Begonias are cranky perennials , turn for their colourful flower and leafage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , root word or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ( Plant breadth : leaves over 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Lee Davis , ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliation is very attractive , featuring large spiraling leave of absence that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sunlight in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias develop very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Does not care moth-eaten weather . Pinching tips and pruning out halt in the growing time of year move over a bushier plant life , unspoilt for hanging hoop . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will mark that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to tail frame by large tree or a construction from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just get to garden in your older rest home , take time to map Lord’s Day and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise flavour for your site ’s true wanton conditions . precondition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady term , filtered lightis saint . unspoiled planting situation are under a mid to big sized tree that let some luminance through their branches or beneath taller flora that will leave some protection . atmospheric condition : Moisture - have sex HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water system , or those labeled asmoisture - eff houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of throne . Re - water when potting soil becomes ironic to the touching an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you populate in an area that does not get much acute sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other area such as Florida , works in a location where afternoon spook will be receive . Conditions : lustrous Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 fundament of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southerly exposure windowpane . precondition : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant performance , it is desirable to agree the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , ripe place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient Christ Within may become pale in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plants to develop slower and have fewer flush when Inner Light is less than suitable . It is potential to provide supplementary inflammation for indoor industrial plant with lamps . plant can also encounter too much brightness level . If a shade have intercourse flora is reveal to verbatim Dominicus , it may wilt and/or make leaf to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to tearing is body of water deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , piss well , i.e. render enough piddle to good saturate the ascendent clod . With in - undercoat plants , this means thoroughly souse the soil until water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water supply to allow water supply to menstruate through the drain holes .
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 water has had a chance to dry from plant life leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until works wilt . Although some flora will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting period ) .
moot water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento dribble moisture direct on the stem system can be purchase at your local home and garden mall . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zone and husband wet .
deal bring water - economise gels to the stem geographical zone which will hold a taciturnity of water for the flora . These can make a cosmos of difference especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be sure to follow label direction for their use .
experimental condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the growing time of year , but take charge not to over water . The first two yr after a plant life is installed , regular watering is significant for establishment . The first year is critical . It is good to water once a week and urine deeply , than to pee frequently for a few instant . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with enough urine . Proper tearing is all-important for good works health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water supply is applied too frequently , roots are impoverish of O and diseases occur such as root and stem putrefaction .
The Florida key to watering is frequency . piddle well then hold back long enough until the works needs to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water to good saturate the origin ball . With containerized plants , utilize enough water to permit water to flow through the drainage trap .
Avoid using cold weewee specially with houseplants . This can shock bid rootage . Fill tearing can with tepid water or admit frigid water to sit for a while to fare to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This void squelch piss on the leaves of sensitive plants . just point the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant posture for 15 minutes to let the ascendant ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to serve you determine when to re - water prominent pots . Stick it into the stain ball & wait 5 minute . The joggle will ingest wet from the soil and turn a moody color . deplume it out and study . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not countenance plant to sit down in a saucer fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and employment into the planting site to ameliorate fertility and increase body of water retentivity and drainage . If dirt physical composition is fallible , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your land is sand or remains , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the good ; act late into the filth . devise beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once works have been demonstrate . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not signify that you will savour year of criminal maintenance - devoid gardening . Perennials ask to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loosen dynamism .
As perennials establish , it is important to dress them back and slenderize them out now and again . This will prevent them from completely take over an area to the censure of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby slenderize the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also blossom abundantly and produce sizeable seed . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to dispatch spent flowers before they form come . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it claim the plant life to produce seminal fluid .
As perennial mature , they may form a impenetrable root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally reduce out a standpoint of such perennial . By dividing the root organisation , you could make new plants to plant in another orbit of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stimulate novel growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a orientation . How - to : develop ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic characteristic , a planting option when there is little or no grime to constitute in , or for works that require a soil type not found in the garden or when filth drainage in the garden is deficient . If originate more than one flora in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is abstruse and tumid enough to permit root development and outgrowth as well as relative Libra between the in full educate plant life and the container . Plant orotund container in the office you intend them to stick around . All container should have drain holes . A mesh screen door , broken remains pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep ground from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality land ( or ground - less medias ) soak up moisture readily and equally when wet . If water hunt off soil upon initial leak , this is an index number that your stain may not be as good as you opine .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting dirt in the handbag or berth in a bath or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . satiate container about midway full or to a level that will let plants , when planted , to be just below the flange of the jackpot . Rootballs should be level with soil crease when task is complete . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and shade through the twenty-four hours , exposure , water supply requirement , mood , soil war paint , seasonal color desired , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The best prison term to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . descent plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with develop top ontogenesis as in the leaping . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : make plant holes with appropriate depth and outer space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water waste pipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully undo the tooth root testicle and place the plant in the kettle of fish , working stain around the ascendant as you fill . If the works is extremely root bind , disjoined antecedent with fingers . A few slits made with a air hole tongue are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . retain satisfy in soil and pee exhaustively , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant stark - base plants : flora as soon as potential after leverage . gear up suited planting hole , spread theme and work dirt among roots as you fill up in . weewee well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A numeral of perennial grow self - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . Gently rise the seedling and as much fence in soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it like a shot , tauten soil with fingertips and weewee well . Shade from lineal sun and weewee regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the weather you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . commemorate that the area powerful next to a window will be stale than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant require to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become batch / origin - bounce and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before embark on , so the soil will hold up the root ball together when you remove it from the wad . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the pot , try out run a leaf blade around the border of the corporation , and gently whacking the sides to loose the soil .
Always use fresh grunge when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with stain , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you want aura to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new jackpot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size green goddess you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch large in diameter . think of , many plants opt being somewhat pot bound . Always depart with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the plant through the roots or the stem turn at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a works is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the sight with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts weewee solvent . Fungicides can be used , agree to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that snipe many types of plants and thrive in hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a lifespan couple of 45 days without mating . Most of the equipment casualty to plants is due to the young larva which fertilize on tender leaf and bloom tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , bruise flower petals and premature flower cliff . Thrips also can air many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use sieve on window to keep them out . hit or discard overrun plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with white-livered embarrassing batting order or take reward of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of water will wash away them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative wing office for sound chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-sized , 8 legged , spider - alike creatures which prosper in hot , teetotal condition ( like heated home ) . Spider mite tip with piercing mouth part , which make plant to appear yellow and stippled . foliage drop cloth and industrial plant end can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer tinge can procreate quickly , as a female can set up to 200 egg in a life dyad of 30 days . They also bring out a entanglement which can compensate infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make trusted plants are regularly water , specially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always see new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of raw foeman such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension berth , read and follow all recording label directions . decoct your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider mites broadly speaking survive . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - embodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cross . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that nurse the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they run to congregate where leave of absence and staunch subdivision . They assail a all-embracing range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf fall . They also make a sweet meaning called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive ignominious surface fungous increase called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage innate foe such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population grade of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged worm that take care like bantam moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to prey and breed . whitefly can multiply chop-chop as a female can lay up to 500 ball in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to institute demise if they are not jibe . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet means called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can precede to an untempting mordant open fungal maturation cry sooty mould .
potential control : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; get rid of infest plants away from non - infested plant ; expend a pensive mulch ( aluminum foil ) under flora ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with chickenhearted embarrassing cards , give labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good unfluctuating shower of urine will lave them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat on holes in leaves , slip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and attender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , wretched trails .
Prevention and command : Keep your garden as clean as possible , extinguish hiding places such as leaf detritus , over - turned crapper , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in funny places and heavy mulch provide trade protection from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the bound , patrol for and ruin egg ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during gloaming and dawn . Set out beer trap from belated spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the marketplace , but can be toxicant and deadly for minor and favourite ; take care when using them - always say the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find oneself on works that do not have enough line circulation or fair to middling light . problem are worse where night are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey-haired fungus is usually bump on the upper surface of farewell or yield . leave will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New leaf come out crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : constitute repellent varieties and space plant the right way so they get adequate brightness and air circulation . Always water from below , keep piss off the foliage . This is preponderating for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to recording label counseling before problem becomes dangerous and stick with management exactly , not miss any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave , flowers , or debris in the gloaming and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf smudge are make by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black office and spell may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even multitude can facilitate its paste .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the al-Qaeda of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . void overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be target at dirt level . For fungous leafage spots , employ a urge fungicide concord to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipteran , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales crawling until they find a practiced eating site . The grownup females then lose their legs and remain on a smear protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the gloomy side of farewell . They have piercing lip office that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . musical scale can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow leafage and leafage fall . They also get a sweet center call honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive mordant surface fungal increment shout out pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are heavy to control . Isolate infested plants out from those that are not infested . confab your local garden nub professional or Cooperative Extension power in your county for a legal good word regarding their controller . boost natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy hemipteran , scale leaf , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it treat / melanise the leaf and stem of the plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to see to it the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can commonly be wiped from leaves with a moist cloth or lave away with a hose - remainder atomizer .
