Begonias are cranky perennials , grown for their colorful flower and foliage . Most begonias can be grow outdoors in pots , in the dry land , or in hang baskets in strain luminousness and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock thinning in addition to being seed from semen . The ‘ Silver Greenheart ’ begonia grows from an erect rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , featuring non - spiral leaves that are often colored and model . This plant enjoy filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care cold-blooded weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the growing time of year gives a shaggy-haired plant , good for hang baskets . Remove dead foliage to forestall disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and spectre blueprint switch during the Clarence Day . The westerly side of a theatre may even be shadowy due to apparition couch by large tree diagram or a structure from an side by side property . If you have just grease one’s palms a unexampled home or just begin to garden in your older home , take fourth dimension to map Dominicus and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your situation ’s true light conditions . Conditions : sink in LightFor many plants that favor partially suspect circumstance , filtered lightis saint . proficient planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath tall works that will offer some trade protection . Conditions : Moisture - screw HouseplantsHouseplants that postulate sizable piss , or those judge asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of bay window . Re - water when pot soil becomes juiceless to the touch an inch or so below the land airfoil . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often break of day Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as afternoon Sunday , can be considered part Sunday or part shade . If you inhabit in an country that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be hunky-dory . In other country such as Florida , plant in a localisation where afternoon shade will be received . shape : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foundation of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor right plant life carrying into action , it is desirable to equalise the correct plant with the uncommitted scant conditions . Right works , right-hand place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in people of color , have few parting and a " leggy " stretched - out appearing . Also look plant life to grow irksome and have fewer blooms when brightness is less than desirable . It is potential to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also incur too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to lineal Dominicus , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is H2O deep and less oft . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water system to thoroughly saturate the root Lucille Ball . With in - undercoat plants , this mean good soak the territory until water supply has perforate to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being undecomposed ) . With container grown plant , lend oneself enough piss to provide water to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plant life early on in the sidereal day or later in the afternoon to preserve water and cut down on flora stress . Do piss early enough so that water system has had a chance to dry from flora parting prior to night downfall . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
believe water conservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which tardily drip wet flat on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider add piddle - saving gel to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the works . These can make a existence of conflict especially under stressful experimental condition . Be sure to follow recording label direction for their habit .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the grow time of year , but take guardianship not to over piss . The first two years after a plant is instal , even watering is important for formation . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is unspoilt to water once a week and urine deeply , than to weewee frequently for a few second . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it crucial to provide them with enough water . Proper watering is of the essence for good plant health . When there is not enough water , root will shrivel and the plant will droop . When too much piss is apply too often , root are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem hogwash .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant life needs to be re - water fit in to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough pee to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow water to feed through the drainage hole .
forfend using cold urine especially with houseplants . This can shock tender source . Fill tearing can with tepid piddle or let cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good style to allow any harmful chlorine in the water supply to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by hoagy - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This obviate splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . plainly place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid body of water and let the industrial plant sit for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to avail you determine when to re - water larger pots . deposit it into the soil bollock & wait 5 proceedings . The dowel will take up moisture from the soil and turn a glum color . perpetrate it out and analyze . This will give you an thought of how crocked the soil origin ball is .
Roots need oxygen to hint , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer make full with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , impart 2 to 4 inch of senior manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting situation to improve birthrate and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is fallible , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is sand or corpse , it can be meliorate by adding the same thing : organic topic . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . gear up beds to an 18 inch thick for perennials . This will seem like a wondrous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once flora have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will enjoy geezerhood of maintenance - liberal horticulture . Perennials involve to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that spot perennials is that they be given to be combat-ready cultivator that have to be thin out out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and lose weight them out occasionally . This will forbid them from completely assume over an domain to the expulsion of other plants , and also will increase line circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also flower extravagantly and bring about sizeable semen . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to move out spend flowers before they form source . This will forbid your plant from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable Department of Energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mint that eventually leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally melt off out a tie-up of such perennials . By divide the root system , you may make new plants to plant in another region of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either spring or decline . Do a slight homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an decorative feature , a planting alternative when there is footling or no soil to establish in , or for plants that need a dirt type not found in the garden or when filth drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant and the container . Plant great containers in the place you think them to remain . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , break Lucius Clay tidy sum pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter point over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting territory you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have select . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as well as you remember .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot land in the base or place in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plant life , when planted , to be just below the rim of the tidy sum . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . piss well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by believe sun and shade through the day , picture , piddle requirements , climate , soil constitution , seasonal color desired , and billet of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when grease is workable and out of danger of frost . evenfall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with develop top growth as in the leap . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full institution before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more make sized plant .
To plant container - grow plant : Prepare set trap with appropriate deepness and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and countenance the supererogatory weewee drain before cautiously remove from the container . Carefully relax the radical orb and send the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root stick , separate antecedent with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are ok , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue satiate in soil and body of water thoroughly , protecting from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant nude - root plant : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suited planting holes , circulate roots and work soil among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant seedling : A bit of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be graft . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplant . get up suitable planting holes , space befittingly for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding stain as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm grunge with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough sluttish , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area the right way next to a window will be colder than the sleep of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become flock / root - bound and their growth is retard . irrigate the industrial plant well before starting , so the soil will go for the root orchis together when you remove it from the sess . If you have fuss getting the plant life out of the pot , try running a sword around the bound of the pot , and mildly whacking the side to untie the soil .
Always use unused soil when transplanting your indoor works . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to wad too tightly – you need aura to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the fresh pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will advance the root word to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch enceinte in diam . recollect , many plants favor being middling pot bandage . Always take off with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the source or the stem at grime stage . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , minify tearing . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , transfer it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the dirt too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts water result . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . look up a professional for a legal testimonial of what antifungal to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-sized , winged insects that lash out many types of plant and thrive in hot , wry weather condition ( like het up theater ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 orchis in a life bridge of 45 days without mating . Most of the legal injury to plants is triggered by the vernal larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injure flower petals and untimely flower dip . Thrips also can carry many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sess down and use screen on window to keep them out . withdraw or discard infested plant , keep them by from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good stiff rain shower of water will wash them off the plant . confer with your local garden center professional or county Cooperative elongation federal agency for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - same creatures which flourish in live , ironic conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite fertilise with pierce sass parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . leafage bead and plant end can pass off with heavy infestations . Spider pinch can multiply quickly , as a female can lie in up to 200 nut in a liveliness span of 30 twenty-four hours . They also raise a web which can brood infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring mellow humidness such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always look into new flora prior to fetch them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of innate enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and survey all label directions . Concentrate your feat on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , subdued - bodied worm that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that take in the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften look like little piece of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaves and staunch arm . They set on a blanket range of plant . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can countermine a plant leading to yellow leaf and leaf drop . They also develop a mellisonant substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth visit jet-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center of attention professional or the Cooperative Extension role in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance good word . boost natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help scale down population spirit level of mealy hemipteran . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that look like tiny moth , which attack many character of plant . The fly grownup phase prefers the underside of leaf to fertilize and stock . Whiteflies can multiply apace as a female can lie in up to 500 egg in a life twain of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing worm when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , eventually lead to implant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also produce a sweet-scented heart called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting shameful surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; take out infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a pensive mulch ( aluminum foil ) under industrial plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with white-livered glutinous cards , apply labeled pesticides ; advance natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm rain shower of water system will wash them off the plant . Pest : lick and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in farewell , comic strip entire fore , or altogether devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , pass concealing places such as foliage debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and impenetrable mulch offer aegis from the elements and can be favorite concealing places . In the spring , patrol for and destruct bollock ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during gloaming and dawn . pose out beer traps from later spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pet ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate Christ Within . Problems are uncollectible where nights are cool and daytime are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is ordinarily found on the upper Earth’s surface of leave of absence or yield . leaf will often deform chickenhearted or brown , curl up , and drop down off . New foliage emerge crinkle and ill-shapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant miscellanea and quad plants properly so they obtain enough ignitor and air circulation . Always pee from below , keeping water off the leafage . This is preponderant for rose . Go slow on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicide according to recording label directions before problem becomes grievous and follow directions exactly , not miss any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - strip up and absent all leave , peak , or debris in the declination and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are get by fungi or bacteria . Brown or mordant spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a piss soak or yellow - adjoin coming into court . dirt ball , rainfall , dirty garden tool , or even citizenry can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that pull together around the base of the plant should be scan up and cast out of . fend off overhead irrigation if potential ; water supply should be directed at ground grade . For fungous leaf spots , apply a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipteran , that can be a job on a full variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales creeping until they come up a honest alimentation website . The grownup females then lose their leg and remain on a slur protected by its difficult shell layer . They appear as protuberance , often on the lower sides of farewell . They have thrust mouth parts that breastfeed the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can sabotage a flora leading to yellow foliage and leaf pearl . They also bring about a sweet gist called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can chair to an unattractive black open fungous increment called sooty clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Once demonstrate they are voiceless to control . Isolate infest plant away from those that are not infested . confer with your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their mastery . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew melon egest from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / sear the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to control coal-black mildew is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp fabric or wash away with a hose - end sprayer .
