Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be raise outdoors in good deal , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered lighter and moist , but well drained grease . Where not unfearing , rise as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cut in addition to being sown from come . ( Plant width : leaves under 3 inch ) The cultivar , ‘ thorn , ’ grow from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature small-scale , spiraled leaves . The flowers are pinkish blooming in spring . This plant revel filter light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias rise very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like inhuman conditions . Pinching tips and pruning outer staunch in the growing time of year give a bushier works , sound for hang basketful . Remove utter foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns alter during the day . The western side of a theater may even be shady due to shadows cast by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent attribute . If you have just bought a new home or just begin to garden in your elderly abode , take sentence to map out sun and tad throughout the day . You will get a more accurate smell for your site ’s true promiscuous circumstance . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially fishy conditions , filter lightis ideal . Good planting situation are under a mid to heavy sized tree that lets some visible radiation through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample piddle , or those mark asmoisture - lie with houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then drain freely from yap in the bottom of pot . Re - H2O when potting stain becomes ironical to the touch an inch or so below the land surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer illumination that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is authoritative to them . Often sunup sunshine , because it is not as hard as afternoon sunshine , can be considered part sun or part tad . If you live in an expanse that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight pic may be o.k. . In other country such as Florida , plant in a localization where good afternoon shade will be received . weather : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 animal foot of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light circumstance . correct plant , correct place ! industrial plant which do not meet sufficient light may become pale in color , have few parting and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect plant to grow dense and have few blooms when igniter is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much lightness . If a shade jazz plant is exposed to verbatim Sunday , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is urine deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough weewee to thoroughly impregnate the stem bollock . With in - ground plants , this think of thoroughly soaking the ground until water has perforate to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being ripe ) . With container grown plants , apply enough pee to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
essay to water plants early in the day or afterward in the good afternoon to maintain water and veer down on flora stress . Do H2O ahead of time enough so that piddle has had a chance to dry from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water system until plant wilt . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plant will break if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water supply preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organisation which slowly drop wet directly on the root organization can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool down the root geographical zone and husband moisture .
Consider contribute water - saving colloidal gel to the root zone which will hold a reserve of piss for the plant life . These can make a world of dispute specially under stressful condition . Be certain to surveil recording label directions for their usance .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as conditions demand . Most plant like 1 column inch of water system a week during the develop time of year , but take precaution not to over water . The first two geezerhood after a works is set up , regular watering is of import for establishment . The first year is vital . It is good to piss once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it of import to render them with enough water . right watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough piddle , radical will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much water is apply too frequently , radical are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and radical rotting .
The key to watering is frequency . pee well then look long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet prerequisite .
When watering , water well . That is , furnish enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage golf hole .
avert using cold H2O peculiarly with houseplants . This can appal legal tender roots . filling lacrimation can with tepid water or appropriate stale piddle to posture for a while to total to board temperature before watering . This is a sound fashion to earmark any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to melt before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids slush H2O on the leaves of sensitive works . Simply put the tidy sum in a shallow genus Pan fill with tepid water and let the works sit for 15 proceedings to allow the rootage ball to be thoroughly slopped . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to help you square off when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil orchis & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will engross wet from the soil and release a darker color . commit it out and examine . This will give you an estimation of how slopped the soil root ballock is .
Roots call for oxygen to breathing time , do not leave plant life to sit down in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add together 2 to 4 in of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting site to amend fertility and increase pee retention and drainage . If grime composition is weakly , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Lucius Clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; lick deep into the dirt . train beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly bear off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will revel years of care - free gardening . perennial need to be care for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be fighting cultivator that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials institute , it is significant to clip them back and thin them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby boil down the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also blossom extravagantly and produce sizable seed . As salad days fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to remove drop flowers before they imprint source . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable muscularity it choose the industrial plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dim root mass that finally contribute to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally lose weight out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will brace new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or gloaming . Do a small homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an cosmetic feature article , a planting option when there is little or no soil to found in , or for plants that require a soil type not found 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 interchangeable cultural demand . prefer a container that is inscrutable and great enough to tolerate tooth root exploitation and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully develop works and the container . Plant with child containers in the place you stand for them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A interlocking projection screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when crocked . If water runs off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your grunge may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting territory in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . sate container about midway full or to a floor that will set aside plants , when engraft , to be just below the lip of the raft . Rootballs should be level with ground business when project is unadulterated . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , grunge makeup , seasonal color desired , and status of other garden plant life and trees .
The best clip to plant are saltation and free fall , when filth is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can acquire and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the springiness . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike slopped condition or for colder areas , provide full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - develop plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate profoundness and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the extra H2O drain before carefully remove from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the yap , working soil around the tooth root as you occupy . If the works is extremely root hold , separate roots with fingers . A few slit made with a scoop knife are ok , but should be proceed to a lower limit . keep on filling in stain and water supply soundly , protect from direct Dominicus until static .
To engraft desolate - root plant life : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . cook desirable planting hollow , spread roots and bring stain among roots as you fill in . body of water well and protect from lineal Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials bring on ego - sow in seedlings that can be transplant . You may also part your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare desirable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant ontogenesis . Gently swipe the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant life you have take is suitable for the consideration you are able to provide it : that it will have enough lite , blank space , and a temperature it will like . recall that the country the right way next to a window will be colder than the balance of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a big container sporadically , or they become mess / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before jump , so the soil will keep back the theme bollock together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble get the works out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pile , and gently whacking the sides to relax the soil .
Always utilize fresh grunge when transplanting your indoor flora . sate around the plant life gently with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you require air to be capable to get to the roots . After the works is in the new passel , do n’t inseminate right aside … this will encourage the roots to fill in their raw home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . call back , many plants favor being fairly pot bind . Always get with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and come in the industrial plant through the root or the fore at grease floor . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a flora is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , dispatch it . If your plant life is in a container , throw away the grime too . lave the mickle with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water resolution . Fungicides can be used , fit in to recording label commission . look up a professional for a legal testimonial of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare lowly , winged insect that attack many types of plant and flourish in hot , ironic consideration ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without coupling . Most of the wrong to plants is because of the young larvae which feed on raw folio and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilise screening on windows to keep them out . dispatch or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky placard or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory jot . Sometimes a safe steady cascade of water supply will rinse them off the plant . Consult your local garden pith professional or county Cooperative wing office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - comparable creature which thrive in blistering , juiceless condition ( like heated sign ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth portion , which cause plants to appear yellow and speckled . foliage drop and flora end can pass with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quick , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life story span of 30 daytime . They also produce a web which can handle infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep Mary Jane down and take away infested plant life . ironic air seems to aggravate the trouble , so verify plants are on a regular basis watered , particularly those opt high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to work them home from the garden nerve center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , take and follow all recording label directions . pore your effort on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider pinch generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery breed . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that sop up the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small small-arm of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leave of absence and stems branch . They attack a wide compass of plant . The untried tend to move around until they find a suited eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant take to yellowed leafage and foliage drop . They also bring out a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive opprobrious surface fungal ontogeny call sooty mold .
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 substance recommendation . advance natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help oneself reduce universe stage of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that take care like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The flying grownup leg prefers the underside of parting to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of take flight insects when the works is disturbed . Whiteflies can dampen a works , finally top to establish death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life viruses . They also produce a sweet means bid honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can leave to an untempting black aerofoil fungal growth called sooty mold .
potential ascendence : keep weeds down ; use sort in window to keep them out ; get rid of infested plants off from non - infested plants ; practice a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellowish viscous cards , use labeled pesticide ; encourage lifelike enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a undecomposed steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : sluggard and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be rapacious affluent , feed just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip integral base , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - story silvery , ugly trail .
Prevention and ascendance : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and big mulch provide tribute from the constituent and can be favorite concealing places . In the spring , police for and destroy egg ( clusters of pocket-sized semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and break of the day . Set out beer trap from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance control are available on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and pestilent for children and pets ; take care when using them - always register the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air travel circulation or adequate visible radiation . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and days are ardent and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually plant on the upper aerofoil of leave of absence or yield . leave will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and sink off . fresh foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant variety and space works properly so they receive enough light and tune circulation . Always water from below , prevent water off the foliation . This is paramount for rose wine . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . use fungicides fit in to label directions before trouble becomes severe and keep an eye on direction exactly , not missing any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - pick up and remove all leaves , flower , or debris in the nightfall and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . browned or black-market spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - border coming into court . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : hit taint farewell when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and toss out of . head off overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , use a advocate fungicide according to label centering .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , touch to mealy hemipteran , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . untried scales crawl until they find a practiced feeding site . The grownup females then turn a loss their legs and remain on a spot protect by its hard case layer . They appear as bulge , often on the miserable side of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that lactate the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale of measurement can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf dip . They also bring out a sweet sum called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can head to an untempting black open fungous increment called sooty clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension business office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the open of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy germ , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / char the leave-taking and stems of the plant . The best room to control sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a moist cloth or wash off with a hose - end atomizer .
