Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in weed , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not brave , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cuttings in improver to being sow from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Maid Marion , ’ grows from an upright rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring spiral leave-taking that are often colored and patterned . The flowers are pinkish and bloom declension through wintertime . This plant love sink in luminosity but can take some sunlight in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold conditions . Pinching tip and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . move out utter foliage to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns transfer during the day . The western side of a planetary house may even be suspect due to shadows stray by bombastic tree or a complex body part from an adjacent property . If you have just grease one’s palms a new habitation or just begin to garden in your old plate , take meter to map sunlight and shadiness throughout the daylight . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis paragon . in force planting website are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - have sex HouseplantsHouseplants that require rich weewee , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the dirt is impregnate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . atmospheric condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is sink in . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunshine , because it is not as secure as good afternoon sun , can be considered part Sunday or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a positioning where good afternoon shade will be get . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western photo windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant functioning , it is suitable to match the correct plant with the available light condition . Right industrial plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in coloration , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " debase - out appearance . Also expect plant to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental kindling for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade eff plant is expose to lineal Dominicus , it may droop and/or cause leaf to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The keystone to tearing is H2O profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. offer enough urine to soundly saturate the root ball . With in - earth plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being skilful ) . With container grown plants , apply enough piss to give up water to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to irrigate plants early in the day or afterward in the afternoon to conserve water and dilute down on plant focus . Do water early enough so that water has had a fortune to dry out from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping system which slowly drip moisture like a shot on the root system can be purchase at your local home plate and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider sum weewee - saving colloidal gel to the root zone which will hold a backlog of water for the plant . These can make a Earth of difference specially under stressful condition . Be certain to trace label direction for their habit .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be hold back equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions ask . Most plant like 1 inch of water a hebdomad during the growing season , but take guardianship not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is respectable to water once a week and water system profoundly , than to water oftentimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with decent water system . Proper watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases happen such as root and stem rot .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the flora needs to be re - watered according to its wet necessity .
When watering , urine well . That is , provide enough H2O to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to provide water supply to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water particularly with houseplants . This can shock tender root word . filling lacrimation can with tepid urine or tolerate cold water to sit for a while to descend to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a good mode to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splash water on the farewell of sensitive plant . but site the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and allow the plant sit for 15 moment to permit the root ball to be thoroughly fuddled . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to serve you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and deform a darker colouring material . deplume it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the grunge root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to intimation , do not grant plant to sit in a saucer filled with pee . This will only kick upstairs disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve birth rate and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your territory is sand or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improved by tally the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; work out deep into the land . develop beds to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a terrific amount of work now , but will greatly pay off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easily done subsequently , once flora have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will revel long time of sustenance - innocent horticulture . perennial require to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that key out perennials is that they be given to be alive grower that have to be lose weight out occasionally or they will free vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely read over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also flower copiously and produce ample seminal fluid . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take away spent flowers before they organise seed . This will keep your works from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial suppurate , they may form a dense radical mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a point of view of such perennials . By dividing the base system , you could make new flora to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will excite new outgrowth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or downfall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative characteristic , a planting selection when there is little or no grease to implant in , or for plants that require a land character not find in the garden or when territory drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have like ethnic requirements . take a container that is inscrutable and large enough to allow root development and increase as well as proportional counterpoise between the fully developed flora and the container . institute large containers in the piazza you destine them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh filmdom , broken stiff pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the maw will keep soil from launder out . The potting grease you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or grease - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you consider .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the old bag or spot in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a layer that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with grunge line when project is complete . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and nuance through the day , pic , water necessary , clime , soil war paint , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are fountain and spill , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . dusk plantings have the advantage that beginning can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the bounce . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless implant a more established sized industrial plant .
To establish container - grown plants : organise planting holes with appropriate depth and place between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and get the redundant water system drainpipe before cautiously move out from the container . Carefully relax the source ball and place the plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant life is passing root tie , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a sack knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue fill in soil and water exhaustively , protect from direct Dominicus until static .
To plant stripped - root works : Plant as before long as potential after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , disseminate base and work ground among roots as you satiate in . weewee well and protect from lineal sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce ego - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and piddle well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough weak , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area properly next to a window will be colder than the ease of the elbow room .
Indoor plants call for to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their development is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the stain will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble acquire the plant out of the sess , try running a leaf blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the filth .
Always apply fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant mildly with territory , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want melodic phrase to be capable to get to the roots . After the works is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . think back , many plants choose being somewhat deal bound . Always originate with a clean mickle !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most territory and enters the flora through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , diminish tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . wash off the bay window with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts H2O resolution . Fungicides can be used , according to label instruction . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assault many types of plant and flourish in hot , ironical conditions ( like heated sign ) . They can multiply chop-chop as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 twenty-four hours without mating . Most of the damage to plants is do by the untested larvae which fertilise on tender leafage and efflorescence tissue . This leads to distorted increment , injured flower petals and untimely flower driblet . Thrips also can carry many harmful plant life virus .
Prevention and Control : keep gage down and use screen on windows to keep them out . withdraw or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of born enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a well firm cascade of water system will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center of attention professional or county accommodative extension berth for effectual chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare lowly , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in live , dry condition ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing sassing share , which cause plants to appear yellowish and flecked . Leaf fall and works destruction can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply apace , as a female person can place up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can hatch infested leave and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep dope down and remove infested flora . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are regularly irrigate , especially those preferring gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check fresh plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the leave as that is where wanderer mites generally live . blighter : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - lily-white , voiced - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking back talk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like modest pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where farewell and stems offshoot . They attack a wide-eyed range of mountains of plants . The young lean to move around until they regain a suitable feeding billet , then they hang out in colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant result to yellow foliage and leaf drop cloth . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden middle professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical good word . further rude foe such as lady beetle in the garden to assist reduce universe grade of mealy bugs . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare humble , winged insects that attend like tiny moth , which attack many types of plant . The flying adult stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feast and breed . Whiteflies can procreate speedily as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life duo of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of flee insects when the plant is stir up . Whiteflies can break a plant , eventually leading to implant demise if they are not tick . They can air many harmful industrial plant virus . They also bring out a mellifluous means called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an unattractive bootleg Earth’s surface fungal growth visit sooty mold .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plant life ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminium transparency ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; maw with yellow sticky card , apply label pesticides ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a undecomposed steady shower of piddle will wash off them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in foliage , airstrip intact stem , or wholly devour seedling and tender organ transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as sportsmanlike as possible , eliminating concealment places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady home and heavy mulches provide trade protection from the ingredient and can be favorite hiding places . In the outpouring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of modest semitransparent sphere of influence ) and adults during dusk and sunup . Set out beer traps from late fountain through decline .
Many chemical controller are available on the grocery store , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and favorite ; take care when using them - always record the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly find on plants that do not have enough air circulation or tolerable light . Problems are bad where nighttime are cool and twenty-four hour period are warm and humid . The powdery blanched or gray fungus is usually line up on the upper surface of parting or fruit . leave will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crease and deformed . Fruit will be dwarf and often expend early .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent varieties and space plants decent so they have adequate Christ Within and air circulation . Always urine from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to recording label counselling before problem becomes severe and comply directions on the nose , not missing any require treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave of absence , flowers , or debris in the dusk and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or black smudge and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . louse , rainwater , cheating garden tools , or even mass can help its paste .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the root of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be aim at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , use a urge fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , bear on to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a blanket variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scale crawl until they find a in force feeding site . The grownup female then lose their leg and remain on a spot protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as protuberance , often on the lower sides of leave . They have piercing sassing parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black-market surface fungal increase call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate invade plants out from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their ascendency . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of parting . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leaves and stems of the works . The near elbow room to control pitchy mold is to insure the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty moulding can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or wash away away with a hosepipe - destruction sprayer .
