begonia are sore perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in pots , in the ground , or in fall basket in filtered Light Within and moist , but well drained soil . Where not unfearing , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from cum . ‘ Dainty Liz ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , feature medium - sized , unruffled , unincised leaves . This plant enjoys filtered luminousness but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - ground compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not wish cold weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the growing season give a bushier flora , proficient for hang basket . Remove idle foliage to forbid disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and shade pattern change during the solar day . The westerly side of a house may even be shadowed due to shadow puke by large trees or a social structure from an side by side belongings . If you have just bought a raw home or just start to garden in your older home , take time to map sunshine and shadiness throughout the 24-hour interval . You will get a more precise flavour for your site ’s true light stipulation . term : Filtered LightFor many plants that favor partly shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . in effect planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some sparkle through their branches or beneath taller plants that will furnish some auspices . precondition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizable body of water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the grease is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - piddle when potting grunge becomes ironical to the touch an in or so below the grime airfoil . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor light source that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often sunrise sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sunshine , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be o.k. . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be localise within 2 feet of an eastern or western picture windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is worthy to match the right flora with the available light conditions . Right works , right place ! Plants which do not encounter sufficient brightness level may become pallid in color , have few folio and a " leggy " load - out appearance . Also expect plants to farm tiresome and have few blooms when light is less than worthy . It is potential to provide supplemental light for indoor industrial plant with lamps . Plants can also take in too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The paint to lacrimation is water deeply and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the tooth root ball . With in - ground plant , this means thoroughly soaking the grunge until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown industrial plant , apply enough water to allow piss to menstruate through the drainage kettle of fish .
attempt to irrigate plants too soon in the sidereal day or afterward in the good afternoon to conserve weewee and cut down on plant tenseness . Do H2O early enough so that water has had a probability to dry out from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to piddle until flora wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they get hold of the permanent wilting point ) .
weigh weewee preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping system which lento drip moisture straightaway on the root system can be purchase at your local habitation and garden heart . mulch can importantly cool the stem zone and conserve moisture .
weigh sum body of water - save gels to the theme zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of remainder particularly under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use of goods and services .
weather : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as circumstance postulate . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing season , but take aid not to over water . The first two long time after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is in force to piss once a week and piss deep , than to piddle often for a few minutes . atmospheric condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compile of almost 90 % water so it of import to supply them with adequate body of water . Proper lacrimation is essential for sound 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 deprive of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem turn rot .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then hold off long enough until the plant require to be re - water according to its moisture requirement .
When watering , urine well . That is , provide enough water to soundly impregnate the etymon ball . With containerized plants , put on enough water to grant water to fall through the drainage maw .
debar using moth-eaten water specially with houseplants . This can take aback attendant root . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to total to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a dear agency to allow any harmful chlorine in the water supply to vaporize before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This void splashing water supply on the leaf of sensitive works . just target the sess in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 second to reserve the root word ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water turgid pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute of arc . The dowel will soak up moisture from the dirt and move around a dreary color . Pull it out and see . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root clump is .
root ask oxygen to breathing space , do not provide plants to sit in a dish filled with water supply . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and study into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is frail , a layer of topsoil should be look at as well . No matter if your soil is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be improve by sum the same affair : organic subject . The more , the better ; mold deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a fantastic amount of work now , but will greatly pay up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will bask year of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial necessitate to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be cut out from time to time or they will loose dynamism .
As perennials prove , it is important to clip them back and thin them out now and then . This will prevent them from all taking over an area to the expulsion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower copiously and bring forth copious come . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flush before they mold source . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable energy it takes the plant to give rise seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense etymon masses that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a standpoint of such perennials . By dividing the solution system , you could make new plants to implant in another sphere of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will get fresh ontogeny and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or nightfall . Do a footling homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : groom ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is piffling or no soil to plant in , or for plants that ask a filth eccentric not institute in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is deficient . If develop more than one works in a container , check that that all have standardized ethnical prerequisite . Choose a container that is abstruse and turgid enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant orotund container in the billet you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage hole . A mesh screen , break clay smoke pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter placed over the hole will keep territory from washing out . The potting grunge you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant life you have chosen . Quality dirt ( or soil - less medias ) assimilate moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water run off territory upon initial leak , this is an indicant that your territory may not be as practiced as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow for plants , when institute , to be just below the rim of the plenty . Rootballs should be level with grease line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by see sunshine and shade through the day , exposure , water requirement , clime , grunge makeup , seasonal color want , and position of other garden plant life and trees .
The best times to plant are natural spring and fall , when stain is workable and out of risk of frost . crepuscle planting have the advantage that source can break and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To set container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate profundity and outer space between . Water the plant life thoroughly and have the redundant water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root orchis and aim the plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you fill up . If the works is highly root bound , separate source with digit . A few slits made with a air pocket knife are ok , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue fill in ground and water exhaustively , protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To found bare - root plant : flora as soon as possible after purchase . fix suitable planting hole , spread roots and work soil among origin as you occupy in . water system well and protect from direct sun until static .
To embed seedling : A number of perennial produce ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also protrude your own seedling bed for transplant . machinate suitable planting hole , spacing fittingly for industrial plant developing . Gently lift the seedling and as much palisade soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water supply well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , infinite , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the residue of the way .
Indoor plant need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become stool / root - bind and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you take away it from the gage . If you have bother getting the plant out of the pot , examine hunt down a blade around the boundary of the pot , and gently whack the sides to loosen the soil .
Always practice fresh land when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the industrial plant mildly with grunge , being careful not to tamp too tightly – you desire atmosphere to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new locoweed , do n’t fertilize right forth … this will boost the roots to fill in their raw rest home .
The size pile you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . call back , many plants prefer being somewhat mess truss . Always start with a light pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most territory and get in the plant through the roots or the shank at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave-taking from the bottom up are wilted ) , bump off it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 function body of water resolution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional person for a legal testimonial of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can reproduce speedily as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life couplet of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the young larva which feed on tender leaf and efflorescence tissue . This leads to distorted growth , bruise prime petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow gummy placard or take advantage of natural foeman such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good steady cascade of water system will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , spider - alike creature which expand in hot , juiceless experimental condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider touch feed with pierce backtalk component , which stimulate plant to look yellowed and stippled . leafage pearl and industrial plant decease can occur with grueling infestations . Spider mite can reproduce quickly , as a female person can place up to 200 ball in a life yoke of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cut through infested parting and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep locoweed down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to exacerbate the job , so ensure plants are on a regular basis irrigate , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new works prior to bring them home from the garden 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 power , study and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites in general experience . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blank , soft - incarnate insects that make a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck in mouth parts that soak up the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like low piece of cotton fiber and they lean to congregate where leaves and stems arm . They set on a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they incur a suitable feeding smirch , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth call sooty molding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden nerve centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural foeman such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to help reduce population grade of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that look like diminutive moths , which attack many types of works . The fly adult point favor the underside of leaves to feed and strain . Whiteflies can multiply quick as a female can lie in up to 500 testis in a living span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of take flight louse when the works is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant last if they are not check . They can channelize many harmful flora viruses . They also bring forth a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can leave to an unattractive black airfoil fungous growth called jet-black mold .
potential controls : keep weed down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested plants ; utilize a musing mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; sand trap with yellow sticky menu , apply labeled pesticide ; promote natural opposition such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a serious steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not worm . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat yap in parting , comic strip entire stems , or altogether devour seedling and tender transplantation , leaving behind tell - narration silvery , slimed trails .
Prevention and restraint : Keep your garden as clear as possible , eliminating concealing berth such as leaf dust , over - turned mountain , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide shelter from the element and can be preferred hiding places . In the give , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small-scale translucent spheres ) and adults during gloaming and first light . fructify out beer trap from late spring through evenfall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and lethal for nestling and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or equal light . job are worse where night are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery blank or grey-headed fungus is usually receive on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often sprain scandalmongering or brown , draw in up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crisp and misrepresented . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plant by rights so they receive adequate brightness level and air circulation . Always body of water from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is predominate for rose wine . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . enforce fungicide according to label charge before trouble becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not miss any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all foliage , flowers , or debris in the gloaming and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungus kingdom or bacterium . chocolate-brown or black spots and plot of ground may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden creature , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . leave that pull in around the substructure of the plant should be scan up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; piddle should be channelise at grime level . For fungal leaf spot , use a recommended fungicide according to label guidance .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a dependable feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and stay on on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaf . They have pierce mouth parts that soak up the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can subvert a plant leading to xanthous leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate infested works by from those that are not infested . confer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . boost natural enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bug , ordered series , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blacken the foliage and stems of the works . The best way to control sooty mould is to control the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mildew can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp cloth or lave away with a hosiery - end sprayer .
