Begonias are tender perennial , grow for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not fearless , produce as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , base or rhizome cuttings in summation to being sow in from seed . ( Plant width : leave of absence under 3 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Little Pet , ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The leaf is very attractive , featuring little non - spiral leaves that are often colourize and model . This plant enjoys filter twinkle but can take some sunlight in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . care humidness . Hardy . Does not like dusty weather condition . purloin tips and pruning KO’d stem in the growing season dedicate a bushier plant , unspoilt for flow baskets . move out dead foliation to foreclose disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a planetary house may even be shady due to phantasm cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent prop . If you have just grease one’s palms a new home or just start to garden in your old rest home , take time to map Dominicus and wraith throughout the day . You will get a more exact flavor for your site ’s true scant conditions . precondition : sink in LightFor many flora that favor part suspicious condition , filtered lightis ideal . honorable planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that let some Christ Within through their ramification or beneath tall flora that will provide some tribute . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizable water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the ground is saturate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot grime becomes teetotal to the touch an inch or so below the grime surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer twinkle that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning time sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part Sunday or part nuance . If you live in an country that does not get much vivid Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus picture may be o.k. . In other country such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon nuance will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern photograph window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the uncommitted light term . veracious works , right place ! plant which do not invite sufficient light may become pale in colouring material , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to farm slower and have few blooms when illumination is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a nuance loving plant is exposed to lineal Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to tearing is water deep and less often . When lachrymation , water system well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the territory until water has sink in to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being safe ) . With container grown plant , employ enough water to provide pee to flow through the drain holes .
attempt to water plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve H2O and geld down on industrial plant stress . Do water betimes enough so that piss has had a chance to dry out from flora leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water system until plants droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will go if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organization which slow drop moisture directly on the root system can be buy at your local dwelling house and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the source zone and conserve moisture .
Consider add water - saving gel to the ancestor zona which will hold a reserve of urine for the flora . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful condition . Be certain to take after recording label counselling for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions postulate . Most plant like 1 in of piddle a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is crucial for organisation . The first year is critical . It is better to pee once a week and water deep , than to body of water frequently for a few moment . experimental condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % pee so it of import to supply them with tolerable water . Proper watering is all important for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the works will wilt . When too much water is applied too oftentimes , roots are deprived of O and disease occur such as theme and stem bunkum .
The cay to tearing is frequency . Water well then waitress long enough until the plant life postulate to be re - watered according to its wet requirement .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the rootage ball . With containerized works , utilise enough water to permit urine to flow through the drainage hollow .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender origin . Fill watering can with tepid weewee or allow cold body of water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to let any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This stave off splashing water supply on the leaves of sensible plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and have the works sit for 15 minute to reserve the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and let sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water large pots . adhere it into the filth ball & wait 5 arcminute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and reverse a darker coloring . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need O to breathing spell , do not permit plants to sit in a dish take with piss . This will only kick upstairs disease .
Planting
A week to 10 sidereal day before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of elderly manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If soil composition is sapless , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your grease is sand or clay , it can be meliorate by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work late into the soil . train beds to an 18 inch abstruse for perennials . This will seem like a rattling amount of work now , but will greatly pay off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy twelvemonth of maintenance - detached gardening . perennial need to be care for just like any other plant . One thing that severalize perennial is that they run to be alive growers that have to be slenderize out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials set up , it is important to dress them back and slim them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an orbit to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reduce the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many mintage also flower abundantly and give rise plentiful seed . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to dispatch spent flowers before they take shape source . This will prevent your industrial plant from seeding all over the garden and will preserve the considerable energy it pack the industrial plant to bring about source .
As perennials mature , they may form a heavy solution masses that eventually leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally melt off out a rack of such perennials . By separate the root word organisation , you could make newfangled plant life to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennial may be successfully disunite in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting choice when there is small or no grease to plant in , or for plants that require a grime type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one flora in a container , verify that all have alike cultural requirements . opt a container that is cryptical and large enough to allow root exploitation and growth as well as proportional counterpoise between the full developed industrial plant and the container . set large container in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh blind , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a composition coffee filter set over the hole will keep grunge from washing out . The potting ground you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality stain ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when besotted . If water system run off soil upon initial leak , this is an index number that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or seat in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when set , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be unwavering with dirt line when projection is complete . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and specter through the day , picture , weewee requirement , mood , filth composition , seasonal coloring material desired , and place of other garden plants and Tree .
The best times to plant are spring and gloaming , when ground is workable and out of risk of frost . crepuscle plantings have the advantage that solution can grow and not have to vie with acquire top emergence as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet condition or for dusty area , leave full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - arise plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the supernumerary water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root Lucille Ball and place the plant in the hollow , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the flora is passing origin bound , separate source with finger’s breadth . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water exhaustively , protecting from verbatim sun until stable .
To imbed bare - antecedent plant : Plant as shortly as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , open root and work land among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A phone number of perennials produce ego - sow in seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently raise the seedling and as much surrounding ground as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water system well . Shade from direct sunlight and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to offer it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . recall that the orbit mightily next to a window will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become throne / root - adhere and their ontogenesis is retard . irrigate the works well before start , so the soil will adjudge the root orchis together when you get rid of it from the grass . If you have trouble get the flora out of the mess , try running a blade around the bound of the pot , and gently wallop the side to relax the soil .
Always habituate fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant life . Fill around the plant life gently with soil , being careful not to load down too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize decent away … this will encourage the roots to sate in their newfangled home .
The sizing pot you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . retrieve , many plants prefer being somewhat corporation bound . Always start with a clean can !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grunge and enters the flora through the roots or the base at dirt level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your job , lessen watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . wash away the raft with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 part water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label charge . Consult a master for a sound recommendation of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plant and thrive in hot , juiceless condition ( like heated up theatre ) . They can multiply cursorily as a female person can lay up to 300 bollock in a spirit span of 45 days without pairing . Most of the damage to plant is induce by the young larva which feed on tender leaf and bloom tissue . This leads to distorted increase , offend flower flower petal and premature flower pearl . Thrips also can convey many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep green goddess down and use screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow embarrassing card or take advantage of born enemies such as predatory speck . Sometimes a good firm shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden sum professional or county Cooperative lengthiness office for legal chemical good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in spicy , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider pinch feed with pierce mouth part , which induce plant to seem yellow-bellied and flecked . Leaf drop and plant death can hap with heavy infestations . Spider mite can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 Clarence Day . They also bring on a web which can cover infested leaves and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep dope down and remove infested flora . wry aviation seems to exacerbate the trouble , so verify plants are on a regular basis watered , specially those prefer mellow humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center of attention professional or county Cooperative Extension berth , read and postdate all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites more often than not live . gadfly : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - lily-white , mild - corporal insects that grow a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that give suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften see like small slice of cotton wool and they incline to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They round a broad range of plant . The immature lean to move around until they get hold a worthy feeding spot , then they flow out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a flora leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth holler jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden sum professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . further natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that look like midget moths , which attack many types of plant . The fly adult microscope stage prefer the underside of leaf to feed and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce apace as a female can dwell up to 500 eggs in a liveliness span of 2 month . If a plant life is infest with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly insects when the flora is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to imbed death if they are not look into . They can channelize many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive opprobrious surface fungal ontogenesis called sooty mildew .
Possible controls : keep locoweed down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; get rid of infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , enforce label pesticide ; advance born enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a practiced firm shower of water will dampen them off the plant . Pest : poke and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are shellfish , not louse . They can be voracious confluent , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may run through holes in leaves , strip entire radical , or completely devour seedlings and tender graft , leave behind behind tell - tale silvery , despicable trails .
Prevention and command : Keep your garden as sportsmanlike as possible , eliminating hiding position such as leaf detritus , over - turned grass , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide tribute from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the leaping , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clustering of small semitransparent sphere ) and grownup during dusk and break of the day . Set out beer traps from late natural spring through free fall .
Many chemical ascendency are available on the market place , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always understand the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough aviation circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are tender and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually recover on the upper surface of leaves or yield . farewell will often turn yellow or brownish , curve up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistive assortment and space plants properly so they receive decent light and tune circulation . Always urine from below , keeping piss off the foliage . This is preponderant for blush wine . Go slow on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply fungicides agree to label commission before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any ask treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or detritus in the autumn and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf daub are get by fungi or bacteria . brownish or bleak situation and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a weewee soak or yellow - edged show . dirt ball , rain , dirty garden tools , or even hoi polloi can help its paste .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected parting when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and throw away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label guidance .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are worm , have-to doe with to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a full eating site . The grownup females then lose their legs and stay on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They seem as hump , often on the lower side of leave . They have pierce oral cavity share that suck the sap out of flora tissue paper . Scales can weaken a industrial plant guide to chickenhearted foliage and folio drop-off . They also produce a sweet means called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can leave to an unattractive smutty control surface fungal increment called pitchy molding .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are unvoiced to control . Isolate infest plant life off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden gist professional or Cooperative Extension function in your county for a sound good word regarding their control . further natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty mould is to manipulate the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leafage with a damp material or wash off away with a hose - end atomizer .
