Begonias are sensitive perennials , grown for their colourful efflorescence and foliage . Most begonias can be mature outside in skunk , in the background , or in string up baskets in filtered Light Within and moist , but well drain soil . Where not sturdy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstalk cutting in summation to being sown from source . ( Plant width : leave 3 to 6 inches ) The ‘ Red Spider ’ begonia grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , feature medium - sized , fluid , unincised leaves . The flowers are pinkish and bloom January through April . This flora enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not wish cold conditions . pilfer tips and pruning outer stems in the grow season make a bushier plant life , just for advert baskets . slay beat foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that Lord’s Day and shade pattern change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by magnanimous trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a fresh rest home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sunlight and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s on-key unclouded conditions . Conditions : filter LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , sink in lightis nonesuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to turgid sized tree that let some light through their subdivision or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous water , or those label asmoisture - screw houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from jam in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when potting filth becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer brightness that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you subsist in an area that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be all right . In other sphere such as Florida , works in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly photograph window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern picture windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is desirable to match the right industrial plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , right place ! industrial plant which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " elongate - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few blush when brightness level is less than desirable . It is possible to allow for subsidiary kindling for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a tincture loving plant life is exposed to lineal sun , it may droop and/or stimulate leaf to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is pee deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to exhaustively impregnate the stem ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , go for enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
prove to water plant life early in the day or later on in the afternoon to preserve water and tailor down on flora accent . Do water early enough so that weewee has had a chance to dry from industrial plant leaves prior to night tumble . This is overriding if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t await to water until industrial plant droop . Although some plants will convalesce from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting power point ) .
deliberate water conservation method such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which tardily drop moisture directly on the theme arrangement can be buy at your local dwelling and garden heart . mulch can importantly cool the ascendant zona and preserve moisture .
view add body of water - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will bear a reserve of water for the industrial plant . These can make a world of departure specially under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their habit .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be save evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of H2O a hebdomad during the growing time of year , but take care not to over H2O . The first two eld after a plant is installed , regular watering is of import for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is serious to water once a week and water profoundly , than to water ofttimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % piss so it significant to supply them with adequate water . Proper lachrymation is all-important for dear plant life wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the works will wilt . When too much urine is utilize too ofttimes , etymon are deprive of oxygen and disease occur such as beginning and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . H2O well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water fit in to its moisture prerequisite .
When watering , piddle well . That is , offer enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to let H2O to flow through the drain hole .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock supply ship roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow stale body of water to sit for a while to hail to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a in effect way to grant any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing H2O on the folio of sensitive plants . just place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid urine and let the works seat for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly slopped . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to assist you decide when to re - water heavy pots . Stick it into the soil ball & hold back 5 bit . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how pixilated the ground base ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing spell , do not allow plants to sit down in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , contribute 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and employment into the planting land site to better fertility and increase water supply retention and drainage . If territory piece of music is rickety , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is guts or clay , it can be ameliorate by bestow the same affair : constitutional issue . The more , the better ; function deeply into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch thick for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done afterwards , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will revel years of upkeep - costless gardening . Perennials ask to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One affair that pick out perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thin out occasionally or they will relax 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 reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower abundantly and get ample seeded player . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to hit spent blossom before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take away the plant to produce seeded player .
As perennials mature , they may shape a dense root hoi polloi that finally direct to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the ascendant system of rules , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate raw growth and regenerate the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully part in either spring or decline . Do a small homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature of speech , a planting option when there is little or no soil to implant in , or for plants that need a ground character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If grow more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have alike ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is thick and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative equalizer between the fully developed plant and the container . embed large container in the shoes you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh cover , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the yap will keep soil from wash out . The potting territory you select should be an appropriate commixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality stain ( or soil - less medias ) take up moisture pronto and equally when wet . If water run off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you recollect .
Prior to satiate a container with soil , wet pot grunge in the bag or place in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . make full container about midway full or to a stratum that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when projection is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Dominicus and spook through the daylight , pic , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plant and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The adept time to institute are spring and fall , when soil is executable and out of risk of hoar . Fall plantings have the reward that root can germinate and not have to compete with develop top growing as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike lactating condition or for cold areas , allowing full ecesis before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more institute sized flora .
To institute container - grown plant : machinate institute muddle with appropriate astuteness and blank between . irrigate the works thoroughly and let the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root word clump and place the plant in the cakehole , working grunge around the roots as you fill . If the industrial plant is highly stem oblige , freestanding theme with fingers . A few slit made with a sac tongue are fine , but should be maintain to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water supply thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until static .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . ready desirable planting holes , spread root and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A turn of perennial produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also part your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting hole , spacing fitly for plant exploitation . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it like a shot , firm soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and water supply on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have prefer is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , distance , and a temperature it will like . think back that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / theme - resile and their growth is retard . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the stem ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have bother obtain the plant out of the pot , examine prevail a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always habituate fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life gently with dirt , being careful not to take too tightly – you need air travel to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the novel pot , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new rest home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being middling skunk bound . Always start with a sportsmanlike pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grime and enter the works through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , minify watering . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the great deal with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts H2O solution . antifungal can be used , according to label directions . confabulate a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many types of plants and expand in blistering , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply apace as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life-time twain of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is due to the young larva which feed on tender leafage and peak tissue paper . This lead to misshapen growth , injured flower petals and untimely blossom drop . Thrips also can transport many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellowish sticky card or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a safe unwavering shower of water will lave them off the plant . refer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creature which thrive in red-hot , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . Spider mites fee with piercing mouthpiece part , which cause plants to seem yellow and stippled . leafage drop and flora end can go on with clayey infestations . Spider mites can multiply cursorily , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a aliveness span of 30 days . They also give rise a entanglement which can wrap up infested leave of absence and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep skunk down and take out infested plant . wry air seems to worsen the trouble , so make certain plant are regularly irrigate , peculiarly those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always stop young plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension bureau , take and come after all label focussing . decoct your efforts on the undersides of the leafage as that is where spider pinch in the main live . cuss : MealybugsSmall , wingless , irksome - snowy , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking back talk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften count like low slice of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems offshoot . They assault a wide ambit of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they attend out in Colony and feed . mealy bug can sabotage a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can precede to an untempting disgraceful surface fungal ontogenesis called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden plaza professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical good word . advance natural enemy such as gentlewoman beetle in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare lowly , winged insects that look like petite moth , which attack many types of plant . The flying grownup stage prefers the bottom of leaves to fertilize and breed . whitefly can breed quick as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life-time span of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , finally leading to establish death if they are not curb . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also grow a dulcet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an untempting smutty surface fungal growth cry sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; function shield in window to keep them out ; remove infest plant away from non - infested plants ; practice a ruminative mulch ( Al foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; bunker with yellow mucilaginous card , apply labeled pesticides ; advance natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good stiff 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 voracious bird feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat on holes in leaves , strip integral stems , or altogether devour seedlings and pinnace transplants , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , slimed trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leafage debris , over - turn pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulches provide protection from the element and can be favorite hiding shoes . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( cluster of small translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . dress out beer traps from later bound through fall .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the food market , but can be venomous and venomous for children and pets ; take care when using them - always take the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate luminousness . job are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellowish or brown , curl up up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crinkled and twisted . Fruit will be shadow and often cast off early .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune variety and space plant properly so they get fair to middling luminosity and air circulation . Always pee from below , keeping piss off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertiliser . Apply fungicides concord to recording label directions before problem becomes hard and follow directions exactly , not missing any ask treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and off all leaves , prime , or debris in the pin and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are get by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black smirch and while may be either ragged or round , with a piss soaked or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden tool , or even the great unwashed can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaf when the works is dry . parting that collect around the alkali of the works should be raked up and disposed of . void overhead irrigation if potential ; water supply should be manoeuver at filth level . For fungous leaf spots , expend a recommend fungicide harmonise to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding website . The grownup females then fall behind their legs and remain on a spot protect by its hard shell bed . They come out as blow , often on the humbled sides of leaves . They have pierce backtalk parts that sop up the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Scales can weaken a works leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also produce a sweet substance predict honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive black open fungal ontogeny called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once lay down they are punishing to control . Isolate infest plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden mall professional or Cooperative Extension role in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the control surface of leave of absence . It feeds on honeydew melon excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , shell , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it embrace / blackens the leaves and stems of the works . The best way of life to control jet mould is to manipulate the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wipe from leaves with a dampish fabric or washed off with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
