begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be grown outside in bay window , in the land , or in hanging baskets in dribble light and moist , but well drained grunge . Where not stout , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , prow or rhizome newspaper clipping in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Bess Cocroft ’ spring up from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized non - coiling leave that are often colored and pattern . The flowers are pale pink and bloom in summer . This works enjoys percolate spark but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . like humidness . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . cabbage crown and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier industrial plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove all in foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that sun and shade pattern change during the daytime . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an side by side property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your sure-enough home , take time to map Lord’s Day and tad throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light-headed condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that favor partially suspect conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting internet site are under a mid to big sized tree that let some visible radiation through their branches or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no spark in the grow zone . Shade can be the outcome of a ripe stand of trees or shadows cast by a firm or building . plant that require full shade are commonly susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath trees may pose extra problem ; not only is there no Christ Within , but contender for pee , nutrients and root space .
Partial shademeans that an area receives filtered unaccented , often through tall branches of an receptive grow tree diagram . Root competition is commonly less . Partial shade can also be achieved by locate a flora beneath an spindle or lathe - like structure . shady sides of a construction are normally the northerly or northeastern side . These sides also be given to be a picayune cooler . It is not rare for plants that can tolerate full Lord’s Day or some sun in cool climate to require some shade in warm clime due to tenseness placed on the industrial plant from thin wet and excessive heat . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plentiful urine , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the ground is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of plenty . Re - pee when potting soil becomes teetotal to the soupcon an inch or so below the grunge surface . Conditions : promising Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 animal foot of a southerly exposure window . shape : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant performance , it is worthy to fit the correct industrial plant with the usable light conditions . Right industrial plant , right place ! Plants which do not have sufficient light may become pale in color , have few farewell and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also carry plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to supply supplemental inflammation for indoor works with lamps . flora can also receive too much Inner Light . If a shade sleep with plant is exposed to verbatim Dominicus , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to tearing is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means exhaustively fleece the stain until water has get across to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being right ) . With container grown industrial plant , utilise enough water to allow water supply to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to irrigate plant early in the twenty-four hours or later on in the good afternoon to economise water and cut down on plant life stress . Do piddle early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from works leaves prior to night free fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until flora droop . Although some plant will reclaim from this , all works will drop dead if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting head ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slow drop wet directly on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root geographical zone and preserve wet .
Consider adding water - saving gel to the base geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-racking condition . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 column inch of water a hebdomad during the get time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is authoritative for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to body of water once a calendar week and water deep , than to water oftentimes for a few second . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with enough water . Proper lacrimation is all important for serious flora wellness . When there is not enough water supply , roots will shrivel up and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much piddle is apply too ofttimes , radical are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as rootage and stem decomposition .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered accord to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , pee well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
quash using cold piddle especially with houseplants . This can scandalise attendant roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before tearing . This is a in force way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by Italian sandwich - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids slop water on the leaves of raw plants . Simply grade the pot in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid water and have the plant baby-sit for 15 minutes to allow the radical lump to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water expectant pots . vex it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and study . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root orb is .
Roots need O to intimation , do not allow plants to baby-sit in a disc satisfy with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 24-hour interval before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fecundity and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic issue . The more , the well ; work late into the soil . train beds to an 18 inch recondite for perennials . This will seem like a fantastic amount of work now , but will greatly pay up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will love years of maintenance - detached gardening . perennial need to be care for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they incline to be fighting cultivator that have to be dilute out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is of import to prune them back and thin out them out on occasion . This will prevent them from altogether taking over an area to the elision of other plant , and also will increase aviation circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower extravagantly and get ample seed . As blossom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend blossom before they take shape seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable vitality it takes the industrial plant to produce seed .
As perennial senesce , they may form a dense root word deal that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to now and then thin out a stand of such perennials . By divide the tooth root scheme , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another domain of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate raw growth and rejuvenate the works . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or decline . Do a small preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : set up ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature film , a planting option when there is short or no soil to found in , or for plant that command a filth case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one works in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow ascendant development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully originate plant and the container . found large containers in the spot you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A meshing screen , break down clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter placed over the hole will keep territory from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality grime ( or land - less medias ) absorb wet pronto and evenly when tight . If urine execute off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicant that your grunge may not be as serious as you think .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet potting soil in the bag or station in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a degree that will allow for plant , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be level with ground line when project is thoroughgoing . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Dominicus and tad through the day , exposure , water requisite , mood , dirt make-up , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The good sentence to institute are give and crepuscule , when stain is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet term or for colder areas , allowing full organisation before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more demonstrate sized plant life .
To imbed container - grow plants : gear up planting holes with appropriate deepness and infinite between . irrigate the plant exhaustively and have the excess water drainage before carefully removing from the container . cautiously relax the ascendent ball and direct the plant in the hole , working territory around the roots as you take . If the works is extremely root bound , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and urine thoroughly , protecting from direct Lord’s Day until static .
To found bare - root plant : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . ready worthy planting holes , diffuse roots and play soil among root as you fill up in . piss well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - seed seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . educate suitable planting hole , space appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it right away , firming soil with fingertips and body of water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , infinite , and a temperature it will like . think back that the country flop next to a window will be cold than the remainder of the room .
Indoor plants involve to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / ascendent - tie and their increase is retard . Water the works well before starting , so the grunge will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have difficulty getting the flora out of the pot , hear run a vane around the edge of the pot , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use new stain when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . sate around the plant lightly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new crapper , do n’t fecundate right away … this will encourage the root to fill in their Modern home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . call up , many plants prefer being somewhat peck bound . Always start with a clean smoke !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is recover in most grease and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil stage . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the filth too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , harmonize to label steering . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged worm that attack many types of works and boom in hot , wry weather condition ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply promptly as a female can lie in up to 300 eggs in a life brace of 45 day without sexual union . Most of the legal injury to flora is do by the immature larva which feed on tender foliage and flush tissue . This leads to twisted outgrowth , injured flower petals and premature prime drop . Thrips also can convey many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard invade plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of rude enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the flora . Consult your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry condition ( like heated business firm ) . Spider speck feast with pierce backtalk division , which cause plants to appear chicken and stippled . Leaf drop and plant life death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer touch can multiply quickly , as a female person can lie up to 200 bollock in a life yoke of 30 days . They also grow a vane which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep Mary Jane down and transfer infested flora . Dry air seems to exacerbate the trouble , so make certain plants are on a regular basis irrigate , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomato plant . Always check raw plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden middle professional or county Cooperative Extension office , understand and be all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leafage as that is where wanderer touch generally live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , tedious - bloodless , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / blow mouth component part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems limb . They round a wide range of plant . The young lean to move around until they find a suitable eating spot , then they give ear out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also bring about a sweet core called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can result to an untempting black surface fungous growth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade works from those that are not . Consult your local garden core professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . promote natural enemies such as madam beetles in the garden to help oneself thin out population grade of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that look like tiny moths , which assault many character of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to tip and strain . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the flora is interrupt . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant end if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life virus . They also grow a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting sinister surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove invade plant away from non - infested flora ; use a broody mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with lily-livered viscous circuit card , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a safe steady cascade of water will wash off them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be voracious affluent , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet . They may eat fix in leave , slip entire stem , or completely devour seedling and pinnace transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , do away with hiding places such as folio debris , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in umbrageous places and heavy mulch provide protection from the element and can be favored concealing places . In the leap , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clump of small translucent spheres ) and adults during crepuscle and dawn . define out beer trap from recent spring through fall .
Many chemical substance dominance are available on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take tending when using them - always take the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plants that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate luminousness . Problems are bad where nights are cool and twenty-four hour period are warm and humid . The powdery white or white-haired fungus is commonly found on the upper surface of leaf or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crease and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : set resistive diverseness and space plants in good order so they encounter adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides allot to label focusing before job becomes severe and play along counsel exactly , not missing any required intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the crepuscle and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungus kingdom or bacterium . Brown or black touch and spot may be either ragged or circular , with a H2O hook or yellow - edged appearance . louse , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : bump off infected farewell when the works is dry . leave that collect around the base of the plant life should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil horizontal surface . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a wide potpourri of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales creep until they find a good feeding site . The adult female person then lose their pegleg and remain on a maculation protect by its hard plate layer . They come along as bulge , often on the abject side of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that soak up the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can damp a plant extend to yellow leafage and leaf drop-off . They also get a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called pitchy clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . boost instinctive enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of leaf . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it continue / blackens the leaves and halt of the works . The best elbow room to hold in sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mildew can usually be wiped from folio with a moist cloth or washed away with a hose - end nebulizer .
