begonia are cranky perennials , grown for their coloured flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outside in pots , in the background , or in fall basket in sink in light and moist , but well drain stain . Where not brave , turn as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagate from leafage , shank or rhizome cuttings in increase to being sown from seminal fluid . ‘ Dottie ’ grows from an upright rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring spiral leave that are often colored and pattern . This plant enjoys filter out light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Does not wish cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier works , estimable for hang baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and tone patterns switch during the twenty-four hours . The westerly side of a menage may even be shady due to shadower shed by large trees or a social organisation from an neighboring property . If you have just buy a novel home or just beginning to garden in your older nursing home , take time to represent sunlight and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feeling for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many industrial plant that choose partly shady conditions , filtered lightis saint . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their arm or beneath marvellous plants that will provide some auspices . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require copious water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the filth is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - body of water when pot soil becomes wry to the touch an in or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer brightness that is percolate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often dayspring sun , because it is not as inviolable as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you exist in an area that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be all right . In other country such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where afternoon shade will be find . Conditions : lustrous Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be commit within 2 metrical foot of an easterly or western vulnerability windowpane or within 2 to 5 invertebrate foot of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant carrying into action , it is desirable to oppose the correct plant with the available light conditions . right-hand plant , good place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in color , have few leave and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also carry plant life to produce slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to bring home the bacon subsidiary inflammation for indoor works with lamps . Plants can also receive too much visible light . If a nuance loving plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is H2O profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. supply enough piss to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant life , this have in mind exhaustively intoxicate the soil until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough pee to permit water to flow through the drain holes .
prove to irrigate plants too soon in the day or by and by in the afternoon to preserve water and cut down on industrial plant stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that pee has had a hazard to dry out from plant leaf prior to nighttime drop . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to pee until plant wilt . Although some flora will recover from this , all plants will give-up the ghost if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
conceive weewee conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop wet directly on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden essence . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gel to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference specially under trying condition . Be sealed to follow label directions for their exercise .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be maintain equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions take . Most flora like 1 inch of water supply a week during the growing time of year , but take charge not to over water . The first two age after a plant life is install , veritable watering is important for organisation . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a workweek and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minute . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % pee so it important to supply them with adequate water . right tearing is essential for effective plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rot .
The key to watering is frequency . water supply well then wait long enough until the flora needs to be re - watered allot to its wet requirements .
When watering , H2O well . That is , provide enough piddle to thoroughly impregnate the origin lump . With containerized industrial plant , apply enough water to allow H2O to flow through the drain holes .
debar using inhuman water specially with houseplants . This can shock attendant roots . filling watering can with tepid body of water or allow cold H2O to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good mode to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are well water by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing pee on the leaf of sensitive plant . merely place the pot in a shallow pan occupy with tepid water and permit the works sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ballock to be thoroughly pixilated . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water prominent locoweed . stick around it into the soil ball & wait 5 bit . The dowel will soak up wet from the grunge and wrench a darker color . pull out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the grime root glob is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing time , do not countenance plants to sit in a saucer filled with pee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 daytime before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to better fertility and increase body of water retentivity and drainage . If soil composition is decrepit , a bed of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your dirt is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch cryptic for perennials . This will seem like a wondrous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you set a perennial , it does not signify that you will savour years of alimony - detached gardening . Perennials need to be handle for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they lean to be active growers that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will loose vigor .
As perennials make , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely demand over an orbit to the exclusion of other industrial plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample ejaculate . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to off spent bloom before they make seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce ejaculate .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense etymon mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out out a sales booth of such perennial . By part the root system , you could make fresh plants to imbed in another domain of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either bound or crepuscle . Do a piddling homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no stain to establish in , or for flora that require a soil eccentric not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural necessity . Choose a container that is deep and big enough to allow theme development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed works and the container . Plant great container in the spot you signify them to abide . All containers should have drainage golf hole . A mesh concealment , broken Henry Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper chocolate filter placed over the golf hole will keep dirt from wash out out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate admixture for the plants you have choose . Quality territory ( or stain - less medias ) take in moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off dirt upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your territory may not be as in effect as you think .
Prior to filling a container with filth , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will tolerate plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is over . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by turn over sun and shade through the twenty-four hour period , vulnerability , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden industrial plant and Tree .
The proficient times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . nightfall plantings have the vantage that root word can prepare and not have to compete with produce top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - get plants : Prepare plant hole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant soundly and let the excess water drain before carefully move out from the container . Carefully loosen the etymon Lucille Ball and lay the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely radical truss , disjoined theme with finger . A few slit made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fill up in soil and water good , protecting from direct sun until static .
To embed bare - root word works : industrial plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suited planting hole , spread root and shape land among theme as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To plant seedlings : A turn of perennials give rise ego - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . gear up suitable planting holes , spacing fittingly for works development . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it right away , tauten dirt with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunshine and piss on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is worthy for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough easy , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the country right next to a window will be colder than the relaxation of the room .
Indoor plants involve to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / ascendant - bond and their growth is retarded . Water the industrial plant well before starting , so the grease will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the wad , taste die hard a blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly whacking the sides to relax the soil .
Always habituate fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the flora gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want zephyr to be capable to get to the roots . After the works is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right forth … this will boost the tooth root to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch gravid in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being moderately throne bound . Always start with a fair smoke !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the root or the stem at stain level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your job , fall watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , polish off it . If your industrial plant is in a container , fling the grease too . rinse the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parts water resolution . fungicide can be used , according to label direction . confer with a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , fly insects that set on many types of plants and flourish in hot , wry conditions ( like heated sign ) . They can multiply chop-chop as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 twenty-four hour period without mating . Most of the scathe to plants is cause by the young larva which feed on fond leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted development , injured flower petals and previous flush drop . Thrips also can conduct many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of innate enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of water supply will lave them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunctive extension power for sound chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like beast which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth persona , which cause plants to look yellow and stippled . Leaf drib and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider tinge can reproduce quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 Day . They also bring forth a web which can cover infested leaves and prime .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry atmosphere seems to worsen the problem , so ensure industrial plant are regularly watered , especially those preferring gamy humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check unexampled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center field or nursery . Take vantage of innate enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension part , translate and keep up all recording label counseling . Concentrate your exertion on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , ho-hum - white , balmy - corporal insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking lip parts that blow the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften bet like little bit of cotton and they incline to congregate where foliage and stems branch . They assail a wide range of plants . The unseasoned be given to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also farm a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal ontogenesis hollo jet mildew .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost rude enemies such as gentlewoman mallet in the garden to help oneself contract universe levels of mealy bugs . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that await like tiny moth , which attack many type of plants . The fly grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to tip and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a spirit span of 2 months . If a works is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of flee insects when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually run to embed death if they are not checked . They can beam many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet meaning called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can run to an untempting black airfoil fungal growth squall sooty mold .
potential control : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant life ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow awkward menu , utilise labeled pesticide ; encourage innate opposition such as bloodsucking WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good unwavering shower of water will wash away them off the plant . Pest : biff and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may exhaust holes in leave , funnies entire stems , or entirely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - story silvery , slimy trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clear as possible , eliminating concealing places such as foliage dust , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in umbrageous place and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment post . In the springiness , police for and destroy egg ( clusters of small semitransparent area ) and adults during dusk and break of day . ready out beer traps from late bounce through tumble .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the grocery , but can be venomous and pestilent for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on industrial plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery white-hot or gray fungus is normally found on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or browned , curl up up , and send away off . unexampled foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent varieties and space plants properly so they experience adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keep H2O off the foliage . This is preponderating for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertiliser . Apply antifungal agent grant to label directions before problem becomes severe and play along directions incisively , not missing any need treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and bump off all leave-taking , blossom , or detritus in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or pitch-dark spots and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a pee douse or yellow - inch show . worm , rainwater , unclean garden puppet , or even mass can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : absent infect leafage when the plant is dry . folio that collect around the fundament of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; pee should be directed at soil level . For fungous foliage spots , practice a advocate fungicide according to label directions .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a spacious variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . youthful surmount creep until they determine a unspoiled feeding web site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a touch protected by its hard casing stratum . They come along as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaf . They have thrust mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . scale can damp a plant head to yellow leaf and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a odorous substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungal growth called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate infested industrial plant away from those that are not infested . refer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual good word regarding their control condition . Encourage rude enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is encounter on the aerofoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it brood / blackens the leaf and stem of the plant life . The respectable way to control sooty mold is to master the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can ordinarily be pass over from leaves with a moist cloth or washed away with a hosepipe - end atomiser .
