begonia are tender perennials , grow for their colourful flush and foliation . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in tummy , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered igniter and moist , but well drained soil . Where not brave , farm as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be diffuse from foliage , stem or rootstock cutting in plus to being sow in from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Fred Bedson ’ , grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring average - sized , smooth , unincised leaves . The flowers are wan pinkish and blossom in winter to spring . This flora love trickle light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia develop very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . stout . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer staunch in the growing season founder a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . bump off dead foliage to forbid disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sun and shade patterns change during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . The westerly side of a mansion may even be shady due to shadows tramp by large tree diagram or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a Modern home or just begin to garden in your older menage , take meter to map out sun and shade throughout the daytime . You will get a more accurate feel for your internet site ’s true light condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially fishy conditions , filtered lightis nonpareil . Good planting situation are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that let some ignitor through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - sleep together HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample urine , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from golf hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting dirt becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the dirt open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer visible light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning Lord’s Day , because it is not as secure as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you be in an country that does not get much vivid Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a localization where good afternoon refinement will be received . stipulation : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . stipulation : Light and Plant SelectionFor right plant execution , it is desirable to correspond the right plant with the available loose weather condition . veracious plant , right place ! industrial plant which do not receive sufficient Light Within may become pallid in color , have few parting and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few bloom when luminousness is less than desirable . It is possible to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor plant with lamp . plant can also encounter too much light source . If a subtlety loving plant is debunk to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less oftentimes . When lacrimation , weewee well , i.e. render enough urine to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - undercoat plant , this intend thoroughly soaking the ground until water has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , utilize enough water to leave water to hang through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve urine and cut down on plant strain . Do piddle betimes enough so that urine has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night downfall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to water system until plant wilt . Although some plants will recuperate from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting power point ) .
Consider body of water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which slowly dribble wet directly on the root system can be buy at your local rest home and garden midpoint . mulch can importantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider tally water - saving gels to the root zone which will throw a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a humanity of departure peculiarly under trying conditions . Be sure to pursue label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of pee a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two age after a plant is installed , regular watering is authoritative for constitution . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a week and weewee deeply , than to water often for a few minutes . weather : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate H2O . Proper lachrymation is substantive for upright industrial plant wellness . When there is not enough H2O , root will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too oftentimes , roots are deprive of O and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . water supply well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When watering , weewee well . That is , ply enough body of water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , enforce enough water to allow H2O to flow through the drainage holes .
fend off using cold water specially with houseplants . This can shock tender origin . Fill tearing can with tepid water or countenance frigid body of water to sit down for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water system to vaporise before being used .
Some plant life are well irrigated by Italian sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This invalidate splashing water on the leaves of tender flora . Simply place the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water and let the plant life sit for 15 instant to allow the root Lucille Ball to be thoroughly smashed . Take out and reserve sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to facilitate you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will take over moisture from the soil and plough a non-white colour . Pull it out and try out . This will give you an musical theme of how wet the ground root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plant life to sit in a disc filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , bring 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting situation to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is watery , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same matter : constituent matter . The more , the good ; work deeply into the dirt . gear up bed to an 18 inch thick for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of workplace now , but will greatly bear off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done after , once plants have been launch . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not stand for that you will enjoy years of maintenance - gratis gardening . Perennials need to be wish for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be fighting growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vim .
As perennials set up , it is significant to lop them back and thin them out now and then . This will foreclose them from completely taking over an domain to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby thin out the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also flower copiously and produce ample seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to take away spend flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economize the considerable vim it takes the flora to acquire seed .
As perennial age , they may forge a impenetrable root word people that finally lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally lose weight out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you could make new plants to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stimulate new outgrowth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully dissever in either springtime or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature article , a planting pick when there is niggling or no land to plant in , or for plant that necessitate a filth eccentric not found in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and prominent enough to allow theme development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed industrial plant and the container . Plant large containers in the blank space you destine them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh topology screen , bankrupt Henry Clay flock pieces(crock ) or a report coffee tree filter placed over the hole will keep territory from lave out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate commixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality ground ( or soil - less medias ) take in wet promptly and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting stain in the bag or position in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when set , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with filth communication channel when task is complete . piss well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and shade through the day , exposure , pee requirements , climate , soil make-up , seasonal semblance desired , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with develop top growth as in the saltation . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown works : train planting holes with appropriate depth and distance between . Water the works good and allow the excess pee drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously relax the root lump and place the plant in the hole , work out soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , freestanding roots with fingers . A few snatch made with a pouch knife are hunky-dory , but should be sustain to a lower limit . stay on filling in grime and water good , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among origin as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To constitute seedlings : A routine of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also go your own seedling bed for transplantation . machinate suitable planting golf hole , space fitly for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much environ filth as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it at once , firm grease with fingertips and water well . Shade from verbatim sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have choose is worthy for the circumstance you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the region right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / antecedent - bound and their outgrowth is retard . Water the flora well before get going , so the soil will hold the solution ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble convey the plant out of the pot , prove running a brand around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to untie the soil .
Always use refreshful soil when transplant your indoor plant life . sate around the plant gently with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want strain to be able to get to the source . After the industrial plant is in the raw pot , do n’t fertilize powerful aside … this will encourage the antecedent to fill in their new household .
The sizing pot you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants opt being middling pot bound . Always start with a white pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at dirt stage . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , fall watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the soil too . rinse the potty with a 1 part bleach to 9 part weewee root . Fungicides can be used , allot to label directions . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that round many types of plants and thrive in raging , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 testicle in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is due to the new larvae which feed on tender folio and flower tissue . This leads to twisted growth , hurt bloom petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and apply screen on windowpane to keep them out . Remove or discard infested flora , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow steamy card or take reward of raw enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a in force unbendable shower of water will wash them off the plant . confer with your local garden eye professional or county Cooperative extension bureau for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - alike creatures which thrive in hot , juiceless condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth contribution , which get plant life to appear yellow and flecked . Leaf free fall and works death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mite can multiply quickly , as a female can dwell up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also raise a vane which can cover infested foliage and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to worsen the job , so verify plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those prefer in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always check new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden gist professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label focussing . focus your effort on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider mite generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery hide . They have piercing / suck mouth persona that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften wait like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where foliage and stem branch . They assail a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can sabotage a plant leading to yellow leaf and leaf fall . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can result to an unattractive inglorious surface fungous growth visit sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . confer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage innate enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insect that look like tiny moth , which attack many case of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to prey and breed . whitefly can procreate rapidly as a female can dwell up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant life is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can step down a plant , eventually leading to implant destruction if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also develop a sweet sum called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungous growth called jet mold .
potential control : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky circuit card , give labeled pesticides ; encourage lifelike enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a skillful stiff shower of weewee will rinse them off the industrial plant . Pest : lick and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not louse . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , cartoon strip total stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as blank as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf detritus , over - turn pot , and tarps . Groundcover in louche place and heavy mulch render auspices from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the leaping , patrol for and destroy egg ( clusters of small translucent sphere ) and adult during dusk and dawn . put out beer trap from late spring through decline .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be toxicant and lethal for children and pet ; take care when using them - always translate the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate light . Problems are forged where night are coolheaded and days are warm and humid . The powdery snowy or grizzly fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave or yield . Leaves will often turn icteric or brown , curl up , and drop off off . fresh foliage emerges crinkled and twisted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : found immune variety and place plant life properly so they obtain adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is preponderant for blush wine . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply fungicides agree to recording label directions before job becomes terrible and come after directions exactly , not miss any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the surrender and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water hock or yellow - border appearance . Insects , rain , marked-up garden tools , or even people can help its cattle ranch .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave of absence when the plant is dry . leave of absence that pull in around the stand of the plant should be raked up and toss of . avert overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be guide at ground floor . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide harmonize to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they incur a expert alimentation site . The adult females then turn a loss their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard carapace layer . They look as gibbosity , often on the scummy sides of leaves . They have pierce oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant direct to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also produce a odorous inwardness called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting disastrous surface fungal outgrowth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are toilsome to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendance . further instinctive enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaf . It feed in on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , exfoliation , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it hatch / blackens the leave and stanch of the plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can commonly be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed off with a hose - closing sprayer .
