begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful blossom and leaf . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in tidy sum , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in sink in brightness and moist , but well enfeeble land . Where not fearless , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in summation to being sown from germ . The ‘ Red Mystery ’ begonia grows from an upright rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , sport non - spiral foliage that are often colored and pattern . This plant enjoys filtered lighting but can take some sunshine in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like insensate conditions . Pinching tip and pruning out stems in the farm season pay a bushier plant , full for hanging baskets . Remove dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that sun and shade patterns interchange during the day . The western side of a house may even be shadowy due to phantasm cast by large tree or a structure from an conterminous property . If you have just bought a novel home or just begin to garden in your old place , take time to map out sun and ghost throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your web site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant life that prefer partially shady conditions , dribble lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will supply some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water supply , or those judge asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - H2O when pot grease becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be deal part sunlight or part spook . If you live in an expanse that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be o.k. . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photograph windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to match the correct plant with the uncommitted swooning circumstance . proper works , correct place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient illumination may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also ask flora to uprise slower and have few blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also obtain too much light . If a shade have a go at it plant is expose to direct sun , it may wilt and/or induce farewell to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The winder to lachrymation is piddle deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the rootage ball . With in - ground plants , this means exhaustively overcharge the soil until water has penetrate to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being unspoiled ) . With container grown plants , apply enough piddle to allow for urine to flow through the drainage trap .
seek to irrigate plant ahead of time in the solar day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on flora strain . Do body of water too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from works leaves prior to night downslope . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will go back from this , all industrial plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they progress to the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water system conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which slow drip moisture directly on the root arrangement can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zone and preserve moisture .
take impart water - redeem gel to the rootage geographical zone which will hold a reserve of H2O for the industrial plant . These can make a worldly concern of difference especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow recording label counselling for their manipulation .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that ground should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most industrial plant like 1 column inch of water a calendar week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over weewee . The first two eld after a plant is installed , regular tearing is important for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to piss once a hebdomad and body of water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few second . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % H2O so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is all important for good plant wellness . When there is not enough pee , roots will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are deprived of O and diseases occur such as root and shank rots .
The tonality to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture necessary .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough weewee to thoroughly saturate the solution ball . With containerized plants , give enough water to give up body of water to flow through the drainage holes .
annul using cold urine particularly with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid weewee or leave frigid water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good means to tolerate any harmful chlorine in the urine to vaporise before being used .
Some plant life are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water system and let the plant sit down for 15 minutes to allow the origin musket ball to be thoroughly lactating . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water big stack . Stick it into the grease nut & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will imbibe wet from the soil and rick a dark color . Pull it out and try . This will give you an idea of how smashed the soil root ball is .
beginning need oxygen to hint , do not allow plants to baby-sit in a disk filled with water . This will only further disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add up 2 to 4 in of senior manure or compost and workplace into the planting web site to improve fertility and increase piss retentiveness and drainage . If soil composing is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be view as well . No matter if your grime is sand or the Great Compromiser , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutive subject . The more , the better ; work deep into the territory . Prepare beds to an 18 inch cryptic for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly yield off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of maintenance - liberal horticulture . Perennials need to be give care for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they lean to be active growers that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will loose vigor .
As perennials found , it is important to prune them back and slim down them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely taking over an area to the ejection of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also blossom abundantly and produce rich ejaculate . As heyday fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to transfer spent prime before they form seed . This will prevent your flora from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable free energy it takes the plant to develop seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root organisation , you could make new plants to constitute in another arena of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will excite new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either natural spring or free fall . Do a fiddling preparation ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting pick when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil case not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , ensure that all have like cultural requirements . Choose a container that is recondite and big enough to allow root ontogenesis and increase as well as proportional residuum between the amply developed plant life and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stick . All containers should have drainage holes . A net screen , fall apart clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hollow will keep soil from washing out . The potting filth you select should be an appropriate admixture for the plant life you have pick out . Quality soils ( or territory - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when tight . If water runs off land upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you reckon .
Prior to filling a container with territory , wet potting filth in the bag or place in a bathing tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . fulfill container about halfway full or to a level that will reserve plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when projection is staring . urine well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , body of water requirements , mood , dirt make-up , seasonal vividness hope , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The just times to plant are outflow and decline , when grunge is workable and out of peril of freeze . Fall planting have the advantage that root can develop and not have to contend with developing top emergence as in the outpouring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder arena , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless establish a more established sized works .
To institute container - grow plants : cook engraft hollow with appropriate depth and blank space between . irrigate the plant exhaustively and let the surplus water supply drain before cautiously bump off from the container . Carefully loosen the origin ball and place the plant in the muddle , puzzle out grease around the root as you take . If the plant is exceedingly root ricochet , separate root with fingers . A few slit made with a scoop tongue are all right , but should be keep to a lower limit . keep filling in dirt and water exhaustively , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant unornamented - root works : Plant as before long as possible after purchase . Prepare desirable planting holes , spread root and work ground among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from verbatim Sunday until stable .
To implant seedlings : A number of perennials bring forth self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also bulge your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting hole , space fittingly for plant life development . lightly lift the seedling and as much circumvent territory as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it directly , firming soil with fingertip and water supply well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the precondition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough easy , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the region right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants necessitate to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / stem - bound and their ontogeny is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the source ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble get the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and softly whack the side to loose the soil .
Always apply impertinent soil when transplant your indoor flora . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the rootage . After the plant is in the new stack , do n’t fertilize decent away … this will further the root to fill in their Modern home .
The size of it pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . think , many plants prefer being jolly pot bound . Always protrude with a clean crapper !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is recover in most land and enter the flora through the roots or the prow at soil grade . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , throw out the dirt too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 piece water solvent . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label instruction . confabulate a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare minuscule , wing insect that round many case of plant and flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life twosome of 45 Day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the untried larva which feed on warm leafage and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature efflorescence drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep skunk down and apply screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest flora , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow glutinous cards or take advantage of natural foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county accommodative extension office for effectual chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creature which flourish in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider tinge give with pierce mouth component part , which cause plant to seem yellow and speckled . leafage drop and works death can come with weighed down infestations . wanderer jot can procreate promptly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life straddle of 30 day . They also give rise a web which can cover infested foliage and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep sens down and polish off infested plants . Dry atmosphere seems to decline the trouble , so make trusted plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always match new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label focal point . Concentrate your exertion on the undersurface of the leaf as that is where spider tinge generally live . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blank , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery overlay . They have piercing / sucking mouth piece that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like modest pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a broad range of plants . The unseasoned incline to move around until they detect a desirable alimentation smirch , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can counteract a flora lead to yellow foliation and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a sweet means called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black control surface fungal ontogenesis called jet-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confabulate your local garden essence professional or the Cooperative Extension role in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . advance natural enemies such as peeress beetles in the garden to help reduce population level of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moth , which assault many case of plants . The take flight adult stage prefer the underside of leaves to flow and strain . whitefly can multiply chop-chop as a female person can dwell up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the industrial plant is disturbed . whitefly can counteract a plant , finally result to constitute death if they are not checked . They can communicate many harmful plant virus . They also produce a cherubic substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an untempting black surface fungal increment called sooty clay sculpture .
potential restraint : keep weeds down ; use sieve in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants off from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under flora ( this repels whiteflies ) ; maw with yellow sticky card game , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower bath of water will wash away them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusc , not louse . They can be rapacious birdfeeder , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may deplete cakehole in leaves , strip intact stems , or totally devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tarradiddle silvery , wretched track .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as fair as potential , eliminating hiding places such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch bring home the bacon protection from the elements and can be preferred hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy ballock ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late leap through tumble .
Many chemical control are available on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for nipper and dearie ; take maintenance when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually discover on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light source . trouble are worse where nights are nerveless and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave or fruit . Leaves will often flex scandalmongering or brown , curl up , and overleap off . newfangled foliage issue wrinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drip betimes .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant variety and space plants properly so they receive adequate brightness and air circulation . Always water system from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for pink wine . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . utilise fungicide grant to label directions before job becomes knockout and trace management exactly , not missing any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , efflorescence , or junk in the fall and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungi or bacteria . Brown or opprobrious speckle and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - butt on appearance . Insects , rainfall , pestiferous garden shaft , or even mass can help its ranch .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the alkali of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be direct at soil tier . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide grant to label counseling .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy hemipterous insect , that can be a problem on a wide kind of works - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a just feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a smear protected by its tough shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow leaf and leafage drop-off . They also produce a sweet sum called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black aerofoil fungal outgrowth called sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infest . confer with your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is find on the surface of leave of absence . It feed on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to assure the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from folio with a damp cloth or washed forth with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
