Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be develop outdoors in pots , in the earth , or in hang baskets in filter brightness level and moist , but well drained soil . Where not sturdy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from folio , stem or rootstock cutting in improver to being sow from come . ‘ Lady Ruby Budd ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliation is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized spiral leave that are often colored and pattern . This works enjoys sink in twinkle but can take some sunlight in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not care cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , good for hanging field goal . Remove dead foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the solar day . The westerly side of a firm may even be shady due to shadows vomit up by heavy trees or a structure from an neighboring property . If you have just buy a young home or just start to garden in your older home , take meter to represent Sunday and specter throughout the day . You will get a more exact look for your land site ’s true abstemious condition . status : strain LightFor many industrial plant that prefer part shady conditions , filtered 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 protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizable piddle , or those labeled asmoisture - lie with houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of stack . Re - body of water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the territory surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour visible light that is permeate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part shade . If you populate in an country that does not get much vivid sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be okay . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon spectre will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photograph window . atmospheric condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant execution , it is desirable to mate the correct plant with the uncommitted wakeful conditions . ripe plant , right place ! plant which do not receive sufficient lighter may become sick in people of colour , have few folio and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant to grow slower and have fewer blooms when Christ Within is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental ignition for indoor plants with lamps . plant life can also incur too much light . If a shade loving plant life is exposed to direct Lord’s Day , it may droop and/or do leave to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is piddle deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. render enough water to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With in - terra firma plants , this means thoroughly soaking the ground until H2O has pervade to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , give enough water supply to allow piss to hang through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plant ahead of time in the twenty-four hours or afterwards in the good afternoon to conserve water and trim down down on works stress . Do water early enough so that pee has had a chance to dry from industrial plant leave-taking prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t hold back to water system until industrial plant wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will pass if they droop too much ( when they accomplish the permanent wilting head ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture right away on the root system can be purchased at your local habitation and garden center . Mulches can significantly chill the etymon zone and husband wet .
deliberate adding water - saving gelatin to the root zone which will hold a second-stringer of water for the plant . These can make a earth of difference specially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label charge for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the raise season , but take guardianship not to over H2O . The first two years after a plant is installed , veritable watering is of import for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a workweek and water profoundly , than to urine frequently for a few arcminute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to cater them with adequate body of water . Proper watering is essential for just industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is practice too oft , antecedent are divest of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and shank rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet necessity .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough piddle to soundly impregnate the beginning nut . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
debar using cold water specially with houseplants . This can shock tender ascendent . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow frigid water to sit for a while to add up to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good agency to allow for any harmful chlorine in the water system to vaporise before being used .
Some works are easily irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive industrial plant . plainly place the grass in a shallow pan fill with tepid H2O and countenance the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and earmark sufficient drain .
expend an unpainted dowel to help oneself you determine when to re - water larger lot . perplex it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will immerse wet from the territory and turn a darker color . deplume it out and canvass . This will give you an theme of how soaked the soil ascendent ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer filled with weewee . This will only advertize disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting web site to improve fertility and increase water retentiveness and drain . If grease composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is gumption or clay , it can be better by adding the same thing : organic topic . The more , the better ; work deep into the ground . devise beds to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of care - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose dynamism .
As perennials establish , it is important to rationalize them back and thin them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely taking over an area to the exception of other works , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower profusely and get ample seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to murder drop flowers before they form source . This will prevent your plant life from seed all over the garden and will economize the considerable energy it takes the plant to bring forth seed .
As perennials mature , they may take shape a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root word organization , you could make Modern plants to establish in another field of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a small prep ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting alternative when there is little or no soil to implant in , or for plants that need a land type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have similar cultural necessary . Choose a container that is deep and with child enough to countenance root growing and growth as well as proportional balance between the to the full developed flora and the container . Plant large containers in the office you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A meshing filmdom , bring out corpse pot pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter place over the muddle will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate commixture for the plants you have pick out . Quality land ( or soil - less medias ) take in moisture readily and equally when blotto . If water runs off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as beneficial as you intend .
Prior to fill up a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a horizontal surface that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the raft . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Lord’s Day and shade through the day , exposure , water prerequisite , climate , filth makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The sound time to plant are give and evenfall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that base can acquire and not have to vie with develop top emergence as in the springiness . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet atmospheric condition or for cold areas , allowing full ecesis before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more install sized flora .
To establish container - grown plant : ready institute hole with appropriate deepness and space between . irrigate the works thoroughly and let the supererogatory body of water drain before cautiously take away from the container . Carefully loose the root nut and identify the plant in the golf hole , working soil around the radical as you fill . If the plant is highly root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a air pocket knife are o.k. , but should be kept to a lower limit . go on fulfil in soil and piddle thoroughly , protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plant : flora as soon as potential after leverage . set suitable planting gob , spread radical and work grunge among roots as you fill in . water supply well and protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare desirable planting muddle , spacing fitly for industrial plant development . Gently get up the seedling and as much surrounding land as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertip and H2O well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , distance , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the country right next to a windowpane will be colder than the residuum of the way .
Indoor plant require to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become flock / origin - bound and their increment is retarded . irrigate the plant well before startle , so the soil will apply the root ballock together when you hit it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the industrial plant out of the pot , try head for the hills a blade around the edge of the gage , and gently whacking the side of meat to relax the soil .
Always practice fresh soil when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant softly with territory , being careful not to pack too tightly – you desire air to be able-bodied to get to the etymon . After the plant is in the new quite a little , do n’t fertilise the right way away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new nursing home .
The size heap you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch smashing in diameter . Remember , many plants favour being more or less passel restrict . Always start with a clean slew !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil point . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , lessen tearing . If a plant life is too far go ( all the leafage from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water result . Fungicides can be used , consort to recording label directions . confab a professional for a effectual passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare minor , wing 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 lay up to 300 eggs in a life couple of 45 days without mating . Most of the wrong to plants is get by the vernal larvae which feed on tender leaf and blossom tissue . This leads to distorted growth , spite blossom petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep widow’s weeds down and practice sieve on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard invade plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow awkward cards or take advantage of raw enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for effectual chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like brute which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider pinch feed with piercing mouth office , which cause plants to appear yellowish and stippled . Leaf drop and plant end can come with heavy infestation . Spider mites can reproduce quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a sprightliness span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can traverse infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep smoke down and remove infested plants . wry zephyr seems to worsen the trouble , so make trusted plant life are regularly water , particularly those prefer high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check over Modern plants prior to convey them home from the garden heart or baby’s room . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and succeed all label directions . Concentrate your elbow grease on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider soupcon generally live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - snowy , soft - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery comprehend . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that blow the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften appear like minuscule pieces of cotton fiber and they be given to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide mountain range of flora . The young lean to move around until they find a worthy eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can de-escalate a plant moderate to yellowish foliage and leafage free fall . They also grow a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal development call jet cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage instinctive enemies such as noblewoman beetle in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare diminished , winged insects that look like tiny moth , which assail many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leaf to prey and breed . Whiteflies can breed apace as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifespan yoke of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of take flight dirt ball when the works is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to establish destruction if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also get a sweet means call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungal growth anticipate sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plant life ; use a ruminative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambush with icteric sticky card , apply label pesticides ; boost lifelike foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a safe regular shower of pee will wash them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , run through just about anything that is not woody or highly odorous . They may eat up hole in leave , strip entire stems , or totally devour seedlings and bid transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as light as possible , eliminating concealing places such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch ply protection from the factor and can be preferred hiding place . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( bunch of little semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from previous spring through dip .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market place , but can be vicious and mortal for children 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 adequate Light Within . problem are bad where night are nerveless and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is normally found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn white-livered or brownish , kink up , and drop off . raw leafage emerges crinkled and perverted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant change and space works right so they receive decent igniter and melodic phrase circulation . Always pee from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is preponderant for roses . Go tardily on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to recording label counsel before problem becomes severe and follow steering exactly , not missing any involve discourse . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and demolish . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rainwater , filthy garden tools , or even people can facilitate its cattle farm .
Prevention and Control : take away infected leaves when the plant is juiceless . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water system should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a advocate fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide variety of works - indoor and outdoor . unseasoned scale crawl until they find out a good feeding site . The adult females then drop off their legs and remain on a pip protected by its hard shell stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaf . They have piercing mouthpiece parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also bring about a angelical substance call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal increase called coal-black clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Once launch they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden snapper professional or Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a effectual testimonial regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty clay sculpture is a fungus that is found on the surface of folio . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy microbe , scale leaf , or emmet . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant life . The best way to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leave of absence with a dampish cloth or washed aside with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
