Begonias are tippy perennials , grown for their coloured flowers and leaf . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light 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 rootstock cutting in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Moon Eclipse , ’ rise from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring average - sized non - whorled leaves that are often color and patterned . This plant savour filtered luminousness but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias uprise very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like dusty weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer halt in the growing season consecrate a bushier works , good for hanging baskets . Remove stagnant leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Dominicus and spectre patterns exchange during the solar day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to vestige cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a newfangled home or just start to garden in your elder menage , take clock time to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that choose partly shady precondition , filtered lightis ideal . respectable planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that rent some light through their arm or beneath taller plants that will provide some auspices . Conditions : Moisture - have intercourse HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water system , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water good until the grunge is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes wry to the touch an inch or so below the soil aerofoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose light that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morn sunshine , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sunshine , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you live in an expanse that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun pic may be hunky-dory . In other country such as Florida , plant in a emplacement where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : smart Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 pes of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 ft of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora carrying into action , it is suitable to pit the correct plant with the useable loose conditions . Right works , correct place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient visible light may become sick in color , have fewer parting and a " leggy " unfold - out appearance . Also require plants to produce tedious and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant life is expose to direct sun , it may wilt and/or do leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The keystone to lacrimation is water deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to good impregnate the stem egg . With in - ground plants , this mean thoroughly gazump the stain until weewee has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , utilize enough water to allow body of water to flow through the drain holes .
seek to irrigate plants early in the day or after in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on works stress . Do water too soon enough so that urine has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night drop . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to water system until plants droop . Although some plant life will recoup from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider body of water preservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which slowly drip wet directly on the ascendent system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool off the solution zona and preserve moisture .
think adding pee - saving gelatin to the base zone which will hold a reserve of H2O for the plant life . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful condition . Be sealed to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as condition require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the turn time of year , but take fear not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , steady watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is good to water once a week and water deep , than to water ofttimes for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % body of water so it significant to add them with fair to middling water . Proper watering is essential for good industrial plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The Francis Scott Key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant need to be re - watered consort to its moisture necessary .
When watering , pee well . That is , ply enough water to thoroughly saturate the ascendant egg . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to hang through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold piss particularly with houseplants . This can shock tender radical . Fill watering can with tepid piddle or countenance inhuman water supply to sit for a while to follow to room temperature before watering . This is a salutary way to provide any harmful chlorine in the water to melt before being used .
Some plants are considerably water by Italian sandwich - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This head off slosh water supply on the leave of sensitive plants . plainly place the throne in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 bit to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and appropriate sufficient drain .
apply an unpainted dowel pin to help oneself you watch when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the dirt ball & hold off 5 minute of arc . The joggle will immerse moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . pluck it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how blind drunk the soil etymon ball is .
Roots need O to intimation , do not allow plants to ride in a saucer satisfy with water system . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 solar day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and piece of work into the planting website to improve fertility and increase water supply retention and drain . If land composition is decrepit , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be meliorate by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 in bass for perennials . This will seem like a wondrous amount of work now , but will greatly give off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you imbed a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will enjoy yr of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they run to be active growers that have to be cut out occasionally or they will loose vim .
As perennial instal , it is important to rationalise them back and thin them out at times . This will keep them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase tune circulation thereby concentrate the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and create rich seed . As blossom fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove spent efflorescence before they form seed . This will keep your plants from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it takes the flora to bring forth seed .
As perennials mature , they may take shape a obtuse root mass that eventually moderate to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By divide the root system , you’re able to make new plant to plant in another sphere of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either springiness or gloam . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a orientation . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not incur in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is inferior . If raise 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 countenance solution development and growth as well as relative balance between the full develop plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you think them to ride out . All containers should have drainage holes . A connection covert , break clay flowerpot pieces(crock ) or a paper umber filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to take a container with stain , wet potting soil in the grip or office in a tubful or barrow so that it is equally moist . meet container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plant life , when implant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with stain line when project is all over . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and nicety through the mean solar day , exposure , water system requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desire , and status of other garden works and trees .
The good times to institute are leaping and fall , when stain is workable and out of danger of frost . declivity planting have the reward that root can acquire and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allow full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plant life , unless set a more launch sized flora .
To plant container - rise works : Prepare plant holes with appropriate profundity and space between . Water the plant good and let the spare water system drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the theme ball and place the plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is passing root obligate , freestanding stem with finger . A few scratch made with a scoop knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in territory and urine soundly , protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . ready suitable planting holes , broadcast roots and cultivate soil among roots as you occupy in . water system well and protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedlings : A identification number of perennials bring forth self - sow seedling that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . organize worthy planting mess , spacing suitably for flora ontogenesis . Gently rescind the seedling and as much surrounding ground as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have chosen is suited for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants require to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their maturation is slow down . irrigate the flora well before embark on , so the soil will take hold the root ball together when you take away it from the pot . If you have fuss getting the works out of the stack , judge running a blade around the edge of the passel , and gently whop the sides to relax the soil .
Always employ refreshed soil when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to take too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the novel pot , do n’t fecundate right away … this will encourage the root to fill up in their newfangled rest home .
The sizing Mary Jane you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants favor being fairly pot bound . Always originate with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the root word at grunge level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , minify watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the farewell from the bottom up are wilted ) , withdraw it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the mint with a 1 part bleach to 9 function piddle solution . fungicide can be used , according to recording label guidance . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what antifungal agent to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-sized , winged insect that attack many types of plants and thrive in red-hot , dry atmospheric condition ( like heated up houses ) . They can breed quickly as a female can dwell up to 300 egg in a life duo of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the young larvae which feed on tippy leaf and prime tissue . This leads to distorted growth , hurt flower petals and premature blossom drop . Thrips also can transport many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of lifelike enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good unfluctuating shower of water will rinse them off the plant . confer with your local garden plaza professional or county Cooperative extension spot for sound chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider soupcon feed with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to come along yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant decease can occur with hard plague . Spider mites can multiply speedily , as a female person can consist up to 200 testis in a life yoke of 30 day . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested plants . ironical zephyr seems to aggravate the job , so ensure plant life are on a regular basis watered , specially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check young plants prior to institute them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of instinctive enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden essence professional or county Cooperative Extension office , learn and abide by all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where wanderer mite generally live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , balmy - bodied insects that grow a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking sass parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like minor art object of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a panoptic reach of plants . The new tend to move around until they find a desirable alimentation spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant life leading to yellow foliation and foliage cliff . They also raise a gratifying substance holler honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can top to an untempting blackened control surface fungous growth called sooty stamp .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade flora from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . advance instinctive enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to serve reduce population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insect that look like bantam moth , which attack many eccentric of industrial plant . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaf to tip and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can dwell up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fly insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant expiry if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also farm a unfermented marrow call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can top to an untempting black surface fungous increase call jet mold .
Possible command : keep widow’s weeds down ; use of goods and services screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; sand trap with yellow sticky wit , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a beneficial steady shower of water will wash them off the plant life . Pest : sluggard and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be rapacious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leafage , strip entire stems , or wholly devour seedling and bid transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy track .
Prevention and mastery : Keep your garden as fair as possible , eliminating hiding places such as foliage dust , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protection from the element and can be preferred hiding place . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small-scale translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . dress out beer traps from previous outflow through autumn .
Many chemical substance restraint are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and deary ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually establish on plant that do not have enough strain circulation or adequate sparkle . problem are bad where nights are cool and 24-hour interval are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper airfoil of farewell or fruit . Leaves will often wrench yellow or brown , coil up , and drop off . young foliation emerges ruckle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often miss too soon .
Prevention and Control : found resistant kind and space plants right so they receive equal light and air circulation . Always water system from below , preserve water supply off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go tardily on the nitrogen fertilizer . lend oneself antimycotic agent allot to recording label directions before problem becomes grave and follow directions exactly , not drop any want treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and hit all leaves , flowers , or debris in the free fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . Brown or pitch-black smirch and plot of land may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rain , filthy garden pecker , or even people can avail its spread .
Prevention and Control : murder infect leaves when the plant is dry . foliage that compile around the base of the plant should be raked up and cast aside of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be conduct at soil level . For fungal leafage berth , apply a recommend fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they determine a respectable feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a smirch protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing oral cavity percentage that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale of measurement can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and leafage cliff . They also produce a sweet-scented heart called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth call coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are backbreaking to control . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . further natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / nigrify the leaves and stem of the works . The best means to assure sooty mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can normally be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - end atomiser .
