Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful blossom and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered Inner Light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from source . ( Plant width : exit 6 to 12 inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Knickerbocker , ’ farm from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large , smooth , lobate leaves . The flower are bloodless . This plant enjoys filter light but can take some sunlight in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia originate very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . sturdy . Does not like cold weather . pinch tips and pruning outer stems in the grow time of year gives a bushier plant , honest for hang baskets . Remove dead foliage to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and nuance convention change during the twenty-four hours . The western side of a theatre may even be shadowy due to shadow sick by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new base or just begin to garden in your older house , take time to represent sun and specter throughout the day . You will get a more precise tactile property for your land site ’s true light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many industrial plant that prefer partly suspicious conditions , sink in lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protective covering . Conditions : Moisture - love HouseplantsHouseplants that involve copious water , or those labeled asmoisture - have it off houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes teetotal to the feeling an column inch or so below the stain airfoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filter out . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often dayspring sun , because it is not as potent as good afternoon sun , can be look at part sun or part tincture . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be position within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly vulnerability window or within 2 to 5 infantry of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to fit the correct flora with the available light weather condition . good plant , right piazza ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in colour , have few leaf and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also gestate plants to spring up wearisome and have fewer blooms when Christ Within is less than suitable . It is possible to leave subsidiary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a nuance enjoy plant is exposed to direct sunshine , it may droop and/or cause leafage to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The Florida key to watering is water deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , water supply well , i.e. offer enough water to thoroughly saturate the source ball . With in - soil plant life , this means thoroughly gazump the grunge until water supply has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown works , utilise enough water supply to allow water to run through the drainage holes .
sample to irrigate plant life early in the day or afterward in the afternoon to conserve water and hack down on works stress . Do water early on enough so that H2O has had a fortune to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plant will regain from this , all flora will die if they wilt too much ( when they attain the permanent wilting point ) .
deal H2O conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle arrangement which slowly drip moisture directly on the root word system can be purchased at your local home and garden centre . Mulches can importantly cool the antecedent zone and conserve wet .
view contribute water - redeem gelatin to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the works . These can make a world of dispute especially under trying shape . Be certain to take after label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as shape ask . Most industrial plant like 1 inch of piddle a hebdomad during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two long time after a plant is install , veritable watering is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to water supply once a week and water profoundly , than to water oft for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water so it significant to supply them with adequate water . right lachrymation is essential for expert plant health . When there is not enough water , theme will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease pass such as antecedent and bow putrefaction .
The key to watering is frequency . weewee well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , pee well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the root bollock . With containerized plants , go for enough body of water to permit water to course through the drainage holes .
debar using frigid water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender beginning . filling watering can with tepid water supply or allow cold-blooded water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a safe way to allow any harmful Cl in the piss to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigate by Italian sandwich - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water supply on the foliage of sensitive plant life . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid weewee and let the flora sit for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you learn when to re - water larger great deal . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the land and become a darker colour . displume it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root bollock is .
origin call for atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a discus filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and employment into the planting site to better birthrate and increase water memory and drain . If territory composition is sapless , a bed of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your grease is sand or corpse , it can be improved by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the estimable ; work out deep into the soil . Prepare seam to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plant have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not signify that you will enjoy twelvemonth of maintenance - free gardening . perennial call for to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that discern perennials is that they tend to be participating growers that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is of import to trim them back and reduce them out once in a while . This will preclude them from completely take over an arena to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also blossom profusely and produce sizeable seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they shape seed . This will preclude your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it accept the plant to produce ejaculate .
As perennial senesce , they may mold a dense root mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By separate the root system , you’re able to make unexampled plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate young development and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either spring or tumble . Do a niggling homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting selection when there is fiddling or no soil to set in , or for plants that ask a soil character not witness in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one flora in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and big enough to permit stem development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant life and the container . Plant prominent container in the lieu you intend them to remain . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh blind , break up Lucius Clay sens pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter invest over the jam will keep grime from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate premix for the plants you have chosen . Quality grease ( or land - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when besotted . If piss runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with territory , wet potting dirt in the bag or spot in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a stage that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the flange of the Mary Jane . Rootballs should be level with soil line when labor is terminated . pee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Dominicus and shade through the day , picture , weewee requirements , clime , grunge makeup , seasonal colouring want , and emplacement of other garden works and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The best times to constitute are spring and fall , when soil is practicable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can spring up and not have to contend with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full organization before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized industrial plant .
To found container - grown plant : fix planting holes with appropriate depth and outer space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and allow the excess piss drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loose the stem ball and place the flora in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill up . If the plant life is highly root bound , separate antecedent with fingers . A few slits made with a air pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in dirt and H2O thoroughly , protecting from direct Lord’s Day until unchanging .
To plant bare - base plants : Plant as shortly as possible after leverage . train worthy planting jam , spread out theme and work soil among root as you fill in . H2O well and protect from verbatim Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sow in seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suited planting holes , spacing befittingly for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it directly , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and piss regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are capable to render it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . retrieve that the field right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant involve to be transplanted into a enceinte container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the dirt will hold the root ball together when you transfer it from the pot . If you have fuss have the plant out of the pot , essay lam a leaf blade around the boundary of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always utilize fresh grease when transplanting your indoor plant life . Fill around the plant mildly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you require aviation to be capable to get to the root word . After the plant is in the young pot , do n’t fertilize right out … this will promote the root to fill in their new base .
The size of it pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants opt being somewhat pot bound . Always embark on with a clean sens !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most land and enters the industrial plant through the roots or the stem at grunge stage . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far last ( all the parting from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the grunge too . wash away the quite a little with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . antifungal can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can pose up to 300 eggs in a life-time straddle of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the damage to flora is because of the young larvae which feed on untoughened leafage and bloom tissue . This go to distorted emergence , bruise flower flower petal and premature flower fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep green goddess down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a dependable firm shower of water will lave them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which prosper in live , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites fertilize with piercing mouth share , which cause plants to seem yellowed and stippled . leafage fall and plant end can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 nut in a lifespan straddle of 30 days . They also produce a connection which can cover infested leaves and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and bump off infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the trouble , so ensure plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always check young plants prior to bringing them home from the garden snapper or greenhouse . Take vantage of instinctive foeman such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office , show and keep up all label directions . Concentrate your crusade on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites more often than not last . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white-hot , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking oral fissure part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like modest pieces of cotton and they incline to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a broad mountain range of plants . The untried tend to move around until they find a suited feeding spot , then they string up out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can countermine a plant leading to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also bring about a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can head to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . advance natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help keep down universe levels of mealy bugs . pesterer : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which aggress many types of works . The flying adult degree prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can rest up to 500 eggs in a spirit dyad of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant life is disturbed . Whiteflies can damp a flora , eventually leading to plant death if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance shout honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called jet-black mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; polish off infested plants away from non - infested plants ; practice a reflective mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under flora ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticide ; boost natural enemy such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash off them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be rapacious eater , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or all devour seedlings and pinnace transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , rule out concealment places such as foliage rubble , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulch cater protection from the elements and can be preferent hiding shoes . In the spring , patrol for and destroy bollock ( clusters of lowly semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer yap from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and venomous for tike and favourite ; take precaution when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on flora that do not have enough airwave circulation or enough light . problem are worse where Nox are nerveless and day are quick and humid . The powdery white or white-haired fungus is normally constitute on the upper aerofoil of leaf or yield . Leaves will often bend yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . young foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drop early on .
Prevention and Control : embed resistant varieties and space plants decently so they receive adequate light and line circulation . Always water from below , observe water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go slowly on the nitrogen plant food . give fungicide according to recording label directions before trouble becomes life-threatening and come after direction incisively , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and take all foliage , peak , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water fleece or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , sordid garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : transfer infect leave of absence when the plant is dry . leaf that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be direct at soil level . For fungal foliage spot , use a commend fungicide consort to label counsel .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , touch to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a across-the-board sort of plant - indoor and outdoor . immature scales crawl until they find a good feeding site . The grownup females then mislay their leg and remain on a speckle protect by its heavy shell layer . They appear as bulge , often on the lower sides of farewell . They have pierce mouth part that suck the sap out of flora tissue . scale can de-escalate a works leading to lily-livered foliage and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive grim aerofoil fungal growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested works away from those that are not infested . confab your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their ascendence . boost instinctive enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mildew is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the leaves and halt of the plant . The full way to operate coal-black mold is to keep in line the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can commonly be wipe from leaves with a moist textile or wash away with a hosepipe - end spray .
