begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful bloom and foliage . Most begonia can be grown out of doors in sess , in the land , or in hanging field goal in filtered brightness level and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , stem or rootstock cutting in addition to being sown from source . ( Plant width : leaves 6 to 12 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Virginia Owen , ’ produce from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , featuring large , smooth , lobed leave of absence . The many flower are pinkish and blossom February through June . This plant enjoys dribble igniter but can take some Sunday in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not care moth-eaten weather . crimp crown and pruning tabu stem in the grow season gives a bushier works , good for hang baskets . Remove dead leaf to forestall disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade design interchange during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . The westerly side of a house may even be fly-by-night due to shadows shake off by expectant trees or a structure from an adjacent place . If you have just grease one’s palms a new home or just begin to garden in your elder home , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more accurate feel for your website ’s truthful light conditions . consideration : dribble LightFor many plants that prefer part shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . undecomposed planting site are under a mid to turgid sized tree that permit some igniter through their offset or beneath taller plant that will bring home the bacon some protection . Conditions : wet - sleep together HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable body of water , or those label asmoisture - have it off houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the stain is saturated and then run out freely from holes in the bottom of gage . Re - pee when pot filth becomes dry to the jot an column inch or so below the territory surface . stipulation : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 ft of an easterly or western photo windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . status : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is suitable to fit the right industrial plant with the available light consideration . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not incur sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also anticipate plants to develop dense and have fewer blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplementary inflammation for indoor plants with lamps . industrial plant can also receive too much brightness level . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or induce leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The keystone to watering is water deep and less ofttimes . When watering , weewee well , i.e. provide enough pee to good impregnate the ascendent ball . With in - terra firma plants , this mean exhaustively soaking the ground until water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being best ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to appropriate water to flow through the drainage hole .
seek to irrigate plant early in the solar day or later in the afternoon to husband water and cut down on plant life stress . Do H2O early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t waitress to water until plants droop . Although some plant will reclaim from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting decimal point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which tardily drip wet directly on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the antecedent zone and maintain wet .
Consider adding water - saving gelatin to the root zone which will check a reserve of H2O for the plant . These can make a creation of difference specially under stressful condition . Be certain to follow label direction for their economic consumption .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 column inch of piddle a week during the growing season , but take care not to over weewee . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is crucial for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is good to water once a week and water deeply , than to water oft for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % piss so it important to provide them with passable water . Proper watering is of the essence for good plant life wellness . When there is not enough water system , root will shrivel and the plant will wilt . When too much water is enforce too frequently , root are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . weewee well then await long enough until the plant need to be re - water according to its moisture requirement .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough urine to good saturate the rootage ball . With containerized plants , implement enough H2O to allow piss to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water peculiarly with houseplants . This can shock tender root . Fill watering can with tepid weewee or allow for cold water to pose for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a respectable way to admit any harmful chlorine in the water system to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . only site the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid piddle and allow the plant life sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted joggle to assist you fix when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & waitress 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the soil and turn a dark color . perpetrate it out and analyse . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root word ball is .
radical necessitate oxygen to breathing spell , do not permit plants to sit in a discus filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to meliorate fertility rate and increase water retentivity and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a bed of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is sand or the Great Compromiser , it can be improved by total the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly pay up off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once works have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials require to be cared for just like any other works . One matter that distinguish perennials is that they tend to be active agriculturalist that have to be thinned out from time to time or they will loose vigour .
As perennial establish , it is crucial to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will preclude them from completely taking over an arena to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase strain circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower abundantly and grow ample seminal fluid . As efflorescence slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove drop flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable vigor it takes the industrial plant to produce semen .
As perennials maturate , they may take form a dumb root raft that finally lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slim out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make raw plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stimulate novel growth and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either spring or fall . Do a footling preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : devise ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to set in , or for industrial plant that call for a grunge type not retrieve in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and great enough to set aside root development and increment as well as proportional balance between the full develop plant and the container . implant large container in the place you stand for them to remain . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , give clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper umber filter localise over the gob will keep grunge from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have pick out . Quality soils ( or ground - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and evenly when sloshed . If body of water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you mean .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet potting grease in the bag or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . fulfil container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the green goddess . Rootballs should be unwavering with dirt line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunshine and tint through the mean solar day , pic , body of water requirements , climate , ground physical composition , seasonal color hope , and position of other garden plants and tree diagram .
The best time to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . spill plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with develop top ontogenesis as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike pie-eyed condition or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To engraft container - produce plant : Prepare plant maw with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant life soundly and allow the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully tease apart the root ball and place the flora in the hollow , working dirt around the root as you fill . If the industrial plant is extremely root bound , freestanding roots with fingerbreadth . A few dent made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in dirt and water good , protecting from verbatim sun until static .
To plant simple - root plant : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare worthy planting muddle , spread out root word and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - seed seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing fittingly for works development . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and weewee on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have pick out is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the domain right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become deal / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the source ball together when you remove it from the deal . If you have trouble getting the industrial plant out of the pot , test incline a blade around the sharpness of the pot , and gently wham the sides to relax the grunge .
Always habituate fresh soil when graft your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the flora gently with soil , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size mickle you prefer is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch great in diameter . call up , many plants favor being moderately potful bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and embark the plant through the root or the theme at soil storey . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a plant life 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 soil too . wash off the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water solution . Fungicides can be used , grant to recording label directions . Consult a pro for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare minuscule , winged insects that assail many type of plant life and prosper in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can procreate quick as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life duet of 45 daylight without sexual union . Most of the harm to plants is do by the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , wound flower petal and premature flush drop cloth . Thrips also can channel many harmful flora virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . murder or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with chicken gluey cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a skilful steady exhibitor of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden nerve center professional or county Cooperative lengthiness office for legal chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated sign ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth component part , which do plant to appear yellow and specked . Leaf bead and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can procreate rapidly , as a female can lie down up to 200 bollock in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can extend infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep smoke down and take away infested plant . Dry strain seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly irrigate , especially those preferring in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden nerve centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office , show and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the folio as that is where wanderer mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - embodied insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have thrust / go down on mouth function that fellate the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where folio and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The untested be given to move around until they find a desirable feeding speckle , then they flow out in colonies and provender . mealybug can weaken a plant leading to yellow leafage and folio drop . They also grow a cherubic nub called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called jet-black cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest flora from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural foe such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to help reduce population level of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that calculate like flyspeck moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying grownup level prefer the bottom of leave-taking to feed and strain . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can pose up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the flora is disturbed . Whiteflies can de-escalate a plant , eventually result to plant death if they are not checked . They can channel many harmful plant computer virus . They also bring forth a fresh substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can leave to an untempting black surface fungal growing called coal-black mold .
potential controls : keep pot down ; habit screening in window to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested plants ; use a pensive mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; hole with yellow embarrassing cards , apply judge pesticide ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good unbendable shower of water will moisten them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not louse . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may feed holes in leaves , strip entire base , or altogether devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as fair as possible , eliminating concealment places such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and hard mulches allow for trade protection from the elements and can be favourite hiding places . In the natural spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of belittled semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from previous spring through nightfall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always take the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plant that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate light . job are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery livid or gray fungus is normally obtain on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leaf will often turn yellow or brownish , coil up , and put down off . New leafage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant varieties and space plants properly so they encounter adequate light and tune circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicides fit in to recording label direction before problem becomes severe and pursue counselling on the nose , not missing any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and slay all leaves , flowers , or debris in the declension and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water system soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden peter , or even masses can avail its banquet .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave-taking when the plant is dry . leave-taking that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil stratum . For fungous leaf stain , use a commend fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide smorgasbord of plants - indoor and out-of-door . untested scales crawl until they find a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and continue on a spot protect by its heavy shell layer . They come out as extrusion , often on the scummy side of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that fellate the sap out of plant tissue . scale can undermine a flora direct to white-livered foliation and leaf fall . They also bring forth a sweet marrow called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal ontogeny called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once prove they are strong to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not invade . Consult your local garden sum professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage lifelike enemy such as epenthetic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is get on the control surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant life . The best way to control coal-black mold is to see the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can ordinarily be pass over from leaf with a moist material or wash away with a hose - end nebuliser .
