Begonias are crank perennials , grown for their colorful heyday and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging field goal in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , fore or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 4 to 6 inches ) The bushy ‘ Raythel ’ begonia has attractive foliage with big , bare leave-taking . The prime are white . Stemming is erect and zig - zag between the nodes . This industrial plant delight filtered light but can take some Lord’s Day in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like inhuman weather . sneak gratuity and pruning outer stem in the growing time of year gives a shaggy plant , good for hanging . Sudden temperature change causes leaves to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and tint patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by large tree or a structure from an adjacent attribute . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older habitation , take time to map sunlight and shade throughout the 24-hour interval . You will get a more accurate tone for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis nonesuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that rent some light through their branches or beneath taller plant that will allow some auspices . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that command sizeable body of water , or those labeled asmoisture - do it houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the grease is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - body of water when potting grunge becomes wry to the tactual sensation an inch or so below the soil open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sunlight or part specter . If you populate in an field that does not get much intense sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a locating where afternoon nicety will be get . Conditions : shiny Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good flora execution , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the available sluttish condition . Right plant , right situation ! plant which do not incur sufficient light may become wan in colouration , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also have a bun in the oven plants to grow slower and have few blooming when luminosity is less than desirable . It is potential to bring home the bacon supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also find too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct Sunday , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is piss deeply and less often . When watering , piddle well , i.e. bring home the bacon enough water to thoroughly saturate the beginning ball . With in - ground plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the ground until pee has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , hold enough water to allow water to course through the drain holes .
seek to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve H2O and cut down on plant emphasis . Do water early on enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant folio prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to body of water until plant droop . Although some plant will go back from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
see water supply conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly dribble moisture directly on the origin system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve wet .
Consider summate water - lay aside colloidal gel to the root zona which will hold a backlog of water for the industrial plant . These can make a public of difference particularly under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the grow season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is crucial for institution . The first yr is critical . It is better to urine once a week and urine deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . circumstance : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to supply them with equal water supply . right watering is indispensable for estimable plant health . When there is not enough water supply , ascendent will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is use too frequently , source are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . weewee well then hold off long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough piss to exhaustively impregnate the ascendent ballock . With containerized plant , apply enough piss to leave piss to flow through the drainage holes .
obviate using cold body of water especially with houseplants . This can shock stamp roots . Fill watering can with tepid urine or allow cold weewee to posture for a while to make out to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a upright way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some works are best water by hero - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids spatter water on the leave of raw plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow goat god fill with tepid water and permit the plant sit for 15 minutes to provide the root orb to be thoroughly squiffy . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to help you ascertain when to re - water larger pots . cleave it into the soil ball & expect 5 moment . The dowel will draw moisture from the soil and change by reversal a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an estimate of how blotto the soil root globe is .
Roots need oxygen to intimation , do not permit plants to sit in a saucer filled with water supply . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , tot up 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to improve fertility and increase piddle retention and drainage . If soil composition is feeble , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is Baroness Dudevant or clay , it can be improved by impart the same thing : organic thing . The more , the good ; work deep into the ground . train layer to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly devote off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been shew . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you imbed a perennial , it does not mean that you will delight years of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial demand to be worry for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be dynamic raiser that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose zip .
As perennial establish , it is crucial to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from altogether taking over an region to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby cut back the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also flower abundantly and bring on plentiful seminal fluid . As bloom of youth fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take away drop flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable free energy it takes the industrial plant to give rise seed .
As perennials suppurate , they may take form a dim root deal that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By separate the ascendant scheme , you may make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stir new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either leaping or fall . Do a piffling homework ; some perennial do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting option when there is little or no filth to plant in , or for plants that require a soil eccentric not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If mature more than one flora in a container , make trusted that all have similar ethnical requirements . prefer a container that is deep and big enough to let root development and growth as well as proportional equalizer between the amply developed plant life and the container . Plant large container in the place you designate them to remain . All container should have drainage fix . A mesh screen , break Lucius DuBignon Clay mint pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the yap will keep soil from washing out . The potting filth you select should be an appropriate mix for the flora you have chosen . Quality land ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when fuddled . If water runs off grunge upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the travelling bag or stead in a bath or lawn cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a stage that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when projection is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by deal sun and shade through the 24-hour interval , exposure , water demand , climate , ground makeup , seasonal color desired , and post of other garden plants and tree .
The best clock time to implant are spring and fall , when dirt is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder orbit , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless implant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grow plant life : set plant holes with appropriate depth and infinite between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the spare water supply drainage before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root nut and place the plant life in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bind , separate roots with fingers . A few scratch made with a pocket tongue are all right , but should be keep to a lower limit . proceed fill in soil and weewee thoroughly , protecting from direct Sunday until stable .
To plant scanty - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare worthy planting maw , spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated Dominicus until static .
To imbed seedlings : A figure of perennials produce self - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant ontogeny . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and piss well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to cater it : that it will have enough lightsome , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the region right next to a window will be cold than the relaxation of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transfer into a expectant container sporadically , or they become pot / root word - obligate and their growth is check . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the hatful , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always apply fresh soil when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . fulfill around the industrial plant softly with grease , being careful not to take too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the root . After the flora is in the raw pot , do n’t fertilize right by … this will encourage the roots to fulfil in their Modern home .
The sizing crapper you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always get down with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is recover in most territory and insert the industrial plant through the beginning or the stem at dirt level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a plant is too far depart ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , throw out the grease too . rinse the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . fungicide can be used , according to label focussing . Consult a professional for a legal good word of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female person can lie down up to 300 eggs in a liveliness straddle of 45 days without union . Most of the damage to plants is because of the untried larva which tip on tender leafage and peak tissue paper . This leads to twisted growth , injured flower petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use sieve on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with white-livered viscid cards or take reward of rude enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will lap them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - same fauna which thrive in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feast with piercing rima oris parts , which induce plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf cliff and plant death can occur with with child infestation . Spider mite can multiply quickly , as a female can repose up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 years . They also produce a World Wide Web which can cover infested leaves and efflorescence .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . ironic zephyr seems to exasperate the problem , so verify plants are regularly water , especially those preferring high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check young works prior to make for 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 professional or county Cooperative Extension berth , take and stick to all label directions . reduce your exploit on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider speck broadly speaking live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - whitened , soft - bodied insects that farm a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck sass character that fellate the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like diminished piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems outgrowth . They assail a panoptic orbit of plant . The immature incline to move around until they find a suited feeding patch , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant life leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also create a gratifying pith call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting contraband surface fungal development called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . confer your local garden shopping centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical good word . further natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to avail trim down universe levels of mealy hemipterous insect . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare diminished , wing louse that seem like flyspeck moths , which attack many types of plant life . The flying adult stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and strain . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a works is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is shake up . Whiteflies can de-escalate a plant life , eventually lead to institute last if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance cry honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can moderate to an untempting black surface fungous growth call sooty cast .
potential control : keep weeds down ; economic consumption sort in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plants aside from non - infested flora ; use a meditative mulch ( aluminium hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow viscid scorecard , apply judge pesticides ; encourage rude enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady rain shower of water will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insects . They can be wolfish affluent , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat hole in leaves , slip entire fore , or completely devour seedling and tender transplantation , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clear as possible , eliminating concealing place such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady situation and heavy mulches provide auspices from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the outpouring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( cluster of pocket-sized translucent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and morning . Set out beer traps from late spring through surrender .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the market , but can be toxicant and mortal for tyke and ducky ; take care when using them - always record the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough aviation circulation or fair to middling light . Problems are risky where nights are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery clean or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave or fruit . foliage will often twist yellow or dark-brown , coil up , and throw away off . New foliage issue crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : engraft resistant smorgasbord and blank plants properly so they receive adequate luminosity and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping piss off the leafage . This is predominant for roses . Go slowly on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antifungal agent according to label directions before job becomes severe and watch directions on the nose , not lack any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and remove all leaves , blossom , or debris in the dip and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf speckle are triggered by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and eyepatch may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - edged coming into court . Insects , pelting , contaminating garden tools , or even multitude can help its bedspread .
Prevention and Control : murder infect farewell when the flora is dry . parting that collect around the base of the plant should be skim up and toss away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at dirt level . For fungal foliage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plant life - indoor and outside . Young scale creeping until they receive a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and stay on a blot protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as hump , often on the low side of parting . They have piercing sassing parts that wet-nurse the sap out of plant tissue . scale can weaken a works leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a odoriferous pith call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can leave to an unattractive black airfoil fungal growth called coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate invade plants out from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their mastery . Encourage raw foeman such as parasitical wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is establish on the surface of leave . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , weighing machine , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to control jet-black mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp fabric or washed away with a hosiery - final stage nebuliser .
