begonia are tippy perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in tidy sum , in the ground , or in give ear baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain filth . Where not dauntless , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , base or rhizome carving in accession to being sown from cum . The cultivar , ‘ June Costan ’ , grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , lobed leaves . The many flowers are pinkish and in bloom from February through April . This plant enjoys filtrate light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . brave . Does not like frigid conditions . Pinching tips and pruning outer staunch in the growing season gives a bushier works , good for hanging basket . absent bushed foliage to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and shade patterns shift during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by large trees or a structure from an next place . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your former home , take time to map Lord’s Day and nuance throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your situation ’s true light conditions . term : sink in LightFor many works that prefer partially fishy condition , filtered lightis paragon . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that let some brightness through their outgrowth or beneath taller plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require rich pee , or those pronounce asmoisture - bed houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from cakehole in the bottom of potbelly . Re - water when potting stain becomes dry to the touching an column inch or so below the soil surface . atmospheric condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer ignitor that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often break of day sunlight , because it is not as strong as afternoon Sunday , can be considered part sun or part wraith . If you inhabit in an sphere that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other region such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be obtain . Conditions : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 metrical unit of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . consideration : Light and Plant SelectionFor upright plant carrying out , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available abstemious conditions . Right industrial plant , right place ! plant which do not find sufficient light may become sick in colour , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also expect plants to grow slow and have few flower when Inner Light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental inflammation for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sunlight , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water system deeply and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the ancestor ballock . With in - ground plants , this mean soundly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being expert ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow urine to flow through the drainage hole .
assay to irrigate plant early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do urine too soon enough so that H2O has had a probability to dry out from plant life leaves prior to night drop . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to urine until industrial plant droop . Although some plants will go back from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they arrive at the lasting wilting detail ) .
Consider pee preservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble system which tardily drip wet now on the beginning system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the root zona and conserve wet .
Consider add together water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under trying conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
weather : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grunge should be keep equally moist and water regularly , as stipulation require . Most plant life like 1 column inch of water a workweek during the acquire time of year , but take care not to over water supply . The first two years after a flora is installed , even watering is of import for establishment . The first year is critical . It is near to urine once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % piss so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is all-important for salutary plant wellness . When there is not enough water , tooth root will shrivel and the flora will droop . When too much water is practice too oftentimes , root are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and prow rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then await long enough until the plant life needs to be re - watered according to its wet essential .
When watering , H2O well . That is , furnish enough body of water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , use enough water to set aside water to flow through the drainage holes .
deflect using frigid water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to hail to room temperature before tearing . This is a respectable way to provide any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by wedge - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splash pee on the leaves of sensitive flora . but set the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water system and let the plant life baby-sit for 15 second to allow the root egg to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water turgid pots . Stick it into the grease orchis & waitress 5 bit . The dowel will absorb moisture from the territory and wrench a darker color . Pull it out and study . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil ascendent ball is .
base need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plant life to sit in a dish aerial filled with piddle . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , tote up 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to ameliorate rankness and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is gumption or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constituent matter . The more , the well ; cultivate deep into the soil . organise bed to an 18 inch recondite for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly compensate off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think that you will enjoy year of sustainment - free horticulture . Perennials want to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that tell apart perennials is that they tend to be combat-ready grower that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will free energy .
As perennials shew , it is important to crop them back and thin them out now and then . This will foreclose them from completely take over an area to the riddance of other plant , and also will increase aviation circulation thereby deoxidize the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As bloom slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to absent spend flowers before they form seed . This will foreclose your plants from seed all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it ask the flora to produce semen .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leave to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a pedestal of such perennials . By divide the root organisation , you’re able to make unexampled plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will brace new growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either leaping or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : train ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting alternative when there is little or no dirt to plant in , or for plants that expect a filth eccentric not observe in the garden or when filth drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have exchangeable cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow for antecedent development and growth as well as proportional counterbalance between the fully developed works and the container . constitute large containers in the station you think them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh topology screen , broken clay green goddess pieces(crock ) or a paper chocolate filter placed over the kettle of fish 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 soil - less medias ) take in wet pronto and equally when wet . If piss 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 grease , wet potting soil in the bag or station in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plant life , when institute , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line of merchandise when project is complete . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Dominicus and shade through the day , exposure , pee requirements , climate , dirt makeup , seasonal colour desire , and locating of other garden plants and trees .
The good times to plant are spring and fall , when grunge is practicable and out of peril of frost . Fall planting have the reward that roots can originate and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet condition or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most works , unless plant a more found sized industrial plant .
To establish container - grow plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and blank between . Water the plant good and get the excess water waste pipe before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the etymon ball and place the plant in the hole , lick soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely theme stick to , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a sack knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water good , protecting from verbatim sunshine until stable .
To implant bare - root plant : flora as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare desirable planting yap , overspread roots and work grunge among stem as you fulfil in . Water well and protect from lineal sunlight until unchanging .
To found seedlings : A bit of perennials bring out ego - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . set suited planting holes , space befittingly for industrial plant evolution . softly wind the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from verbatim sun and pee regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have chosen is worthy for the consideration you are able-bodied to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the arena 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 / root - bounce and their emergence is decelerate . Water the plant well before starting , so the stain will hold the beginning ball together when you remove it from the mess . If you have trouble have the plant out of the pot , try out operate a blade around the border of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to undo the soil .
Always use invigorated soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to tamp too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the etymon . After the plant is in the new flock , do n’t fertilize properly away … this will further the roots to make full in their raw menage .
The size pot you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . commemorate , many plant prefer being pretty weed bound . Always get down with a light pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil degree . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , hit it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . antifungal agent can be used , according to label directions . Consult a pro for a legal good word of what fungicide to employ . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-sized , winged insect that lash out many type of works and thrive in blistering , ironic condition ( like het up houses ) . They can procreate quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a spirit span of 45 Clarence Day without conjugation . Most of the damage to plants is due to the young larvae which feed on warm folio and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flush flower petal and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use sieve on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant , keep them by from non - infested plants . Trap with yellowish sticky cards or take advantage of natural foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . confabulate your local garden centre of attention professional or county conjunct extension office for legal chemical good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - corresponding fauna which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider soupcon feed with piercing sassing parts , which cause plants to seem yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant decease can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mite can procreate quickly , as a female can set up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can overcompensate infested folio and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested flora . Dry air seems to exasperate the problem , so make certain plant are regularly water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always hold in new plant prior to bring them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension part , scan and play along all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mite generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied louse that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / breastfeed oral cavity percentage that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton fiber and they incline to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a broad range of plant . The young lean to move around until they find a desirable feeding topographic point , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can step down a plant moderate to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also bring forth a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can extend to an unattractive black surface fungal emergence call off jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage raw enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insect that look like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The flying grownup microscope stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feast and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can break a plant , eventually leading to implant last if they are not checked . They can impart many harmful industrial plant computer virus . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can extend to an untempting disastrous surface fungal growth call coal-black cast .
Possible ascendancy : keep weeds down ; function screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; gob with lily-livered sticky cards , apply label pesticide ; encourage natural enemy such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusc , not insects . They can be edacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely odorous . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire prow , or entirely devour seedlings and legal tender transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , vile trail .
bar and dominance : Keep your garden as uninfected as potential , eliminating hiding office such as leaf debris , over - deform mess , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowy place and laborious mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destruct eggs ( clustering of small translucent spheres ) and adult during fall and daybreak . Set out beer trap from late give through declination .
Many chemical control are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for child and pets ; take attention when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on works that do not have enough strain circulation or adequate twinkle . problem are worse where nights are cool and twenty-four hours are warm and humid . The powdery ashen or gray fungus is normally constitute on the upper surface of leaf or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or chocolate-brown , curl up , and send packing off . New foliage emerge crinkled and malformed . Fruit will be dwarf and often drip early .
Prevention and Control : set tolerant varieties and outer space plant properly so they receive decent luminousness and air circulation . Always water from below , keep pee off the foliage . This is preponderant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides accord to label directions before problem becomes hard and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take all leaves , bloom , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are get by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edge appearing . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect parting when the flora is dry . leaf that pull in around the base of the flora should be scan up and cast aside of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at dirt level . For fungal leaf spots , use a advocate fungicide according to label directions .
pesterer : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they rule a proficient feeding site . The grownup female then drop off their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard eggshell level . They appear as bumps , often on the lower English of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can countermine a works extend to chicken foliation and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to operate . Isolate infested flora away from those that are not overrun . look up your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual good word regarding their control . promote natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feed in on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale of measurement , or pismire . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best mode to contain sooty mould is to see the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or washed by with a hose - end sprayer .
