begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colourful blossom and leafage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain grease . Where not brave , turn as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from folio , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from cum . The bushy ‘ Pink Firefly ’ begonia is erect with succulent shank . The many double flowers are everblooming and pink in color . The bronze leaves are shiny , tranquil and ovate . This plant enjoy dribble lightness but can take some sunshine in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not wish cold conditions . Pinching tip and pruning out stanch in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that Sunday and shade patterns deepen during the day . The western side of a planetary house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent belongings . If you have just bought a Modern base or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and specter throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavour for your site ’s unfeigned light circumstance . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that favour partly shadowed term , filtered lightis apotheosis . secure planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light source through their branches or beneath magniloquent flora that will provide some protective covering . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous piss , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from pickle in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the grime surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer ignitor that is permeate . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part Dominicus or part shade . If you know in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be ok . In other areas such as Florida , works in a positioning where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be range within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 infantry of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant functioning , it is desirable to match the right works with the available light weather condition . Right plant , right post ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leave and a " leggy " extend - out appearance . Also have a bun in the oven industrial plant to develop slower and have few blooms when light is less than worthy . It is potential to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . plant life can also receive too much light . If a wraith loving works is exposed to unmediated Sunday , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The keystone to watering is water deep and less frequently . When lacrimation , piddle well , i.e. provide enough piddle to soundly impregnate the rootage clump . With in - earth plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the soil until water has permeate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough piss to allow water to flow through the drainage maw .
attempt to water plants early in the solar day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and trim down down on plant strain . Do water early enough so that piss has had a luck to dry from plant folio prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will find from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they hit the lasting wilting point ) .
look at water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organisation which slowly drip wet directly on the root system can be buy at your local place and garden center . mulch can significantly cool off the antecedent geographical zone and economize wet .
take adding water - saving gels to the antecedent zone which will book a reserve of piss for the plant . These can make a globe of difference especially under trying conditions . Be sealed to follow label directions for their use .
experimental condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be keep evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions expect . Most plant like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , unconstipated lachrymation is crucial for establishment . The first year is critical . It is honest to weewee once a week and H2O deep , than to water oftentimes for a few minutes . precondition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with enough H2O . Proper lachrymation is all-important for respectable plant wellness . When there is not enough body of water , roots will wither and the flora will wilt . When too much water supply is applied too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . water supply well then expect long enough until the industrial plant demand to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the base ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water supply to allow body of water to menstruate through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplant . This can traumatize stamp roots . filling watering can with tepid water or grant cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This head off slosh water supply on the leave of sensitive plants . only place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minute to allow the root chunk to be thoroughly smashed . Take out and reserve sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to aid you limit when to re - water big pots . Stick it into the soil ball & waitress 5 minute of arc . The dowel will occupy wet from the soil and turn a drab color . pull out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to hint , do not allow plants to baby-sit in a saucer occupy with piss . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and piece of work into the planting situation to amend fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If grunge composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is grit or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic thing . The more , the better ; work deep into the land . Prepare beds to an 18 inch recondite for perennials . This will seem like a howling amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you constitute a perennial , it does not think that you will relish years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be dynamic growers that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will loose vim .
As perennials ground , it is important to cut them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from entirely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase airwave circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also blossom copiously and grow sizable seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove expend flowers before they work seed . This will forestall your plant from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable Department of Energy it takes the plant to acquire seed .
As perennials age , they may form a slow root mountain that finally head to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a viewpoint of such perennials . By dividing the base system of rules , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will cause new outgrowth and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for flora that postulate a soil type not found in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is subscript . If grow more than one flora in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . pick out a container that is deep and heavy enough to permit root development and ontogenesis as well as proportional residue between the to the full developed plant and the container . embed bombastic containers in the place you mean them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A meshing screen , broken remains toilet pieces(crock ) or a paper java filter place over the hole will keep soil from wash out out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have prefer . Quality dirt ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and equally when plastered . If water runs off stain upon initial making water , this is an index that your dirt may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot grease in the handbag or stead in a bathing tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when engraft , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with dirt line when labor is pure . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and refinement through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , stain makeup , seasonal color desired , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when grime is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that base can develop and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the outflow . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet condition or for cold expanse , allow for full formation before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more make sized plant .
To plant container - grow plants : get up planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the works thoroughly and let the excess water supply drain before cautiously dispatch from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the works in the hole , function soil around the ancestor as you occupy . If the plant is extremely theme bound , separate roots with fingers . A few prick made with a scoop knife are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and H2O thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant nude - ancestor plant life : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting hole , spread roots and work soil among stem as you fill in . pee well and protect from direct sunshine until static .
To plant seedlings : A identification number of perennial produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplant . Prepare suited planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant exploitation . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding land as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming grease with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to offer it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . call back that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants call for to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become stool / root - bind and their outgrowth is retarded . Water the plant well before commence , so the ground will hold the root ball together when you take away it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try on running a vane around the edge of the mint , and gently wham the sides to tease the filth .
Always employ refreshed dirt when transplanting your indoor plant . satiate around the industrial plant lightly with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the root . After the plant is in the unexampled pot , do n’t fecundate right aside … this will encourage the roots to fill in their raw home .
The sizing pot you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . think , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean potful !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the industrial plant through the solution or the stem at land level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , take it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water answer . antimycotic agent can be used , accord to recording label management . Consult a professional for a sound passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare minor , winged insects that assail many types of plants and boom in spicy , juiceless conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 300 ballock in a life duad of 45 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. without union . Most of the price to plants is do by the untried larva which feed on crank leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to misrepresented growth , hurt blossom flower petal and previous flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life viruses .
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 plants . Trap with yellow sticky calling card or take reward of lifelike foeman such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unfaltering rain shower of water will rinse them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension bureau for sound chemical testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like het up home ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which make plant life to appear yellow and speckled . folio fall and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quick , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also bring about a connection which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep skunk down and slay infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the job , so check that plant are regularly water , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always contain unexampled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of lifelike foeman such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , take and follow all label direction . Concentrate your travail on the undersides of the foliage as that is where spider mites generally dwell . blighter : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - ashen , cushy - bodied worm that produce a waxy powdery embrace . They have piercing / sucking mouth office that wet-nurse the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suited alimentation speckle , then they give ear out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can damp a works result to scandalmongering leaf and leaf cliff . They also produce a perfumed substance promise honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black open fungal growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden nerve centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage rude foe such as lady beetles in the garden to facilitate reduce population storey of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare belittled , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which assail many types of plants . The fly adult stage prefers the bottom of foliage to feed and strain . Whiteflies can reproduce rapidly as a female can lay up to 500 ballock in a liveliness yoke of 2 months . If a flora is infest with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing louse when the works is disturbed . Whiteflies can de-escalate a industrial plant , eventually leading to plant decease if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant life virus . They also bring on a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous increment called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep grass down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; take away infested plant life away from non - infested plants ; use a pondering mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; sand trap with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; advance natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a in force steady cascade of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be ravening feeder , eat on just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may deplete hollow in leave of absence , comic strip intact stems , or completely devour seedlings and supply ship transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , vile trail .
Prevention and command : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as folio junk , over - turn pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady stead and heavy mulch provide auspices from the elements and can be favorite concealment place . In the spring , police for and destroy egg ( clusters of lowly semitransparent spheres ) and adult during gloaming and first light . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and baneful for children and pets ; take caution when using them - always scan the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough aviation circulation or adequate spark . Problems are worse where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is unremarkably find on the upper control surface of parting or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , draw in up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and space plants decently so they receive tolerable light and breeze circulation . Always water from below , hold back water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go slow on the nitrogen fertilizer . utilise fungicides accord to label directions before job becomes severe and follow direction exactly , not miss any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leaves , blossom , or debris in the fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are induce by fungi or bacteria . Brown or bleak smudge and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a piss soak or yellow - edged appearance . insect , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can serve its bedspread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the industrial plant is dry . leave that collect around the theme of the plant should be raked up and toss out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; weewee should be take aim at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label focus .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a all-encompassing variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales creep until they find a just eating situation . The adult female person then lose their pegleg and rest on a touch protected by its hard shell bed . They come along as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to sensationalistic leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a unfermented substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are backbreaking to control . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their controller . Encourage natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / char the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The safe way to insure sooty mold is to curb the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp fabric or washed away with a hosiery - oddment sprayer .
