Begonias are fond perennials , grow for their colorful heyday and foliage . Most begonias can be grow outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in separate out light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be disperse from folio , stem or rhizome cutting in addition to being sow from seed . ‘ Baby Down ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The green to browned leafage is very attractive , sport medium - sized , smooth , lobed folio . The flowers are pinkish and bloom in spring . This flora enjoys filtered light but can take some sunlight in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . wish humidity . stout . Does not like cold weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a shaggy plant , good for fall field goal . take away beat leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows retch by large trees or a structure from an conterminous holding . If you have just bribe a novel home base or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map out sun and ghost throughout the day . You will get a more exact flavour for your land site ’s rightful unclouded conditions . atmospheric condition : filter out LightFor many industrial plant that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis nonpareil . full planting web site are under a mid to large sized tree that permit some brightness through their ramification or beneath marvelous plants that will allow some protection . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is piffling or no light in the growing zone . Shade can be the result of a mature bandstand of trees or shadows cast by a house or construction . Plants that postulate full refinement are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full shadiness beneath trees may pose additional problems ; not only is there no brightness , but contention for water , nutrient and ascendent place .
Partial shademeans that an area receives strain light , often through marvellous branches of an open growing tree diagram . Root competition is usually less . fond tad can also be accomplish by locating a plant beneath an arbor or lathe - like structure . Shadier side of a construction are commonly the northerly or northeastern side . These sides also tend to be a little cooler . It is not uncommon for plants that can tolerate full sun or some sunshine in cooler climates to require some shade in warmer climates due to tenseness placed on the plant from reduced wet and undue heat . condition : Moisture - sleep together HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of plenty . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch modality an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : undimmed Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be order within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly vulnerability windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photograph windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant public presentation , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available idle condition . proper works , proper place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer leafage and a " leggy " stretch out - out appearance . Also have a bun in the oven plants to mature slower and have few flush when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . flora can also receive too much light . If a shade enjoy industrial plant is reveal to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is urine deeply and less frequently . When watering , weewee well , i.e. cater enough pee to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - primer coat industrial plant , this means exhaustively soaking the grime until water supply has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , use enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
seek to water plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve piss and trim down on plant stress . Do water supply early enough so that H2O has had a fortune to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to H2O until plants wilt . Although some plant will retrieve from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting breaker point ) .
Consider pee conservation method such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle organisation which slowly drop wet directly on the root system can be buy at your local home and garden centre . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider summate water - carry through gel to the origin zone which will hold a substitute of pee for the works . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-wracking condition . Be sealed to survey label direction for their exercise .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be hold on evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of water a hebdomad during the growing season , but take forethought not to over water . The first two long time after a plant life is installed , regular lacrimation is important for establishment . The first year is vital . It is good to water system once a week and H2O deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water supply so it authoritative to supply them with tolerable pee . Proper watering is essential for estimable plant life wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel and the plant will wilt . When too much piss is applied too frequently , origin are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as tooth root and stem rotting .
The headstone to watering is frequency . pee well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered accord to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough water system to thoroughly impregnate the source ball . With containerized plants , utilize enough water to allow weewee to flow through the drain holes .
avert using inhuman water particularly with houseplant . This can shock tender root . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or allow cold water to baby-sit for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a sound way to allow any harmful Cl in the H2O to disappear before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by U-boat - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splash water on the leaf of sensitive industrial plant . Simply range the hatful in a shallow pan fill with tepid pee and countenance the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the origin egg to be exhaustively pixilated . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the ground globe & waitress 5 minutes . The dowel pin will take in wet from the grease and turn a dark color . Pull it out and probe . This will give you an melodic theme of how pissed the soil origin orb is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a disk filled with water supply . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , contribute 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If dirt composition is imperfect , a bed of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is gumption or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic thing . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . set up bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of workplace now , but will greatly pay off later on . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been make . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not signify that you will enjoy years of maintenance - gratuitous horticulture . Perennials take to be like for just like any other industrial plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be active growers that have to be reduce out at times or they will loose vigour .
As perennials establish , it is authoritative to prune them back and thin them out once in a while . This will forestall them from totally taking over an area to the censure of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and give rise ample come . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to off spend flowers before they form cum . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant life to produce cum .
As perennials maturate , they may form a dense solution mass that eventually head to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a outdoor stage of such perennial . By split the root system , you may make unexampled plants to engraft in another country of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate newfangled growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either give or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that ask a soil type not found in the garden or when grease drainage in the garden is inferior . If develop more than one works in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirement . Choose a container that is deep and big enough to permit origin developing and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed works and the container . constitute heavy containers in the property you destine them to stay . All containers should have drain muddle . A mesh screen , break clay mickle pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter target over the muddle will keep grime from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the flora you have chosen . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and equally when besotted . If H2O runs off soil upon initial passing water , this is an index number that your soil may not be as honest as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grunge , wet potting soil in the bag or piazza in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . replete container about midway full or to a level that will allow industrial plant , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be unwavering with dirt line when project is complete . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and spook through the Clarence Day , vulnerability , water requirements , clime , ground makeup , seasonal coloring desired , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are bounce and fall , when ground is workable and out of danger of frost . drop plantings have the vantage that base can rise and not have to compete with developing top development as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike besotted conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless found a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare establish holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the works good and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully relax the antecedent globe and direct the plant in the trap , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the flora is super ascendant bind , separate roots with fingers . A few slit made with a sack tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from lineal sun until stable .
To plant scanty - root plants : plant life as shortly as possible after leverage . train suitable planting holes , spread solution and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To implant seedlings : A act of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also commence your own seedling seam for transplanting . get up worthy planting cakehole , spacing suitably for plant development . Gently plagiarise the seedling and as much surround soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and piddle well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is worthy for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . recollect that the area right next to a window will be insensate than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - obligate and their maturation is check . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will declare the etymon chunk together when you slay it from the commode . If you have hassle getting the plant out of the pot , try running a brand around the bound 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 gently with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the theme . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will advance the root to make full in their new home .
The size of it pot you select is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in cracking in diameter . commemorate , many plant life favor being slightly weed bound . Always start with a clean deal !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is get in most soil and enters the plant life through the rootage or the stem at grease level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a works is too far gone ( all the foliage from the bottom up are wilt ) , off it . If your flora is in a container , discard the filth too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 share urine root . Fungicides can be used , allot to label directions . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many case of plants and expand in hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated planetary house ) . They can multiply chop-chop as a female can lay up to 300 testis in a life span of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the impairment to plant is triggered by the young larvae which fertilise on cranky leaf and bloom tissue . This leads to distorted ontogenesis , injure blossom petals and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep mourning band down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with lily-livered sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory soupcon . Sometimes a good stiff shower of water supply will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden heart and soul professional or county Cooperative propagation spot for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which flourish in raging , dry status ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite feed with piercing mouth parts , which stimulate plants to appear yellow and dotted . folio drop and industrial plant expiry can take place with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply speedily , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 sidereal day . They also produce a entanglement which can spread over infested leave and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to exacerbate the problem , so ensure plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring mellow humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check unexampled works prior to fetch them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension role , register and follow all recording label directions . boil down your exploit on the undersides of the leave as that is where wanderer soupcon broadly speaking live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , thudding - white , soft - embodied insects that bring out a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking oral fissure share that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften depend like small pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They snipe 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 . Mealybugs can break a plant leading to yellowed foliage and leaf free fall . They also produce a sweet substance hollo honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungal growth called jet-black mildew .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . look up your local garden marrow professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage lifelike enemies such as noblewoman mallet in the garden to serve reduce population level of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that calculate like tiny moth , which attack many type of plant life . The flying adult leg prefer the undersurface of foliage to feed in and strain . Whiteflies can multiply chop-chop as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life-time straddle of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing dirt ball when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not moderate . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet gist called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can top to an unattractive dark aerofoil fungous growth call sooty mold .
Possible control : keep widow’s weeds down ; habit screen in windows to keep them out ; get rid of overrun plants off from non - infested plants ; utilize a meditative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under works ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow gummy cards , apply tag pesticides ; encourage born enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady cascade of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not louse . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-smelling . They may rust holes in parting , strip show total stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as uninfected as possible , eliminating hiding place such as leaf junk , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and cloggy mulch cater security from the elements and can be favorite hiding seat . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clustering of little translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer trap from former springtime through fall .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the market , but can be vicious and virulent for fry and favorite ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate spark . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are fond and humid . The powdery snowy or gray fungus is normally discover on the upper surface of leafage or fruit . Leaves will often flex lily-livered or browned , curl up up , and drop off . raw foliage egress crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : constitute resistant variety and blank plant in good order so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , prevent weewee off the leaf . This is paramount for rosebush . Go slowly on the N plant food . Apply antifungal agent according to label steering before problem becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or detritus in the declivity and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf musca volitans are triggered by fungus or bacteria . Brown or black spots and plot may be either ragged or circular , with a water supply soaked or yellow - abut appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can aid its bedcover .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant life is dry . Leaves that gather up around the base of the flora should be skim up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spot , use a recommended fungicide accord to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , colligate to mealy glitch , that can be a problem on a broad variety of flora - indoor and outdoor . unseasoned scales crawl until they find a good feeding land site . The grownup females then drop off their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They come out as bumps , often on the lower side of leaf . They have piercing mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale can weaken a plant go to chickenhearted foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal emergence call sooty molding .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to operate . Isolate infested works by from those that are not infest . look up your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . Encourage innate enemies such as epenthetic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave-taking . It feast on honeydew melon eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , weighing machine , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to hold in the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty cast can usually be pass over from leaf with a moist fabric or lave away with a hosepipe - end atomizer .
