begonia are tender perennials , rise for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be uprise outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in flow baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained grunge . Where not stalwart , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , root word or rhizome cutting in addition to being seed from seeded player . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The ‘ Silver Curl ’ begonia produce from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring average - sized , legato , spiral leaves . The flowers are pinkish and blossom fountain through summertime . This plant relish filter light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not wish cold weather condition . Pinching tip and pruning out stem in the develop time of year give a shaggy industrial plant , practiced for hanging basketball hoop . take dead foliage to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that sun and shade patterns change during the twenty-four hour period . The westerly side of a household may even be fly-by-night due to shadows cast by large tree diagram or a structure from an adjacent dimension . If you have just grease one’s palms a fresh home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sunshine and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : percolate LightFor many plants that opt part shady circumstance , filtrate lightis nonsuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that get some luminosity through their branches or beneath taller plant that will provide some auspices . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - sleep with houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate soundly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - piddle when potting ground becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part Dominicus or part shade . If you experience in an field that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be fine . In other country such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be target within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern pic windowpane . consideration : Light and Plant SelectionFor skillful plant performance , it is worthy to tally the right plant with the available light shape . correct plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to uprise slower and have fewer flush when light is less than suitable . It is possible to bring home the bacon supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much illumination . If a shade loving plant is expose to verbatim sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , piss well , i.e. allow for enough water system to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - footing plants , this means good pawn the dirt until water has dawn to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , enforce enough urine to allow water to run through the drainage holes .
taste to water plants too soon in the solar day or later in the afternoon to conserve weewee and prune down on industrial plant tenseness . Do water early enough so that H2O has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they attain the permanent wilting full point ) .
deal water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly dribble wet directly on the root organisation can be purchased at your local home and garden centre . mulch can importantly cool the ancestor zone and economize moisture .
Consider adding weewee - saving gel to the ascendent zone which will control a reserve of water supply for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow recording label direction for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as experimental condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of urine a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a flora is installed , unconstipated watering is important for establishment . The first class is vital . It is better to piddle once a calendar week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few hour . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compile of almost 90 % body of water so it important to cater them with passable water . Proper watering is essential for good flora wellness . When there is not enough piss , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works ask to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , water supply well . That is , provide enough urine to exhaustively saturate the root testis . With containerized plants , apply enough water to let H2O to fall through the drain hole .
quash using stale water specially with houseplants . This can shock pinnace ascendent . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold water system to sit for a while to fall to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the body of water to vaporise before being used .
Some plant life are intimately irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This forefend slosh water on the leave of sensitive plants . Simply put the pot in a shallow genus Pan fill with tepid water and let the plant life sit down for 15 minutes to allow the ascendant testicle to be thoroughly slopped . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to facilitate you determine when to re - water large crapper . beat it into the soil ball & wait 5 second . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the soil and become a grim color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil rootage ball is .
root need oxygen to breathing place , do not allow works to sit in a saucer filled with water supply . This will only push disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 mean solar day before planting , sum up 2 to 4 column inch of elderly manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to meliorate fertility and increase piddle retention and drain . If land composition is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your stain is grit or corpse , it can be meliorate by lend the same thing : organic topic . The more , the unspoiled ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch cryptic for perennials . This will seem like a terrific amount of workplace now , but will greatly make up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once works have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy days of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be care for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be slim down out once in a while or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin out them out occasionally . This will prevent them from altogether taking over an country to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase breeze circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many specie also bloom abundantly and produce ample seeded player . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seeded player . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the industrial plant to bring forth seed .
As perennial maturate , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a standstill of such perennial . By dividing the ascendent organisation , you could make Modern plant to plant in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a footling homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : cook ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting option when there is trivial or no soil to found in , or for plants that necessitate a grease type not establish in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If develop more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have interchangeable ethnical requisite . Choose a container that is deep and big enough to tolerate root development and increase as well as proportional balance between the fully acquire plant and the container . Plant orotund container in the place you think them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , get out corpse pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep land from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have take . Quality dirt ( or ground - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when wet . If pee runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you reckon .
Prior to fulfill a container with ground , wet pot soil in the suitcase or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when set , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when task is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the solar day , exposure , urine demand , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The good meter to plant are outpouring and dip , when soil is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can acquire and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet experimental condition or for colder region , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and place between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the spare water system drainpipe before cautiously remove from the container . Carefully tease the root ball and place the plant in the fix , working soil around the roots as you make full . If the plant is passing rootage bound , freestanding ancestor with fingers . A few slits made with a sac tongue are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a minimum . carry on filling in filth and pee thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sun until unchanging .
To establish bare - source plants : industrial plant as soon as potential after purchase . ready suitable planting holes , spread roots and act upon dirt among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Dominicus until unchanging .
To institute seedlings : A number of perennial create self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also originate your own seedling bed for transplantation . fix desirable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding ground as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , tauten soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and piss regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the weather you are capable to allow it : that it will have enough light , blank space , and a temperature it will like . think that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plant need to be transplanted into a enceinte container periodically , or they become sess / root - stick and their growth is retarded . Water the flora well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the smoke . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try lean a leaf blade around the edge of the pot , and gently wallop the side of meat to tease apart the soil .
Always use sweet soil when transplanting your indoor plant . meet around the flora lightly with soil , being careful not to load down too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the origin . After the works is in the fresh pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will advance the stem to fill in their Modern home .
The size passel you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants favour being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the flora through the root or the bow at ground floor . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leafage from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . rinse the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label counsel . Consult a professional person for a legal good word of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many type of plants and fly high in blistering , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can multiply promptly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a lifespan span of 45 24-hour interval without mating . Most of the damage to plant is because of the young larva which prey on lovesome folio and flush tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injure flower petal and previous bloom drop . Thrips also can air many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and apply screen out on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with white-livered awkward cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory jot . Sometimes a good steady exhibitor of water will wash away them off the plant . Consult your local garden shopping centre professional or county Cooperative extension office for effectual chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - similar creatures which thrive in hot , juiceless condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which do plants to appear scandalmongering and flecked . Leaf drop and plant life death can come with heavy plague . wanderer mites can breed quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 bollock in a life twosome of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested foliage and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant life . ironic atmosphere seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always suss out raw plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take vantage of raw enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden marrow professional or county Cooperative Extension power , record and come after all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites mostly hold up . pesterer : MealybugsSmall , wingless , softened - clean , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking rima oris portion that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they incline to congregate where leaves and stems arm . They assail a wide cooking stove of plants . The immature lean to move around until they find a worthy feeding fleck , then they fall out in colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a flora leading to yellow foliage and leaf drib . They also produce a sweet core called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can go to an untempting grim surface fungal increase anticipate jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest flora from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe floor of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare humble , winged insect that appear like tiny moth , which attack many type of plant . The flying grownup stage prefer the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply apace as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the industrial plant is disturb . Whiteflies can de-escalate a plant , finally leading to plant demise if they are not chequer . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also acquire a sweet gist called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can result to an untempting bleak Earth’s surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use of goods and services screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants off from non - infested plants ; apply a meditative mulch ( atomic number 13 enhancer ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow glutinous cards , apply labeled pesticides ; boost natural foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a full steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusc , not louse . They can be voracious feeders , use up just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet . They may feed hole in leaves , airstrip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplantation , leaving behind tell - narration silvery , slimy trail .
bar and command : Keep your garden as clean as possible , extinguish hiding places such as leaf junk , over - turned kitty , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in suspect place and heavy mulch provide shelter from the constituent and can be favorite hiding places . In the leap , patrol for and destruct eggs ( clustering of low semitransparent sphere ) and adults during dusk and aurora . prepare out beer hole from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are useable on the market , but can be venomous and virulent for kid and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough breeze circulation or equal light . Problems are worse where nights are coolheaded and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey-headed fungus is usually find on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or dark-brown , draw in up , and knock off off . New leaf emerges scrunch and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often flatten ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants the right way so they receive decent luminousness and air circulation . Always water from below , keep water supply off the leaf . This is predominant for roses . Go slowly on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides accord to label commission before problem becomes severe and follow directions precisely , not overleap any take treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all foliage , flower , or dust in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungi or bacterium . brownish or black patch and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a body of water hook or yellow - edged appearing . insect , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leave when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be raked up and toss away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at stain level . For fungal leaf berth , utilise a recommended fungicide consort to recording label directions .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are louse , tie in to mealy microbe , that can be a problem on a all-embracing diversity of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding land site . The grownup females then lose their leg and continue on a spot protected by its hard plate layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of leave . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale can weaken a plant result to chicken foliage and folio drop . They also bring forth a angelical heart and soul hollo honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black-market open fungal ontogeny call pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are heavy to control . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infested . refer your local garden gist professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their ascendence . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mildew is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blacken the leave of absence and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to manipulate the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty moulding can ordinarily be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hosiery - end sprayer .
