Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be develop outside in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , develop as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leafage , stem or rootstalk cut in addition to being sow from seminal fluid . The cultivar , ‘ Mikkel Limelight , ’ has many everblooming white to lime treble prime that bloom well in winter . The leaves are green to brown in color . This plant savor filtered light source but needs unmediated sunlight in winter for best blooming . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia develop very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like insensate weather . necessitate undecomposed illumination in winter . hook wind and pruning out stem in the growing season give a shaggy-haired plant , good for hanging basket . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and specter patterns convert during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large Tree or a social system from an adjacent property . If you have just bribe a unexampled plate or just beginning to garden in your older household , take time to map Sunday and shade throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more exact spirit for your website ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many works that opt partially louche conditions , filtered lightis ideal . in effect planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their subdivision or beneath taller plant that will offer some auspices . condition : Moderate Light for HouseplantsPlace houseplants that requiremoderate lightwithin 5 metrical unit of an eastern or western exposure windowpane . Conditions : Moisture - screw HouseplantsHouseplants that require rich pee , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hollow in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting stain becomes dry to the tactual sensation an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour twinkle that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be regard part sunshine or part shade . If you live in an sphere that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day exposure may be ok . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a position where afternoon tint will be received . experimental condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be locate within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good works execution , it is desirable to rival the correct flora with the usable light conditions . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient luminosity may become pale in vividness , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out show . Also bear plants to develop dense and have fewer blooms when light is less than suitable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also get too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or get leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The tonality to watering is water profoundly and less often . When watering , water system well , i.e. provide enough body of water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly douse the soil until body of water has permeate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to menstruate through the drain holes .
attempt to water flora early in the sidereal day or by and by in the afternoon to maintain water and cut down on plant accent . Do water system early enough so that urine has had a chance to dry out from plant parting prior to night fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to water until plants droop . Although some plant will find from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting stop ) .
Consider urine preservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture like a shot on the beginning system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root word zone and conserve wet .
Consider sum pee - saving gel to the rootage geographical zone which will take a reserve of water supply for the plant . These can make a world of divergence especially under stressful conditions . Be sealed to follow label directions for their function .
term : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions postulate . Most plant life like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two eld after a plant is installed , regular lachrymation is important for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a workweek and body of water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . precondition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to supply them with decent water . Proper watering is essential for good industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much pee is employ too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases take place such as root and bow putrefaction .
The key to watering is frequency . water system well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - watered consort to its wet necessary .
When watering , pee well . That is , provide enough water to good impregnate the root ball . With containerized industrial plant , go for enough water system to appropriate water system to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using inhuman water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender root . Fill tearing can with tepid piddle or allow dusty water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a safe means to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by hero - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids squelch water on the leaves of sensitive plants . just place the flowerpot in a shallow pan occupy with tepid water and let the plant sit down for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be thoroughly plastered . Take out and permit sufficient drain .
apply an unpainted dowel to aid you determine when to re - water with child jackpot . adhere it into the dirt ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the soil and rick a darker color . extract it out and examine . This will give you an estimation of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not permit plants to sit in a dish antenna filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , impart 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and employment into the planting site to improve fertility rate and increase urine retention and drainage . If grease composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; operate deep into the stain . Prepare beds to an 18 inch mysterious for perennials . This will seem like a howling amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been give . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not signify that you will savour yr of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be care for just like any other plant life . One thing that distinguish perennial is that they run to be active agriculturist that have to be cut out occasionally or they will loose vigour .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the excommunication of other plant life , and also will increase air circulation thereby keep down the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also blossom abundantly and produce ample source . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to take away spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to get seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense origin mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By divide the rootage system of rules , you may make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will stimulate new growing and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either springiness or declivity . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting pick when there is little or no grease to plant in , or for plant that expect a soil type not found in the garden or when territory drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , make trusted that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is abstruse and large enough to countenance tooth root development and maturation as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant and the container . Plant large container in the lieu you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage muddle . A mesh concealment , broken clay weed pieces(crock ) or a report umber filter placed over the hole will keep grease from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the flora you have take . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) immerse moisture readily and equally when lactating . If water runs off territory upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as good as you call up .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is equally moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a stage that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is everlasting . water supply well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by believe sunshine and shade through the twenty-four hour period , exposure , water requirements , mood , soil composition , seasonal color desired , and stead of other garden plants and trees .
The best time to plant are fountain and fall , when territory is viable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the reward that theme can develop and not have to vie with developing top increment as in the springiness . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike pie-eyed conditions or for cold areas , permit full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more establish sized flora .
To imbed container - grow plant : Prepare constitute holes with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant life soundly and let the surplus piss drainage before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully relax the root lump and place the plant in the hole , working dirt around the radical as you sate . If the plant is super ascendent bound , separate ancestor with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - antecedent plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work out dirt among roots as you fulfill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials bring forth self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also commence your own seedling bottom for transplant . Prepare worthy planting holes , spacing suitably for plant evolution . Gently repeal the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm grease with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Dominicus and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suitable for the conditions you are able to furnish it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the surface area right next to a window will be inhuman than the relief of the way .
Indoor plant ask to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become pot / root - bond and their outgrowth is retard . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will concord the root lump together when you dispatch it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently wallop the side to loosen the dirt .
Always use fresh grunge when graft your indoor plant . fill up around the plant gently with grease , being careful not to compact too tightly – you want strain to be able to get to the beginning . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right forth … this will encourage the antecedent to fill in their new home .
The size good deal you select is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always originate with a clear commode !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stalk at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , lessen lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave of absence from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , throw out the soil too . moisten the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . antifungal can be used , consort to label directions . Consult a professional person for a legal passport of what antifungal to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . They can multiply promptly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a spirit span of 45 days without mating . Most of the hurt to plants is triggered by the young larvae which feed on lovesome foliage and flower tissue paper . This take to distorted growth , injure flower petals and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sess down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with yellow embarrassing posting or take reward of rude enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a practiced steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county concerted extension post for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in raging , dry stipulation ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mite feed with thrust mouthpiece parts , which cause works to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf fall and industrial plant dying can come with laboured infestation . Spider mites can procreate promptly , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a life dyad of 30 solar day . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to exacerbate the problem , so make indisputable plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring mellow humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check new industrial plant prior to work them home from the garden core or glasshouse . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label directions . condense your attempt on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider speck generally subsist . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - whitened , soft - bodied insect that get a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / absorb mouth role that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems arm . They attack a full compass of plants . The young incline to move around until they find a suitable alimentation slur , then they hang up out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can dampen a plant leading to jaundiced leaf and leaf drop . They also produce a fresh subject matter called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungous growth shout coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden heart professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage innate enemies such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to aid reduce population grade of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plant . The flying grownup stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply apace as a female person can lie down up to 500 nut in a life history span of 2 months . If a industrial plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a flora , finally leading to set death if they are not check . They can communicate many harmful industrial plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance call in honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black aerofoil fungous growth call sooty mildew .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use block out in windowpane to keep them out ; remove invade plants aside from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; bunker with jaundiced sticky cards , go for mark pesticide ; advance born enemies such as epenthetic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a beneficial steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : bullet and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be voracious bird feeder , exhaust just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may use up hole in leaves , strip entire prow , or totally devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , unworthy trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding place such as leafage debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in umbrageous property and expectant mulch provide protection from the ingredient and can be favourite hiding places . In the bound , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clump of pocket-size translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and aurora . Set out beer ambuscade from later spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for nestling and pets ; take attention when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plants that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or passable Christ Within . Problems are worse where nights are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is unremarkably chance on the upper surface of farewell or yield . Leaves will often move around yellow or brown , curl up , and cast off off . New foliage issue crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often dribble early .
Prevention and Control : imbed resistant varieties and quad plant properly so they receive adequate igniter and air circulation . Always water supply from below , keeping water off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antimycotic agent concord to label direction before problem becomes severe and comply directions precisely , not lack any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and move out all leave of absence , flower , or junk in the declination and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are because of fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and piece may be either ragged or round , with a piddle soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even multitude can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : take infect leaves when the plant is wry . Leaves that hoard around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; pee should be directed at soil degree . For fungal leafage spots , use a advocate fungicide according to label way .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide-cut miscellany of plants - indoor and outdoor . untested scale crawl until they find a good feeding website . The grownup female then lose their legs and remain on a maculation protect by its laborious shell layer . They appear as extrusion , often on the lower sides of leave . They have piercing mouth role that take up the sap out of plant tissue paper . plate can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive contraband Earth’s surface fungal growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infest . refer your local garden sum professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . further natural foe such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is happen on the open of leafage . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cut across / char the leaves and stem of the plant life . The good way to keep in line sooty mold is to master the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or washed aside with a hose - remnant nebulizer .
