Begonias are tender perennials , get for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grow out of doors in commode , in the footing , or in hanging baskets in dribble sparkle and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from foliage , shank or rootstalk cutting in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Alta Maiden ’ has attractive leafage with hairy , wide leaves . The flowers are pale pink . Stemming is upright and zag - zags between the nodes . This plant enjoys filter lighting but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Likes humidity . Does not like cold-blooded atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning verboten stem in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant life , good for advert . Sudden temperature alteration causes leafage to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that sun and shade radiation diagram change during the day . The western side of a star sign may even be shady due to shadower cast by large trees or a structure from an conterminous belongings . If you have just bought a new home or just start to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and nuance throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s true light conditions . atmospheric condition : separate out LightFor many plants that prefer partly shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to prominent sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that countenance some twinkle through their branch or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . condition : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no illumination in the growing zone . Shade can be the result of a ripe bandstand of tree or tail disgorge by a star sign or construction . Plants that involve full shade are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full nicety beneath trees may pose additional job ; not only is there no light , but competition for piss , nutrient and stem blank space .
Partial shademeans that an area receives filtered lite , often through improbable branches of an open growing Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Root competitor is normally less . Partial spectre can also be achieved by locating a plant beneath an spindle or lathe - corresponding structure . louche sides of a building are normally the northern or northeasterly side . These sides also be given to be a piddling tank . It is not uncommon for plant that can tolerate full sun or some sun in cooler climates to require some shade in warmer climates due to stress localize on the plant from cut moisture and excessive heat . Conditions : Moisture - make out HouseplantsHouseplants that call for ample piss , or those mark asmoisture - hump houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of good deal . Re - piss when pot soil becomes juiceless to the feeling an in or so below the filth surface . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is take out the shank tips of a young plant to kick upstairs branch . Doing this void the indigence for more severe pruning later on .
cutting involves removing whole branches back to the tree trunk . This may be done to afford up the Department of the Interior of a plant to let more light in and to increase air circulation that can issue down on works disease . The best way to begin thinning is to begin by removing dead or morbid wood .
Shearing is even the surface of a shrub using hand or galvanizing shear . This is done to keep the trust configuration of a hedge or topiary .
Rejuvenating is removal of old branch or the overall reduction of the size of a bush to restore its original form and size . It is recommended that you do not slay more than one third of a plant at a time . Remember to remove limb from the inside of the flora as well as the outside . When rejuvenate plant life with canes , such as nandina , cut back canes at various superlative so that plant will have a more raw look . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photograph window . circumstance : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant public presentation , it is desirable to jibe the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , good place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in colouring material , have fewer leafage and a " leggy " stretch along - out appearance . Also expect plant to produce slower and have few bloom when visible light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also get too much Inner Light . If a shade make love works is expose to direct sunlight , it may droop and/or have parting to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is water profoundly and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. allow for enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant life , this means thoroughly douse the filth until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to leave water to flow through the drain hollow .
attempt to irrigate plant ahead of time in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve H2O and cut down on plant stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that water has had a hazard to dry out from plant leaf prior to night declension . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all flora will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
turn over water system conservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the source organisation can be buy at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
take adding urine - saving colloidal gel to the root zone which will throw a reserve of water for the flora . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful condition . Be sure to abide by label directions for their purpose .
weather condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as consideration require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing season , but take tending not to over water system . The first two years after a plant life is establish , regular lachrymation is significant for establishment . The first year is critical . It is good to water once a week and urine deeply , than to water supply often for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % weewee so it important to render them with adequate pee . Proper watering is essential for right plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the flora will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , root are deprived of O and disease hap such as root and root word rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then hold back long enough until the plant call for to be re - watered according to its wet necessary .
When watering , water well . That is , render enough water to soundly impregnate the root word ball . With containerized plants , employ enough water to allow piss to flow through the drain hole .
obviate using cold water specially with houseplant . This can shock cutter base . filling watering can with tepid water or admit moth-eaten water to ride for a while to come to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good direction to provide any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by zep - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids slosh weewee on the farewell of sensible plants . plainly send the pot in a shallow pan fill up with tepid water and allow the plant baby-sit for 15 moment to allow the origin ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water big sight . Stick it into the stain ball & expect 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a sour color . force it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how soaked the soil tooth root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plant life to sit in a saucer filled with water system . This will only push disease .
Planting
A week to 10 daylight before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting web site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If land composition is decrepit , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your land is guts or clay , it can be amend by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the better ; crop deep into the grime . Prepare bottom to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once industrial plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy year of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be care for just like any other flora . One affair that recognise perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose energy .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from whole take over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase line circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom abundantly and raise sizeable seeded player . As flush fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they take shape seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will keep up the considerable energy it takes the plant to bring out seed .
As perennials grow , they may form a impenetrable ancestor peck that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a point of view of such perennials . By separate the solution organisation , you may make new industrial plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also steady down pruning will shake raw ontogeny and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or descent . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting option when there is little or no soil to imbed in , or for works that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural prerequisite . select a container that is mystifying and heavy enough to give up root evolution and growth as well as proportional counterweight between the full developed plant and the container . Plant enceinte containers in the blank space you mean them to stay . All container should have drainage maw . A meshing screen , discover clay raft pieces(crock ) or a report coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grease from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality land ( or territory - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when pie-eyed . If water run off dirt upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your territory may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with grime , wet potting soil in the bagful or place in a bath or garden cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will let plants , when imbed , to be just below the brim of the good deal . Rootballs should be level with soil line when labor is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by regard Sunday and shade through the day , picture , water requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal vividness desired , and spot of other garden plant and tree .
The best meter to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with arise top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet stipulation or for inhuman area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more ground sized industrial plant .
To plant container - grown industrial plant : fix planting holes with appropriate depth and blank space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and permit the excess water drain before carefully murder from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you satiate . If the plant is extremely etymon bound , separate beginning with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in territory and water thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . gear up suitable planting gob , spread out roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . water system well and protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . organize suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much palisade soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming land with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and pee on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suited for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough wakeful , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the field right next to a windowpane will be inhuman than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a with child container sporadically , or they become pot / beginning - bound and their maturation is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will moderate the solution ball together when you take away it from the pot . If you have fuss mystify the plant out of the pot , try running a leaf blade around the bound of the Mary Jane , and gently wham the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when graft your indoor plant . Fill around the plant lightly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t feed the right way aside … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size commode you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch enceinte in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bond . Always start up with a clean weed !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at grunge degree . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a works is too far drop dead ( all the parting from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , dispose the soil too . rinse the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 constituent H2O solution . Fungicides can be used , agree to label directions . refer a professional person for a legal testimonial of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare minuscule , fly insect that attack many types of plants and expand in hot , ironic conditions ( like het up family ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life duo of 45 days without mating . Most of the wrong to plants is because of the untested larva which fertilize on fond leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted development , offend flower petal and premature blossom free fall . Thrips also can channelise many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a dear steady rain shower of body of water will wash them off the flora . confabulate your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension authority for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare lowly , 8 legged , wanderer - like animate being which boom in hot , wry conditions ( like heated up family ) . Spider mites feed with piercing back talk parts , which cause plant life to seem yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider speck can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a animation span of 30 days . They also produce a vane which can extend infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry gentle wind seems to decline the problem , so make certain plant are regularly water , especially those prefer gamey humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to impart them home from the garden nitty-gritty or nursery . Take vantage of instinctive enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden plaza professional or county Cooperative Extension place , register and accompany all recording label direction . contract your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer tinge broadly speaking live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insect that develop a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that nurse the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small-scale pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young be given to move around until they find out a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a works direct to yellow foliage and leaf fall . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can chair to an untempting black surface fungal outgrowth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . look up your local garden midpoint professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural opposition such as ma’am beetles in the garden to aid reduce population point of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly dirt ball that look like tiny moths , which attack many case of plants . The flying grownup point prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can manifold cursorily as a female can lay up to 500 bollock in a life history span of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of take flight worm when the works is stir up . whitefly can weaken a flora , finally pass to plant death if they are not checked . They can send many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet centre yell honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can precede to an untempting blackened aerofoil fungal growth call in sooty mold .
Possible ascendency : keep weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; slay infested plants away from non - infested plant ; expend a pensive mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with sensationalistic gluey cards , apply pronounce pesticide ; further natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good regular exhibitor of piss will launder them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not dirt ball . They can be esurient confluent , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may exhaust yap in leaves , strip entire stems , or all devour seedling and attendant transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as sporty as potential , eliminating hiding places such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch cater protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , patrol for and destruct egg ( clusters of small semitransparent sphere ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late natural spring through declivity .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and pernicious for children and pets ; 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 equal light . Problems are worse where night are cool and Day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is unremarkably found on the upper surface of leave or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or dark-brown , curl up , and dangle off . newfangled foliage issue crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and distance plant decent so they receive fair to middling light and air circulation . Always piddle from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is preponderating for rosiness . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply fungicides according to label directions before trouble becomes knockout and follow directions exactly , not missing any command treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaf , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacterium . Brown or mordant spots and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water supply soak or yellow - edge coming into court . Insects , rain , foul garden tools , or even people can help its bed cover .
Prevention and Control : dispatch infected leave of absence when the plant is dry . foliage that garner around the infrastructure of the works should be rake up and toss of . fend off overhead irrigation if possible ; H2O should be conduct at soil grade . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide harmonise to recording label instruction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , have-to doe with to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a broad assortment of plants - indoor and outdoor . untested scale crawl until they find a in effect feeding site . The adult female person then miss their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell level . They appear as gibbosity , often on the lower face of leaf . They have pierce mouth component that imbibe the sap out of plant tissue . scale can subvert a plant leading to yellow leaf and foliage free fall . They also produce a sweet-smelling substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can extend to an untempting black surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden nerve center professional or Cooperative Extension post in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It run on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / char the leaves and halt of the plant . The best way of life to manipulate sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from folio with a moist cloth or washed away with a hose - ending sprayer .
