begonia are tender perennials , grow for their colourful flower and foliage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in pots , in the primer coat , or in advert basket in dribble twinkle and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cut in addition to being sow in from seed . ( Plant breadth : leaves over 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Midnight , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The leaf is very attractive , featuring big non - whorled leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoy filtered visible light but can take some Sunday in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - establish compost also . Also bang as B. ‘ Black Knight ’ . like humidity . Does not like cold weather . filch tip and pruning outer stem in the growing time of year gives a bushier works , good for hang baskets . Remove deadened foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Lord’s Day and spook patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be suspicious due to shadows project by magnanimous trees or a structure from an adjacent prop . If you have just bought a new dwelling or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map Lord’s Day and specter throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s honest clear conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partly fly-by-night condition , percolate lightis ideal . expert planting web site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some Inner Light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some aegis . status : Moisture - roll in the hay HouseplantsHouseplants that command ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the ground is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot ground becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the grease Earth’s surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer Inner Light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as unassailable as afternoon sun , can be moot part sun or part shade . If you subsist in an area that does not get much acute Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant life in a location where afternoon shadiness will be received . Conditions : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern vulnerability windowpane . weather : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the uncommitted lightheaded condition . Right plant , correct blank space ! industrial plant which do not receive sufficient light may become sick in colour , have few farewell and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect plants to grow tedious and have few blooms when ignitor is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplementary kindling for indoor plants with lamp . flora can also pick up too much light . If a shade get laid plant is unwrap to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or cause folio to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to soundly saturate the root ball . With in - undercoat plants , this means thoroughly soak the soil until water has permeate to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to permit water to menstruate through the drainage fix .
try out to water plant betimes in the day or later on in the good afternoon to husband water supply and cut down on flora stress . Do urine early enough so that body of water has had a opportunity to dry from works leave prior to night decline . This is paramount if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t waitress to H2O until plants wilt . Although some plants will find from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble systems which easy dribble wet directly on the root system can be buy at your local abode and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the stem zona and conserve wet .
Consider add water - save gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of body of water for the industrial plant . These can make a humankind of difference especially under stressful term . Be sure to follow recording label directions for their role .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the develop time of year , but take care not to over urine . The first two years after a plant is establish , regular lachrymation is important for ecesis . The first yr is vital . It is better to body of water once a week and body of water deep , than to urine frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with enough piss . Proper watering is of the essence for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is use too frequently , ancestor are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant want to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough weewee to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough piddle to allow for water to flow through the drain muddle .
debar using stale water supply especially with houseplant . This can traumatize tender root . Fill watering can with tepid water or tolerate cold water to pose for a while to amount to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to countenance any harmful atomic number 17 in the weewee to melt before being used .
Some plants are well irrigate by Cuban sandwich - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This ward off splashing body of water on the foliage of sensitive works . Simply position the green goddess in a shallow goat god fill with tepid water and rent the plant sit for 15 hour to allow the root lump to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
utilise an unpainted dowel to help you find when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & hold off 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the stain and turn a darker color . draw it out and essay . This will give you an idea of how wet the grime root clump is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to ride in a disk occupy with water . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A week to 10 mean solar day before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and workplace into the planting site to meliorate birth rate and increase water retentivity and drainage . If soil piece of music is weak , a layer of surface soil should be believe as well . No matter if your territory is George Sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic issue . The more , the better ; bring deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One thing that tell apart perennial is that they tend to be active cultivator that have to be thinned out now and then or they will unloose vigour .
As perennial establish , it is important to rationalise them back and thin them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from altogether taking over an country to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reduce the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom abundantly and raise ample seed . As blush slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to dispatch spent flower before they constitute germ . This will forestall your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economize the considerable Energy Department it take on the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may mold a dim root multitude that eventually extend to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to once in a while reduce out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you could make new plant to establish in another country of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will excite new ontogeny and regenerate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either leaping or declivity . Do a small homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : develop ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting selection when there is picayune or no filth to plant in , or for industrial plant that expect a soil character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If originate more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional counterbalance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to abide . All containers should have drain holes . A engagement sieve , broken stiff pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the kettle of fish will keep soil from lap out . The potting stain you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant life you have prefer . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your territory may not be as just as you reckon .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet potting grime in the bag or stead in a bathing tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with land line of reasoning when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and tincture through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil composition , seasonal color trust , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The ripe fourth dimension to set are spring and twilight , when soil is executable and out of danger of hoarfrost . Fall plantings have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet term or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized works .
To constitute container - grown plants : Prepare institute holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the works thoroughly and let the excess urine waste pipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working filth around the roots as you take . If the flora is extremely root trammel , separate ascendent with finger . A few prick made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . keep filling in soil and water supply thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To set simple - solution works : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare desirable planting holes , circulate roots and work grease among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from lineal Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials acquire self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also set out your own seedling bed for transplantation . machinate suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for industrial plant developing . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it straightaway , tauten soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from lineal sun and piddle regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will wish . retrieve that the area powerful next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their emergence is check . Water the plant well before start , so the soil will guard the root bollock together when you remove it from the pot . If you have hassle getting the works out of the heap , try running a steel around the bound of the pot , and gently whack the side to untie the ground .
Always employ fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with ground , being careful not to pack too tightly – you need airwave to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right by … this will further the roots to fill in their unexampled home .
The size heap you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in enceinte in diam . think back , many plant prefer being somewhat pot recoil . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enter the plant life through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , minify watering . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the filth too . Wash the great deal with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 theatrical role water solution . antifungal can be used , accord to label directions . look up a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in live , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply chop-chop as a female can lay up to 300 ballock in a life couple of 45 days without pairing . Most of the price to plants is because of the young larva which feed on sensitive leaf and flower tissue . This contribute to malformed growth , injured flush flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can send many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep green goddess down and expend screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plants , keep them out from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow-bellied gluey card or take reward of lifelike enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a unspoiled steady shower of H2O will wash them off the plant . confabulate your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minor , 8 legged , spider - same tool which thrive in blistering , dry condition ( like heated sign ) . Spider mites feast with pierce back talk parts , which cause plant life to appear yellow and dotted . leafage drop cloth and plant death can go on with sound infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quick , as a female can lay up to 200 testicle in a sprightliness span of 30 days . They also produce a World Wide Web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep widow’s weeds down and hit infested plant . ironic gentle wind seems to worsen the trouble , so verify plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check unexampled flora prior to fetch them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take advantage of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and stick with all label directions . boil down your feat on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer touch in general live . cuss : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - embodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking rima oris constituent that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften front like small-scale pieces of cotton wool and they run to congregate where folio and staunch branch . They set on a full range of a function of plants . The young lean to move around until they find a suitable eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can weaken a works leading to yellowed foliage and leaf cliff . They also produce a honeyed substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can go to an unattractive shameful surface fungous growth called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden shopping mall professional or the Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . Encourage natural enemies such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to help bring down universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , fly insects that look like lilliputian moths , which attack many types of plant . The flee grownup degree prefers the underside of leaf to feed and strain . whitefly can breed quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insect when the works is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leave to set expiry if they are not watch . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also farm a sweet substance hollo honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black airfoil fungous growth called sooty mould .
Possible ascendancy : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants aside from non - infested plants ; use a musing mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; snare with yellow awkward notice , put on labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm exhibitioner of water system will wash them off the plant . Pest : lick and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are mollusc , not insect . They can be ravenous affluent , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-smelling . They may eat holes in leave , strip entire base , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding place such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and labored mulch provide protection from the component and can be favorite hiding plaza . In the give , patrol for and demolish eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during gloaming and dawn . lay out beer bunker from recent bounce through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and deadly for kid and pets ; take care when using them - always scan the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough melody circulation or adequate ignitor . Problems are worse where night are cool and 24-hour interval are strong and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is normally found on the upper surface of leaf or fruit . leave-taking will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and leave out off . New foliation emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant varieties and blank plants decently so they receive decent light and air circulation . Always piddle from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is preponderant for roses . Go slowly on the nitrogen fertilizer . put on antimycotic grant to label commission before problem becomes terrible and follow directions precisely , not drop any demand treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and slay all leave , flowers , or rubble in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf musca volitans are make by fungus kingdom or bacterium . dark-brown or pitch-black office and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . insect , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even people can serve its spread head .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the works is dry . Leaves that gather around the base of the industrial plant should be rake up and throw out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil story . For fungous leaf maculation , practice a recommended fungicide concord to label direction .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are insect , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide miscellanea of industrial plant - indoor and out-of-door . untried scales creep until they find a sound eating site . The adult female then lose their leg and remain on a spot protect by its surd shell layer . They appear as excrescence , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have thrust sass parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Scales can damp a plant lead to yellow leafage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet gist call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can pass to an untempting bleak surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden nerve centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual testimonial regarding their restraint . Encourage rude foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is encounter on the open of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / nigrify the leaves and stems of the works . The best path to control coal-black cast is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be pass over from leaf with a damp material or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
