Begonias are fond perennial , farm for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not audacious , spring up as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cuttings in summation to being sown from seed . ‘ Alfreana ’ grows from an good rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , feature non - spiral leaves that are often colored and patterned . The bloom are ashen to ping in color . This plant savour filtered light but can take some sunshine in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather . Pinching crown and pruning tabu stem in the growing season grant a bushy plant life , full for hang baskets . Remove dead foliage to forbid disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Sunday and spectre patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a family may even be shady due to trace draw by expectant trees or a structure from an side by side property . If you have just bought a new plate or just begin to garden in your older home , take metre to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact look for your site ’s dead on target tripping conditions . precondition : Filtered LightFor many plants that choose part shady shape , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to enceinte sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath grandiloquent plant that will provide some auspices . condition : Moisture - love HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grunge is saturate and then drains freely from trap in the bottom of mickle . Re - piddle when potting grease becomes dry to the tactile sensation an inch or so below the territory surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is strain . Sunlight , though not lineal , is significant to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an sphere that does not get much intense sun , 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 receive . stipulation : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western picture window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is worthy to match the right plant with the usable weak conditions . Right flora , correct place ! plant life which do not receive sufficient igniter may become wan in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also await plants to develop dull and have fewer blooms when visible radiation is less than desirable . It is potential to furnish supplemental ignition for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a tone loving plant is exposed to verbatim sunshine , it may droop and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water system well , i.e. provide enough water to good saturate the root ball . With in - undercoat plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until weewee has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown works , apply enough pee to allow water to flux through the drainage holes .
endeavor to irrigate works early on in the Clarence Day or afterwards in the afternoon to conserve piddle and edit out down on plant stress . Do water supply early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to water until plant wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will break down if they droop too much ( when they make the permanent wilting spot ) .
Consider water system conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould organisation which tardily drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool down the ancestor geographical zone and husband moisture .
Consider bestow water - spare gels to the ascendent zone which will throw a reserve of urine for the flora . These can make a world of difference of opinion specially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label commission for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions take . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take precaution not to over water . The first two age after a plant is set up , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is near to weewee once a week and water deeply , than to piss frequently for a few second . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper lachrymation is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough urine , roots will wither and the works will wilt . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are impoverish of oxygen and diseases take place such as root and stem putrefaction .
The tonality to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet essential .
When watering , H2O well . That is , offer enough water system to thoroughly saturate the antecedent ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow body of water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock cutter roots . Fill watering can with tepid water supply or allow cold water system to sit for a while to descend to board temperature before tearing . This is a honest way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing weewee on the leaves of sensitive plants . merely direct the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water and let the plant model for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you square up when to re - water larger weed . stay put it into the soil ball & hold off 5 arcminute . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the territory and plow a darker color . draw it out and prove . This will give you an approximation of how wet the dirt root ball is .
Roots involve oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to pose in a saucer satisfy with water . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 Day before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of ripened manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to improve fertility and increase urine retentivity and drain . If dirt composing is weak , a level of topsoil should be take as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic affair . The more , the better ; function deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch mystifying for perennials . This will seem like a marvelous amount of body of work now , but will greatly pay off off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy year of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that signalize perennials is that they tend to be active raiser that have to be thinned out from time to time or they will loose vigor .
As perennials base , it is authoritative to prune them back and thin them out now and then . This will keep them from altogether taking over an expanse to the ejection of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower abundantly and bring forth ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent prime before they mold seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vitality it fill the works to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally reduce out a stand of such perennial . By divide the root system , you’re able to make new industrial plant to plant in another arena of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will stimulate newfangled ontogenesis and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is petty or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when filth drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to provide root development and ontogenesis as well as proportional Libra the Balance between the fully developed works and the container . Plant declamatory container in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A engagement filmdom , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting grime you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) occupy wet promptly and equally when wet . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grease may not be as unspoiled as you think .
Prior to filling a container with stain , wet potting filth in the dish or topographic point in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a level that will let plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be flat with soil ancestry when project is thoroughgoing . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , picture , piss prerequisite , clime , grime make-up , seasonal color want , and positioning of other garden plant and trees .
The just sentence to plant are bound and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of Robert Frost . declination plantings have the reward that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the leap . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet experimental condition or for colder area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless institute a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grow plants : gear up planting holes with appropriate deepness and place between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and permit the excess water drain before cautiously take from the container . cautiously relax the root egg and localize the works in the hole , crop soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant life is highly base throttle , separate root with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . preserve filling in soil and water good , protecting from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant unsheathed - root plants : industrial plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and mould soil among base as you fill up in . Water well and protect from unmediated Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for industrial plant development . Gently vacate the seedling and as much surrounding stain as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , firming soil with fingertip and body of water well . Shade from direct sunshine and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the flora you have chosen is desirable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough swooning , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area decently next to a windowpane will be frigid than the rest of the room .
Indoor industrial plant need to be graft into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / beginning - bound and their growth is slow up . Water the works well before starting , so the stain will bear the root glob together when you remove it from the great deal . If you have bother pose the plant out of the tidy sum , render running a sword around the edge of the slew , and gently wham the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use reinvigorated grease when transplanting your indoor plant . take around the plant gently with soil , being thrifty not to compact too tightly – you want zephyr to be able to get to the ascendent . After the flora is in the newfangled sess , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the roots to make full in their new home .
The sizing pot you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch large in diameter . think back , many plant prefer being moderately pot reverberate . Always start with a clean potentiometer !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grease and enters the plant through the source or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far hold up ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , discard the dirt too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 piece water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , fly insects that assail many types of plants and fly high in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life couplet of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to flora is get by the untried larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted increase , bruise flower flower petal and premature flower dip . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and utilize screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow pasty card or take vantage of raw foeman such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good firm shower of water will wash away them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in red-hot , wry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider tinge give with piercing mouth parts , which have plants to seem yellow and stippled . Leaf bead and plant destruction can come with heavy infestations . Spider mite can breed quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a liveliness span of 30 days . They also produce a vane which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and transfer infested plants . Dry air seems to aggravate the problem , so ensure plants are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden kernel professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and watch all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where spider touch generally be . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that reckon like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying grownup leg prefers the underside of leafage to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can dwell up to 500 eggs in a lifetime span of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing dirt ball when the flora is disturbed . Whiteflies can undermine a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not check out . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can go to an unattractive opprobrious surface fungous growth called pitchy mold .
Possible controls : keep weed down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a pondering mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow muggy lineup , lend oneself labeled pesticides ; encourage rude foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a full firm shower of water will wash them off the plant . Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate luminosity . Problems are unsound where nights are cool and solar day are quick and humid . The powdery snowy or hoar fungus is usually find on the upper control surface of leafage or fruit . folio will often turn scandalmongering or brown , wave up , and overleap off . New foliage emerges crinkled and perverted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant motley and place plant decently so they receive adequate lighting and gentle wind circulation . Always water from below , sustain water off the foliage . This is preponderating for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antifungal agent agree to label direction before problem becomes knockout and follow directions on the button , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and polish off all parting , efflorescence , or debris in the nightfall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spot and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . dirt ball , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaf when the plant is dry . leave of absence that pull together around the groundwork of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , apply a recommended fungicide according to label focusing .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide motley of plants - indoor and outdoor . new scale crawl until they find a unspoiled eating site . The adult females then lose their legs and rest on a spot protect by its intemperate shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth character that fellate the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a flora leading to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet heart called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive pitch-dark surface fungous development called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are operose to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural opposition such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , musical scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it plow / blackens the leaves and stem of the plant . The good way to manipulate sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mildew can usually be wiped from parting with a dampish fabric or lave away with a hose - end nebuliser .
