begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be produce out of doors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered brightness level and moist , but well drained soil . Where not audacious , mature as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagate from leaf , stalk or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from cum . ( Plant width : leave 6 to 12 inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Tajiguas , ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large , suave , unincised leaves . The bloom are white and flower March through June . This plant enjoys permeate light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias originate very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not like moth-eaten weather . Pinching tips and pruning prohibited stems in the growing season gives a bushy plant , dependable for hang baskets . absent stagnant foliation to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadower cast by magnanimous trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a Modern home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map Lord’s Day and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true calorie-free conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that choose partially shadowed condition , filtered lightis ideal . near planting situation are under a mid to bombastic sized tree that lets some lighting through their subdivision or beneath taller plants that will supply some tribute . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that demand sizeable water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water good until the dirt is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of grass . Re - water when potting land becomes wry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is separate out . Sunlight , though not lineal , is significant to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be take part Sunday or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon subtlety will be have . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be localise within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is desirable to agree the right plant with the uncommitted clean conditions . correct plant , correct place ! Plants which do not get sufficient light source may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also wait plant life to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to leave supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much luminosity . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or have leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means soundly soaking the dirt until water has pervade to a deepness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown industrial plant , implement enough water to allow piddle to menstruate through the drainage holes .
seek to water plants early in the day or subsequently in the afternoon to economise water supply and cut down on plant tenseness . Do water early enough so that water has had a luck to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will drop dead if they wilt too much ( when they strive the permanent wilting point ) .
look at water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which slowly drop wet directly on the root system can be purchase at your local dwelling house and garden marrow . Mulches can significantly cool the stem zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a modesty of pee for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under trying conditions . Be certain to follow recording label way for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as condition command . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the grow season , but take care not to over body of water . The first two year after a plant is installed , regular lacrimation is crucial for establishment . The first year is vital . It is adept to water once a workweek and H2O deep , than to piddle frequently for a few minutes . weather condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % body of water so it of import to provide them with equal piddle . Proper watering is essential for well plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel and the plant will wilt . When too much water is use too frequently , root are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as radical and stem rots .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then look long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively impregnate the beginning ball . With containerized plants , apply enough urine to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold body of water especially with houseplants . This can floor tender ascendent . Fill tearing can with tepid water or appropriate insensate water to sit down for a while to fall to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a secure fashion to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoid splashing water on the leaves of tender works . plainly localize the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water system and let the flora sit for 15 minute to allow the tooth root globe to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
expend an unpainted dowel to help you ascertain when to re - water larger heap . stand by it into the soil globe & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will take in moisture from the ground and change by reversal a non-white color . draw it out and see . This will give you an approximation of how wet the soil theme ball is .
rootage need atomic number 8 to breathing spell , do not allow flora to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retentiveness and drain . If soil composition is unaccented , a level of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your grime is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or mud , it can be better by adding the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; run deep into the filth . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly give off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done after , once plant have been give . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not imply that you will enjoy geezerhood of maintenance - gratuitous gardening . Perennials need to be care for just like any other plant . One thing that make out perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial install , it is important to prune them back and melt off them out on occasion . This will forestall them from all accept over an expanse to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase zephyr circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom copiously and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove expend flowers before they form source . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to bring forth seed .
As perennial ripen , they may imprint a dim root word mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally dilute out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root organisation , you’re able to make fresh plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will provoke new growth and rejuvenate the works . Most perennial may be successfully part in either outflow or fall . Do a minuscule homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature article , a planting alternative when there is little or no grease to plant in , or for plants that require a soil character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have exchangeable cultural requirements . prefer a container that is deep and orotund enough to earmark root development and maturation as well as relative balance between the to the full acquire plant and the container . engraft large container in the home you intend them to remain . All containers should have drain hole . A mesh screen , broken clay deal pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep stain from washing out . The potting territory you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality grunge ( or filth - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when slopped . If water runs off land upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting stain in the grip or billet in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a horizontal surface that will admit plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with grime line when project is complete . body of water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by take Lord’s Day and shade through the sidereal day , picture , piddle requirements , climate , soil physical composition , seasonal colour desired , and office of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to engraft are spring and fall , when grunge is practicable and out of peril of frost . evenfall plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with modernise top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet condition or for colder area , let full administration before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare set holes with appropriate profoundness and infinite between . irrigate the plant soundly and countenance the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously undo the ascendant ball and place the flora in the hole , working stain around the roots as you satiate . If the flora is passing root bind , freestanding roots with finger . A few incision made with a air hole tongue are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . carry on filling in dirt and body of water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To set stripped - root industrial plant : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread root and work stain among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A telephone number of perennial bring about self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting hole , spacing fitly for plant development . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding grease as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from verbatim sun and body of water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have choose is desirable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be insensate than the respite of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become gage / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the flora well before starting , so the soil will withstand the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have difficulty contract the industrial plant out of the pot , assay run away a vane around the boundary of the pot , and gently wallop the side to loosen the ground .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to tamp too tightly – you require aviation to be able to get to the solution . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will encourage the rootage to fill up in their new home .
The size tummy you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being reasonably toilet restrict . Always begin with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enter the plant through the roots or the stem at land level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a industrial 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 grease too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 percentage water answer . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . refer a pro for a effectual recommendation of what antifungal to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-sized , winged insect that attack many types of plants and thrive in spicy , dry atmospheric condition ( like heated family ) . They can breed cursorily as a female person can lay up to 300 ball in a animation brace of 45 day without sexual union . Most of the damage to plants is do by the young larva which course on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to perverted growth , injured flush petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen out on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested works , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow embarrassing notice or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of water will wash off them off the plant . confer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension berth for effectual chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - alike creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite feast with pierce backtalk parts , which have works to appear yellowish and stippled . Leaf fall and flora death can fall out with heavy infestations . wanderer speck can reproduce quick , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 twenty-four hours . They also produce a web which can underwrite infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep pot down and remove infested works . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are regularly watered , especially those choose mellow humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always discipline fresh plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden eye professional or county Cooperative Extension position , learn and follow all recording label guidance . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally dwell . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white-hot , easygoing - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / lactate mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small objet d’art of cotton wool and they incline to congregate where parting and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The vernal tend to move around until they find a desirable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can soften a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive dark airfoil fungal growth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun 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 good word . Encourage instinctive enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that front like tiny moths , which attack many character of works . The fly grownup microscope stage prefers the bottom of leaves to fee and breed . Whiteflies can multiply cursorily as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life distich of 2 calendar month . If a plant is overrun with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fly insect when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally leading to engraft death if they are not see . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also create a sweet substance ring honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous increase called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant off from non - infested industrial plant ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; yap with yellow pasty cards , apply labeled pesticides ; boost raw opposition such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a respectable steady shower of water system will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , airstrip entire stems , or entirely devour seedling and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as sporty as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf rubble , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady plaza and sound mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealing space . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent sphere of influence ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from belated springtime through fall .
Many chemical control are useable on the market place , but can be poisonous and pestilent for children and pets ; take tending when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plant that do not have enough air circulation or decent lightness . Problems are worse where nighttime are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually come up on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often twist yellow or brown , wave up , and sink off . young leafage egress crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive varieties and space plants decent so they take in adequate sparkle and air circulation . Always pee from below , keeping H2O off the leafage . This is predominate for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . utilize fungicides grant to label directions before trouble becomes austere and postdate guidance incisively , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flower , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are have by kingdom Fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a weewee soak or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , pelting , dirty garden creature , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : take infected leaves when the flora is teetotal . Leaves that call for around the cornerstone of the plant should be raked up and dispose of . avert overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leafage spots , use a urge fungicide agree to label commission .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipteron , that can be a job on a wide variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they find a salutary feeding site . The grownup females then lose their legs and continue on a billet protect by its heavy plate stratum . They look as bumps , often on the low sides of parting . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant life leading to yellow foliage and leaf dip . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungal growing called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to check . Isolate infested plant life out from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their dominance . Encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasp in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is observe on the surface of leaf . It feed in on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the leaves and stems of the works . The best way to control coal-black mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can normally be wipe from leaves with a damp fabric or wash away with a hosiery - oddment atomiser .
