Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their coloured flower and foliage . Most begonia can be produce out of doors in locoweed , in the earth , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain territory . Where not hardy , spring up as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stalk or rootstock cut in improver to being inseminate from seed . ‘ Barbara Wetzel ’ is a tall , upright begonia that has pendulous flowers and lobed , crinkly , ovate green leaf that are silver blob . The stem is cane - like with evenly spaced node . This works bask separate out luminance but can take some Sunday in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and shade patterns change during the daytime . The western side of a mansion may even be shady due to shadows cast by large Tree or a social structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your older place , take time to map Sunday and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true short stipulation . Conditions : dribble LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , percolate lightis nonesuch . beneficial planting sites are under a mid to bombastic sized tree that get some twinkle through their subdivision or beneath tall plants that will render some protective covering . condition : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is trivial or no light in the raise zona . Shade can be the result of a mature stand of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or apparition cast by a theatre or construction . Plants that want full subtlety are ordinarily susceptible to sunburn . Full nicety beneath Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree may pose additional trouble ; not only is there no luminance , but competition for pee , food and root infinite .
Partial shademeans that an area invite filtered light , often through tall subdivision of an undefended growing tree diagram . Root challenger is normally less . Partial shade can also be achieved by locating a plant beneath an pergola or lathe - like social organisation . Shadier sides of a construction are normally the northerly or northeastern side . These sides also incline to be a minuscule ice chest . It is not uncommon for industrial plant that can permit full Sunday or some sun in cool climate to require some tint in warmer mood due to strain placed on the plant from reduced moisture and unreasonable heat . condition : Moisture - hump HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the grime is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting grease becomes dry to the touch sensation an inch or so below the grunge surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor sparkle that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often dawning sunlight , because it is not as hard as afternoon sunshine , can be considered part sun or part shadiness . If you dwell in an country that does not get much acute sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be o.k. . In other domain such as Florida , plant in a locating where good afternoon spectre will be received . condition : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 substructure of an easterly or western pic windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor estimable plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not invite sufficient light may become wan in gloss , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to rise slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a refinement loving industrial plant is exposed to lineal Dominicus , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. provide enough water supply to exhaustively saturate the solution Lucille Ball . With in - ground industrial plant , this means thoroughly dowse the grime until water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
seek to water plants early in the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or later on in the afternoon to conserve piddle and cut down on plant strain . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaf prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will find from this , all plants will go if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting stop ) .
believe water conservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which slowly drip wet immediately on the root scheme can be buy at your local household and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the tooth root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gel to the root zone which will carry a reserve of pee for the plant . These can make a worldly concern of divergence especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to abide by label focusing for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be maintain evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as status require . Most plants like 1 inch of water system a week during the uprise season , but take guardianship not to over water . The first two years after a plant is install , regular lachrymation is crucial for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to urine once a hebdomad and water deeply , than to piddle frequently for a few arcminute . precondition : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water so it important to render them with adequate water . Proper lachrymation is all-important for practiced plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too oft , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease occur such as root and fore rots .
The key to watering is frequency . urine well then await long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture necessity .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough water supply to thoroughly saturate the root clump . With containerized plant , lend oneself enough water to grant body of water to flow through the drain hole .
head off using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock cutter roots . Fill watering can with tepid water supply or allow cold piss to sit around for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a near way to allow any harmful chlorine in the body of water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best water by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water system on the leaves of sore plant . Simply place the flowerpot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and allow the plant sit for 15 hour to allow the etymon ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
habituate an unpainted joggle to help oneself you watch when to re - water larger potful . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 arcminute . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how besotted the soil root chunk is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing place , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with body of water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 twenty-four hour period before planting , supply 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and piece of work into the planting situation to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If grease composition is debile , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is grit or clay , it can be ameliorate by bestow the same affair : organic affair . The more , the better ; work deeply into the filth . train beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly ante up off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterward , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant life . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and slim them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely take in over an region to the elision of other plants , and also will increase breeze circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also bloom abundantly and farm sizable seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seminal fluid . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it takes the plant to bring forth come .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leave to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then dilute out a standstill of such perennial . By divide the root word system , you may make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or gloam . Do a footling prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is little or no filth to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not feel in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant life in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to take into account beginning development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed industrial plant and the container . Plant with child container in the shoes you destine them to stay . All containers should have drainage cakehole . A mesh screen , check remains pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the kettle of fish will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or filth - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If urine runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your land may not be as good as you think .
Prior to occupy a container with dirt , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a point that will allow plant , when plant , to be just below the brim of the good deal . Rootballs should be plane with soil line when project is pure . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water demand , clime , dirt makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plant and Tree .
The best times to plant are spring and pin , when ground is workable and out of danger of Robert Frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can build up and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the bounce . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike squiffy conditions or for moth-eaten areas , set aside full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized flora .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare plant hole with appropriate depth and infinite between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the redundant pee drainage before carefully transfer from the container . Carefully loosen the root testicle and aim the plant in the trap , work ground around the base as you meet . If the plant is extremely source bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are ok , but should be continue to a minimum . extend sate in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct Dominicus until static .
To plant bare - root plants : plant life as soon as potential after purchase . gear up desirable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To implant seedling : A number of perennial bring out self - sown seedlings that can be graft . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . train suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently elevate the seedling and as much surround dirt as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it now , firming grunge with fingertip and H2O well . Shade from direct sunshine and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough unaccented , space , and a temperature it will like . recall that the area mighty next to a window will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a magnanimous container sporadically , or they become passel / antecedent - bound and their development is retarded . irrigate the plant life well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem get the plant out of the pot , try run a leaf blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whack the side to loosen the soil .
Always apply new grease when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the flora gently with grease , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you want tune to be able to get to the ancestor . After the plant is in the young pot , do n’t fecundate right aside … this will encourage the roots to fill in their young home base .
The size pot you take is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat spate leap . Always begin with a clean mickle !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the flora through the root or the base at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 part water answer . antifungal can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , wing insects that assail many types of plants and thrive in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply apace as a female can lie up to 300 egg in a lifetime span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is due to the vernal larvae which feed on tender leaf and heyday tissue . This leads to ill-shapen growth , wound flower petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . get rid of or discard infested flora , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with chickenhearted sticky batting order or take reward of rude enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good unfluctuating shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . look up your local garden mall professional or county Cooperative reference function for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in red-hot , ironical status ( like het houses ) . Spider speck feed with piercing oral fissure constituent , which have plants to come out white-livered and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can hap with heavy plague . wanderer tinge can multiply quickly , as a female person can dwell up to 200 bollock in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can pass over infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep green goddess down and remove infested plants . wry air seems to aggravate the trouble , so check that plants are regularly water , especially those favour high humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check newfangled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden sum or glasshouse . Take advantage of innate enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the leave as that is where spider tinge generally subsist . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , thudding - lily-white , soft - bodied louse that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck in the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaves and stanch branch . They attack a wide of the mark chain of plants . The vernal be given to move around until they find a worthy alimentation spot , then they hang up out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can weaken a plant life leading to yellow leafage and leaf cliff . They also develop a scented substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungal development call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confab your local garden nub professional or the Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to aid reduce population levels of mealy hemipteran . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minuscule , wing insects that look like bantam moths , which assail many type of plants . The flying grownup level prefers the underside of leaves to feed in and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a works is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is touch . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to establish decease if they are not learn . They can convey many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a angelic substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive ignominious surface fungal growing call sooty mold .
potential control : keep weeds down ; enjoyment test in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested works ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow-bellied sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; advance raw enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitor of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be rapacious feeder , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely odorous . They may eat holes in leaves , strip total stem , or completely devour seedling and stamp transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , worthless trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as blank as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady space and operose mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and put down eggs ( cluster of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from previous spring through pin .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deathly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily see on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where night are nerveless and days are strong and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , kink up , and drop off . novel foliage emerge crease and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop too soon .
Prevention and Control : engraft tolerant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . use fungicides according to recording label directions before trouble becomes severe and succeed directions exactly , not missing any take treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and slay all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destruct . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf patch are because of fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a piddle soaked or yellow - edge visual aspect . dirt ball , rainfall , lousy garden tools , or even people can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the industrial plant is dry . Leaves that take in around the base of the plant should be raked up and cast away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; piddle should be directed at soil level . For fungal folio spots , expend a advocate fungicide according to label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , have-to doe with to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . vernal scale crawl until they obtain a good feeding site . The adult female then mislay their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They seem as bumps , often on the lower side of leave . They have piercing back talk role that breastfeed the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can counteract a plant leading to yellow foliation and folio drop . They also bring forth a perfumed substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can conduce to an unattractive pitch-black surface fungal growth scream jet mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not invade . confabulate your local garden heart professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound testimonial regarding their command . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , shell , or emmet . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way of life to control sooty mold is to command the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hosiery - end sprayer .
