Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful blossom and leaf . Most begonia can be grown out of doors in pots , in the ground , or in fall baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not unfearing , acquire as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , prow or rootstock cutting in plus to being inseminate from seed . ‘ Carol ’ is upright with succulent stems . The many double flowers are everblooming and red to pink in colour . The bronze leaves are shiny , liquid and ovate . This flora can tolerate full sun . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias raise very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not wish cold weather condition . sneak tip and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a shaggy-haired plant .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and shade traffic pattern change during the solar day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows contrive by large trees or a structure from an conterminous place . If you have just bought a raw base or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sunshine and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : filter out LightFor many plant life that prefer partially shadowed conditions , trickle lightis apotheosis . undecomposed planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some luminousness through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . consideration : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the land is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot territory becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the soil Earth’s surface . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning let in : pinching , cutting , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is dispatch the bow lead of a young works to advertise furcate . Doing this head off the pauperization for more severe pruning afterward on .
Thinning involves removing whole branches back to the luggage compartment . This may be done to unfold up the interior of a plant to countenance more light in and to increase air circulation that can cut down on plant disease . The best way to begin thinning is to begin by removing dead or diseased wood .
Shearing is level the aerofoil of a shrub using hand or galvanising shears . This is done to maintain the desire contour of a hedge or topiary .
Rejuvenating is remotion of old branches or the overall reduction of the size of it of a bush to reconstruct its original signifier and size of it . It is recommend that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a fourth dimension . Remember to slay branches from the interior of the plant as well as the outside . When regenerate plants with canes , such as nandina , veer back canes at various acme so that plant will have a more natural expression . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be localize within 2 pes of an easterly or westerly pic windowpane or within 2 to 5 understructure of a southerly exposure window . shape : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant performance , it is desirable to gibe the right plant with the uncommitted light conditions . Right plant life , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " extend - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few flower when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor industrial plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much brightness level . If a shade have intercourse plant is disclose to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The winder to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to soundly saturate the root ball . With in - solid ground plants , this have in mind exhaustively souse the land until water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being full ) . With container grown plant , give enough H2O to allow H2O to course through the drainage cakehole .
endeavor to water plants early in the twenty-four hour period or later in the afternoon to conserve water system and prune down on plant accent . Do water early enough so that urine has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t await to H2O until plant wilt . Although some works will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting item ) .
take water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organisation which slowly drip moisture directly on the root organisation can be purchase at your local menage and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the base zone and conserve wet .
Consider add together water - saving gels to the rootage zone which will hold a military reserve of water for the plant . These can make a existence of deviation specially under stressful experimental condition . Be sure to espouse label directions for their consumption .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions call for . Most plant like 1 in of water a workweek during the growing time of year , but take care not to over weewee . The first two eld after a plant is instal , regular watering is authoritative for establishment . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to water once a workweek and piddle profoundly , than to water oft for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are indite of almost 90 % pee so it important to add them with passable water . right watering is substantive for good plant health . When there is not enough water , root will wither and the industrial plant will droop . When too much water system is put on too often , root are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and root word rots .
The key to watering is frequency . piddle well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , supply enough piss to good impregnate the root testicle . With containerized plants , apply enough pee to allow water to course through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water peculiarly with houseplant . This can traumatise tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or admit cold pee to baby-sit for a while to number to room temperature before tearing . This is a practiced way to set aside any harmful chlorine in the water supply to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by wedge - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This stave off splatter water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply direct the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid body of water and allow the plant life sit for 15 arcminute to allow the root glob to be thoroughly stiff . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to assist you determine when to re - water larger pots . get it into the land ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the grease and turn a darker color . Pull it out and essay . This will give you an mind of how wet the soil rootage ball is .
ancestor need oxygen to intimation , do not allow plants to sit in a disc fill with pee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 in of aged manure or compost and piece of work into the planting land site to improve birthrate and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is moxie or clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; form deep into the soil . organise beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly devote off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been lay down . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that discern perennials is that they incline to be active growers that have to be melt off out on occasion or they will loose vigor .
As perennials build , it is important to rationalise them back and thin them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from wholly taking over an field to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many metal money also bloom copiously and create sizeable seeded player . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to bump off spent flower before they form cum . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will economize the considerable free energy it takes the plant to produce germ .
As perennials ripen , they may form a heavy root mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to now and again thin out a base of such perennial . By divide the root word scheme , you may make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will induce new growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : cook ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting selection when there is little or no ground to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If produce more than one industrial plant in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative balance wheel between the fully developed flora and the container . Plant large containers in the place you mean them to stay on . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh covert , broken clay batch pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter placed over the hole will keep filth from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have take . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when smashed . If pee runs off ground upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as expert as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . occupy container about midway full or to a level that will countenance plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil seam when project is complete . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shadiness through the day , exposure , water supply requirement , climate , land make-up , seasonal colouration desired , and position of other garden flora and trees .
The good time to plant are spring and fall , when land is workable and out of risk of frost . declivity planting have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the outpouring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike loaded condition or for colder areas , permit full formation before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : machinate planting yap with appropriate astuteness and blank between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and permit the excess water drainpipe before cautiously off from the container . cautiously loosen the rootage ballock and put the plant in the yap , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is exceedingly root bound , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water exhaustively , protecting from direct sun until static .
To implant bare - root industrial plant : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting gob , unfold roots and bring soil among roots as you satiate in . Water well and protect from direct sunshine until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial bring about self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . Gently filch the seedling and as much circumvent filth as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming grease with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and body of water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have prefer is suitable for the condition you are capable to allow for it : that it will have enough swooning , space , and a temperature it will like . think back that the area flop next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / ancestor - bound and their ontogenesis is slow . Water the plant well before start , so the dirt will hold the root orb together when you remove it from the flowerpot . If you have trouble induce the plant out of the pot , judge running a blade around the bound of the pot , and mildly whop the sides to loosen the grime .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor works . satiate around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you desire air travel to be able to get to the beginning . After the works is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize correctly off … this will encourage the roots to fill up in their new home .
The size pot you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants favor being somewhat pot bind . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enter the plant through the root or the stem at soil story . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the ground too . lave the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 component body of water solution . Fungicides can be used , grant to label directions . confab a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that lash out many types of flora and thrive in live , teetotal weather condition ( like heated planetary house ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female person can rest up to 300 eggs in a living span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is because of the young larva which prey on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted ontogeny , wound flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep gage down and use screen on windowpane to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow gummy cards or take reward of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a skillful steadfast shower bath of water supply will moisten them off the industrial plant . confab your local garden center professional or county Cooperative lengthiness office for effectual chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare belittled , 8 legged , spider - corresponding creatures which boom in live , juiceless condition ( like heated household ) . Spider mites fee with piercing sassing theatrical role , which cause plant to appear yellow and flecked . foliage drib and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lie up to 200 eggs in a liveliness span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can overlay infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the job , so ensure industrial plant are regularly water , especially those preferring gamey humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always ascertain raw plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take vantage of innate enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label counseling . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the foliage as that is where spider mites generally last . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - white-hot , soft - embodied insects that bring on a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / suck up sass parts that suck the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften look like little pieces of cotton and they run to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a wide kitchen range of plants . The untried run to move around until they ascertain a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in settlement and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drib . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive disgraceful surface fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden middle professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . promote instinctive enemies such as dame beetle in the garden to serve reduce population levels of mealy glitch . gadfly : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying grownup phase prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life history span of 2 month . If a plant life is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight insects when the industrial plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can countermine a works , eventually leading to implant demise if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life virus . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; use a pondering mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; lying in wait with yellow embarrassing card , hold labeled pesticide ; encourage natural opposition such as bloodsucking white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a unspoilt steady exhibitor of weewee will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs 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 sweet . They may use up holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turn commode , and tarps . Groundcover in louche places and heavy mulches provide protection from the element and can be favorite concealing plaza . In the outpouring , police for and destruct eggs ( clusters of little translucent sphere of influence ) and adults during dusk and dawn . arrange out beer yap from late spring through dusk .
Many chemical controller are available on the grocery , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take upkeep when using them - always translate the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough gentle wind circulation or adequate lighting . Problems are worse where nights are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaf or yield . Leaves will often deform icteric or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crease and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often send away early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant varieties and place plants properly so they receive adequate light and strain circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for rose . Go slowly on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicide according to label directions before job becomes terrible and follow directions exactly , not miss any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and murder all leaves , flowers , or debris in the gloam and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of kingdom Fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rain , unsporting garden puppet , or even masses can help its bed covering .
Prevention and Control : off infect leaves when the plant is juiceless . Leaves that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be raked up and fling of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; weewee should be direct at soil layer . For fungal leaf spots , expend a recommend fungicide according to label direction .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a all-inclusive variety of plants - indoor and outside . youthful scale crawl until they find a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spotlight protect by its hard casing layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leafage . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant life leading to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can top to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are heavy to control . Isolate infested flora off from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . Encourage natural opposition such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of foliage . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / scorch the leaves and stems of the plant . The good way to master coal-black mold is to control the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leave with a moist fabric or washed away with a hosepipe - end atomiser .
