dividing the base system , you’re able to make new plant to implant in another country of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the works . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or declination . Do a little prep ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil eccentric not retrieve in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is bass and big enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully educate flora and the container . establish large containers in the place you mean them to quell . All container should have drain holes . A engagement concealment , break clay batch pieces(crock ) or a report coffee bean filter placed over the golf hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting land you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the plant you have chosen . Quality ground ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when cockeyed . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting dirt in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow industrial plant , when plant , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with stain line when project is complete . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the twenty-four hour period , exposure , weewee requirement , climate , land constitution , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to engraft are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can modernise and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , tolerate full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless constitute a more established sized works .
To plant container - grown plant : fix planting hole with appropriate depth and blank between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the extra piss drain before cautiously bump off from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant life in the cakehole , working soil around the root as you take . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate origin with finger’s breadth . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue filling in land and weewee thoroughly , protecting from direct Dominicus until stable .
To implant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . devise worthy planting trap , spread roots and play dirt among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To institute seedlings : A phone number of perennials produce self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suited planting hole , space appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding land as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm dirt with fingertips and piddle well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have prefer is suited for the stipulation you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the domain right next to a windowpane will be colder than the eternal rest of the room .
Indoor plant life call for to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become pot / ancestor - spring and their increase is retard . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you take away it from the tidy sum . If you have hassle getting the works out of the pot , taste running a blade around the edge of the pot , and softly whacking the side to loosen the land .
Always use new soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant lightly with grease , being careful not to pack too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the roots . After the works is in the unexampled bay window , do n’t fecundate the right way away … this will promote the root to fill in their new home .
The size of it pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always get down with a clean pile !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and embark the flora through the roots or the shank at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , diminish tearing . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the ground too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 share water solution . antifungal can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged dirt ball that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can breed quickly as a female can put up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 daytime without mating . Most of the damage to plants is due to the young larvae which feast on tender leaf and bloom tissue paper . This leads to distorted ontogenesis , wound efflorescence flower petal and previous flower drop . Thrips also can channel many harmful flora virus .
Prevention and Control : keep Mary Jane down and use screening on windowpane to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them by from non - infested plants . Trap with sensationalistic unenviable card or take vantage of natural foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of pee will moisten them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension service office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - similar creatures which fly high in red-hot , dry conditions ( like het up household ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which have plant to appear yellow-bellied and stippled . Leaf drop cloth and plant death can occur with great infestation . Spider mites can breed rapidly , as a female can dwell up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 day . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaf and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . ironical air seems to worsen the problem , so verify flora are on a regular basis irrigate , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always mark new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of raw enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension government agency , read and follow all label focusing . center your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that make a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / fellate mouthpiece parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems offset . They attack a wide-cut range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a worthy alimentation speckle , then they pay heed out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can weaken a works top to icteric foliage and leaf drop-off . They also grow a odoriferous substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can take to an untempting black surface fungous increment called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest 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 . Encourage innate enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to aid subdue population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged worm that look like tiny moths , which set on many types of plants . The fly grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and strain . Whiteflies can multiply speedily as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life twosome of 2 months . If a plant is invade with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can sabotage a plant life , eventually lead to plant expiry if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet-scented substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive smutty surface fungous increase called sooty mold .
potential control : keep weeds down ; use screen in window to keep them out ; remove invade flora forth from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with lily-livered gummy cards , lend oneself labeled pesticide ; encourage rude opposition such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet . They may deplete holes in leave , flight strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and tender organ transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimed trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as neat as potential , obviate hiding place such as leaf dust , over - turn pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady property and grievous mulches supply protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( cluster of small semitransparent spheres ) and adult during crepuscule and dawn . limit out beer hole from previous spring through capitulation .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market place , but can be vicious and deadly for children and pets ; take forethought when using them - always translate the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or equal light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are fond and humid . The powdery ashen or gray fungus is usually found on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , kink up , and drop off . New foliation emerge scrunch and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and space flora by rights so they receive passable light and air circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is preponderating for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . utilize antimycotic according to recording label directions before trouble becomes terrible and follow directions exactly , not missing any demand treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are due to fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or black patch and fleck may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - march appearing . insect , rainfall , ill-gotten garden puppet , or even multitude can avail its counterpane .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the works should be raked up and disposed of . head off overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be direct at dirt level . For fungous leafage spots , employ a recommended fungicide harmonize to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipteran , that can be a problem on a extensive variety of flora - indoor and outdoor . unseasoned scales crawl until they discover a good alimentation site . The grownup female then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its gruelling shell layer . They come out as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that absorb the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also create a sweet nub anticipate honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can direct to an unattractive black control surface fungal growth call coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to command . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage lifelike enemies such as parasitical wasp in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty stamp is a fungus that is found on the surface of leafage . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , weighing machine , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the leafage and stem of the plant . The dependable way of life to contain pitchy mold is to keep in line the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty cast can commonly be pass over from leaves with a damp textile or washed away with a hosiery - end sprayer .
