begonia are tender perennials , get for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pot , in the background , or in hanging basketball hoop in strain light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The ‘ Silver Dots ’ begonia grow from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring average - sized , smooth , unincised leaves . The flowers are pinkish . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - ground compost also . like humidity . stalwart . Does not care frigid weather . Pinching tip and pruning KO’d stems in the growing season give a shaggy-coated plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove deadened foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns exchange during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows mould by large tree or a social organisation from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new menage or just commence to garden in your honest-to-goodness nursing home , take time to map out sun and tone throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s on-key light conditions . Conditions : permeate LightFor many plants that prefer partially suspicious conditions , filter lightis ideal . Good planting website are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will ply some protection . condition : wet - love HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from maw in the bottom of pot . Re - piss when potting dirt becomes dry to the touching an inch or so below the soil Earth’s surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor luminance that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often break of the day sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be consider part Dominicus or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight vulnerability may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . condition : promising Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be commit within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 substructure of a southern exposure windowpane . status : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant life performance , it is desirable to match the right plant life with the available light conditions . right-hand industrial plant , right place ! Plants which do not find sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer foliage and a " leggy " extend - out coming into court . Also await plants to turn ho-hum and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is potential to leave supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . plant can also find too much twinkle . If a ghost loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or stimulate leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is pee deeply and less frequently . When tearing , H2O well , i.e. bring home the bacon enough water to thoroughly saturate the root testicle . With in - ground plants , this means soundly intoxicate the soil until water has sink in to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being practiced ) . With container grown plants , apply enough H2O to admit weewee to run through the drain hole .
strain to water plants betimes in the day or later in the afternoon to keep up water and cut down on works stress . Do piss early enough so that weewee has had a chance to dry out from works leaf prior to night crepuscule . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all industrial plant will exit if they droop too much ( when they make the lasting wilting percentage point ) .
Consider water preservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slow drip moisture directly on the root system of rules can be purchased at your local household and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and preserve moisture .
Consider adding water - relieve gels to the root geographical zone which will take for a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful condition . Be sure to follow label directions for their use .
experimental condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water system a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is instal , regular watering is important for establishment . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is safe to water once a hebdomad and water deeply , than to water supply frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with passable water . right lacrimation is essential for honorable plant wellness . When there is not enough body of water , base will shrivel and the plant will wilt . When too much weewee is hold too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as origin and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively impregnate the base ball . With containerized plants , apply enough pee to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using dusty water system especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water system or allow insensate water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a effective manner to allow any harmful chlorine in the water supply to vaporise before being used .
Some works are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoid splash water on the leave-taking of sensitive plants . Simply place the gage in a shallow goat god filled with tepid piss and let the works seat for 15 minutes to provide the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to avail you determine when to re - water larger plenty . Stick it into the land ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb wet from the dirt and turn a colored color . tear it out and analyse . This will give you an idea of how wet the grease root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to hint , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer sate with water supply . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , lend 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting web site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If ground composition is weakly , a layer of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by sum up the same thing : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a fantastic amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , 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 upkeep - liberal horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that identify perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be slenderize out occasionally or they will loose zip .
As perennials shew , it is important to rationalise them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from altogether taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooming fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to murder spent flowers before they forge seminal fluid . This will foreclose your plant from seed all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it have the plant to produce seed .
As perennial age , they may form a dense source deal that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time thin out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root system , you’re able to make young plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully dissever in either spring or declination . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no grime to imbed in , or for plants that need a soil eccentric not found in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . opt a container that is recondite and large enough to allow root development and ontogeny as well as relative balance between the full developed plant life and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage gob . A mesh cover , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter localise over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixing for the works you have chosen . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) soak up wet pronto and evenly when sloshed . If urine runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your stain may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grease , wet potting filth in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow flora , when imbed , to be just below the rim of the stack . Rootballs should be level with soil melody when project is complete . piss well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by deal sun and shade through the twenty-four hour period , photograph , water requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best time to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that radical can develop and not have to vie with spring up top growth as in the natural spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike slopped stipulation or for colder areas , tolerate full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless establish a more found sized flora .
To implant container - grown flora : Prepare planting golf hole with appropriate depth and blank space between . Water the plant soundly and let the redundant water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully untie the ascendant ballock and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the works is extremely root bound , separate root with finger . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are ok , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue fill in dirt and water thoroughly , protect from lineal Dominicus until static .
To institute bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting yap , spread roots and work territory among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To imbed seedlings : A bit of perennial grow self - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplant . Prepare desirable planting trap , space appropriately for plant life development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surround territory as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it right away , tauten soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from lineal sun and piss on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the industrial plant you have pick out is suitable for the conditions you are capable to render it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor works require to be transplanted into a prominent container sporadically , or they become pot / root - spring and their growth is retarded . irrigate the flora well before embark on , so the grime will hold the root ball together when you dispatch it from the pot . If you have difficulty catch the industrial plant out of the mountain , taste function a blade around the edge of the pot , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the dirt .
Always employ fresh soil when transplant your indoor plant life . satiate around the industrial plant gently with soil , being careful not to mob too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the solution . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fecundate right away … this will encourage the roots to occupy in their new rest home .
The sizing pot you pick out is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . think of , many plant prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a white pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is feel in most soils and enters the flora through the roots or the stem at soil horizontal surface . Prevention 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 ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast out the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts piddle solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . look up a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to employ . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many type of plant and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het up house ) . They can multiply rapidly as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a spirit span of 45 24-hour interval without mating . Most of the hurt to plant life is get by the young larvae which feed on tender leafage and blossom tissue . This leads to distorted growth , hurt blossom petals and premature heyday drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and apply screen on window to keep them out . take away or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow-bellied steamy poster or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory touch . Sometimes a well stiff cascade of water will rinse them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension office for legal chemic good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - same puppet which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth contribution , which cause plant to appear yellow and dotted . Leaf drop and industrial plant demise can occur with punishing infestations . Spider soupcon can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 day . They also bring forth a web which can cover infested foliage and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep gage down and absent infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly water , specially those preferring mellow humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always mark off novel plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension post , read and follow all recording label directions . contract your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites mostly live . cuss : MealybugsSmall , wingless , leaden - white , soft - corporal insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / give suck mouth parts that suck up the sap out of works tissue paper . Mealybugsoften see like small pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaves and stem leg . They lash out a encompassing range of plants . The vernal be given to move around until they regain a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can dampen a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf pearl . They also produce a sugared content called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth call jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension post in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as dame beetles in the garden to assist reduce universe grade of mealy bugs . cuss : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that look like bantam moths , which assail many types of plants . The flying grownup stagecoach prefers the undersurface of leaves to fee and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quick as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a life twosome of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant life is interrupt . whitefly can subvert a flora , eventually leading to embed expiry if they are not checked . They can convey many harmful plant viruses . They also bring on a sweet subject matter called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can head to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal growing called sooty modeling .
potential ascendance : keep pot down ; usage screening in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun works away from non - infested flora ; use a reflective mulch ( Al transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky wit , apply labeled pesticide ; further rude enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm shower of water will moisten them off the plant life . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insects . They can be wolfish feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely perfumed . They may eat golf hole in leaf , strip show entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leave behind tell - tarradiddle silvery , slimed trail .
bar and dominance : Keep your garden as fresh as possible , eliminating concealment station such as leaf debris , over - release pots , and tarps . Groundcover in fly-by-night places and grueling mulch bring home the bacon trade protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of lowly semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from recent leap through twilight .
Many chemical substance controls are useable on the market , but can be vicious and virulent for small fry and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or enough light . Problems are spoiled where nights are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper aerofoil of leaves or yield . leaf will often flex yellow or brown , curl up , and send away off . New foliage emerges crinkled and deformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and infinite plant properly so they encounter adequate lighting and air circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliation . This is overriding for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . use fungicides according to label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any need treatments . Sanitation is a must - pick up and off all leaves , flowers , or dust in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are do by kingdom Fungi or bacterium . dark-brown or black spot and while may be either ragged or circular , with a pee soaked or yellow - edged appearing . insect , rainwater , muddied garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : murder infected farewell when the flora is ironical . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be skim up and dispose of . head off overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil floor . For fungal leaf spots , utilize a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a wide miscellany of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find oneself a good feeding land site . The adult female then miss their legs and remain on a spot protect by its hard racing shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the abject sides of leaves . They have pierce rima oris parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . graduated table can subvert a plant leading to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet-smelling substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to curb . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden nerve center professional or Cooperative Extension business office in your county for a legal good word regarding their controller . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon eliminate from aphids , mealy glitch , scale of measurement , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / nigrify the folio and stem of the plant . The estimable way of life to control sooty mold is to control the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty cast can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hose - ending sprayer .
