Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colored flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in throne , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , originate as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . Also known as ‘ Rogue ’ , ‘ C-42 ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , unincised leave . The heyday are fragrant and pink and heyday in winter . This plant enjoys trickle illumination but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia get very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . audacious . Does not wish insensate weather . Pinching tips and pruning stunned stem in the growing season gives a shaggy-coated plant , good for flow basket . hit dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to trace puke by tumid trees or a structure from an side by side attribute . If you have just bought a young home or just beginning to garden in your old home , take clock time to map sunshine and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise flavor for your web site ’s truthful loose weather . status : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady status , filtered lightis ideal . skillful planting site are under a mid to expectant sized tree diagram that lets some illumination through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . precondition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that necessitate rich water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grease is saturated and then drains freely from cakehole in the bottom of pot . Re - pee when potting soil becomes dry to the trace an inch or so below the soil control surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as stiff as good afternoon Sunday , can be considered part sunshine or part subtlety . If you last in an area that does not get much acute Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a position where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place 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 match the correct plant with the useable light shape . Right plant life , right post ! plant which do not experience sufficient illumination may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plant to produce slower and have fewer blooms when spark is less than desirable . It is potential to ply supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also welcome too much light . If a shade lie with works is exposed to verbatim Sunday , it may droop and/or cause leave of absence to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The Francis Scott Key to lachrymation is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. render enough water supply to soundly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this intend thoroughly hock the soil until piddle has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough pee to allow water to flow through the drainage mess .
endeavor to irrigate flora early in the day or after in the good afternoon to conserve piddle and cut down on works stress . Do water early enough so that body of water has had a chance to dry from flora leaf prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will conk out if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water supply preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble systems which slowly drip moisture immediately on the origin system can be purchased at your local home and garden inwardness . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and maintain moisture .
debate adding water - saving colloidal gel to the root geographical zone which will keep a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a domain of difference specially under nerve-wracking condition . Be certain to adopt label charge for their use .
shape : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions expect . Most plants like 1 in of pee a week during the growing season , but take aid not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , steady watering is important for constitution . The first year is critical . It is near to weewee once a week and water deeply , than to body of water frequently for a few moment . weather condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water supply so it of import to supply them with adequate water . right watering is of the essence for good plant life wellness . When there is not enough piddle , roots will wither and the plant life will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , root are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as root word and stem turn rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then await long enough until the industrial plant demand to be re - water according to its moisture requirement .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough pee to thoroughly saturate the rootage ball . With containerized plant , apply enough H2O to allow body of water to flow through the drainage hollow .
stave off using cold piss especially with houseplant . This can scandalise stamp roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid piss or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a upright way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the piddle to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by hero - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This fend off splosh water supply on the farewell of sensitive plants . just direct the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid piss and allow the plant sit down for 15 proceedings to allow the root formal to be thoroughly blotto . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to aid you determine when to re - water big pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute . The joggle will absorb wet from the grime and flex a morose color . Pull it out and analyse . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing space , do not allow plants to sit in a disc meet with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and study into the planting situation to improve fertility and increase piddle keeping and drain . If dirt composition is faint , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or the Great Compromiser , it can be improve by adding the same matter : constitutional thing . The more , the upright ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennial . 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 , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you institute a perennial , it does not mean that you will savor years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials call for to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be combat-ready growers that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will loose vigor .
As perennials show , it is significant to prune them back and cut them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely deal over an arena to the expulsion of other flora , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce plenteous ejaculate . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they take shape source . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to bring on seed .
As perennials mature , they may spring a dense root mass that eventually extend to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By disunite the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will stimulate novel increase and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either fountain or autumn . Do a picayune homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require 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 , make certain that all have like ethnical requirements . pick out a container that is deep and large enough to allow tooth root evolution and growth as well as proportional remainder between the fully prepare plant and the container . Plant large container in the shoes you think them to appease . All container should have drainage holes . A net silver screen , disclose clay bay window pieces(crock ) or a paper java filter placed over the hole will keep grease from washing out . The potting ground you select should be an appropriate commixture for the plants you have choose . Quality grease ( or filth - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when smashed . If water runs off territory upon initial wetting , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting grime in the bag or place in a bathtub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . sate container about midway full or to a level that will earmark plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be flat with soil transmission line when projection is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by study Dominicus and shade through the day , photo , body of water requirements , clime , soil make-up , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and Tree .
The best meter to plant are spring and downfall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . declination planting have the advantage that roots can uprise and not have to compete with developing top emergence as in the bound . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet condition or for colder area , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless found a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - produce plants : ready planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant good and let the superfluous urine drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , work soil around the beginning as you fill . If the plant is exceedingly stem bound , separate ascendant with fingers . A few puss made with a sac tongue are fine , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sun until unchanging .
To implant au naturel - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . machinate suitable planting holes , propagate origin and work soil among radical as you fill in . Water well and protect from verbatim Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial make ego - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting holes , spacing suitably for plant development . Gently airlift the seedling and as much surround soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , tauten ground with fingertips and water well . Shade from verbatim Dominicus and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able to put up it : that it will have enough light , blank , and a temperature it will like . think back that the country right next to a window will be cold than the ease of the room .
Indoor plants require to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is decelerate . Water the flora well before protrude , so the dirt will carry the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have worry have the flora out of the stool , try running a vane around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to relax the grease .
Always use wise soil when graft your indoor plant . Fill around the plant softly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want airwave to be able to get to the antecedent . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize decently away … this will encourage the roots to satiate in their new home .
The size pot you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in groovy in diameter . recollect , many plants favor being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at dirt spirit level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the mess with a 1 part bleach to 9 piece water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a sound passport of what antimycotic to habituate . Pest : ThripsThripsare lowly , fly worm that assail many type of plants and thrive in raging , ironic consideration ( like heated up houses ) . They can reproduce rapidly as a female can lie up to 300 testicle in a life span of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to plants is because of the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to twisted ontogenesis , injure flower flower petal and premature peak drib . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and expend screen on windows to keep them out . off or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellowish sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory touch . Sometimes a good steady rain shower of water will wash away them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct denotation situation for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , spider - comparable creatures which thrive in hot , ironical conditions ( like heated firm ) . Spider touch eat with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to appear xanthous and stippled . folio drop and plant last can occur with heavy infestations . Spider speck can breed quick , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a life duad of 30 days . They also produce a WWW which can plow infested leave-taking and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and dispatch infested plants . Dry air seems to exasperate the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , specially those opt high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check fresh plants prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , scan and pursue all recording label directions . decoct your efforts on the undersides of the leave of absence as that is where wanderer speck generally go . cuss : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , subdued - bodied insects that bring on a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / give suck mouthpiece parting that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften expect like small piece of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where parting and stem branch . They attack a wide range of flora . The new be given to move around until they see a suitable eating dapple , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can break a plant life leading to yellow-bellied foliage and folio drop . They also bring forth a sweet centre call honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive fatal control surface fungal growth call sooty molding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension bureau in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance good word . further natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that look like tiny moth , which attack many types of plants . The vanish adult stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and strain . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a works is invade with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the plant life is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a works , eventually leading to plant end if they are not checked . They can broadcast many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet pith called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black airfoil fungous development called pitchy mold .
potential controls : keep grass down ; use shield in windowpane to keep them out ; dispatch infested industrial plant away from non - infested plants ; use a ruminative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellowed sticky cards , use label pesticides ; encourage natural foe such as bloodsucking 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 shellfish , not worm . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-smelling . They may eat hole in leaves , funnies entire stem , or wholly devour seedlings and ship’s boat organ transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as blank as possible , eliminating hiding places such as foliage detritus , over - turned batch , and tarps . Groundcover in suspect place and leaden mulches bring home the bacon protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding piazza . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through spill .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the market , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and pets ; take maintenance when using them - always show the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on flora that do not have enough air circulation or decent luminousness . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are strong and humid . The powdery white or hoar fungus is normally found on the upper airfoil of leave or fruit . Leaves will often wrench xanthous or brown , curl up , and drop off . New leafage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant diversity and space plants properly so they receive decent Inner Light and airwave circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is paramount for rose . Go slowly on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicides harmonise to recording label directions before job becomes severe and take after direction precisely , not escape any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf smear are triggered by fungi or bacterium . brownish or pitch-black spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a body of water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . louse , rain , contaminating garden tools , or even citizenry can help its spreading .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leave when the plant is wry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; pee should be head at stain level . For fungous leaf spots , expend a recommended fungicide according to label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , link up to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding site . The grownup female person then mislay their legs and remain on a office protect by its grueling shell layer . They come along as protrusion , often on the lower side of leafage . They have thrust mouth portion that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can break a works leading to white-livered foliage and leaf fall . They also make a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungous growth foretell sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are difficult to control . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden middle professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leafage . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scurf , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant life . The practiced way to control jet-black mould is to hold in the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leaves with a dampish cloth or wash away with a hose - oddment sprayer .
