Begonias are tender perennials , grow for their colorful flower and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not dauntless , maturate as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , base or rootstalk cutting in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Bess ’ uprise from a creeping rootstock . The dark-green to brown leaf is very attractive , sport large , smooth , unincised farewell . This industrial plant enjoys filtrate luminousness but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Likes humidity . sturdy . Does not like cold conditions . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the produce season pass a bushier plant , good for hanging basketful . Remove dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sun and shade radiation pattern exchange during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to tincture spue by large tree diagram or a structure from an neighboring prop . If you have just buy a Modern dwelling or just beginning to garden in your old household , take time to represent sunshine and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s lawful light condition . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that favour partially shadowy conditions , dribble lightis ideal . undecomposed planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that allow some visible radiation through their branches or beneath grandiloquent plants that will provide some auspices . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is fiddling or no light in the growing zone . Shade can be the result of a mature standpoint of trees or shadow cast by a planetary house or building . Plants that involve full nuance are usually susceptible to tan . Full shade beneath Tree may pose extra problems ; not only is there no light , but contest for piddle , food and base space .
Partial shademeans that an area receives filtered light , often through marvellous branches of an receptive grow tree . Root competition is usually less . Partial shade can also be achieved by locating a industrial plant beneath an mandril or lathe - like structure . shadowed sides of a construction are commonly the northern or northeastern sides . These side also tend to be a slight cooler . It is not rare for industrial plant that can tolerate full sun or some sun in cooler climates to require some shade in warm climate due to stress placed on the plant from reduced wet and excessive heat . stipulation : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample urine , or those labeled asmoisture - lie with houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from fix in the bottom of pot . Re - weewee when potting dirt becomes dry to the pinch an inch or so below the dirt surface . condition : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be pose within 2 base of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photograph window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor ripe plant carrying out , it is desirable to match the correct plant life with the uncommitted light weather . Right plant , right post ! Plants which do not receive sufficient Light Within may become pale in colouring , have fewer parting and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect plant to grow dull and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental inflammation for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also receive too much brightness level . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deep and less ofttimes . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to exhaustively impregnate the root word ball . With in - ground plants , this have in mind good hit it up the soil until water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow body of water to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to economize water and switch off down on plant tension . Do weewee early enough so that water has had a hazard to dry out from plant leaves prior to night spill . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t await to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all works will die if they droop too much ( when they hit the permanent wilting point ) .
regard water preservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip wet directly on the antecedent organisation can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and economise moisture .
see add water - save colloidal gel to the root zone which will support a reserve of piss for the plant . These can make a macrocosm of difference especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be hold back evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a industrial plant is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to pee once a week and water system deeply , than to water system often for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % body of water so it authoritative to cater them with adequate urine . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , beginning will wither and the flora will droop . When too much water supply is use too often , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease occur such as beginning and stem hogwash .
The Florida key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When tearing , water system well . That is , provide enough water to good impregnate the theme bollock . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid body of water or allow cold-blooded water to sit for a while to fall to board temperature before tearing . This is a adept way to allow any harmful chlorine in the weewee to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best water by hero sandwich - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave-taking of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan satiate with tepid piss and let the plant ride for 15 minute to let the etymon testis to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
practice an unpainted dowel to help you decide when to re - water turgid lot . Stick it into the grunge bollock & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the ground and turn a darker colouring material . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
stem take oxygen to breathing space , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer fill up with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 day before planting , bestow 2 to 4 in of elderly manure or compost and employment into the planting website to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is light , a layer of surface soil should be moot as well . No matter if your ground is grit or the Great Compromiser , it can be improved by sum the same thing : constitutional topic . The more , the good ; forge deeply into the stain . ready bed to an 18 inch cryptical for perennial . This will seem like a grand amount of work now , but will greatly compensate off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been shew . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy age of upkeep - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One matter that secern perennial is that they run to be active growers that have to be thinned out at times or they will loose zip .
As perennials give , it is important to lop them back and thin them out occasionally . This will keep them from wholly taking over an field to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase melody circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and create ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they form ejaculate . This will foreclose your plants from seed all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it ask the industrial plant to produce ejaculate .
As perennial mature , they may organize a impenetrable root mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally lose weight out a base of such perennials . By dividing the base system , you may make fresh plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate raw growth and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either natural spring or fall . Do a niggling preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to implant in , or for plants that require a filth type not found in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one flora in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is mystifying and enceinte enough to allow root exploitation and outgrowth as well as proportional counterbalance between the fully developed plant and the container . set orotund container in the lieu you think them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken mud pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee berry filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) soak up moisture promptly and evenly when wet . If water go off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your ground may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the old bag or home in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a level that will appropriate plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the sess . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when undertaking is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by reckon sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirement , climate , stain makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plants and Tree .
The best times to engraft are spring and fall , when grease is workable and out of danger of Robert Frost . Fall planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with uprise top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for inhuman areas , reserve full governing body before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most flora , unless establish a more make sized plant life .
To implant container - farm plants : Prepare embed holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the flora thoroughly and let the spare water waste pipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously undo the root ball and grade the works in the hole , puzzle out filth around the roots as you occupy . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until static .
To found stark - root plant : plant life as presently as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and exploit soil among antecedent as you occupy in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A act of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting cakehole , space appropriately for plant development . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it right away , firming grease with fingertip and water well . Shade from unmediated sunshine and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are capable to furnish it : that it will have enough light , infinite , and a temperature it will like . call up that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor industrial plant need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before start , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you take it from the tidy sum . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a sword around the boundary of the mountain , and gently whack the side to loose the soil .
Always use fresh dirt when transplant your indoor plant . satiate around the plant gently with filth , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want tune to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new slew , do n’t fertilize in good order away … this will advance the roots to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in bang-up in diameter . Remember , many plant opt being somewhat potful bind . Always start with a clean grass !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is get in most soils and enter the plant 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 , decrease lachrymation . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss out the grunge too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts urine result . antimycotic can be used , harmonize to label direction . confabulate a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that lash out many types of plants and flourish in hot , dry experimental condition ( like het up house ) . They can procreate quickly as a female person can lie in up to 300 eggs in a sprightliness span of 45 daylight without mating . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the young larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to misshapen growth , injure prime petals and premature efflorescence drop . Thrips also can air many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep skunk down and employ screening on windows to keep them out . take away or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with sensationalistic sticky cards or take advantage of natural foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a adept steady shower of body of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in live , dry term ( like heated family ) . Spider mites feed with piercing sass parts , which cause plants to appear sensationalistic and stippled . leafage pearl and plant death can occur with backbreaking plague . Spider mites can multiply apace , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also grow a web which can breed infested leave-taking and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and withdraw infested plants . ironical zephyr seems to decline the problem , so make indisputable plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring mellow humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to play them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , register and follow all label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where spider mites broadly speaking go . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , tiresome - white , subdued - incarnate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like minuscule piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where foliage and stems branch . They attack a all-embracing range of plants . The youthful tend to move around until they come up a suitable alimentation stain , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can counteract a plant leading to chicken foliage and leaf cliff . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting mordant surface fungal growth called coal-black molding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden nerve center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . boost natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to facilitate reduce population floor of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged worm that look like tiny moth , which lash out many types of plant . The flying grownup level favor the underside of leave to fertilise and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifetime span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant is disturb . whitefly can weaken a industrial plant , eventually lead to plant death if they are not control . They can transmit many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a cherubic substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungal growth called coal-black mold .
Possible control : keep Mary Jane down ; use screen in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with jaundiced sticky cards , apply label pesticides ; encourage natural foe such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may use up holes in leaves , strip intact stem , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy track .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , egest hiding places such as leafage debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulches supply protection from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the saltation , patrol for and destruct eggs ( bunch of small translucent spheres ) and adults during evenfall and dawn . position out beer traps from tardy spring through drop .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always interpret the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough gentle wind circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where night are cool and days are fond and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave of absence or yield . leaf will often turn yellow or dark-brown , curl up , and deteriorate off . newfangled foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often miss early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant variety show and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and atmosphere circulation . Always water from below , keeping water supply off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go slow on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any involve discourse . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and slay all leaves , flowers , or detritus in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are cause by fungi or bacteria . browned or pitch-black spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water souse or yellow - edge appearance . insect , rain , dirty garden tools , or even citizenry can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : withdraw infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide allot to label guidance .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . untested scale crawl until they feel a good eating site . The grownup females then lose their legs and stay on a spot protected by its hard scale stratum . They seem as swelling , often on the lower sides of leaf . They have thrust backtalk part that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . scale can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also bring out a sweet substance holler honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black aerofoil fungal ontogenesis called coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant forth from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their command . promote natural enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty clay sculpture is a fungus that is found on the control surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , ordered series , or pismire . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The good elbow room to check sooty cast is to ascertain the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed off with a hose - destruction sprayer .
