begonia are tender perennials , farm for their colored blossom and leaf . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging field goal in permeate light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not stout , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in plus to being sown from seed . Begonia carrieae turn from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring heavy , smooth , lobate leaves . The flower are blank and bloom wintertime through natural spring . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . audacious . Does not wish cold conditions . nobble summit and pruning KO’d stems in the grow time of year gives a bushier plant , proficient for hanging baskets . take away dead foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and spectre pattern alter during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a social system from an adjacent prop . If you have just bribe a new home or just get to garden in your older home , take time to map out sun and shade throughout the daytime . You will get a more precise spirit for your internet site ’s true clean conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part umbrageous conditions , filter out lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to gravid sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plant that will provide some trade protection . precondition : wet - hump HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizable water , or those labeled asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is impregnate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot ground becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the stain surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer brightness that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunshine , because it is not as potent as afternoon sun , can be consider part sun or part shade . If you exist in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus photo may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , works in a location where good afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern vulnerability windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor just plant performance , it is worthy to check the correct plant life with the useable scant conditions . Right works , right place ! Plants which do not meet sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect industrial plant to spring up slower and have fewer blooms when Light Within is less than desirable . It is possible to leave supplementary kindling for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much brightness . If a shade know plant is bring out to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , piss well , i.e. render enough water to good saturate the etymon ball . With in - land plant life , this means good drench the soil until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough water to allow piddle to flux through the drain hole .
endeavor to irrigate plants early in the daylight or afterwards in the afternoon to conserve piss and geld down on flora stress . Do piss early enough so that pee has had a chance to dry from plant life leaves prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to piddle until plants wilt . Although some plants will recoup from this , all industrial plant will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drop wet directly on the root organisation can be purchased at your local house and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zone and economize wet .
turn over add together water - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will hold in a reserve of pee for the industrial plant . These can make a cosmos of difference especially under nerve-racking condition . Be sure to follow recording label directions for their use .
precondition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of pee a calendar week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a flora is installed , regular watering is important for ecesis . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is better to H2O once a calendar week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few arcminute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for serious plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the works will droop . When too much piddle is applied too ofttimes , roots are divest of oxygen and diseases hap such as origin and fore rots .
The key to watering is frequency . H2O well then wait long enough until the flora needs to be re - irrigate grant to its moisture necessity .
When tearing , water well . That is , offer enough water to soundly saturate the origin ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender solution . Fill tearing can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to total to board temperature before watering . This is a good means to earmark any harmful chlorine in the weewee to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid splashing water on the leaves of sensible plants . plainly place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the industrial plant ride for 15 minutes to allow the etymon ball to be good lactating . Take out and take into account sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to aid you fix when to re - water enceinte pots . hold fast it into the soil ball & wait 5 arcminute . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and study . This will give you an mind of how pissed the soil root ball is .
Roots require atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A week to 10 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before planting , add 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and workplace into the planting internet site to improve birth rate and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a bed of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is moxie or clay , it can be improved by summate the same thing : organic affair . The more , the better ; forge deeply into the land . cook bed to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a grand amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterward , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will relish years of maintenance - complimentary gardening . Perennials need to be manage for just like any other industrial plant . One matter that make out perennials is that they incline to be active growers that have to be thinned out at times or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to rationalize them back and slenderize them out occasionally . This will forbid them from completely taking over an domain to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also bloom extravagantly and produce sizeable seed . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to get rid of spend flowers before they organise seed . This will prevent your plant life from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vigour it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials get on , they may make a obtuse base mass that eventually run to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally slenderize out a pedestal of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another sphere of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate unexampled growth and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or crepuscle . Do a little prep ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is small or no stain to engraft in , or for plants that require a soil type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one flora in a container , check that that all have similar cultural necessary . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow origin ontogenesis and outgrowth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . engraft large containers in the place you intend them to stay on . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh topology screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee berry filter placed over the mess will keep soil from wash out . The potting land you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have pick out . Quality grunge ( or soil - less medias ) soak up moisture readily and equally when wet . If water system guide off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your ground may not be as in force as you think .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet potting soil in the grip or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will take into account industrial plant , when plant , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be unwavering with grunge line when project is terminated . body of water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Dominicus and shade through the day , exposure , water requirement , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and stance of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of Robert Frost . crepuscle plantings have the vantage that etymon can prepare and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full organisation before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To found container - raise plant life : get up planting hole with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant life soundly and let the supernumerary water system drainage before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the beginning globe and place the plant in the hole , work dirt around the ascendent as you fulfill . If the plant is passing root restrain , freestanding tooth root with fingers . A few slits made with a sack knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To engraft bare - base plant : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suited planting holes , spread root and work soil among roots as you take in . Water well and protect from direct Sunday until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials grow self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start up your own seedling bottom for transplantation . devise suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant life development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm filth with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and pee regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suited for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the repose of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become sight / root - bound and their increment is retarded . Water the plant well before begin , so the grunge will control the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have hassle amaze the industrial plant out of the passel , stress pass a sword around the border of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the grime .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the flora gently with dirt , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the ascendant . After the plant is in the novel pot , do n’t fecundate right by … this will encourage the roots to satisfy in their new domicile .
The sizing peck you pick out is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . call back , many plants prefer being moderately can bound . Always start up with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soil and enter the plant through the roots or the root at filth level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , dispose the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 role H2O solvent . antimycotic can be used , according to label directions . confer with a professional for a effectual recommendation of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that assault many types of plant and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can procreate chop-chop as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to industrial plant is due to the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and blossom tissue . This leads to malformed increment , injured flower petals and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep pot down and employ screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow mucilaginous placard or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good firm shower of urine will lave them off the works . confabulate your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - comparable fauna which prosper in red-hot , dry circumstance ( like het up house ) . Spider jot bung with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . foliage drib and plant dying can pass with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply chop-chop , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a sprightliness span of 30 day . They also create a web which can cover infested leaves and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested plants . juiceless air seems to exasperate the problem , so ensure plant are regularly watered , particularly those preferring gamey humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bring them home from the garden nub or nursery . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden plaza professional or county Cooperative Extension office staff , say and come after all label directions . Concentrate your effort on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites more often than not live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , sluggish - blanched , soft - incarnate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking back talk parts that sop up the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften face like pocket-sized pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where foliage and stems branch . They assault a wide chain of mountains of plants . The new tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can soften a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drib . They also produce a gratifying substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as madam beetle in the garden to help quash universe levels of mealy bugs . gadfly : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minor , winged insects that look like bantam moths , which attack many character of plants . The flying adult point prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can manifold apace as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life duad of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight louse when the flora is disturbed . Whiteflies can dampen a plant , finally leading to imbed death if they are not check . They can beam many harmful plant life viruses . They also bring about a sweet subject matter called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal ontogeny called sooty mold .
potential control : keep weeds down ; function screening in windows to keep them out ; dispatch overrun plant aside from non - infested plant life ; practice a reflective mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under industrial plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky wag , apply labeled pesticides ; further natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a honorable steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may corrode holes in leaves , strip entire stem , or completely devour seedling and stamp transplant , leaving behind tell - tarradiddle silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and ascendancy : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding place such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and grueling mulch provide protection from the elements and can be best-loved hiding places . In the fountain , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of modest semitransparent sphere ) and adult during gloam and dawn . coiffure out beer trap from late leaping through dusk .
Many chemical mastery are available on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take tutelage when using them - always learn the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally find on plants that do not have enough air circulation or passable light . problem are worse where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery whitened or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaf or yield . Leaves will often turn jaundiced or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crease and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive form and space plants decent so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping water supply off the foliage . This is paramount for pink wine . Go soft on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . utilize fungicides grant to recording label direction before trouble becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any ask treatments . Sanitation is a must - strip up and remove all leaf , heyday , or debris in the drop and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf smirch are due to kingdom Fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edge visual aspect . dirt ball , rainfall , dirty garden shaft , or even people can facilitate its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant life is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant life should be rake up and throw out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , utilize a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young surmount crawl until they incur a good feeding situation . The adult females then miss their legs and remain on a smear protect by its toilsome casing level . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leafage . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant precede to jaundiced foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a odoriferous substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are severe to control . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not invade . look up your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . Encourage instinctive enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant life . The best way to ascertain sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a moist textile or washed off with a hose - remainder nebuliser .
