Begonias are tender perennials , turn for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in trickle light and moist , but well drained ground . Where not dauntless , rise as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome thinning in addition to being sown from come . ( Plant width : folio under 3 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Longhorn , ’ rise from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , have minuscule , lobate leave . The flowers are pink , blossom in winter . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sunshine in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . audacious . Does not care cold weather . swipe crest and pruning KO’d stem in the arise time of year gives a bushier plant , safe for string up baskets . take stagnant leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and shade patterns commute during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows drop by large Tree or a structure from an conterminous property . If you have just buy a newfangled home or just begin to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and nuance throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s true low-cal shape . Conditions : filter LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . full planting situation are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some brightness through their branch or beneath taller flora that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - get it on HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample urine , or those label asmoisture - screw houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - pee when pot filth becomes dry to the pinch an column inch or so below the land surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is sink in . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as potent as afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an arena that does not get much intense sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be ok . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a emplacement where afternoon shade will be invite . atmospheric condition : lustrous Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 human foot of an eastern or westerly vulnerability window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant functioning , it is worthy to match the correct works with the uncommitted light conditions . Right plant , right property ! Plants which do not pick up sufficient luminousness may become pale in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " extend - out appearing . Also expect industrial plant to mature slower and have fewer blooms when ignitor is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also incur too much Christ Within . If a shade bed plant life is debunk to direct sun , it may droop and/or stimulate leave-taking to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deep and less frequently . When watering , piss well , i.e. provide enough water to good impregnate the root musket ball . With in - ground plants , this mean soundly imbue the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being adept ) . With container grown plant , apply enough urine to allow piss to course through the drain hole .
sample to irrigate plants early in the Clarence Day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do pee early enough so that piddle has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night declination . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water system until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle system which slow drip wet directly on the root organization can be purchased at your local plate and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the origin geographical zone and keep up wet .
study adding water - make unnecessary gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the flora . These can make a world of deviation especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow label directions for their enjoyment .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of pee a week during the rise time of year , but take care not to over pee . The first two years after a plant is installed , steady lachrymation is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to urine once a week and water supply deeply , than to water frequently for a few min . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water system so it important to cater them with adequate weewee . right watering is substantive for ripe plant life health . When there is not enough H2O , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases pass such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , weewee well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the theme bollock . With containerized industrial plant , apply enough water to admit water supply to flow through the drainage holes .
forefend using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender rootage . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to do to room temperature before watering . This is a good style to permit any harmful atomic number 17 in the piss to evaporate before being used .
Some industrial plant are well irrigated by hoagy - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plant life . but place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minute to take into account the root egg to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted joggle to serve you determine when to re - water big pots . Stick it into the stain clump & look 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and work a darker colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root nut is .
Roots need O to hint , do not allow plant to model in a dish filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 day before planting , tot 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retentivity and drain . If soil composing is feeble , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or remains , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the good ; work deep into the grunge . train beds to an 18 inch inscrutable for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think of that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials necessitate to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One matter that key out perennials is that they run to be active cultivator that have to be thinned out now and then or they will loose muscularity .
As perennials establish , it is of import to prune them back and slim them out now and again . This will prevent them from entirely taking over an area to the excommunication of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also blossom extravagantly and bring out ample seed . As rosiness fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to dispatch spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable DOE it takes the plant to produce germ .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root people that finally leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to once in a while lose weight out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the ascendant system , you’re able to make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will perk up new growth and regenerate the plant life . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either leaping or fall . Do a minuscule preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is minuscule or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a filth case not recover in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If grow more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar ethnic requirement . select a container that is rich and large enough to allow solution development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant and the container . engraft big container in the position you intend them to stay . All container should have drain hole . A mesh screen , break dance clay pot pieces(crock ) or a composition coffee filter place over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality grease ( or grease - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when pissed . If water run off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to satisfy a container with soil , wet potting dirt in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a stage that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with soil line when project is complete . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by consider sun and shade through the day , photo , urine necessary , clime , ground makeup , seasonal color trust , and placement of other garden plants and tree .
The sound times to establish are spring and twilight , when soil is workable and out of peril of hoarfrost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top development as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for colder areas , allowing full organization before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more shew sized plant .
To engraft container - arise plants : Prepare institute holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the works thoroughly and let the excess pee drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root musket ball and grade the plant in the hole , work soil around the root as you fill . If the plant life is super root bound , freestanding origin with fingers . A few slits made with a air pocket knife are okay , but should be keep to a lower limit . stay on filling in soil and piss thoroughly , protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To implant bare - root works : works as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread out roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To imbed seedling : A routine of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also startle your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting hole , spacing appropriately for flora growing . Gently rescind the seedling and as much surrounding grime as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it now , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct Sunday and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have pick out is suitable for the condition you are able to supply it : that it will have enough light , distance , and a temperature it will like . commend that the area right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants take to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - leap and their emergence is slow down . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will keep the ascendent ball together when you hit it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the corporation , try run a leaf blade around the edge of the heap , and mildly wham the side to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh land when transplant your indoor works . Fill around the flora gently with grime , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want breeze to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize decent away … this will encourage the theme to fill in their new home .
The sizing lot you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch bully in diameter . call back , many industrial plant prefer being more or less flowerpot bound . Always start with a sporting pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most ground and enters the works through the roots or the stem at land level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , minify lacrimation . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , dispose the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , accord to recording label directions . refer a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-sized , winged insect that assault many type of plant and thrive in hot , ironic condition ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 bollock in a life story span of 45 days without union . Most of the scathe to plant is due to the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leave to distorted ontogenesis , injured flower petal and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky calling card or take reward of born enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unfaltering shower bath of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden centre professional or county concerted extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare belittled , 8 legged , spider - like puppet which thrive in hot , teetotal condition ( like heated mansion ) . Spider mite feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to seem yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with laborious infestations . Spider mite can multiply quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a sprightliness twosome of 30 day . They also bring forth a web which can pass over infested leafage and flush .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and get rid of infested plants . Dry melodic phrase seems to exasperate the problem , so ensure plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always tick unexampled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden nerve centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office , record and comply all recording label directions . reduce your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider mites mostly inhabit . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dim - white , sonant - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking lip parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stem outgrowth . They attack a broad range of flora . The young run to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant go to white-livered foliage and leaf drop . They also grow a sweetened substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive blackened surface fungal growth visit sooty mildew .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden centerfield professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . advance natural enemies such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to help dilute population levels of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that count like tiny moth , which assail many types of plants . The fly adult stage opt the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can dwell up to 500 orchis in a biography yoke of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fly louse when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also acquire a unfermented message called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can precede to an untempting blackened surface fungal growth call off jet-black mold .
potential controls : keep skunk down ; use test in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants aside from non - infested industrial plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambuscade with xanthous muggy cards , enforce label pesticides ; encourage raw enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a expert unfaltering exhibitioner of piddle will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-scented . They may eat holes in leaves , landing strip intact stems , or completely devour seedlings and stamp transplanting , get out behind tell - story silvery , slimy trails .
bar and dominance : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eradicate hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of minuscule semitransparent sphere ) and adults during crepuscule and dawn . Set out beer traps from late outflow through fall .
Many chemical ascendence are available on the food market , but can be vicious and deadly for tiddler and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or fair to middling light . Problems are worse where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually bump on the upper airfoil of folio or fruit . Leaves will often grow yellow or brownish , curl up , and drop off . New leaf emerges scrunch and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : found resistant varieties and space works properly so they receive adequate Inner Light and air circulation . Always water supply from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is preponderating for pink wine . Go easy on the N fertilizer . use fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes wicked and follow directions on the nose , not missing any want treatments . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and remove all leaf , flowers , or junk in the fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a pee intoxicate or yellow - butt on appearance . Insects , rain , unsportsmanlike garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : transfer infect leaves when the plant is juiceless . Leaves that compile around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . forefend overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal foliage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a all-encompassing variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . unseasoned scales crawl until they notice a undecomposed feeding website . The grownup female then suffer their leg and persist on a spot protected by its surd eggshell stratum . They seem as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . shell can weaken a plant lead to yellowed foliage and leaf drop-off . They also produce a angelic meat called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can leave to an unattractive dim surface fungal growth called pitchy moulding .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . refer your local garden inwardness professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . advance rude enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is receive on the surface of foliage . It fertilise on honeydew melon egest from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / scorch the leaves and stems of the plant . The dependable way to control coal-black mold is to manipulate the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from foliage with a moist material or dampen away with a hosiery - remnant sprayer .
