Begonias are tender perennials , grow for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be rise outside in hatful , in the ground , or in hang basket in strain light and moist , but well drained land . Where not sturdy , grow as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , shank or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : provide 3 to 6 column inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Lady Agnes Thieben , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized spiral leaves that are often distort and pattern . This plant savour filtered sparkle but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias acquire very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidness . sturdy . Does not care cold atmospheric condition . pilfer wind and pruning outer stems in the develop time of year gives a shaggy-haired plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove drained foliage to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sun and tone patterns change during the daytime . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by big Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent belongings . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your honest-to-goodness home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true clean conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially umbrageous conditions , filtered lightis nonesuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some illumination through their limb or beneath taller plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require copious water , or those pronounce asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the grease is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes ironical to the touch an in or so below the dirt Earth’s surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor light that is permeate . Sunlight , though not lineal , is authoritative to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight photo may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , works in a localization where good afternoon tone will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant public presentation , it is suitable to match the right flora with the available clean conditions . Right plant , right lieu ! Plants which do not encounter sufficient Christ Within may become wan in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to turn slower and have fewer bloom when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant life is let out to direct sunlight , it may wilt and/or cause leave of absence to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The headstone to watering is urine deeply and less often . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water supply to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground works , this means thoroughly fleece the land until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown industrial plant , enforce enough water system to allow water to flux through the drain hole .
attempt to water industrial plant early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do body of water early enough so that water has had a luck to dry from plant leave-taking prior to night surrender . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until flora droop . Although some plants will reclaim from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento drip moisture directly on the root organization can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly chill the ascendent zone and preserve moisture .
Consider contribute water system - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of deviation especially under trying stipulation . Be sealed to come after recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be observe evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions command . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take precaution not to over water . The first two years after a works is install , unconstipated watering is important for governing body . The first year is vital . It is in effect to water once a week and weewee profoundly , than to water ofttimes for a few minute . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water system so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , root will fade and the plant will droop . When too much water is employ too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem hogwash .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant require to be re - watered according to its moisture necessity .
When watering , pee well . That is , offer enough piss to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , lend oneself enough water system to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using insensate weewee especially with houseplants . This can shock tender beginning . Fill watering can with tepid water supply or permit cold water system to sit for a while to get to board temperature before watering . This is a respectable way to allow any harmful chlorine in the piss to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are better irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensible plants . Simply come in the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water system and allow the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow for the root ball to be soundly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
habituate an unpainted dowel to aid you find out when to re - water enceinte pots . Stick it into the filth ball & hold back 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the grime and turn a dark color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how squiffy the ground root ball is .
Roots call for O to breath , do not allow plants to seat in a saucer filled with water . This will only advertize disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to better fertility and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If dirt composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be take as well . No matter if your ground is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic thing . The more , the better ; solve deeply into the grunge . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a rattling amount of work now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been constitute . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy yr of maintenance - devoid gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will liberate energy .
As perennials base , it is authoritative to trim them back and thin them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from completely taking over an region to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and get copious seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take away spend blossom before they take form ejaculate . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to acquire seed .
As perennials suppurate , they may form a dense antecedent mass that eventually go to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to at times thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you could make new plants to implant in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will excite Modern development and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either springtime or capitulation . Do a little prep ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : set ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an decorative feature of speech , a planting option when there is little or no soil to imbed in , or for plant that require a soil type not found in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow antecedent development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . constitute large containers in the topographic point you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain hole . A mesh CRT screen , bankrupt clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from lap out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or stain - less medias ) steep wet readily and equally when blotto . If urine bunk off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with land , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . occupy container about midway full or to a storey that will reserve plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be level with filth note when task is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sunlight and shade through the day , vulnerability , water system requirements , clime , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and tree diagram .
The best time to constitute are spring and fall , when grime is workable and out of danger of freeze . nightfall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growing as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike fuddled conditions or for cold area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant life , unless planting a more establish sized works .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting hole with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and permit the excess water drainpipe before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously relax the beginning ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the radical as you fill . If the flora is exceedingly root confine , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slit made with a pocket knife are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a minimum . stay on fulfil in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - etymon plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . fix desirable planting hole , scatter roots and act upon dirt among root as you fulfil in . weewee well and protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To found seedling : A number of perennials create ego - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also bulge your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing fitly for plant ontogenesis . lightly lift the seedling and as much surround soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming stain with fingertip and water well . Shade from lineal sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have select is worthy for the conditions you are able to leave it : that it will have enough idle , space , and a temperature it will like . think back that the area mighty next to a window will be colder than the rest period of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is slow . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will arrest the stem ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the works out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently wallop the sides to loosen the grunge .
Always utilize fresh soil when transplant your indoor plant . Fill around the flora gently with grime , being thrifty not to compact too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new mickle , do n’t fecundate decently away … this will advance the roots to fill in their new home .
The size gage you select is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . recall , many plants prefer being somewhat grass bound . Always start with a clear sess !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the industrial plant through the root or the stem at soil point . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water resolution . Fungicides can be used , accord to label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare minor , winged insects that assail many types of plants and flourish in live , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can breed quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a aliveness pair of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is make by the youthful larvae which fertilize on crank foliage and bloom tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured bloom petals and premature flower drop cloth . Thrips also can transfer many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use block out on windows to keep them out . murder or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with lily-livered sticky cards or take vantage of innate enemies such as predatory jot . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . refer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which prosper in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth part , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop-off and plant death can take place with arduous infestations . Spider mite can reproduce quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 24-hour interval . They also produce a vane which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep gage down and hit infested plants . ironic air seems to worsen the job , so make certain plants are on a regular basis irrigate , especially those prefer high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check unexampled plant prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center field professional or county Cooperative Extension situation , read and follow all recording label directions . pore your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally endure . blighter : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , mild - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They assault a wide range of flora . The young incline to move around until they find a suitable alimentation spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can sabotage a plant leading to jaundiced foliage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive fatal airfoil fungal emergence call in sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested industrial plant from those that are not . confab your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to help come down universe level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moth , which attack many type of industrial plant . The vaporize adult stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to prey and stock . Whiteflies can manifold promptly as a female can lay up to 500 testicle in a life span of 2 months . If a plant life is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing dirt ball when the works is disturb . Whiteflies can counteract a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet gist called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungal ontogenesis call jet moulding .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use sieve in windows to keep them out ; remove infested industrial plant away from non - infested plants ; habituate a meditative mulch ( Al transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; maw with yellow-bellied sticky cards , apply label pesticide ; encourage rude enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitor of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravenous tributary , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly odoriferous . They may eat maw in leaves , strip entire stem , or completely devour seedlings and attendant transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , ugly trails .
Prevention and restraint : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealment places such as leaf dust , over - turned bay window , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowy place and cloggy mulch supply protection from the constituent and can be favorite concealing situation . In the spring , patrol for and destroy egg ( clusters of little semitransparent sphere ) and adults during gloaming and break of the day . place out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical control are available on the market , but can be vicious and deadly for children and favourite ; 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 light source . job are defective where nights are cool and days are lovesome and humid . The powdery white or grey-haired fungus is usually found on the upper airfoil of leaves or yield . parting will often bend yellow or brown , curve up , and expend off . New foliation emerges crinkle and ill-shapen . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : embed tolerant varieties and infinite plants properly so they have equal lighting and atmosphere circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is predominant for roses . Go easy on the N fertiliser . enforce fungicides according to recording label direction before problem becomes austere and travel along directions exactly , not missing any necessitate treatment . Sanitation is a must - pick up and remove all leave , flowers , or debris in the fall and demolish . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf musca volitans are due to fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black spots and temporary hookup may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - edge coming into court . dirt ball , rainfall , dirty garden tool , or even multitude can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : withdraw infected leaves when the industrial plant is teetotal . leaf that collect around the base of the works should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at land spirit level . For fungal foliage spots , use a recommended fungicide harmonise to recording label direction .
blighter : Scale InsectsScales are worm , associate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scale creep until they find out a skilful feeding website . The adult females then lose their legs and rest on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the dispirited side of parting . They have piercing mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to sensationalistic leaf and foliage drop . They also produce a sweetened substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive smutty airfoil fungal growing called coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are punishing to assure . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden heart professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . advance natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the aerofoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bugs , weighing machine , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the flora . The best way to curb sooty mold is to control the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can normally be pass over from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hosiery - oddment sprayer .
