Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful blossom and foliage . Most begonias can be raise out of doors in mountain , in the ground , or in flow baskets in strain light and moist , but well drained ground . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be diffuse from leaf , stem turn or rhizome cuttings in improver to being seed from seed . ( Plant width : leaves over 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Ultra Rex , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , have large non - spiral leaves that are often colored and patterned . This works enjoys filtered luminosity but can take some sunshine in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like frigid weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the spring up time of year give way a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . withdraw numb foliage to foreclose disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that sun and shade traffic pattern change during the twenty-four hour period . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a construction from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take fourth dimension to represent sun and shade throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more accurate feel for your web site ’s true lightheaded conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partly shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting website are under a mid to expectant sized tree diagram that get some light through their branch or beneath taller flora that will provide some protective cover . Conditions : Moisture - sleep together HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of quite a little . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the filth surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often dayspring sun , because it is not as warm as afternoon sun , can be considered part sunlight or part spook . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be fine . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be welcome . circumstance : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor skilful plant performance , it is suitable to match the correct flora with the available light conditions . correct plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in people of colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few bloom when light is less than worthy . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor works with lamp . Plants can also receive too much luminousness . If a shade jazz plant is exposed to lineal sun , it may wilt and/or get leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key fruit to watering is H2O deeply and less oft . When tearing , piss well , i.e. provide enough water to good saturate the root ball . With in - solid ground plants , this means exhaustively pluck the soil until body of water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , employ enough water to provide water to run through the drain holes .
strain to water plants early on in the mean solar day or afterward in the afternoon to conserve water system and cut down on plant tenseness . Do water supply early on enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leafage prior to night evenfall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will become flat if they wilt too much ( when they reach out to the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble system which slowly drip wet straightaway on the ascendent system can be buy at your local home and garden shopping mall . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
think adding piss - save gels to the etymon zone which will declare a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of conflict peculiarly under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label direction for their purpose .
term : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep equally moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water supply a hebdomad during the growing time of year , but take care not to over H2O . The first two years after a plant life is instal , regular lacrimation is crucial for organisation . The first yr is critical . It is better to pee once a week and water deeply , than to urine ofttimes for a few minutes . precondition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with equal water . Proper watering is essential for good works wellness . When there is not enough weewee , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much H2O is apply too oftentimes , beginning are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and root bunk .
The key to watering is frequency . H2O well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered concord to its moisture essential .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized industrial plant , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender root . filling watering can with tepid weewee or allow cold water supply to sit for a while to come to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the weewee to vaporise before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by hero - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing weewee on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply put the flock in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and allow the plant seat for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be good wet . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to assist you determine when to re - water larger good deal . mystify it into the land ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the grime and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the grime base ball is .
Roots require O to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer take with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 daylight before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If soil paper is weak , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your land is moxie or cadaver , it can be improved by adding the same matter : constitutive matter . The more , the good ; do work deeply into the stain . Prepare bed to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once works have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you embed a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy long time of sustainment - free gardening . perennial postulate to be care for just like any other plant . One matter that make out perennials is that they tend to be fighting growers that have to be lose weight out occasionally or they will unleash vim .
As perennials establish , it is of import to prune them back and thin them out on occasion . This will keep them from whole taking over an country to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower extravagantly and produce sizable come . As flush disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take the plant to farm germ .
As perennials mature , they may take form a dense root raft that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to once in a while cut out a stall of such perennial . By dividing the ancestor system , you could make young plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate Modern maturation and restore the works . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either bounce or fall . Do a niggling homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no territory to plant in , or for plants that want a soil type not found in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have standardised ethnical requirements . pick out a container that is recondite and large enough to take into account root maturation and increase as well as relative Libra between the fully developed plant and the container . embed large container in the place you mean them to stay . All container should have drainage hole . A mesh screen , stop clay flowerpot pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soil ( or grime - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when wet . If water run off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you remember .
Prior to replete a container with soil , wet potting filth in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the flange of the raft . Rootballs should be flat with soil line when projection is complete . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunlight and shade through the mean solar day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desire , and position of other garden plant life and trees .
The good times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with germinate top maturation as in the give . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike soused conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless set a more launch sized flora .
To plant container - develop plant life : devise institute trap with appropriate profoundness and infinite between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and allow the superfluous weewee drain before cautiously remove from the container . cautiously loosen the root Lucille Ball and rate the plant in the hole , work soil around the etymon as you satisfy . If the plant is extremely root tie , separate roots with fingers . A few slit made with a pocket tongue are fine , but should be keep to a minimum . stay filling in grime and water system exhaustively , protecting from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . fix desirable planting holes , spread roots and go soil among beginning as you fill in . piss well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To constitute seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start up your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting trap , spacing appropriately for industrial plant development . Gently come up the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water system regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough calorie-free , outer space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the expanse right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor industrial plant need to be transplanted into a large container sporadically , or they become pot / source - bounce and their increase is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the grime will hold the base ball together when you take it from the pot . If you have hassle getting the plant out of the heap , test run a blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly wallop the sides to undo the soil .
Always use fresh stain when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the root . After the flora is in the young can , do n’t fertilize mighty away … this will encourage the roots to fill up in their newfangled dwelling house .
The size pot you pick out is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . retrieve , many plant favour being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a white pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and infix the plant life through the root word or the root word at soil layer . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , fall watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the filth too . dampen the commode with a 1 part whitener to 9 part water solution . Fungicides can be used , fit in to label direction . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare diminished , fly insects that assail many type of plant and thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated house ) . They can multiply speedily as a female person can lay up to 300 nut in a life history span of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is stimulate by the unseasoned larvae which feed on tender leaf and prime tissue . This lead to deformed growth , injured flower petals and premature flower fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use sieve on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with yellow sticky card or take advantage of innate foeman such as predatory mites . Sometimes a in force steady shower of water will dampen them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunctive extension office for sound chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare lowly , 8 legged , spider - like beast which flourish in hot , wry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce oral fissure parts , which make works to appear yellow and speckled . Leaf drop and works dying can pass with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a vane which can cover infested leafage and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and slay infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring mellow 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 natural foeman such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension authority , read and play along all label directions . centre your sweat on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider mite generally live on . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - livid , soft - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery get across . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Mealybugsoften take care like small pieces of cotton and they run to congregate where leafage and stems branch . They assault a encompassing kitchen range of plants . The young run to move around until they retrieve a suitable alimentation billet , then they pay heed out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can damp a plant contribute to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet essence called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black aerofoil fungal growth called sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension business office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help shrink population degree of mealy germ . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , wing insects that look like lilliputian moth , which lash out many types of plant life . The fly grownup stagecoach favor the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 500 ball in a animation twain of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the industrial plant is interrupt . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually moderate to found last if they are not checked . They can carry many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet essence called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can conduct to an untempting disgraceful surface fungal growth ring sooty mould .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants forth from non - infested plants ; utilize a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; snare with yellow pasty cards , use labeled pesticide ; advance natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will launder them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious self-feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-smelling . They may corrode holes in leaves , landing strip integral stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , pull up stakes behind tell - tale silvery , worthless trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding place such as leaf debris , over - turned gage , and tarp . Groundcover in fly-by-night home and heavy mulch bring home the bacon protection from the factor and can be favorite hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent arena ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from belated spring through fall .
Many chemical substance control are available on the market , but can be poisonous and pernicious for children and favorite ; take care when using them - always learn the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are worse where night are cool and days are fond and humid . The powdery snowy or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave-taking or fruit . Leaves will often turn lily-livered or browned , curl up , and drip off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plant life properly so they receive equal light and breeze circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides harmonize to label directions before problem becomes spartan and follow directions exactly , not omit any require discussion . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all foliage , bloom , or debris in the decline and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spotlight are because of fungus or bacteria . Brown or black spot and darn may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden tools , or even the great unwashed can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the al-Qa’ida of the industrial plant should be raked up and cast out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; piss should be direct at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , use a urge fungicide according to label direction .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , connect to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a extensive variety of industrial plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scales Australian crawl until they find a good feeding situation . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard casing stratum . They come along as bulge , often on the lower sides of parting . They have piercing rima oris parts that absorb the sap out of plant life tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to jaundiced foliage and leaf driblet . They also bring on a sweet marrow call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth call pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are intemperate to control . Isolate infest plants off from those that are not infested . confab your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage innate enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of foliage . It feeds on honeydew melon eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , plate , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it get over / blackens the farewell and stems of the plant . The skillful way to master pitchy clay sculpture is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leave with a damp material or washed away with a hose - oddment atomiser .
