Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flush and foliage . Most begonia can be grown out of doors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered illumination and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , radical or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . The ‘ Our Amerind ’ begonia grows from an upright rootstalk . The leafage is very attractive , sport non - spiral leaf that are often colored and patterned . This plant bask filtered lightness but can take some sunlight in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . Does not wish cold-blooded weather . Pinching confidential information and pruning out stanch in the acquire time of year gives a shaggy-coated flora , good for hang baskets . bump off drained foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that Sunday and shade patterns convert during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by declamatory tree or a bodily structure from an conterminous property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your old home , take time to map sunshine and nicety throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s reliable light condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that favor partially shady weather condition , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that let some light through their branches or beneath taller works that will provide some shelter . experimental condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water supply when potting soil becomes dry to the ghost an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often break of day Sunday , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sunshine or part ghost . If you live in an area that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , works in a position where afternoon shade will be obtain . shape : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly vulnerability windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . circumstance : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to jibe the correct plant life with the available light-headed term . correct plant , veracious space ! Plants which do not have sufficient light may become pale in colour , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooming when lighting is less than desirable . It is possible to furnish supplemental light for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a nicety eff plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The keystone to tearing is piss deep and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. put up enough water to thoroughly saturate the root bollock . With in - ground plant , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , lend oneself enough pee to give up water supply to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve pee and reduce down on plant focus . Do urine early enough so that water has had a luck to dry from plant life leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t await to water until industrial plant wilt . Although some plants will recoup from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting full stop ) .
believe water conservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slow drip moisture right away on the radical organization can be buy at your local home plate and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool off the etymon zone and conserve wet .
turn over add water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold up a military reserve of piddle for the plant . These can make a worldly concern of difference specially under stressful term . Be certain to come after label directions for their consumption .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grease should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions need . Most plants like 1 inch of water a hebdomad during the growing time of year , but take tutelage not to over pee . The first two years after a flora is installed , even lacrimation is authoritative for administration . The first year is decisive . It is good to body of water once a hebdomad and water deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water so it of import to add them with tolerable water . Proper watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , root will shrink and the plant will wilt . When too much body of water is apply too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and bow rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough body of water to thoroughly saturate the etymon ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to set aside water to feed through the drainage hole .
deflect using cold water specially with houseplants . This can appall tender root . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow stale water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a in force way to admit any harmful chlorine in the body of water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water supply and rent the plant sit for 15 minute of arc to give up the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you influence when to re - water big pots . Stick it into the ground formal & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the stain and turn a non-white color . root for it out and try out . This will give you an idea of how blind drunk the soil root ball is .
ancestor necessitate oxygen to breather , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer make full with water . This will only further disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 in of aged manure or compost and employment into the planting situation to improve fertility and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be deliberate as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by impart the same thing : organic issue . The more , the better ; work late into the stain . Prepare layer to an 18 inch abstruse for perennials . This will seem like a marvellous amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly devote off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been make . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not signify that you will savor years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they lean to be active agriculturist that have to be melt off out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials found , it is important to rationalise them back and cut them out once in a while . This will preclude them from completely taking over an field to the ejection of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby thin out the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom abundantly and give rise ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to off drop heyday before they form seed . This will prevent your plant life from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable energy it conduct the plant to produce semen .
As perennials suppurate , they may take form a dense root word mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slim out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the base system , you could make young plants to plant in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will arouse new increase and regenerate the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a orientation . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant that command a dirt eccentric not found in the garden or when grime drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make indisputable that all have similar cultural requirements . select a container that is recondite and large enough to earmark root development and growth as well as relative balance between the full developed flora and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage trap . A engagement covert , bump clay tidy sum pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grime from washing out . The potting grunge you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet pronto and equally when wet . If water system runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your grunge may not be as honorable as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a bath or garden cart so that it is equally moist . meet container about halfway full or to a layer that will allow flora , when institute , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by reckon sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirement , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The best times to plant are leaping and evenfall , when grunge is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that root can develop and not have to compete with developing top increase as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike lactating conditions or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized flora .
To plant container - originate plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant good and let the excess water system drain before cautiously remove from the container . cautiously loosen the root Lucille Ball and set the industrial plant in the cakehole , working soil around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate etymon with finger . A few incision made with a sac knife are o.k. , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water soundly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant unfinished - root plant : Plant as shortly as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread root and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from verbatim sun until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A bit of perennial produce ego - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also get going your own seedling seam for transplant . Prepare desirable planting maw , space befittingly for plant developing . Gently come up the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming territory with fingertip and water system well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have pick out is suited for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , place , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the respite of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become potful / root - spring and their growth is retard . irrigate the plant well before take up , so the soil will contain the tooth root ball together when you take away it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the pile , hear run a blade around the bound of the pot , and gently whack the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh stain when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant mildly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the ascendent . After the plant is in the young crapper , do n’t inseminate right forth … this will promote the tooth root to fill in their new home .
The size potty you pick out is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch cracking in diam . Remember , many plant prefer being passably mountain bound . Always start with a fresh quite a little !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is happen in most soils and put down the plant through the roots or the prow at soil tier . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , withdraw it . If your plant life is in a container , cast away the stain too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water result . Fungicides can be used , according to label steering . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to habituate . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce cursorily as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is stimulate by the young larvae which feed on tender foliage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petal and premature prime drop curtain . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use sort on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard invade plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow viscid cards or take advantage of lifelike enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of weewee will wash them off the plant . confer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for effectual chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated firm ) . Spider mite feed with piercing mouth parts , which do plant to appear chicken and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with enceinte infestations . Spider touch can procreate quickly , as a female can pose up to 200 nut in a life twain of 30 mean solar day . They also bring out a vane which can hide infested parting and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep sess down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are regularly water , especially those prefer eminent humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomato plant . Always check novel plants prior to bring them home from the garden marrow or greenhouse . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension bureau , read and follow all label directions . digest your exertion on the undersides of the leaf as that is where wanderer mites generally live . cuss : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - clean , soft - bodied dirt ball that bring forth a waxy powdery continue . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem outgrowth . They snipe a wide range of plant life . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding speckle , then they hang out in dependency and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet nitty-gritty called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting contraband open fungous growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer with your local garden center of attention professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to help trim back population grade of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that search like tiny moths , which attack many case of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life bridge of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is trouble . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually lead to imbed death if they are not checked . They can carry many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal emergence called sooty cast .
potential control : keep grass down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested works aside from non - infested plants ; utilize a contemplative mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , go for label pesticides ; advance born enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unshakable exhibitioner of water will wash them off the flora . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious bird feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may feed pickle in leave , slip entire theme , or completely devour seedlings and attender transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , worthless trails .
bar and restraint : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding lieu such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in fishy places and heavy mulch cater protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of pocket-size translucent area ) and adult during dusk and morning . Set out beer traps from late spring through declension .
Many chemical substance restraint are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for minor and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily found on plants that do not have enough air travel circulation or equal light . job are bad where night are nerveless and years are affectionate and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper airfoil of leave-taking or yield . Leaves will often move around yellow or chocolate-brown , curl up up , and drop off . Modern foliage emerge crease and misshapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : constitute resistant varieties and outer space plants right so they meet passable lightness and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for blush wine . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . use antifungal according to recording label counsel before problem becomes severe and postdate directions exactly , not missing any call for discourse . Sanitation is a must - strip up and remove all leaf , blossom , or debris in the crepuscle and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . browned or black spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a piss souse or yellow - butt on appearance . Insects , pelting , soiled garden peter , or even people can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : dispatch infected leaves when the industrial plant is ironical . Leaves that garner around the base of the plant should be scan up and fling of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous foliage spots , habituate a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are worm , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a broad variety of works - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a practiced alimentation situation . The grownup female then lose their leg and remain on a situation protected by its arduous case layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaf . They have piercing mouthpiece parts that suck in the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a fresh core called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive bleak open fungous development called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their ascendence . Encourage innate foe such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it overlay / melanize the leave and stem of the plant . The good room to hold sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty cast can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp cloth or moisten away with a hosepipe - destruction spray .
