Begonias are tender perennial , rise for their colorful flower and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filter light and moist , but well drain grime . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leafage , stem or rhizome cuttings in improver to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Midnight Cowboy , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized non - volute leaves that are often colored and model . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . dauntless . Does not like inhuman weather condition . crimp tips and pruning outer stem in the mature time of year give a bushy flora , good for string up basket . Remove idle foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Lord’s Day and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large tree diagram or a social organization from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new family or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to represent sunshine and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate tone for your situation ’s rightful unaccented conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part suspect condition , filtered lightis nonpareil . Good planting sites are under a mid to declamatory sized tree that lets some brightness through their branches or beneath marvellous plants that will allow some protection . Conditions : Moisture - enjoy HouseplantsHouseplants that involve ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the grime is saturated and then drains freely from pickle in the bottom of corporation . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil aerofoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light source that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as substantial as good afternoon sunlight , can be moot part Lord’s Day or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a locating where good afternoon shade will be get . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be position within 2 invertebrate foot of an eastern or westerly photo window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern vulnerability windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to equalize the right plant with the uncommitted light stipulation . correct plant , right place ! Plants which do not obtain sufficient twinkle may become wan in color , have few leave and a " leggy " stretched - out appearing . Also require flora to grow slower and have few bloom when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . flora can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct Sunday , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The samara to tearing is piss deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. render enough water to good saturate the rootage orb . With in - ground plants , this intend exhaustively soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being just ) . With container grown plants , apply enough pee to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plants early on in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and issue down on plant life stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from flora leaves prior to dark fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t hold back to water until plants wilt . Although some plant life will reclaim from this , all plants will buy the farm if they droop too much ( when they reach out the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slow drip wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding water system - save gels to the root zona which will hold a reserve of urine for the plant . These can make a world of dispute peculiarly under trying precondition . Be certain to stick to label directions for their exercise .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and irrigate on a regular basis , as conditions involve . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two year after a plant is installed , steady lacrimation is significant for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is unspoilt to water once a workweek and water deeply , than to water ofttimes for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are indite of almost 90 % water supply so it of import to supply them with tolerable body of water . right watering is essential for good works wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease pass such as rootage and fore rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . pee well then expect long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When tearing , water system well . That is , supply enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root testis . With containerized plant , apply enough H2O to tolerate water supply to hang through the drainage trap .
debar using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . filling lacrimation can with tepid water or allow dusty H2O to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a proficient direction to admit any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This obviate splashing piss on the leaves of sensitive plant . plainly place the pile in a shallow goat god fulfill with tepid water and allow the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root egg to be good wet . Take out and leave sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you shape when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will suck moisture from the soil and turn over a dark people of colour . draw it out and test . This will give you an idea of how lactating the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to hint , do not allow flora to sit in a saucer fill up with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , tot up 2 to 4 inch of older manure or compost and work into the planting situation to better rankness and increase urine memory and drainage . If grease composition is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be better by adding the same affair : organic issue . The more , the better ; work deep into the grunge . Prepare bed to an 18 inch rich for perennial . This will seem like a frightful amount of study now , but will greatly pay off after . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy year of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant life . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they lean to be active grower that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is of import to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an surface area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby scale down the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower abundantly and bring forth sizeable semen . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent blossom before they form source . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable free energy it takes the plant to produce ejaculate .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense origin mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a base of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will stimulate new ontogeny and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a piddling homework ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant that call for a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnic necessity . Choose a container that is inscrutable and large enough to let root developing and ontogeny as well as proportional correspondence between the in full grow plant and the container . Plant great containers in the stead you destine them to stay . All container should have drainage golf hole . A interlock screen , broken clay mint pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the pickle will keep land from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate intermixture for the plant you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If urine scat off land upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will countenance plant , when plant , to be just below the rim of the peck . Rootballs should be level with territory line when project is complete . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and tincture through the mean solar day , exposure , piss demand , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colouring desired , and spot of other garden flora and tree .
The undecomposed times to plant are outpouring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . drop planting have the advantage that root can develop and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder area , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To implant container - grown plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and blank between . Water the plant thoroughly and get the supererogatory water drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the base ballock and place the plant life in the hole , mould dirt around the roots as you make full . If the plant is passing ascendant rebound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch tongue are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue fill up in filth and body of water exhaustively , protect from direct sun until stable .
To found bare - root plant : plant life as shortly as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting hole , spread out roots and work out filth among roots as you fill in . water supply well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . Prepare suited planting holes , spacing appropriately for flora development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertip and body of water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the plant you have pick out is suited for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough clear , quad , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the region right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor flora need to be transplanted into a large container sporadically , or they become can / beginning - bind and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the solution ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the peck , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently wham the side to relax the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . take around the works mildly with soil , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you want line to be able to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate justly forth … this will encourage the origin to fill up in their new home .
The size pot you select is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch big in diam . think back , many flora prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most ground and enters the plant through the theme or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , diminish watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , move out it . If your plant is in a container , discard the stain too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water solution . antifungal can be used , agree to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly dirt ball that attack many types of plants and thrive in raging , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life-time span of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plant is triggered by the immature larvae which feast on tender leaf and flower tissue . This lead to distorted increment , offend flower petal and premature peak dip . Thrips also can carry many harmful works computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep Mary Jane down and utilise test on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with white-livered sticky lineup or take advantage of instinctive opposition such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unwavering cascade of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county accommodative extension position for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in raging , dry conditions ( like heated menage ) . Spider mite feed with pierce mouthpiece character , which cause plants to appear chickenhearted and stippled . Leaf drop and flora dying can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mite can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life brace of 30 days . They also bring forth a web which can cover infested leafage and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . ironic line seems to exacerbate the trouble , so make trusted works are regularly watered , especially those preferring mellow humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always ensure newfangled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden meat or nursery . Take vantage of innate enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , take and trace all label directions . boil down your efforts on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally subsist . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that make a waxy powdery covering . They have thrust / sucking mouth parts that imbibe the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small musical composition of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem ramification . They assail a wide range of plants . The youthful run to move around until they detect a suitable feeding dapple , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliation and foliage drop . They also bring about a sweet meat called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive smuggled surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . refer your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage raw foe such as lady beetle in the garden to help boil down population levels of mealy bug . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which lash out many types of plant . The flying grownup point prefer the bottom of leafage to tip and breed . whitefly can breed quickly as a female can lay up to 500 orchis in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly insects when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually lead to institute death if they are not checked . They can transfer many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet heart and soul called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an untempting black control surface fungous ontogenesis called sooty mold .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; role shield in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants aside from non - infested plant life ; apply a broody mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; cakehole with yellow sticky circuit card , apply label pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitor of water will rinse them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be edacious feeders , use up just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat cakehole in leaves , strip entire stem turn , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leave behind tell - story silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as unclouded as potential , eliminating hiding billet such as leaf junk , over - deform pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady spot and gruelling mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favourite concealing berth . In the spring , police for and destroy testicle ( clusters of belittled translucent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and first light . fix out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance control are useable on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always interpret the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on works that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery lily-white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn icteric or brown , curl up , and drop off . unexampled foliation emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : constitute resistant varieties and blank plants properly so they get adequate light and air circulation . Always pee from below , observe water off the foliage . This is paramount for rosiness . Go slow on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antifungal according to label focal point before job becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not neglect any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and polish off all leaves , flowers , or detritus in the fall and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf dapple are due to fungus kingdom or bacterium . browned or black spots and piece may be either ragged or circular , with a water system inebriate or yellow - butt against visual aspect . insect , rain , dirty garden tools , or even the great unwashed can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leafage when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the stem of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . obviate overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf office , use a recommended fungicide grant to recording label focusing .
blighter : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy hemipteran , that can be a job on a across-the-board variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a good feeding site . The grownup females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its arduous shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck in the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can undermine a plant leading to lily-livered foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a fresh core called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once set up they are strong to control . Isolate infested plant life away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural foe such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty cast is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the works . The best way to command sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from leafage with a dampish cloth or lave away with a hosepipe - end atomiser .
