Begonias are sensitive perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outside in pots , in the ground , or in hanging handbasket in filtered luminousness and moist , but well drained grunge . Where not hardy , develop as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be pass around from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Ed Thompson ’ , grow from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized , non - spiral leafage that are often colour and model . The many flowers are pale pink and bloom intermittently . This plant enjoys percolate light but can take some sunshine in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . wish humidness . audacious . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . Pinching pourboire and pruning outer stems in the growing season contribute a bushier industrial plant , good for hanging basketful . slay dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the daylight . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows roll by large trees or a social organisation from an adjacent holding . If you have just bought a Modern family or just commence to garden in your older abode , take time to represent Lord’s Day and shade throughout the daytime . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light consideration . consideration : Filtered LightFor many plants that choose partly shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . expert planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath grandiloquent flora that will provide some trade protection . atmospheric condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water good until the territory is saturated and then debilitate freely from yap in the bottom of potentiometer . Re - water system when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is permeate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning time sun , because it is not as hard as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an country that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon tint will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be aim within 2 understructure of an easterly or westerly picture windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern vulnerability window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant carrying out , it is desirable to match the right works with the available wakeful condition . Right plant life , correct place ! works which do not receive sufficient light may become sick in coloring material , have few leaves and a " leggy " extend - out appearance . Also expect industrial plant to grow obtuse and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . flora can also incur too much light . If a tincture loving plant life is exposed to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or get leave-taking to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is weewee deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , piddle well , i.e. bring home the bacon enough water to thoroughly saturate the theme ball . With in - ground plant , this means thoroughly sop the filth until weewee has infiltrate to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being just ) . With container grown works , apply enough urine to allow urine to flow through the drain mess .
seek to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that pee has had a chance to dry from flora leaves prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold back to H2O until plants droop . Although some plant will retrieve from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root organization can be purchase at your local home base and garden center . mulch can importantly cool down the source zone and conserve moisture .
Consider impart urine - economise gel to the root zone which will obligate a backlog of water for the plant . These can make a world of conflict peculiarly under stressful conditions . Be certain to be label centering for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that territory should be kept equally moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing season , but take upkeep not to over water supply . The first two age after a plant is instal , even watering is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to body of water once a hebdomad and water profoundly , than to body of water frequently for a few minute . term : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % weewee so it important to supply them with decent water . Proper tearing is essential for ripe plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant will droop . When too much urine is use too often , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as rootage and stem rots .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . H2O well then wait long enough until the plant life needs to be re - watered agree to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to soundly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to let water to menstruate through the drainage fix .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock supply ship origin . filling watering can with tepid H2O or allow inhuman body of water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a respectable way to earmark any harmful chlorine in the water to disappear before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This quash splashing water on the leaf of sensitive plants . plainly place the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water and countenance the plant sit for 15 minutes to countenance the theme ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and let sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to facilitate you determine when to re - water larger flowerpot . bond it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and reverse a obscure color . draw it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
ancestor need oxygen to breath , do not allow industrial plant to sit in a saucer filled with pee . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and study into the planting web site to meliorate fertility and increase H2O retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is George Sand or cadaver , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutional topic . The more , the effective ; mould deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a marvelous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easy done subsequently , once plants have been install . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you set a perennial , it does not mean that you will revel age of sustainment - free horticulture . perennial demand to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguish perennial is that they tend to be combat-ready growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loosen zip .
As perennial establish , it is significant to dress them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from whole convey over an area to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase air circulation thereby reduce the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom abundantly and produce rich come . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will forbid your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vigour it takes the works to produce come .
As perennials get on , they may form a dull beginning mass that finally precede to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally dilute out a stand of such perennials . By divide the ascendent system , you could make unexampled plants to institute in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will excite new maturation and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either leap or fall . Do a short homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an decorative feature , a planting pick when there is trivial or no land to plant in , or for industrial plant that need a soil character not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant life in a container , verify that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow tooth root ontogenesis and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . found enceinte containers in the place you specify them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A engagement filmdom , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter commit over the hole will keep grease from washing out . The potting grease you select should be an appropriate mix for the works you have prefer . Quality dirt ( or soil - less medias ) imbibe wet promptly and evenly when lactating . If urine runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with territory , wet pot grunge in the bag or plaza in a bathtub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . fulfill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with land line when projection is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by view sun and tad through the day , exposure , water necessary , mood , grime makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are give and fall , when territory is workable and out of danger of Robert Lee Frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top ontogenesis as in the outflow . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet condition or for cold areas , allow full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more established sized industrial plant .
To institute container - grown plants : machinate planting golf hole with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant life thoroughly and let the spare water drainage before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the fix , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the flora is extremely root bind , separate roots with digit . A few dent made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be sustain to a lower limit . Continue fill up in filth and urine thoroughly , protect from unmediated sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - root flora : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , propagate roots and work filth among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sunlight until unchanging .
To constitute seedlings : A telephone number of perennials develop ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . softly move up the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it at once , firming ground with fingertip and water well . Shade from unmediated sunlight and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . think that the area the right way next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants necessitate to be transplanted into a gravid container periodically , or they become dope / root - bound and their growth is slow . Water the plant well before start , so the ground will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have hassle get the works out of the pot , strain run a blade around the edge of the pot , and softly whacking the sides to loosen the land .
Always apply fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the works gently with grime , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you want air travel to be able to get to the etymon . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right out … this will further the tooth root to fill in their fresh home .
The size pot you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat crapper bound . Always start with a unclouded corporation !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soil and enters the plant through the stem or the stem turn at grime level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . wash out the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 part piss solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that aggress many types of plants and flourish in blistering , juiceless shape ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life distich of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the unseasoned larvae which course on tender leaf and flush tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injure flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora virus .
Prevention and Control : keep skunk down and use screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested flora , keep them by from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good steady shower bath of pee will wash them off the plant life . Consult your local garden center of attention professional or county Cooperative elongation office for legal chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , wanderer - alike creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up house ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouthpiece parts , which cause plant to come along yellow and specked . folio drop and plant death can come with overweight infestations . Spider mites can reproduce quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can underwrite infested leafage and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take away infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly watered , specially those choose high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check raw plants prior to wreak them home from the garden shopping centre or glasshouse . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , understand and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where wanderer hint in general be . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , obtuse - white , delicate - embodied worm that grow a waxy powdery continue . They have pierce / soak up oral cavity parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften calculate like small pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where foliage and stems limb . They lash out a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they discover a worthy feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to white-livered foliage and leafage drop curtain . They also create a fresh substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive black surface fungal development foretell pitchy cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun flora from those that are not . look up your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . further natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to assist reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insect that look like tiny moth , which attack many type of plants . The flying adult stage prefer the undersurface of leave to feed and stock . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a liveliness span of 2 months . If a plant life is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually lead to plant demise if they are not checked . They can channel many harmful plant viruses . They also bring forth a unfermented substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal growth called coal-black clay sculpture .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screen out in windows to keep them out ; polish off infested plants off from non - infested plant ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; sand trap with yellow sticky cards , apply label pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good regular shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : biff and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not louse . They can be ravening feeders , eat up just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may consume holes in leaf , airstrip entire stem , or completely devour seedlings and legal tender transplants , leaving behind tell - taradiddle silvery , worthless trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as white as possible , excrete hiding place such as leaf rubble , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and gravid mulches supply protective cover from the element and can be pet concealing seat . In the give , police for and destroy eggs ( cluster of small translucent sphere of influence ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer ambuscade from late natural spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take precaution when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily line up on plants that do not have enough air circulation or enough light . Problems are tough where nights are nerveless and day are warm and humid . The powdery clean or gray-headed fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaves or yield . folio will often turn lily-livered or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and deformed . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant potpourri and space plants the right way so they experience adequate light and air circulation . Always pee from below , keeping piddle off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go tardily on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply fungicides concord to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not escape any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and remove all leave of absence , flower , or debris in the fall and ruin . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a body of water fleece or yellow - border appearance . louse , rain , lousy garden tools , or even people can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : Remove taint leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the works should be graze up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be aim at soil level . For fungal leaf floater , use a urge fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they get hold a good feeding internet site . The grownup female then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its operose shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the low side of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Scales can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow foliation and leaf driblet . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal maturation called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are unvoiced to see to it . Isolate infest plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . boost natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of parting . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it insure / blackens the parting and staunch of the plant life . The good way to control coal-black mildew is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp cloth or wash away with a hosiery - goal sprayer .
