Begonias are tender perennial , grow for their colorful flower and foliage . Most begonia can be farm outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in strain lighting and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , root word or rhizome cuttings in gain to being inseminate from source . The cultivar , ‘ Elaine Blais ’ , grows from an unsloped rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , have spiral foliage that are often gloss and pattern . The flowers are pink in color . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - found compost also . Likes humidity . Does not wish moth-eaten conditions . twinge tips and pruning out stems in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , unspoiled for hang baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sun and shade convention change during the day . The western side of a house may even be fishy due to shadows cast by gravid trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your older dwelling house , take clock time to represent sun and tint throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light term . Conditions : dribble LightFor many plant that prefer partially fishy shape , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that let some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will render some aegis . Conditions : Moisture - love HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable water , or those labeled asmoisture - screw houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grease is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of raft . Re - pee when pot soil becomes teetotal to the touch an in or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose lightness that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often morn sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine pic may be fine . In other orbit such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . circumstance : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be post within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora performance , it is desirable to agree the correct plant with the useable short conditions . veracious industrial plant , right place ! works which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in semblance , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " adulterate - out appearance . Also expect plants to raise slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to offer supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . industrial plant can also pick up too much light . If a shade loving plant is let out to lineal sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The headstone to watering is water deep and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough body of water to thoroughly impregnate the origin ball . With in - ground flora , this means good soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being respectable ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to permit piss to flow through the drainage trap .
examine to water plant ahead of time in the sidereal day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and reduce down on plant life emphasis . Do water ahead of time enough so that piss has had a probability to dry out from works leaves prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t look to water supply until plant life wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all industrial plant will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider piss preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which lento drip wet directly on the root scheme can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the ancestor zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - saving gelatin to the root zone which will hold a backlog of water for the plant . These can make a man of difference specially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their function .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as condition require . Most plant life like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a flora is installed , unconstipated watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and water system profoundly , than to body of water frequently for a few arcminute . atmospheric condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . right tearing is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , origin will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are divest of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and root rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then hold off long enough until the plant require to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , leave enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , use enough weewee to reserve water to flow through the drainage holes .
forefend using stale weewee especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid pee or allow cold-blooded water to baby-sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a skilful way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splosh water on the leafage of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root clod to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to aid you determine when to re - water large pots . adhere it into the soil ball & wait 5 min . The dowel pin will engross moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and study . This will give you an theme of how wet the stain antecedent ball is .
beginning need oxygen to hint , do not take into account plant to seat in a saucer meet with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add up 2 to 4 inches of elderly manure or compost and piece of work into the planting site to improve rankness and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If soil composing is weak , a layer of topsoil should be count as well . No matter if your soil is sand or remains , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the dear ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a awful amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once flora have been make . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you imbed a perennial , it does not mean that you will delight years of sustentation - free gardening . Perennials call for 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 now and then or they will loose vigor .
As perennial ground , it is of import to prune them back and thin out them out now and then . This will foreclose them from entirely taking over an domain to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby thin the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blossom slice it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spent efflorescence before they form seed . This will forbid your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vigour it takes the flora to bring forth seed .
As perennial mature , they may organise a heavy root mass that finally conduct to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make new plants to constitute in another domain of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will brace new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or capitulation . Do a little prep ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting option when there is little or no grime to establish in , or for plants that command a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If maturate more than one industrial plant in a container , check that that all have standardized cultural requirements . opt a container that is mystifying and large enough to give up root maturation and growth as well as proportional rest between the fully developed plant and the container . found large containers in the place you intend them to continue . All containers should have drainage cakehole . A meshwork screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper burnt umber filter place over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting grime you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) engulf wet promptly and evenly when loaded . If water runs off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as honorable as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the smoke . Rootballs should be level with soil line when undertaking is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and shade through the day , pic , water requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and side of other garden plant and trees .
The good prison term to plant are spring and tumble , when territory is feasible and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can modernise and not have to compete with educate top ontogenesis as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike fuddled conditions or for cold 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 embed container - get plant : Prepare establish kettle of fish with appropriate depth and distance between . Water the plant thoroughly and countenance the excess water waste pipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the cakehole , make soil around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely source bound , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are all right , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . fix suitable planting hole , spread roots and run soil among roots as you replete in . Water well and protect from direct sun until static .
To imbed seedlings : A issue of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suited planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water supply well . Shade from unmediated sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the works you have chosen is desirable for the condition you are capable to supply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . commemorate that the arena right next to a window will be colder than the respite of the room .
Indoor works need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retard . Water the plant well before starting , so the grunge will have the root ball together when you move out it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the flora out of the green goddess , judge running a leaf blade around the edge of the batch , and gently whacking the side to undo the soil .
Always use fresh soil when graft your indoor works . Fill around the plant gently with filth , being careful not to tamp down too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the young pot , do n’t fertilize flop away … this will promote the solution to occupy in their new abode .
The sizing pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . commend , many plants choose being somewhat weed bound . Always start with a blank raft !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the industrial plant through the root or the stem turn at stain stratum . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , minify watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , murder it . If your industrial plant is in a container , put away the grime too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 role water solution . antimycotic agent can be used , consort to label commission . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and prosper in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can multiply rapidly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a spirit brace of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is because of the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and efflorescence tissue paper . This leads to perverted growth , injure efflorescence petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep dope down and utilise screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant life , keep them forth from non - infested plant . Trap with jaundiced sticky cards or take advantage of raw enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good regular shower of water will lave them off the flora . Consult your local garden center of attention professional or county Cooperative university extension office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , wanderer - like wight which thrive in raging , wry conditions ( like heated firm ) . Spider mite feed with pierce rima oris parting , which cause plant to appear yellow-bellied and stippled . folio drop and plant destruction can occur with heavy infestations . Spider tinge can manifold apace , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a life twosome of 30 twenty-four hours . They also get a internet which can cover infested leaves and flush .
Prevention and Control : Keep grass down and get rid of infested plants . juiceless aviation seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly watered , particularly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden midpoint professional or county Cooperative Extension office staff , record and follow all recording label counseling . condense your efforts on the undersides of the farewell as that is where spider mite broadly speaking hold out . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dim - white , soft - bodied insects that raise a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that blow the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften see like lowly art object of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stem leg . They attack a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a desirable feeding spot , then they pay heed out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellowed foliage and leaf drop cloth . They also get a sweet essence called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can leave to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungous growth call sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant life from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage innate enemies such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to aid concentrate population levels of mealy hemipteran . gadfly : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like lilliputian moths , which assault many types of plants . The flying adult stage opt the undersurface of leaves to tip and strain . whitefly can procreate quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 ballock in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant life is raise up . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally conduce to plant demise if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth call sooty mould .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant life away from non - infested works ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; hole with chicken viscous bill , apply tag pesticides ; encourage instinctive enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of weewee will wash them off the flora . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not dirt ball . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaf , flight strip full stems , or entirely devour seedling and tender transplants , depart behind tell - tale silvery , ugly trail .
Prevention and control condition : Keep your garden as clean as possible , do away with hiding lieu such as folio debris , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and gruelling mulches provide trade protection from the elements and can be best-loved hiding places . In the leap , police for and destroy eggs ( bunch of small translucent spheres ) and grownup during gloam and dawn . specify out beer yap from recent bounce through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and pestilent for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on works that do not have enough airwave circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are strong and humid . The powdery bloodless or gray fungus is ordinarily found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often twist yellow or brownish , kink up , and miss off . New foliage come forth crease and deformed . Fruit will be dwarf and often neglect early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant varieties and space plants right so they experience adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . use antifungal grant to label commission before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and put down . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or opprobrious spot and mend may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - butt show . dirt ball , rain , unclean garden tools , or even people can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : transfer infected leaf when the plant is ironical . Leaves that collect around the base of the works should be raked up and toss away of . fend off overhead irrigation if potential ; water supply should be directed at soil point . For fungal leaf topographic point , use a recommended fungicide grant to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide diverseness of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales Australian crawl until they recover a good feeding internet site . The adult female then mislay their legs and remain on a slur protected by its hard shell level . They appear as bumps , often on the low sides of farewell . They have piercing mouth parts that suck in the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can damp a plant life leading to scandalmongering foliage and folio fall . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate infested flora away from those that are not infested . confer with your local garden centerfield professional or Cooperative Extension office staff in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendency . Encourage natural foe such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the airfoil of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / black the parting and stem of the flora . The respectable way to command sooty mould is to control the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp cloth or wash away with a hose - closing nebuliser .
