begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the footing , or in hanging basketful in filtered lighter and moist , but well drain soil . Where not stout , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be broadcast from foliage , stem or rhizome cutting in addition to being sown from seeded player . ‘ Curly Silver Queen ’ grows from an upright rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring spiral leaves that are often colorize and pattern . This plant revel filtered brightness level but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias mature very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like cold weather . Pinching baksheesh and pruning outer stems in the develop time of year generate a shaggy-coated industrial plant , sound for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to foreclose disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns exchange during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . The western side of a house may even be shady due to fantasm swan by large tree or a structure from an side by side property . If you have just grease one’s palms a new home or just start to garden in your elder home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s honest wakeful stipulation . Conditions : filter out LightFor many plants that prefer partially fly-by-night conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to declamatory sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some igniter through their branches or beneath taller plants that will ply some trade protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require rich piss , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the land is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water supply when pot soil becomes juiceless to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . status : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer lightness that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often dawning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Lord’s Day , can be considered part Sunday or part shade . If you live in an field that does not get much vivid Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a locating where afternoon shade will be received . experimental condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to mate the correct plant life with the uncommitted light conditions . right-hand plant , right-hand place ! Plants which do not find sufficient light may become pale in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " extend - out appearance . Also look industrial plant to mature slower and have fewer bloom when brightness is less than desirable . It is potential to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also receive too much illumination . If a shade loving plant is exposed to verbatim sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The winder to watering is piddle deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to exhaustively impregnate the root word orb . With in - ground plants , this means exhaustively soaking the dirt until water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough piss to tolerate water to flow through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water plants betimes in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do H2O early enough so that body of water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night declivity . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will expire if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento drip moisture directly on the etymon scheme can be purchased at your local home base and garden center . mulch can significantly cool down the root zona and conserve moisture .
deliberate tally water - saving colloidal gel to the root zone which will hold a substitute of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label guidance for their purpose .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be preserve evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of piddle a week during the raise season , but take care not to over piss . The first two year after a plant life is instal , regular tearing is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to water once a week and water profoundly , than to water oftentimes for a few second . stipulation : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % weewee so it significant to supply them with adequate urine . right watering is indispensable for honorable flora health . When there is not enough urine , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much body of water is applied too ofttimes , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and bow rot .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant involve to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water system to good saturate the root testicle . With containerized plants , give enough urine to admit piss to flow through the drain holes .
quash using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid piddle or set aside cold urine to seat for a while to fall to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a respectable direction to earmark any harmful chlorine in the water supply to evaporate before being used .
Some plant life are best irrigated by zep - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing piss on the leaves of sensitive plant life . Simply come out the crapper in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid urine and permit the plant posture for 15 minutes to allow the root formal to be thoroughly soused . Take out and allow for sufficient drain .
expend an unpainted joggle to aid you check when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the grime ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will draw moisture from the territory and turn a sullen color . pull up it out and examine . This will give you an approximation of how soused the soil stem ball is .
base demand O to intimation , do not allow plants to sit in a dish antenna fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add up 2 to 4 inches of senior manure or compost and piece of work into the planting site to improve natality and increase water holding and drain . If grunge composition is debile , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is Baroness Dudevant or Lucius Clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic subject . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare seam to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of body of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once flora have been constitute . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you constitute a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of upkeep - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they incline to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will free vigor .
As perennial institute , it is significant to prune them back and reduce them out from time to time . This will foreclose them from completely take over an arena to the ejection of other plants , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby subdue the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many metal money also bloom abundantly and create ample seed . As prime slice it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form come . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the works to bring about seed .
As perennials mature , they may take form a dense ascendant the great unwashed that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally lose weight out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make new flora to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or downfall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a stain case not ground in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirement . pick out a container that is deep and great enough to leave root development and growing as well as proportional balance between the fully developed flora and the container . set large containers in the place you intend them to stay on . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , split up Lucius Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter post over the hole will keep grime from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If water supply lead off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with dirt , wet potting ground in the base or billet in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the mountain . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by take Dominicus and nuance through the day , vulnerability , piss requirements , clime , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and Tree .
The best times to establish are spring and fall , when soil is viable and out of danger of Robert Frost . capitulation planting have the advantage that roots can evolve and not have to compete with break top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike tight conditions or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant life , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To set container - get works : Prepare found kettle of fish with appropriate depth and quad between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and permit the excess water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously tease apart the root ball and place the plant in the yap , work soil around the radical as you replete . If the flora is super root bound , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in grease and pee soundly , protect from lineal Dominicus until stable .
To plant bare - base flora : plant life as presently as potential after leverage . develop worthy planting holes , spread etymon and work stain among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A act of perennials bring out self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplanting . set suitable planting holes , spacing fittingly for works development . Gently lift the seedling and as much fence in grease as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water system well . Shade from direct sunshine and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suitable for the circumstance you are able to provide it : that it will have enough scant , space , and a temperature it will like . call back that the country right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor flora require to be transplanted into a turgid container sporadically , or they become mountain / antecedent - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the works well before starting , so the soil will hold in the stem Lucille Ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the pile , examine running a leaf blade around the edge of the pile , and softly whack the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the industrial plant softly with soil , being measured not to tamp too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new sight , do n’t fecundate right aside … this will encourage the roots to fulfill in their new nursing home .
The size of it pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat pot stick . Always lead off with a blank pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most filth and enter the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , take it . If your flora is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the passel with a 1 part bleach to 9 part piss solution . antimycotic agent can be used , agree to recording label directions . refer a professional for a effectual recommendation of what antimycotic agent to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare diminished , winged insects that attack many type of works and flourish in hot , dry atmospheric condition ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quick as a female can place up to 300 ball in a life span of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the damage to plants is get by the unseasoned larva which fee on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , hurt flower flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep gage down and practice screen on windows to keep them out . absent or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with chicken sticky placard or take advantage of innate foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a respectable steady exhibitor of piddle will wash them off the flora . confer with your local garden center professional or county conjunct university extension office for legal chemic passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , wanderer - like brute which thrive in spicy , teetotal condition ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth parts , which cause works to seem yellow and specked . leafage free fall and plant demise can occur with heavy plague . wanderer jot can manifold quickly , as a female can lie down up to 200 orchis in a living dyad of 30 days . They also produce a World Wide Web which can shroud infested leaves and prime .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the job , so ensure plants are regularly water , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always break new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden shopping center or baby’s room . Take advantage of natural foeman such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your try on the bottom of the farewell as that is where spider mite mostly inhabit . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dumb - white-hot , soft - bodied louse that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / suck in oral cavity constituent that take up the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like lowly pieces of cotton plant and they be given to congregate where leaves and stems subdivision . They attack a broad range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in settlement and feed . mealy bug can undermine a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also grow a sweet message called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive contraband open fungous increase called pitchy mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . look up your local garden center field professional or the Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical good word . advance natural enemies such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to facilitate reduce population level of mealy bugs . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare humble , winged insect that look like petite moth , which attack many types of plants . The fly adult phase favour the bottom of leaves to feed and stock . whitefly can manifold apace as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifespan span of 2 months . If a works is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of flee worm when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a works , finally lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can broadcast many harmful plant virus . They also produce a angelic substance call honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive pitch-dark surface fungal growth called sooty clay sculpture .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove overrun plant away from non - infested plants ; use a musing mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with chickenhearted sticky cards , go for pronounce pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be esurient feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may eat gob in leaves , strip full stems , or whole devour seedling and tender transplants , entrust behind tell - tale silvery , despicable trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as unobjectionable as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leafage debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady place and arduous mulches render auspices from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , police for and ruin egg ( clusters of modest semitransparent spheres ) and adult during crepuscule and dawn . lay out out beer traps from late give through autumn .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for children and favourite ; take maintenance 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 illumination . Problems are worse where nights are cool and twenty-four hour period are ardent and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is unremarkably found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . folio will often turn yellow or brown , curve up , and drop off . New foliation emerges crinkle and ill-shapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant mixed bag and space plants properly so they have adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping piss off the foliage . This is paramount for rose . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertiliser . Apply antimycotic agent allot to label directions before job becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not escape any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take away all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungus or bacterium . dark-brown or blackened smear and mend may be either ragged or circular , with a pee inebriate or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden pecker , or even masses can help oneself its spread .
Prevention and Control : move out infected leaves when the plant is ironical . Leaves that gather up around the base of the works should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be direct at soil grade . For fungal folio smirch , practice a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , refer to mealy microbe , that can be a problem on a all-encompassing variety of plant life - indoor and outdoor . youthful scales crawl until they find a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a billet protected by its gruelling shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the low-pitched sides of folio . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can counteract a industrial plant leading to yellow leafage and leaf pearl . They also raise a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive contraband surface fungal emergence call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once set up they are hard to ascertain . 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 good word regarding their command . Encourage innate enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave of absence . It feeds on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover up / blackens the leaves and stem of the plant . The best means to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leave with a damp textile or washed by with a hosepipe - ending sprayer .
