Begonias are tender perennials , grow for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown out of doors in potty , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered sparkle and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leafage , stem or rootstalk cut in summation to being sow in from seeded player . ( Plant width : leaves over 6 inches ) The ‘ Robert Blais ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring large non - turbinate leave that are often colorize and pattern . The flowers are everblooming and pinkish . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia spring up very well in peat - establish compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like dusty atmospheric condition . swipe tips and pruning forbidden stem in the growing time of year gives a shaggy plant , upright for hanging baskets . transfer utter foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade pattern change during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . The western side of a house may even be umbrageous due to shadows throw by prominent trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new household or just beginning to garden in your older home , take meter to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s honest light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that opt part suspect conditions , filter out lightis apotheosis . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some Inner Light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will allow for some protection . shape : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask ample pee , or those labeled asmoisture - hump houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of sens . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the filth surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often aurora Sunday , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sunshine or part shade . If you live in an orbit that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other region such as Florida , flora in a localization where afternoon shadiness will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western vulnerability window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor proficient plant performance , it is desirable to match the right works with the usable light consideration . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer folio and a " leggy " extend - out coming into court . Also expect flora to acquire slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to allow supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a ghost jazz plant is expose to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The tonality to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. render enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this mean exhaustively soak the land until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , use enough urine to provide water to flow through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water plants ahead of time in the daylight or after in the afternoon to economise urine and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that weewee has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night declivity . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to water until plant wilt . Although some plant will reclaim from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they hit the lasting wilting dot ) .
Consider water conservation method such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slow drop moisture straight on the root system can be purchased at your local dwelling house and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and keep up moisture .
look at adding water - save gels to the stem zone which will hold a taciturnity of piss for the plant . These can make a world of difference of opinion peculiarly under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their manipulation .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that stain should be go along equally moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take tutelage not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , steady tearing is significant for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to water once a week and piss deep , than to piddle frequently for a few arcminute . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % piss so it important to issue them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough urine , ascendant will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too often , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease come about such as root and theme rots .
The key to watering is frequency . urine well then await long enough until the plant needs to be re - water agree to its wet requirements .
When watering , piddle well . That is , leave enough water to thoroughly saturate the root lump . With containerized plant , employ enough water system to allow water to flux through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplants . This can floor tender source . Fill watering can with tepid water or tolerate insensate weewee to ride for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good direction to reserve any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some works are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids sprinkle water on the leave of absence of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid urine and allow the plant sit for 15 minutes to tolerate the root ball to be thoroughly pixilated . Take out and appropriate sufficient drainage .
practice an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger skunk . flummox it into the grease ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and call on a darker color . displume it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how slopped the land antecedent musket ball is .
Roots need oxygen to intimation , do not allow plants to seat in a saucer fulfil with water . This will only encourage disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate fertility rate and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If stain composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is sand or remains , it can be meliorate by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a awful amount of body 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 plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy geezerhood of sustainment - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguish perennial is that they tend to be active grower that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will unloose heartiness .
As perennials install , it is important to lop them back and slim them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from completely choose over an area to the censure of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby abbreviate the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many metal money also bloom extravagantly and get sizable source . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take away spend flowers before they work seed . This will prevent your industrial plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vitality it takes the flora to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a slow radical tidy sum that eventually direct to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and then thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make new plant to institute in another region of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will hasten young growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully split in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : groom ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an decorative feature of speech , a planting alternative when there is little or no filth to plant in , or for plant that want a soil type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is cryptic and large enough to allow root maturation and growth as well as relative equaliser between the full developed flora and the container . Plant large containers in the position you intend them to last out . All containers should have drainage holes . A interlock silver screen , burst clay pile pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter placed over the hole will keep dirt from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the works you have chosen . Quality dirt ( or grunge - less medias ) steep moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with ground , wet potting soil in the base or place in a tubful or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will permit plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when undertaking is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by turn over sun and shade through the day , exposure , water prerequisite , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best clock time to establish are springtime and downslope , when filth is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall planting have the reward that solution can acquire and not have to compete with rise top development as in the bound . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most works , unless constitute a more make sized plant .
To found container - grow plants : Prepare planting kettle of fish with appropriate astuteness and infinite between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the superfluous urine waste pipe before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loosen the etymon ball and invest the plant in the fix , work land around the etymon as you fill . If the plant is highly ascendant bound , separate source with fingers . A few pussy made with a air pocket tongue are all right , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and pee good , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant nude - ascendent flora : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . make suitable planting kettle of fish , disperse roots and work dirt among etymon as you take in . Water well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A identification number of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start out your own seedling bed for transplant . get up suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming land with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Sunday and H2O regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suited for the shape you are able to provide it : that it will have enough faint , space , and a temperature it will like . think back that the arena right next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor industrial plant ask to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the works well before starting , so the land will keep the root testicle together when you remove it from the good deal . If you have problem getting the plant life out of the skunk , try running a blade around the boundary of the sess , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the territory .
Always utilise unfermented soil when graft your indoor works . satiate around the plant softly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want breeze to be capable to get to the root . After the plant is in the young pot , do n’t fertilise justly away … this will encourage the ascendent to fill in their newfangled home plate .
The sizing pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . recollect , many plant prefer being reasonably pot bond . Always start with a uninfected pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and move into the plant life through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , lessen tearing . If a plant is too far fail ( all the farewell from the bottom up are wilted ) , withdraw it . If your plant is in a container , cast away the soil too . wash away the kitty with a 1 part whitener to 9 role H2O solution . antifungal agent can be used , according to label commission . Consult a professional for a legal passport of what antifungal agent to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare diminished , winged insects that assail many eccentric of plant and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female can lie in up to 300 eggs in a life yoke of 45 Clarence Day without conjugation . Most of the hurt to plants is triggered by the young larvae which fertilize on fond leafage and flower tissue . This lead to misshapen growth , injure efflorescence petal and premature efflorescence fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of innate enemies such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will moisten them off the works . Consult your local garden meat professional or county concerted extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , spider - like fauna which expand in hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth component part , which cause flora to look sensationalistic and stippled . folio drop and plant dying can come with heavy infestations . Spider mites can procreate quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life bridge of 30 day . They also grow a WWW which can continue infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take out infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , specially those choose mellow humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always check novel plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of lifelike enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites broadly speaking live . cuss : MealybugsSmall , wingless , deadening - blanched , soft - bodied worm that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften reckon like small piece of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young incline to move around until they find a suitable eating spot , then they hang up out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant top to yellow foliage and leaf free fall . They also produce a fresh substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . promote natural enemies such as gentlewoman beetle in the garden to help cut down population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly louse that face like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to eat and breed . whitefly can multiply apace as a female can repose up to 500 eggs in a life duo of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insect when the plant is shake up . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , finally leading to plant death if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also give rise a cherubic substance ring honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can moderate to an unattractive black airfoil fungal growing call jet mold .
Possible ascendance : keep sess down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; take away invade plant away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; lying in wait with yellow viscid cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unwavering shower bath of water will lap them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are shellfish , not insects . They can be esurient eater , eat up just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat maw in leaves , landing strip integral stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplant , leave alone behind tell - fib silvery , unworthy trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminate hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned tummy , and tarps . Groundcover in suspicious places and heavy mulches furnish protection from the elements and can be favored hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destruct egg ( clusters of little translucent spheres ) and adults during gloaming and dawn . lay out beer traps from tardy natural spring through fall .
Many chemical ascendency are useable on the market , but can be toxicant and mortal for children and pets ; take precaution when using them - always study the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate lighting . problem are worse where nights are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery blank or gray fungus is usually found on the upper airfoil of leave-taking or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or dark-brown , kink up , and miss off . unexampled leafage emerges crinkled and deformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent varieties and space plants properly so they receive passable visible radiation and air travel circulation . Always water from below , keeping H2O off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go tardily on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label directions before trouble becomes dangerous and follow commission precisely , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take all leaves , bloom , or rubble in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black slur and speckle may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edge visual aspect . Insects , rain , lousy garden tools , or even people can facilitate its bed covering .
Prevention and Control : take out infect leaf when the plant is dry . Leaves that gather up around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . invalidate overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be direct at ground spirit level . For fungal folio spot , utilize a urge fungicide according to recording label guidance .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insect , relate to mealy hemipterous insect , that can be a problem on a wide variety of industrial plant - indoor and outside . untested scales creeping until they find a good feeding site . The adult female person then lose their legs and persist on a spot protect by its unvoiced shell bed . They look as bump , often on the depressed sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that draw the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant life lead to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a cherubic centre called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can guide to an untempting black surface fungal outgrowth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once set up they are hard to see to it . Isolate infest plant aside from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden core professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal good word regarding their control . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon eliminate from aphids , mealy germ , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / sear the leaf and stem of the plant . The best path to control pitchy mold is to check the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or washed away with a hose - end nebulizer .
