begonia are warm perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be grow out of doors in locoweed , in the ground , or in hang up basket in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in accession to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves over 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Moonlight , ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliation is very attractive , have large non - spiral leaves that are often gloss and patterned . This plant enjoy filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - establish compost also . like humidity . Does not like cold weather . purloin crest and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier industrial plant , good for hang baskets . take away dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows spew by big Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a unexampled home or just beginning to garden in your old place , take prison term to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise spirit for your website ’s rightful wakeful conditions . weather : Filtered LightFor many works that prefer part shadowy conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that let some visible radiation through their branches or beneath taller plants that will furnish some protection . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is picayune or no light in the growing zona . Shade can be the result of a mature pedestal of trees or shadows cast by a house or building . Plants that require full spook are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full spook beneath tree may puzzle additional problem ; not only is there no light , but competitor for water , nutrients and root space .
fond shademeans that an orbit receives filtered unaccented , often through marvelous branch of an open develop tree . Root competitor is usually less . Partial shade can also be achieved by settle a plant beneath an arbor or lathe - like social structure . Shadier sides of a building are usually the northerly or northeast side . These sides also tend to be a little cooler . It is not rare for plant that can tolerate full sun or some sun in cooler climates to require some shadowiness in warmer climates due to stress place on the plant from reduced moisture and extravagant heat . Conditions : Moisture - sleep together HouseplantsHouseplants that demand ample water , or those pronounce asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes wry to the jot an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , cutting , shearing and rejuvenate .
Pinching is removing the stem crown of a young plant to promote ramify . Doing this avert the need for more severe pruning by and by on .
Thinning postulate withdraw whole outgrowth back to the trunk . This may be done to open up up the interior of a flora to have more light in and to increase air circulation that can cut down on plant disease . The best way to start cutting is to begin by removing deadened or diseased woodwind instrument .
Shearing is level the surface of a bush using hand or electric shears . This is done to maintain the desired build of a hedge or topiary .
Rejuvenating is removal of old branch or the overall reduction of the size of a shrub to restore its original form and size . It is recommended that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a clip . Remember to off outgrowth from the interior of the industrial plant as well as the outside . When rejuvenating plants with cane , such as nandina , cut back cane at various heights so that flora will have a more natural spirit . weather : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an eastern or western picture window or within 2 to 5 invertebrate foot of a southern exposure windowpane . status : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant life performance , it is desirable to mate the correct plant with the available light condition . Right industrial plant , right-hand place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " unfold - out appearance . Also carry plants to grow slower and have few flower when lightness is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much luminousness . If a shade screw plant is exposed to verbatim sunshine , it may droop and/or make leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The headstone to tearing is water deep and less oftentimes . When watering , piddle well , i.e. ply enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root lump . With in - ground plant , this means good soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown flora , go for enough water to countenance water to flux through the drainage holes .
assay to irrigate industrial plant early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve piss and cut down on plant stress . Do weewee early enough so that water has had a prospect to dry from industrial plant leave prior to nighttime downslope . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water until plant wilt . Although some industrial plant will recover from this , all plants will conk if they droop too much ( when they gain the permanent wilting point ) .
see water conservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which easy drip wet straight on the root system can be purchased at your local domicile and garden centre . Mulches can significantly cool the solution zone and conserve moisture .
Consider bring water - saving gelatin to the root zone which will accommodate a reserve of piddle for the industrial plant . These can make a Earth of deviation especially under stressful term . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be observe evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions involve . Most plant like 1 column inch of water a calendar week during the grow time of year , but take guardianship not to over water supply . The first two geezerhood after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for organization . The first year is decisive . It is better to H2O once a week and pee deeply , than to H2O often for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % H2O so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for unspoiled works health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel up and the plant will wilt . When too much water system is apply too oftentimes , roots are deprive of atomic number 8 and diseases happen such as root and shank guff .
The key to watering is frequency . body of water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - irrigate concord to its moisture essential .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the ascendant ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow body of water to flow through the drain holes .
stave off using moth-eaten water especially with houseplants . This can shock attendant roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water system or allow cold water to sit for a while to issue forth to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to take into account any harmful chlorine in the water system to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are well water by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids sprinkle pee on the leaves of tender plant . but place the good deal in a shallow pan filled with tepid body of water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root word ball to be thoroughly sloshed . Take out and earmark sufficient drainage .
habituate an unpainted joggle to facilitate you determine when to re - water larger pots . stick by it into the soil ball & await 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and wrench a dour coloring material . draw it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the grunge root ball is .
beginning need oxygen to breathing space , do not allow plants to sit in a dish antenna fill up with water . This will only advertise disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , lend 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting land site to improve fecundity and increase piss retention and drain . If grease composition is decrepit , a level of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be meliorate by append the same thing : organic affair . The more , the better ; work late into the dirt . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch rich for perennials . This will seem like a marvellous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done by and by , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will enjoy years of criminal maintenance - gratis gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that secern perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial found , it is of import to prune them back and thin them out now and then . This will preclude them from entirely take over an field to the exception of other plants , and also will increase gentle wind circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also flower profusely and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to slay spent flowers before they work semen . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it ingest the works to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may organize a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to from time to time thin out a standpoint of such perennial . By dividing the root organization , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate raw growing and restore the plant life . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either springiness or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting selection when there is piddling or no territory to plant in , or for plants that ask a soil eccentric not find oneself in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have similar ethnical prerequisite . pick out a container that is deep and tumid enough to permit origin maturation and increment as well as relative balance between the in full developed plant and the container . implant heavy container in the space you intend them to stay on . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh concealment , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality grunge ( or stain - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when plastered . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as good as you cerebrate .
Prior to filling a container with filth , wet pot grime in the traveling bag or blank space in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . take container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the brim of the commode . Rootballs should be level with soil line when projection is unadulterated . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal gloss desired , and status of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when grease is feasible and out of peril of hoarfrost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , grant full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized industrial plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare establish holes with appropriate depth and distance between . Water the plant thoroughly and permit the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the ascendant ball and aim the works in the yap , working filth around the ascendant as you make full . If the works is super root spring , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and body of water good , protecting from direct sun until static .
To plant bare - theme plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . gear up desirable planting holes , disseminate roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from lineal sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials acquire self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also come out your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare worthy planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming stain with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunshine and urine regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is desirable for the shape you are able to put up it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . recall that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the repose of the room .
Indoor plants take to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / solution - bound and their outgrowth is retarded . Water the works well before part , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you slay it from the pot . If you have trouble get the plant out of the pot , strain running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always practice fresh land when transplant your indoor plant . fill up around the plant lightly with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the root . After the works is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the ancestor to fill in their young home plate .
The size of it pot you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch not bad in diam . commend , many flora opt being slightly pot trammel . Always start with a clean-living pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is regain in most soils and figure the plant through the ascendant or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast aside the soil too . wash out the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . look up a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , ironic condition ( like heated family ) . They can manifold chop-chop as a female person can lay up to 300 testicle in a life straddle of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the untested larvae which flow on tender leaf and flower tissue . This lead to perverted increase , spite flower flower petal and untimely bloom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep gage down and expend screening on window to keep them out . murder or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with xanthous glutinous cards or take advantage of innate enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of body of water will wash them off the works . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative annex office for effectual chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like brute which boom in live , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider speck feed with piercing lip parts , which get plants to appear yellow and stippled . folio drop and plant dying can occur with heavy infestation . Spider mites can procreate quick , as a female can lay up to 200 bollock in a life story span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested flora . Dry melodic phrase seems to worsen the problem , so check that plant are regularly irrigate , peculiarly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always watch new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of instinctive enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , study and watch all label directions . Concentrate your movement on the undersides of the parting as that is where wanderer mites broadly speaking know . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , thudding - blank , soft - corporate insects that bring out a waxy powdery embrace . They have thrust / sucking rima oris portion that suck in the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaf and stems branch . They set on a wide range of plant life . The young tend to move around until they get a suitable alimentation spot , then they advert out in colony and feed . mealybug can de-escalate a plant life leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a sweet-flavored means called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can chair to an unattractive black surface fungous ontogeny called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden shopping centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . promote raw opposition such as lady beetles in the garden to help shorten universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that search like tiny moth , which assault many character of plant . The fell adult microscope stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can manifold cursorily as a female person can lie up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fly worm when the works is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to imbed death if they are not checked . They can transport many harmful works virus . They also produce a sweet core hollo honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can direct to an untempting black surface fungous growth call sooty cast .
potential controls : keep grass down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; move out infest plants away from non - infested plant ; employ a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with jaundiced viscous cards , give labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water supply will wash them off the plant . Pest : punch and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-smelling . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stem , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , worthless trails .
Prevention and controller : Keep your garden as uninfected as possible , eliminating hiding place such as leaf detritus , over - turn pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in funny places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and morning . Set out beer traps from former spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market place , but can be vicious and pestilent for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or fair to middling light . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and day are ardent and humid . The powdery lily-white or gray fungus is commonly found on the upper surface of foliage or fruit . Leaves will often wrick yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliation come forth rumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often omit betimes .
Prevention and Control : institute resistant varieties and space plants properly so they pick up fair to middling light and line circulation . Always body of water from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is paramount for rose . Go tardily on the N fertilizer . enforce fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes wicked and surveil directions precisely , not escape any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flower , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or black-market spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edge visual aspect . worm , pelting , pestiferous garden tools , or even people can aid its spreading .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect folio when the flora is dry . Leaves that take in around the foot of the plant life should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide harmonize to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a all-embracing miscellanea of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale Australian crawl until they get a good alimentation web site . The grownup females then lose their legs and persist on a spot protect by its hard shell layer . They seem as prominence , often on the lower sides of leafage . They have thrust mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . scale can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliation and leaf fall . They also grow a fresh marrow call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an untempting fatal surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to assure . Isolate overrun plants away from those that are not infested . confab your local garden essence professional or Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control condition . further natural enemies such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of folio . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scurf , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave and stems of the plant . The best direction to control sooty cast is to ascertain the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp cloth or lap away with a hose - closing atomiser .
