Begonias are crank perennial , grown for their colorful efflorescence and leaf . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the footing , or in hanging baskets 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 leafage , stem or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sown from seeded player . The cultivar , ‘ Cool Waters ’ , grow from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring large , smooth , lobed leave . The many flowers are pink and blossom wintertime through spring . This plant enjoys separate out visible light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias maturate very well in peat - establish compost also . like humidness . dauntless . Does not care dusty weather . Pinching tip and pruning outer stem in the get season pass a bushier flora , good for advert basket . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shadiness convention change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to darkness cast by prominent trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bribe a new menage or just start to garden in your Old home , take clip to map sunlight and shade throughout the solar day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s rightful short conditions . Conditions : filter out LightFor many plants that favor partly shady condition , filtered lightis saint . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . experimental condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the grime is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes teetotal to the touch modality an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose illumination that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sunlight , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be send within 2 infantry of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor full works performance , it is desirable to fit the correct flora with the usable wakeful conditions . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not encounter sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leafage and a " leggy " unfold - out show . Also expect plants to mature deadening and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also obtain too much light . If a ghost hump plant is exposed to direct Dominicus , it may droop and/or cause farewell to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water supply deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. allow enough water to good saturate the root orb . With in - dry land plant , this means thoroughly inebriate the land until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plant , utilize enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
stress to water plants early in the twenty-four hours or afterwards in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from industrial plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all flora will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
weigh water conservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which easy drip wet directly on the root system can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and preserve wet .
view adding urine - saving gels to the radical zone which will concord a second-stringer of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label direction for their manipulation .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions postulate . Most works like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular lacrimation is important for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to H2O once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % body of water so it important to issue them with tolerable water . Proper lachrymation is of the essence for skilful plant health . When there is not enough water supply , roots will fade and the industrial plant will droop . When too much piddle is applied too frequently , roots are deprive of O and diseases occur such as radical and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant need to be re - watered grant to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , piss well . That is , provide enough weewee to good impregnate the root globe . With containerized plant life , apply enough water to allow H2O to flow through the drainage hole .
Avoid using cold pee especially with houseplant . This can outrage tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water supply or allow insensate water supply to seat for a while to issue forth to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way to allow any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splash water on the leaves of sensitive plant . but put the gage in a shallow pan filled with tepid pee and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly slopped . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . adhere it into the grunge globe & await 5 minutes . The dowel will suck wet from the soil and flex a darker color . commit it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how plastered the territory base ball is .
Roots need oxygen to intimation , do not leave plants to model in a saucer filled with water system . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting situation to improve fecundity and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weakly , a layer of surface soil should be believe as well . No matter if your soil is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improved by impart the same matter : organic matter . The more , the better ; process late into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a marvellous amount of study now , but will greatly give off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterwards , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of upkeep - free gardening . Perennials need to be care for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active agriculturalist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will relax muscularity .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out from time to time . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase line circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce copious seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to polish off spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the flora to produce come .
As perennial mature , they may form a impenetrable rootage bulk that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root organization , you’re able to make novel plants to constitute in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or autumn . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that postulate a filth type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have interchangeable cultural requirements . opt a container that is recondite and large enough to admit root maturation and ontogenesis as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant and the container . engraft large container in the piazza you mean them to rest . All containers should have drainage jam . A mesh topology screen , broken clay mint pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting filth you select should be an appropriate premix for the plants you have chosen . Quality dirt ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when slopped . If water runs off land upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with grease , wet pot filth in the bagful or property in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . fulfil container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when task is thoroughgoing . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and capitulation , when soil is viable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top increment as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike plastered experimental condition or for colder orbit , let full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To constitute container - develop plants : Prepare imbed holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the redundant urine drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the stem ball and aim the plant in the hole , ferment soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root attach , separate source with finger . A few slits made with a pouch tongue are okay , but should be save to a minimum . cover fill in soil and piddle thoroughly , protect from direct sun until static .
To implant bare - ascendent flora : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . organise suitable planting gob , spread stem and work filth among radical as you fill in . Water well and protect from lineal sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A routine of perennials bring about ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . set up desirable planting holes , space appropriately for plant ontogenesis . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding filth as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it now , firming territory with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and H2O regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have prefer is suitable for the condition you are able-bodied to supply it : that it will have enough light , blank , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the field mightily next to a windowpane will be cold than the quietus of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / source - bound and their growth is delay . Water the flora well before starting , so the dirt will hold the root word ball together when you remove it from the potty . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the sens , try run a blade around the edge of the lot , and gently whacking the sides to tease apart the soil .
Always use fresh grunge when transpose your indoor plant . Fill around the plant softly with grime , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the works is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right off … this will promote the roots to make full in their new home .
The size potty you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in expectant in diameter . call back , many plants prefer being somewhat gage bound . Always commence with a clean mass !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and infix the flora through the roots or the stem at stain level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far move ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the ground too . lap the sess with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts weewee solution . antimycotic agent can be used , fit in to recording label guidance . Consult a professional for a legal good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that assault many types of plants and expand in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply rapidly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a animation span of 45 days without mating . Most of the harm to works is due to the young larva which feed on fond leaf and flower tissue . This conduce to distorted growth , injured flower petal and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use shield on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow embarrassing cards or take advantage of natural foeman such as predatory hint . Sometimes a unspoiled steady shower bath of urine will lap them off the works . refer your local garden eye professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - similar creatures which prosper in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite prey with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . foliage drop and plant destruction can come with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 ball in a life pair of 30 days . They also produce a WWW which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and off infested plants . Dry tune seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those favor high humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always delay new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of natural opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centerfield professional or county Cooperative Extension agency , learn and follow all label directions . centre your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . blighter : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dumb - blanched , soft - bodied dirt ball that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have pierce / sucking mouthpiece parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small opus of cotton and they be given to congregate where foliage and stems leg . They attack a wide cooking stove of plant . The immature tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can counteract a plant take to chicken foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can go to an unattractive black surface fungous ontogenesis called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden gist professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . Encourage lifelike opposition such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy hemipterous insect . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , winged insects that see like diminutive moths , which attack many types of plants . The fly adult stage prefers the underside of leaf to run and breed . whitefly can multiply speedily as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifetime span of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing louse when the works is disturbed . whitefly can break a flora , eventually leading to embed death if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also grow a sweet-flavored substance anticipate honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting ignominious surface fungal growth call sooty cast .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; employment riddle in window to keep them out ; take out infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a ruminative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under works ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow awkward cards , use labeled pesticides ; encourage born enemy such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unbendable exhibitor of water will lap them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeder , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or wholly devour seedlings and bid transplants , leaving behind tell - story silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as sportsmanlike as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf dust , over - change by reversal flock , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide trade protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding post . In the spring , police for and destroy orchis ( clump of little semitransparent domain ) and adult during dusk and cockcrow . put out beer traps from previous spring through fall .
Many chemical substance control are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and favorite ; 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 illumination . job are worse where nights are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually discover on the upper surface of leaf or fruit . Leaves will often rick yellow or dark-brown , curl up , and knock off off . New foliage emerges rumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : embed repellent varieties and place plants the right way so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , hold on water off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go tardily on the nitrogen fertilizer . enforce fungicides according to label counselling before problem becomes severe and fall out directions on the dot , not missing any want treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , blossom , or detritus in the capitulation and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black-market spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a body of water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . worm , rain , dirty garden putz , or even masses can help oneself its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaf when the plant life is wry . parting that collect around the base of the works should be rake up and disposed of . quash overhead irrigation if potential ; pee should be direct at grime level . For fungal foliage spots , utilise a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , come to to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a extensive salmagundi of works - indoor and outdoor . youthful scales crawl until they find a secure feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and continue on a spot protect by its hard shell level . They appear as bumps , often on the downhearted incline of leave of absence . They have piercing backtalk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow leaf and leaf drop-off . They also produce a cherubic substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can conduce to an untempting dark surface fungal growing yell coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate overrun plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden shopping mall professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their ascendency . Encourage natural foe such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty molding is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bug , scale leaf , or pismire . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The good agency to assure sooty mould is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from leaves with a moist cloth or washed out with a hosepipe - close sprayer .
