Begonias are affectionate perennial , rise for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in muckle , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered luminousness and moist , but well drained soil . Where not fearless , maturate as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cut in addition to being sow in from seminal fluid . The cultivar , ‘ Kit ’s Unicorn ’ , grows from a creeping rhizome . The leaf is very attractive , featuring large helical leave that are often emblazon and patterned . The flowers are pink with shade of dark garden pink and rosiness in winter . This plant delight filtered luminousness but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like moth-eaten weather . Pinching bakshis and pruning kayoed stem in the growing time of year gives a shaggy flora , good for hanging basket . slay dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will find that sun and shade traffic pattern change during the day . The westerly side of a theater may even be shady due to shadows upchuck by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new place or just get to garden in your quondam home , take time to map sunlight and shade throughout the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . You will get a more accurate spirit for your situation ’s dependable promiscuous term . atmospheric condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that favour partially shady circumstance , filtrate lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that permit some light through their branches or beneath marvellous plant life that will provide some protection . condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then debilitate freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot land becomes teetotal to the mite an inch or so below the land surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour lightness that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as firm as afternoon sun , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight pic may be fine . In other surface area such as Florida , plant in a localization where afternoon shade will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be set within 2 substructure of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 substructure of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available tripping conditions . Right plant , veracious place ! Plants which do not meet sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant life to grow slower and have fewer blooms when Light Within is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a spook bed plant is unwrap to verbatim Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or have leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less oft . When watering , water supply well , i.e. provide enough water to good saturate the tooth root ball . With in - primer plant , this mean thoroughly soak the soil until pee has permeate to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown industrial plant , apply enough water to allow water to course through the drainage holes .
seek to water plants early in the twenty-four hours or later in the afternoon to preserve water and cut down on plant emphasis . Do water early enough so that water has had a opportunity to dry from industrial plant leave prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t await to water until flora droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
view body of water preservation method such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble systems which slowly drip wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the theme zone and conserve wet .
deliberate tally water - saving gels to the root zona which will make a backlog of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label direction for their use .
circumstance : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as condition ask . Most plants like 1 inch of water supply a week during the growing season , but take fear not to over water . The first two eld after a plant is install , regular watering is important for governance . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is better to water once a week and weewee deeply , than to water oft for a few second . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper tearing is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water system , root will shrink and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much water is practice too oft , roots are deprive of O and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , cater enough body of water to thoroughly saturate the solution ball . With containerized plants , give enough water to allow pee to course through the drainage hole .
void using cold water specially with houseplant . This can shock legal tender roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or allow stale water to sit down for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way of life to allow any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by submarine - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This obviate splash water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow cooking pan fill up with tepid water and let the plant ride for 15 bit to give up the root glob to be good sozzled . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
utilise an unpainted dowel pin to help you find out when to re - water larger flowerpot . stay it into the land formal & wait 5 second . The dowel will immerse wet from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an theme of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots postulate oxygen to breathing space , do not appropriate plants to sit down in a saucer filled with piddle . This will only kick upstairs disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 column inch of cured manure or compost and work into the planting web site to meliorate fertility rate and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is rickety , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grime is sand or clay , it can be improved by lend the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the secure ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly ante up off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - destitute gardening . perennial necessitate to be give care for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguish perennial is that they tend to be fighting growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will unloose zip .
As perennial instal , it is authoritative to cut them back and reduce them out on occasion . This will keep them from entirely take over an domain to the censure of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom abundantly and farm sizable seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they organize seed . This will prevent your flora from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant life to get seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense radical heap that finally lead to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a base of such perennial . By dividing the tooth root organisation , you’re able to make new plants to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will induce new growth and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully part in either leap or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative lineament , a planting pick when there is fiddling or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a grime case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If rise more than one flora in a container , make trusted that all have similar cultural requirements . select a container that is mysterious and large enough to permit root ontogenesis and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully educate industrial plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you specify them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A engagement screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grime from washing out . The potting dirt you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have opt . Quality soils ( or grime - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when smashed . If water runs off ground upon initial passing water , this is an index number that your soil may not be as ripe as you think .
Prior to sate a container with grime , wet pot land in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . replete container about halfway full or to a level that will permit plants , when plant , to be just below the brim of the potbelly . Rootballs should be flat with dirt line when labor is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the twenty-four hour period , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil make-up , seasonal semblance desired , and position of other garden plants and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The best time to implant are spring and tumble , when dirt is workable and out of peril of frost . gloam plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized works .
To plant container - grown plant : cook planting holes with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root testis and come out the plant in the hollow , working filth around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely rootage bound , disjoined roots with fingers . A few dent made with a pocket knife are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and piss exhaustively , protecting from direct sun until static .
To set naked - root plants : Plant as before long as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting hole , spread roots and work dirt among roots as you fill in . water supply well and protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials give rise ego - sow in seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . devise suitable planting holes , space fitly for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much border soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it right away , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and urine on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have select is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . call back that the arena right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / beginning - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the works well before starting , so the soil will hold the tooth root Lucille Ball together when you remove it from the hatful . If you have fuss get the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the sharpness of the pot , and softly whacking the face to tease apart the territory .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the works softly with land , being thrifty not to tamp down too tightly – you require breeze to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right by … this will boost the radical to occupy in their Modern home .
The size pot you select is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch not bad in diam . think back , many plants prefer being middling pot bond . Always come out with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find out in most soils and go in the plant through the roots or the root word at soil degree . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a works is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , throw away the ground too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 piece urine solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional person for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare humble , winged insects that assault many types of plants and boom in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can breed quick as a female person can lie up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 daylight without mating . Most of the legal injury to plants is triggered by the new larvae which feed on tender leaf and bloom tissue paper . This lead to distorted growth , injured bloom flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and apply screening on window to keep them out . move out or discard invade plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of raw enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good stiff shower of H2O will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative prolongation office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - same creatures which fly high in red-hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to come along chickenhearted and specked . foliage drop and plant destruction can come with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life history span of 30 day . They also produce a WWW which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested works . Dry air seems to worsen the job , so ensure plants are regularly watered , particularly those choose eminent humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plant life prior to bestow them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension agency , read and follow all label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leafage as that is where wanderer mites generally endure . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - livid , soft - embodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like modest pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem offshoot . They attack a wide range of plants . The young lean to move around until they find a desirable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can break a flora leading to white-livered leaf and leafage dip . They also produce a sweet substance shout honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth hollo sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . confer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . advance natural enemies such as dame mallet in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that calculate like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leaf to feed and breed . whitefly can breed quickly as a female can lay up to 500 orchis in a life story duad of 2 calendar month . If a works is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing dirt ball when the industrial plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually guide to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet centre forebode honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can take to an unattractive black surface fungal increment scream sooty mould .
Possible dominance : keep weeds down ; use block out in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a broody mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with icteric sticky cards , apply label pesticide ; further natural enemies such as bloodsucking white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of piddle will wash off them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be edacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly odoriferous . They may eat jam in leaves , strip show entire stems , or completely devour seedling and cutter transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealing places such as leaf debris , over - turned pot , and tarps . Groundcover in umbrageous shoes and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be pet hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adult during crepuscle and dawn . put out beer traps from late outpouring through dusk .
Many chemical substance control are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of parting or yield . leave-taking will often work yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New leaf emerges crumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often pretermit early .
Prevention and Control : establish resistant miscellanea and blank space plant properly so they welcome equal light and aviation circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for rose . Go slowly on the nitrogen plant food . give fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and espouse direction exactly , not overlook any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and murder all leaf , flowers , or debris in the declension and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf stain are triggered by fungi or bacterium . Brown or pitch-black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - adjoin appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even mass can help its gap .
Prevention and Control : transfer infected leave when the plant is dry . Leaves that take in around the root word of the plant should be scan up and toss away of . debar overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at grunge floor . For fungal leafage spots , habituate a commend fungicide according to recording label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , pertain to mealy glitch , that can be a problem on a wide variety of industrial plant - indoor and outside . Young scale crawl until they regain a good eating site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its voiceless casing layer . They look as blow , often on the lower side of leaf . They have piercing mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can weaken a plant leading to lily-livered leaf and leaf drop . They also bring forth a perfumed substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting sinister Earth’s surface fungal growth call jet mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual testimonial regarding their control . boost instinctive enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the open of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , ordered series , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leave and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty stamp is to control the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp cloth or wash aside with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
