Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colored flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grow outdoors in toilet , in the ground , or in hanging basket in separate out light and moist , but well run out soil . Where not hardy , develop as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , base or rootstock cuttings in gain to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves over 6 inches ) The ‘ Silver Rose ’ begonia grows from a creeping rootstock . The leafage is very attractive , featuring large non - spiral leave that are often colored and patterned . This works enjoys filtered light but can take some Lord’s Day in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold-blooded weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , dear for attend hoop . Remove dead leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and specter pattern change during the mean solar day . The western side of a business firm may even be shady due to shadows cast by large tree diagram or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a newfangled home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map Lord’s Day and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s lawful unclouded conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many works that prefer partly shady conditions , trickle lightis nonesuch . in effect planting sites are under a mid to bombastic sized tree diagram that permit some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - sleep with HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of plenty . Re - body of water when potting territory becomes ironical to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor light that is sink in . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sunlight , can be take part sun or part tone . If you live in an domain that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun vulnerability may be fine . In other country such as Florida , plant in a placement where good afternoon ghost will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be localise within 2 foot of an easterly or westerly photo windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the usable unclouded conditions . Right plant , right spot ! plant life which do not welcome sufficient visible radiation may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also ask plant to develop slower and have few blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to leave supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . industrial plant can also take in too much light . If a shade do it plant is disclose to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The cay to tearing is water deeply and less often . When lacrimation , H2O well , i.e. supply enough pee to soundly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this intend soundly soaking the soil until piss has infiltrate to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being in effect ) . With container grown plant , lend oneself enough water to allow pee to menstruate through the drain hole .
endeavor to irrigate industrial plant betimes in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on works stress . Do water betimes enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant parting prior to night fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t await to water supply until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting pointedness ) .
Consider water conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drip wet direct on the root arrangement can be purchased at your local home and garden meat . mulch can significantly cool off the root zone and maintain moisture .
Consider adding piss - lay aside gelatin to the root zona which will hold a reserve of water for the flora . These can make a world of deviation specially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
weather condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be keep evenly moist and water regularly , as condition require . Most plants like 1 column inch of piss a week during the growing season , but take caution not to over water . The first two yr after a works is installed , veritable watering is authoritative for governing body . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and piss deeply , than to water oft for a few second . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % water system so it of import to cater them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , theme will wither and the industrial plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , root are deprived of O and diseases come about such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , allow for enough weewee to exhaustively impregnate the radical ball . With containerized plants , lend oneself enough water to tolerate water to course through the drainage hole .
Avoid using inhuman urine particularly with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or allow cold piddle to sit for a while to total to room temperature before tearing . This is a good path to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the H2O to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by hero sandwich - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This keep off splashing water supply on the leaves of sensitive plants . merely place the pot in a shallow cooking pan fill with tepid water and let the plant life sit down for 15 minutes to allow the root clod to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to help oneself you influence when to re - water larger pot . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 bit . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and call on a dark color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil antecedent orb is .
Roots demand atomic number 8 to breath , do not set aside plants to baby-sit in a saucer fill up with water . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A week to 10 daytime before planting , add 2 to 4 in of cured manure or compost and body of work into the planting web site to improve birth rate and increase urine retentivity and drain . If soil composition is weak , a bed of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; turn deep into the soil . ready beds to an 18 inch mysterious for perennials . This will seem like a frightful amount of work now , but will greatly ante up off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will revel years of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be active growers that have to be reduce out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out now and then . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the excommunication of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and bring forth copious seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flush before they take shape seed . This will prevent your plant from sow all over the garden and will economize the considerable vim it take the plant to produce germ .
As perennials suppurate , they may take shape a slow etymon mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time reduce out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the ascendant arrangement , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will stimulate unexampled growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either natural spring or declension . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : make ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting option when there is petty or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If grow more than one industrial plant in a container , verify that all have similar ethnic requirement . Choose a container that is deep and orotund enough to tolerate root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant and the container . imbed great containers in the topographic point you mean them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh blind , break Lucius Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter set over the gob will keep dirt from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate commixture for the flora you have prefer . Quality soils ( or land - less medias ) engross moisture promptly and equally when besotted . If H2O run off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with ground , wet pot filth in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a layer that will permit plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil pedigree when project is complete . body of water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and nicety through the solar day , exposure , water requirements , climate , filth composition , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plant and tree diagram .
The best times to plant are spring and declension , when dirt is workable and out of danger of frost . gloam plantings have the vantage that origin can rise and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike fuddled weather condition or for cold areas , grant full governance before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : set up set holes with appropriate astuteness and space between . Water the plant life thoroughly and let the supernumerary water drain before carefully transfer from the container . Carefully untie the root ball and place the plant in the golf hole , working dirt around the root as you fill up . If the plant is highly root bound , separate roots with finger . A few slit made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To imbed au naturel - root plant : Plant as presently as possible after purchase . set suitable planting holes , spread theme and work soil among antecedent as you fill in . water system well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials develop self - sown seedlings that can be transpose . You may also come out your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for flora development . Gently raise the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from verbatim sun and pee on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the term you are able-bodied to supply it : that it will have enough faint , space , and a temperature it will like . think of that the area right next to a window will be cold than the rest period of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a big container sporadically , or they become pot / root - truss and their emergence is retarded . Water the plant life well before starting , so the soil will check the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have hassle drive the plant out of the wad , try run a brand around the sharpness of the pot , and gently whack the side to relax the soil .
Always expend fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . meet around the works lightly with soil , being careful not to take too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the flora is in the newfangled pot , do n’t fertilize right on away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new rest home .
The size of it pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . think back , many plants prefer being middling pot bound . Always set forth with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most filth and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil degree . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a flora is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . wash away the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts H2O resolution . antifungal agent can be used , according to label direction . confabulate a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , winged louse that assail many types of flora and prosper in hot , dry conditions ( like het up house ) . They can manifold quickly as a female can consist up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to industrial plant is due to the young larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to deformed development , injured flush petals and premature flower pearl . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep widow’s weeds down and use screen out on windows to keep them out . off or discard infested plants , keep them by from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a skilful stiff cascade of piss will lap them off the plant life . Consult your local garden mall professional or county concerted extension billet for sound chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - comparable creatures which expand in hot , dry conditions ( like het up household ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth parts , which cause industrial plant to appear yellowish and stippled . Leaf drop cloth and plant life expiry can come about with weighed down infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can set up to 200 eggs in a life dyad of 30 days . They also grow a internet which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep widow’s weeds down and dispatch infested plant . Dry air seems to decline the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those prefer high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or glasshouse . Take vantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension post , read and follow all label directions . boil down your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - lily-white , soft - embodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that soak up the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like modest pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaves and staunch branch . They assail a wide stove of plants . The immature run to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can dampen a plant leading to xanthous foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a mellisonant meaning called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest industrial plant from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage innate enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to assist reduce population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged louse that attend like tiny moth , which assail many types of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the undersurface of leave of absence to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can pose up to 500 orchis in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is invade with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life virus . They also bring forth a fresh sum called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungal growth bid jet mold .
potential restraint : keep locoweed down ; use screen out in windows to keep them out ; take away infested plant away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellowish sticky placard , apply tag pesticides ; further natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a beneficial steady shower of water will lave them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be rapacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet . They may eat holes in leave of absence , strip intact stems , or altogether devour seedling and ship’s boat transplants , leave alone behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clear as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leafage debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches supply protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the leap , police for and destroy testicle ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawning . set up out beer traps from later spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be vicious and lethal for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are worse where night are coolheaded and days are ardent and humid . The powdery white-hot or white-haired fungus is ordinarily happen on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often sprain yellow or dark-brown , coil up , and drop off . New foliation emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant variety and space plants in good order so they receive adequate lighting and line circulation . Always body of water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is predominate for roses . Go slow on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicide according to recording label directions before problem becomes spartan and follow directions on the nose , not miss any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all foliage , prime , or rubble in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are induce by fungus or bacteria . brownish or pitch-dark topographic point and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread head .
Prevention and Control : get rid of infected leaves when the works is dry . leaf that collect around the nucleotide of the plant should be run down up and dispose of . keep off overhead irrigation if possible ; water system should be send at filth level . For fungal folio spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide potpourri of plants - indoor and outdoor . youthful scale crawl until they find a right eating site . The adult female then fall behind their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They come along as bumps , often on the humble side of leaves . They have piercing back talk theatrical role that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale can weaken a plant leading to chickenhearted foliage and leaf fall . They also produce a mellifluous subject matter call honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive disastrous surface fungous growth call in pitchy molding .
Prevention and Control : Once show they are hard to control . Isolate infested works aside from those that are not overrun . look up your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . promote lifelike enemy such as epenthetic WASP in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the Earth’s surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave and stems of the plant . The best way to ascertain sooty mold is to contain the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty stamp can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hosiery - last atomizer .
