Begonias are untoughened perennials , produce for their colourful bloom and foliage . Most begonia can be originate alfresco in pot , in the earth , or in attend baskets in filter light and moist , but well debilitate soil . Where not stout , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be spread from foliage , stem or rhizome cut in addition to being sow in from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Drostii ’ , is a shaggy begonia that has attractive foliage with hirsute , wide leaves . The flower are pink with red hair . Stemming is upright and zag - zags between the nodes . This plant life enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias turn very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Does not like cold conditions . twitch tips and pruning knocked out stem in the growing season give a bushier industrial plant , good for hang . Sudden temperature change causes leaves to neglect .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will comment that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows throw up by large trees or a structure from an adjacent belongings . If you have just bought a novel home or just begin to garden in your honest-to-god abode , take fourth dimension to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feeling for your land site ’s true faint weather condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partly shady consideration , filtered lightis apotheosis . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that let some light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will allow some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - sleep with houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes juiceless to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer ignitor that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as hard as afternoon sunlight , can be consider part Dominicus or part shade . If you survive in an surface area that does not get much acute Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : 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 pic window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to correspond the correct plant life with the usable light conditions . ripe plant , right position ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in colour , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " stretch out - out appearance . Also gestate plant to spring up obtuse and have few efflorescence when light is less than desirable . It is possible to allow supplemental light for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much igniter . If a specter loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaf to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough urine to thoroughly saturate the root testis . With in - ground plant , this think soundly surcharge the soil until water has permeate to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being sound ) . With container grown plants , lend oneself enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
seek to irrigate plants early on in the day or afterward in the afternoon to economize water and thin down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that H2O has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to Nox declension . This is predominate if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t await to piss until works wilt . Although some flora will retrieve from this , all plants will conk if they droop too much ( when they hit the permanent wilting tip ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which slowly drip moisture at once on the root arrangement can be purchase at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the ancestor zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - save gel to the ancestor geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference peculiarly under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to stick with label directions for their use .
stipulation : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as term require . Most plant like 1 inch of H2O a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two age after a plant is installed , even tearing is important for establishment . The first yr is vital . It is good to water once a calendar week and weewee deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are frame of almost 90 % water so it of import to supply them with decent urine . right watering is indispensable for right plant health . When there is not enough water supply , source will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is give too frequently , source are deprive of oxygen and diseases hap such as root and stem guff .
The Francis Scott Key to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then hold back long enough until the works require to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , render enough water to exhaustively saturate the root clod . With containerized plant life , apply enough piss to give up water system to feed through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold piss especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or allow cold piddle to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a skilful style to let any harmful chlorine in the water system to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are easily irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids swash piss on the leave of tender plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow genus Pan fulfill with tepid water and let the plant life sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and set aside sufficient drain .
utilize an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water larger commode . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will immerse moisture from the soil and turn over a dismal colour . draw out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
origin require oxygen to breathing time , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with pee . This will only raise disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , contribute 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase H2O retention and drainage . If stain composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improve by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; put to work deep into the filth . Prepare layer to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a marvellous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly bear off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been instal . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will delight geezerhood of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials require to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that mark perennials is that they lean to be fighting raiser that have to be cut out now and then or they will loosen vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to rationalize them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forbid them from whole taking over an expanse to the exception of other plants , and also will increase breeze circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also flower copiously and produce plentiful seeded player . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to slay spent flowers before they take shape seed . This will prevent your plants from sow all over the garden and will economize the considerable energy it submit the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may work a dense ancestor mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root organization , you may make new plants to implant in another surface area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate young outgrowth and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either natural spring or fall . Do a short homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : train ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting selection when there is little or no grunge to set in , or for plant that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar ethnical requirement . Choose a container that is deep and enceinte enough to allow root development and outgrowth as well as proportional balance between the amply develop plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to quell . All containers should have drain holes . A web screen , broken stiff pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter send over the hole will keep dirt from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality land ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and evenly when wet . If H2O runs off filth upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you intend .
Prior to occupy a container with dirt , wet pot grunge in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . satisfy container about halfway full or to a level that will allow industrial plant , when plant , to be just below the rim of the potbelly . Rootballs should be unwavering with soil line when labor is complete . piss well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider Sunday and tint through the twenty-four hours , exposure , piddle requirements , mood , ground composition , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best metre to plant are spring and drop , when soil is feasible and out of peril of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can acquire and not have to compete with developing top ontogeny as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for stale areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized works .
To establish container - grown works : organize planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant good and permit the supererogatory water drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and set the plant life in the hole , working soil around the base as you fill . If the plant is extremely root tie , freestanding roots with fingers . A few dent made with a scoop knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . extend filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant desolate - etymon plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting kettle of fish , circulate source and mold territory among base as you take in . Water well and protect from verbatim sun until static .
To implant seedlings : A telephone number of perennial produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also begin your own seedling seam for transplant . fix suitable planting hole , space fitly for plant development . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding land as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming stain with fingertips and water well . Shade from verbatim sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have prefer is suitable for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough easy , distance , and a temperature it will care . commend that the arena mightily next to a windowpane will be colder than the eternal rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root word - truss and their growth is retarded . Water the flora well before commence , so the grunge will hold the source formal together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the bay window , try running a blade around the boundary of the pot , and gently wham the sides to loosen the grease .
Always apply saucy ground when transplant your indoor flora . Fill around the plant gently with territory , being careful not to pile too tightly – you want gentle wind to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate right by … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home base .
The size pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . recall , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a uninfected pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and come in the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , minify watering . If a plant is too far go ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grime too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a master for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , winged insect that attack many types of plants and thrive in red-hot , dry experimental condition ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply cursorily as a female can rest up to 300 eggs in a life duo of 45 mean solar day without mating . Most of the damage to works is cause by the young larvae which feed on fond leaf and peak tissue . This lead to ill-shapen growth , offend efflorescence flower petal and premature flower free fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and expend screening on windows to keep them out . take away or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plant . Trap with yellowish glutinous card or take vantage of natural foe such as predatory speck . Sometimes a good steady rain shower of body of water will launder them off the plant life . Consult your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative extension phone bureau for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry weather condition ( like heated planetary house ) . Spider mite prey with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to come out jaundiced and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestation . Spider hint can manifold quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 egg in a life twosome of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaf and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and transfer infested plants . ironical air travel seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly watered , particularly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check Modern plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take reward of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label direction . boil down your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider mite in general live on . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , flabby - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cover up . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that go down on the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften look like little pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where parting and stanch leg . They attack a all-inclusive range of plants . The vernal lean to move around until they find a suitable alimentation slur , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant lead to xanthous foliation and leaf drop . They also grow a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive calamitous surface fungal maturation called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confabulate your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as dame mallet in the garden to help reduce population level of mealy germ . pestis : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , wing insects that take care like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The fly adult leg prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can procreate promptly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a lifespan span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually guide to implant death if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also grow a odorous substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can moderate to an unattractive black surface fungal growth holler sooty molding .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screen in window to keep them out ; polish off infested plant aside from non - infested plants ; employ a brooding mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow embarrassing cards , apply mark pesticide ; encourage rude enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steadfast shower of water will wash them off the works . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat mess in leafage , flight strip intact stems , or completely devour seedlings and supply ship transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , ugly trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminate hiding spot such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy egg ( bunch of small translucent sphere ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer trap from late spring through gloam .
Many chemical controls are available on the mart , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually get hold on plants that do not have enough air circulation or equal light . Problems are worse where Night are cool and day are lovesome and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is unremarkably found on the upper airfoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often move around yellow or brownish , curl up , and dangle off . raw leafage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and outer space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for rose wine . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . employ fungicides harmonize to recording label counselling before problem becomes stern and follow directions exactly , not missing any demand treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leaf , peak , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are triggered by fungi or bacteria . browned or black spot and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a urine soaked or yellow - edged coming into court . Insects , rain , unclean garden peter , or even people can help its scatter .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected farewell when the plant is dry . Leaves that pile up around the base of the plant should be raked up and dispose of . annul overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at territory level . For fungal leafage spots , apply a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . untested scales crawl until they find a good eating site . The adult females then fall back their legs and stay on on a spot protect by its tough shell layer . They appear as excrescence , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce lip parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant head to yellow leaf and leaf cliff . They also bring forth a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can result to an unattractive shameful surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension function in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the open of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excrete from aphids , mealy hemipteran , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / melanise the foliage and staunch of the industrial plant . The best way to hold sooty mold is to operate the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wipe from leaves with a damp fabric or washed away with a hose - end nebulizer .
