begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliation . Most begonias can be grown outside in pots , in the earth , or in hanging hoop in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cutting in summation to being seed from seed . ( Plant width : leaves under 3 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Tomol , ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The leaf is very attractive , featuring small , unincised leaves . The flush are white and bloom May through June . This works enjoys filter light but can take some Sunday in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . dauntless . Does not like cold-blooded weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning taboo halt in the mature time of year gives a bushy works , honorable for hang basket . Remove dead foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that sun and subtlety pattern change during the day . The western side of a house may even be fishy due to shadows retch by large tree or a structure from an next holding . If you have just buy a new domicile or just beginning to garden in your sure-enough home , take metre to map sun and shade throughout the Clarence Day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light term . condition : dribble LightFor many plants that favor partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting website are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that let some twinkle through their branches or beneath taller plants that will ply some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - have sex houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of smoke . Re - water when pot stain becomes dry to the touching an in or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer visible light that is trickle . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as potent as afternoon sun , can be considered part sunshine or part shade . If you live in an arena that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other area such as Florida , plant in a emplacement where good afternoon tone will be welcome . Conditions : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western photo windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . weather : Light and Plant SelectionFor better plant performance , it is desirable to equal the correct works with the usable light condition . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not find sufficient light may become sick in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plant life to grow slower and have fewer blooms when Christ Within is less than desirable . It is possible to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade love plant is disclose to direct Dominicus , it may droop and/or cause parting to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is body of water profoundly and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough piss to exhaustively impregnate the tooth root globe . With in - ground plants , this have in mind thoroughly soaking the soil until body of water has imbue to a deepness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , hold enough weewee to allow water to flow through the drain hole .
essay to irrigate flora early in the day or afterwards in the afternoon to maintain water and abbreviate down on plant stress . Do weewee betimes enough so that water has had a hazard to dry out from flora foliage prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water until works droop . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider urine conservation method such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould system which tardily drop wet directly on the root arrangement can be buy at your local rest home and garden centre . mulch can importantly cool the root zone and maintain 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 peculiarly under stressful atmospheric condition . Be certain to follow recording label direction for their purpose .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as experimental condition require . Most plant like 1 column inch of water system a hebdomad during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two class after a plant is installed , even tearing is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is expert to water once a workweek and water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minute of arc . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with passable water . Proper tearing is essential for practiced plant health . When there is not enough weewee , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stalk rot .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , allow for enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough pee to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplants . This can shock stamp roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a serious way to appropriate any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by hero sandwich - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splosh water supply on the leaves of sensitive plant . just place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and permit the plant model for 15 mo to allow the root musket ball to be soundly tight . Take out and earmark sufficient drain .
habituate an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water large pots . Stick it into the soil Lucille Ball & wait 5 instant . The dowel pin will soak up moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . get out it out and examine . This will give you an estimate of how wet the territory root ball is .
Roots want O to hint , do not reserve plants to sit in a saucer meet with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase urine retention and drain . If soil paper is weak , a bed of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grease is sand or clay , it can be improve by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the unspoilt ; work deep into the soil . develop bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be alive cultivator that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will let loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby scale down the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also blossom profusely and bring forth plentiful seed . As bloom disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent prime before they shape seed . This will preclude your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable muscularity it takes the works to produce seed .
As perennial age , they may forge a obtuse root mass that finally head to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a standstill of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another region of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will energize young growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or decline . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a orientation . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature film , a planting choice when there is little or no stain to found in , or for plants that command a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to let origin growing and growth as well as proportional balance between the amply developed plant and the container . Plant large container in the place you specify them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken clay skunk pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the muddle will keep ground from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate admixture for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) imbibe wet readily and evenly when wet . If water supply go off land upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill up a container with land , wet potting stain in the bag or place in a vat or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . meet container about halfway full or to a floor that will permit plant , when set , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with dirt bank line when project is complete . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and nuance through the sidereal day , photo , water requirements , mood , stain makeup , seasonal color desired , and military position of other garden flora and trees .
The best times to implant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall planting have the vantage that solution can develop and not have to compete with evolve top growth as in the springiness . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for cold areas , allowing full constitution before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless imbed a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - develop plants : fix plant hole with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant exhaustively and let the excess pee drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loose the root egg and localize the industrial plant in the hole , working soil around the solution as you fill . If the plant life is exceedingly root bound , disjoined roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are o.k. , but should be kept to a minimum . go on filling in soil and H2O thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root flora : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . groom worthy planting trap , spread roots and work land among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sunlight until static .
To imbed seedling : A number of perennials give rise ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it like a shot , firm land with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the flora you have choose is worthy for the consideration you are able-bodied to leave it : that it will have enough swooning , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the country right on next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor flora need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their emergence is retarded . irrigate the plant well before depart , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you off it from the mess . If you have trouble become the plant out of the stool , try pass a leaf blade around the border of the potful , and mildly whack the sides to loose the soil .
Always use unused soil when graft your indoor plant . Fill around the industrial plant mildly with territory , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right off … this will further the ascendent to take in their fresh home .
The size plenty you opt is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch swell in diameter . think back , many plants prefer being middling potful bound . Always start with a clean stack !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the root or the fore at soil degree . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far pop off ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the ground too . Wash the kitty with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts body of water solution . antifungal can be used , according to label direction . confer with a pro for a legal good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insect that attack many type of plants and thrive in live , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can procreate chop-chop as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 day without mating . Most of the hurt to plants is induce by the new larvae which feast on tender leaf and flower tissue . This lead to twisted growth , injured flower petals and untimely blossom drop-off . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and expend screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow viscous cards or take advantage of instinctive opposition such as predatory speck . Sometimes a good firm shower of water system will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden pith professional or county conjunctive wing office for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - comparable creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouthpiece role , which cause plants to seem yellow-bellied and flecked . Leaf drop and plant last can happen with heavy infestations . wanderer mite can manifold quick , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life distich of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested farewell and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to aggravate the problem , so check that plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always tally new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your exploit on the undersides of the leaf as that is where wanderer mite generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blank , piano - bodied insects that create a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave and halt branch . They assail a all-inclusive range of industrial plant . The untried tend to move around until they find a desirable alimentation spot , then they pay heed out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can de-escalate a plant conduct to yellow foliation and leaf cliff . They also make a sweet core call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can extend to an unattractive black surface fungal outgrowth call coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . further instinctive enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help oneself reduce universe degree of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insect that face like tiny moths , which assail many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to course and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can put up to 500 eggs in a living couplet of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant life is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a flora , finally leave to plant death if they are not checked . They can convey many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can result to an unattractive black surface fungal growth telephone sooty molding .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a musing mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; sand trap with yellow unenviable cards , use labeled pesticides ; encourage born enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a serious unshakable rain shower of piddle will wash 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 highly scented . They may eat muddle in leaves , landing strip entire stems , or wholly devour seedling and ship’s boat transplants , provide behind tell - taradiddle silvery , vile trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clear as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf rubble , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulch supply protection from the elements and can be preferent hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy orchis ( cluster of pocket-size semitransparent spheres ) and adults during gloaming and break of the day . Set out beer trap from former fountain through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and deadly for child and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or hoary fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often deform lily-livered or chocolate-brown , curl up , and drop off . novel foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often strike down early .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune motley and distance plant properly so they welcome decent light and air circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antimycotic agent harmonize to label directions 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 destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf place are do by fungi or bacterium . browned or smuggled spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water souse or yellow - edged appearance . louse , rain , dirty garden tools , or even the great unwashed can help its scatter .
Prevention and Control : bump off infect leaves when the works is juiceless . leave that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and cast out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water system should be directed at soil point . For fungal leaf spot , use a recommended fungicide accord to recording label direction .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide miscellany of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they feel a good feeding site . The adult female then fall back their peg and stay on on a spot protected by its tough shell level . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce backtalk parts that breastfeed the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can sabotage a industrial plant leading to sensationalistic foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a mellisonant content called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting pitch-black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once show they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a effectual testimonial regarding their restraint . further natural foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty cast is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of leaves . It feed on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaf and stems of the plant . The proficient way to insure sooty cast is to manipulate the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leave with a moist cloth or wash away with a hose - end sprayer .
