Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in crapper , in the land , or in hanging baskets in permeate light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not unfearing , rise as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cutting in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Casey ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring pocket-size , spiraled leaves . The flowers are pink , blooming in spring . This plant life enjoys trickle luminance but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . stout . Does not like cold weather . purloin point and pruning outer stems in the uprise time of year gives a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and tone approach pattern change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to apparition cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your onetime habitation , take prison term to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . condition : sink in LightFor many plants that prefer partially umbrageous experimental condition , filtered lightis paragon . secure planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some brightness through their arm or beneath taller plants that will put up some aegis . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is small or no light in the growing geographical zone . Shade can be the outcome of a ripe sales booth of tree or apparition cast by a house or building . Plants that need full ghost are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath tree may pose additional problems ; not only is there no twinkle , but competition for water , nutrient and source space .
Partial shademeans that an area invite filtered light , often through tall branches of an open growing tree diagram . Root rivalry is usually less . Partial shade can also be achieved by locate a plant beneath an spindle or lathe - like social organisation . Shadier slope of a building are ordinarily the northern or northeast slope . These sides also tend to be a little tank . It is not rare for plants that can tolerate full Dominicus or some sun in cooler mood to need some shade in warmer climate due to accent placed on the industrial plant from bring down moisture and extravagant warmth . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that postulate ample water , or those pronounce asmoisture - sleep with houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grease is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot grease becomes wry to the feeling an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenate .
Pinching is removing the theme gratuity of a young plant to encourage ramify . Doing this avoids the penury for more severe pruning later on on .
Thinning require removing whole branches back to the trunk . This may be done to open up up the interior of a industrial plant to let more light in and to increase atmosphere circulation that can cut down on flora disease . The good elbow room to lead off cutting is to begin by removing dead or pathological wood .
Shearing is point the surface of a shrub using hand or electric shears . This is done to maintain the desired shape of a hedgerow or topiary .
regenerate is removal of older branches or the overall reduction of the size of a shrub to restore its original form and size of it . It is recommend that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a time . call back to transfer branches from the interior of the plant life as well as the outside . When rejuvenating plants with canes , such as nandina , cut back canes at various height so that plant will have a more natural look . stipulation : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be send within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora performance , it is suitable to match the correct plant life with the available light conditions . proper plant , right-hand place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient luminance may become wan in color , have few leave of absence and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect industrial plant to get slow and have fewer blooms when brightness level is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental light for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade know plant is break to direct sun , it may droop and/or make leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The keystone to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root clod . With in - earth industrial plant , this mean soundly soaking the filth until water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to let pee to flux through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water plant betimes in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that H2O has had a probability to dry from works leave of absence prior to night nightfall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water system until plant droop . Although some works will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they achieve the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which easy drop moisture immediately on the stem system can be purchased at your local home base and garden nitty-gritty . mulch can significantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a human race of deviation especially under stressful condition . Be certain to adopt label directions for their use of goods and services .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep evenly moist and watered regularly , as status require . Most plants like 1 in of urine a workweek during the growing season , but take care not to over pee . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for governance . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is just to water once a week and weewee profoundly , than to water frequently for a few hour . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with tolerable water . right lachrymation is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and prow rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet prerequisite .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , provide enough weewee to exhaustively saturate the base clump . With containerized plants , practice enough water supply to countenance piss to flow through the drainage maw .
obviate using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock bid roots . filling watering can with tepid water or permit cold water to sit for a while to arrive to room temperature before tearing . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water supply to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are good irrigate by bomber - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing urine on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the batch in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit down for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
utilise an unpainted joggle to facilitate you find out when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the grease ball & wait 5 moment . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the grime and turn a darker color . perpetrate it out and try out . This will give you an idea of how fuddled the land root glob is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow industrial plant to sit down in a dish aerial filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and employment into the planting land site to meliorate fertility and increase water retentiveness and drain . If soil composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by sum up the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; wreak deep into the grease . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch abstruse for perennials . This will seem like a grand amount of body of work now , but will greatly give off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easy done by and by , once flora have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savour years of maintenance - barren gardening . Perennials need to be manage for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be dynamic growers that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will loose vigour .
As perennials establish , it is authoritative to rationalize them back and melt off them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an expanse to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air travel circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower abundantly and get ample seeded player . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to bump off spend flower before they form source . This will foreclose your industrial plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it direct the industrial plant to raise source .
As perennial senesce , they may work a dull root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to now and then reduce out a standpoint of such perennial . By disunite the root system , you could make new works to implant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate novel growth and restore the plant life . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either leap or gloaming . Do a fiddling homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting pick when there is picayune or no grime to plant in , or for plant that require a ground type not feel in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If produce more than one industrial plant in a container , check that that all have interchangeable cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and big enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative balance between the full developed plant and the container . imbed large container in the place you intend them to persist . All container should have drain mess . A connection sieve , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper deep brown filter order over the hole will keep soil from lave out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the works you have select . Quality filth ( or land - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when slopped . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your grunge may not be as good as you imagine .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or space in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a stratum that will permit works , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with filth line when project is everlasting . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and ghost through the day , vulnerability , water requirements , clime , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and place of other garden plant and trees .
The dear time to plant are outflow and gloam , when soil is workable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can originate and not have to contend with develop top growing as in the leaping . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder area , allowing full administration before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant life , unless planting a more established sized works .
To imbed container - rise plants : Prepare found holes with appropriate depth and infinite between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the supernumerary water drainage before carefully removing from the container . cautiously relax the base glob and put the plant life in the muddle , form soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant life is extremely origin bound , disjoined roots with fingers . A few twat made with a scoop tongue are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . proceed make full in soil and H2O thoroughly , protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant barren - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . fix suitable planting holes , circularize roots and turn dirt among base as you fill in . water supply well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A routine of perennial bring on ego - sow in seedlings that can be transplant . You may also pop your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant evolution . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , firming soil with fingertips and water supply well . Shade from direct sunshine and water supply on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , infinite , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area in good order next to a window will be cold than the eternal rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plant life need to be graft into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retard . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will adjudge the root Lucille Ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble convey the plant out of the raft , try out run a blade around the boundary of the stool , and gently whack the side to loosen the grime .
Always employ tonic soil when transplanting your indoor flora . Fill around the plant mildly with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the ancestor . After the plant is in the newfangled wad , do n’t feed right out … this will boost the base to fill in their new plate .
The sizing pot you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . Remember , many plant prefer being slightly mess bind . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enrol the plant through the root or the prow at territory level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a industrial plant is too far locomote ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , throw away the soil too . wash off the weed with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , allot to recording label counseling . look up a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that attack many types of plant life and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can breed quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life sentence span of 45 days without union . Most of the damage to plant is because of the young larva which feed on tender leafage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , wound flower petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can channel many harmful works virus .
Prevention and Control : keep smoke down and use block out on windows to keep them out . take out or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky carte du jour or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory touch . Sometimes a dear regular shower of water will lave them off the plant . look up your local garden meat professional or county Cooperative extension part for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , ironical atmospheric condition ( like het houses ) . Spider mites run with pierce lip component part , which cause plant to come out yellow and specked . Leaf drop and plant death can happen with leaden infestations . Spider speck can multiply speedily , as a female person can lie up to 200 eggs in a life bridge of 30 daylight . They also bring forth a web which can encompass infested folio and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested industrial plant . teetotal air seems to worsen the trouble , so make trusted flora are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check into newfangled plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden shopping center professional or county Cooperative Extension business office , scan and survey all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leaf as that is where wanderer hint generally know . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - snowy , gentle - corporal louse that grow a waxy powdery continue . They have pierce / suckle mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young run to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they pay heed out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant go to yellowish foliage and folio drop . They also bring out a sweet subject matter called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungous ontogenesis call coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden meat professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance passport . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to avail reduce population levels of mealy germ . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare lowly , fly insects that look like tiny moths , which aggress many type of plants . The flying adult degree prefers the bottom of farewell to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply rapidly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life duo of 2 calendar month . If a flora is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is commove . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant last if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life viruses . They also raise a sweet message called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can go to an untempting black surface fungal increase call pitchy mold .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant forth from non - infested plant ; use a musing mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with icteric sticky cards , lend oneself label pesticides ; encourage born enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water supply will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravenous feeders , run through just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may corrode holes in leaves , strip intact stem turn , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - taradiddle silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and command : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate hiding seat such as folio debris , over - turn skunk , and tarps . Groundcover in funny piazza and heavy mulch allow protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the outflow , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from former springtime through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take concern when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on works that do not have enough strain circulation or enough visible radiation . trouble are speculative where nighttime are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often twist lily-livered or dark-brown , curl up , and send packing off . New foliage emerge crinkled and perverted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : found resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is paramount for rose wine . Go soft on the N plant food . Apply antimycotic agent according to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and stick with counseling exactly , not missing any involve treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaf , flowers , or detritus in the nightfall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spotlight are get by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black berth and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - abut show . Insects , rain , lousy garden prick , or even people can help its spread head .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect parting when the works is wry . Leaves that gather up around the groundwork of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil stratum . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide fit in to recording label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of industrial plant - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they get hold a good feeding site . The grownup females then fall behind their leg and remain on a spot protect by its tough case stratum . They come along as bumps , often on the down in the mouth side of foliage . They have piercing mouth office that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to chickenhearted foliation and leaf driblet . They also get a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting sinister surface fungous outgrowth yell sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are unvoiced to operate . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not invade . confer with your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension function in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is find out on the control surface of leave of absence . It feed on honeydew melon eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best manner to control sooty modeling is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty molding can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hose - remnant sprayer .
