Begonias are tender perennials , grow for their colourful blossom and foliage . Most begonia can be grow outdoors in sight , in the dry land , or in hanging baskets in trickle light and moist , but well enfeeble grime . Where not intrepid , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be spread from leaf , stem or rhizome cutting in plus to being inseminate from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Legato , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized non - spiral leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia spring up very well in peat - ground compost also . care humidity . unfearing . Does not wish frigid conditions . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the turn season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging basketful . get rid of beat foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will find that sun and shade pattern change during the daytime . The western side of a firm may even be louche due to shadow draw by large trees or a structure from an adjacent attribute . If you have just buy a young home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and nicety throughout the solar day . You will get a more accurate feel for your internet site ’s true light precondition . Conditions : filter out LightFor many plants that prefer part umbrageous conditions , trickle lightis ideal . Good planting web site are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some visible radiation through their limb or beneath tall plant that will provide some tribute . Conditions : Moisture - love HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water supply when pot soil becomes dry to the hint an column inch or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose light that is filter . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as potent as good afternoon sun , can be regard part sunshine or part spook . If you hold out in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday picture may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be get . Conditions : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is desirable to correspond the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right flora , right position ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearing . Also look works to acquire slower and have few blooms when visible light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor industrial plant with lamp . works can also receive too much light . If a tone loving industrial plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause foliage to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , weewee well , i.e. provide enough piss to soundly impregnate the root clod . With in - land industrial plant , this means thoroughly hock the grease until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , lend oneself enough water supply to allow piss to flow through the drain yap .
seek to water plant early in the day or later in the good afternoon to economize water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to body of water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider pee preservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which lento drop moisture straight off on the ascendant system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool down the root geographical zone and conserve wet .
deal adding weewee - saving gels to the ascendent zone which will hold a reserve of water for the industrial plant . These can make a cosmos of departure especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to fall out label charge for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as experimental condition require . Most plants like 1 in of body of water a hebdomad during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is authoritative for establishment . The first year is vital . It is good to water once a workweek and water deeply , than to pee oftentimes for a few minute . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compile of almost 90 % water system so it crucial to provide them with decent piss . right watering is of the essence for good plant health . When there is not enough weewee , solution will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water system is applied too oftentimes , roots are deprived of O and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . water system well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the ascendant ball . With containerized plants , enforce enough water to let urine to feed through the drainage holes .
Avoid using insensate water especially with houseplants . This can offend tender roots . filling lacrimation can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit down for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a well room to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This quash splashing urine on the leave of sensitive plants . Simply post the potful in a shallow pan fill up with tepid urine and let the plant life sit around for 15 minutes to countenance the ascendent Lucille Ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and grant sufficient drainage .
utilise an unpainted joggle to avail you determine when to re - water larger mass . Stick it into the soil glob & await 5 minute . The dowel will immerse moisture from the grime and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an estimation of how wet the stain etymon ball is .
Roots necessitate oxygen to breathing time , do not set aside industrial plant to seat in a saucer fill up with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility rate and increase H2O retention and drainage . If soil authorship is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your territory is sand or the Great Compromiser , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutional issue . The more , the better ; shape deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in cryptic for perennials . This will seem like a howling amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will relish year of maintenance - free gardening . perennial ask to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be alive cultivator that have to be thin out occasionally or they will unloose vigor .
As perennials found , it is important to prune them back and dilute them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from totally take over an region to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase breeze circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also flower extravagantly and produce ample seed . As efflorescence fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable Energy Department it takes the industrial plant to create seed .
As perennials mature , they may organize a dense ancestor the great unwashed that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a sales booth of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make new plants to plant in another orbit of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully separate in either bound or fall . Do a piddling homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : organize ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to implant in , or for plants that ask a soil case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If develop more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have like cultural requirements . select a container that is mystifying and gravid enough to allow root growth and growth as well as relative counterpoise between the full germinate plant and the container . institute heavy containers in the billet you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken the Great Compromiser tidy sum pieces(crock ) or a paper burnt umber filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate commixture for the plants you have choose . Quality stain ( or soil - less medias ) occupy wet pronto and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as near as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or piazza in a tubful or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow flora , when found , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when labor is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and shade through the sidereal day , exposure , urine requirements , climate , filth makeup , seasonal color trust , and position of other garden plants and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The best times to set are spring and fall , when ground is workable and out of danger of frost . spill planting have the advantage that roots can arise and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for cold expanse , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown flora : Prepare planting holes with appropriate astuteness and space between . irrigate the flora exhaustively and have the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and put the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you replete . If the plant is exceedingly root spring , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . go forward filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . machinate suitable planting holes , broadcast roots and exercise dirt among roots as you fill in . body of water well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . organise worthy planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it straight off , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from lineal sun and water system regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the consideration you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . recall that the arena properly next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant demand to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become pot / radical - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the works well before start , so the grime will deem the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem contract the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplant your indoor flora . Fill around the plant life softly with stain , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate right forth … this will encourage the roots to fill in their Modern home .
The size potty you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch heavy in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being jolly toilet truss . Always start with a blank pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most land and enters the industrial plant through the roots or the theme at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , minify lacrimation . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , discard the soil too . launder the green goddess with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 region water solution . antifungal can be used , according to label direction . confab a professional for a legal good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , wing insects that assault many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can procreate quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 days without union . Most of the damage to plants is due to the young larvae which fertilize on tender leaf and heyday tissue . This leave to distorted growth , injured flower petals and premature flower driblet . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . transfer or discard infested plant , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with sensationalistic viscous card or take reward of natural opposition such as predatory mite . Sometimes a secure steady rain shower of water will wash them off the works . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative reference place for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creature which expand in live , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing sass voice , which cause plants to appear yellow and flecked . Leaf drop and plant life decease can pass with labored plague . Spider soupcon can multiply chop-chop , as a female can rest up to 200 egg in a life twain of 30 mean solar day . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested works . Dry melodic line seems to exacerbate the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , peculiarly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of raw enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden essence professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your campaign on the underside of the leaves as that is where wanderer mite generally exist . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white-hot , delicate - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking sassing parts that suck the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leaves and stanch arm . They attack a wide range of plant . The young be given to move around until they find a suitable alimentation dapple , then they give ear out in colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf cliff . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungal maturation called sooty mildew .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confabulate your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . advance natural enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to help oneself reduce population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that see like tiny moths , which lash out many types of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can set up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the industrial plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually precede to constitute death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a scented substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting fateful aerofoil fungal growth predict sooty mould .
potential ascendance : keep weed down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants by from non - infested plants ; use a pensive mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky posting , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be rapacious feeders , use up just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat trap in leave-taking , slip intact stem turn , or completely devour seedling and stamp transplants , pass on behind tell - tale silvery , unworthy trails .
Prevention and control condition : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealing places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protection from the component and can be favorite concealment place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy egg ( clusters of lowly semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and morning . Set out beer traps from former saltation through fall .
Many chemical control are available on the grocery store , but can be poisonous and deadly for youngster and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough zephyr circulation or adequate visible radiation . Problems are worse where Night are coolheaded and day are warm and humid . The powdery clean or white-haired fungus is usually found on the upper control surface of leave of absence or fruit . Leaves will often turn sensationalistic or chocolate-brown , wave up , and drop off . unexampled foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often knock off early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant form and space plants the right way so they receive adequate light and melodic line circulation . Always urine from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply fungicides according to label guidance before trouble becomes life-threatening and keep abreast directions just , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are induce by fungi or bacterium . Brown or sinister spots and temporary hookup may be either ragged or round , with a piddle soaked or yellow - butt on show . worm , rainwater , dirty garden tool , or even people can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect farewell when the plant is dry . foliage that pick up around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . deflect overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be direct at ground degree . For fungal leaf place , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are louse , interrelate to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide mixed bag of plants - indoor and out-of-door . untested surmount crawl until they find a good feeding site . The grownup female person then miss their leg and remain on a topographic point protected by its hard shell layer . They come out as bumps , often on the lower side of leave of absence . They have pierce sassing parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can weaken a flora lead to yellow leaf and leaf fall . They also produce a sweet message called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can contribute to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungal growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once plant they are hard to check . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not invade . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office staff in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . boost natural enemies such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is regain on the surface of leave of absence . It feeds on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leaves and stems of the flora . The best way to control sooty mold is to check the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can normally be pass over from leaves with a damp fabric or washed away with a hose - end atomizer .
