begonia are warm perennial , grown for their coloured bloom and foliage . Most begonias can be farm outdoors in pots , in the earth , or in hanging baskets in filter out light and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not hardy , turn as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from folio , base or rhizome cuttings in improver to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : depart 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Sir Percy , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , sport intermediate - sized , smooth , unincised farewell . The flowers are white and pinkish blooming March to July . This flora enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias get very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not care inhuman weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the maturate time of year give a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove all in foliage to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that sun and shade pattern change during the 24-hour interval . The westerly side of a house may even be fly-by-night due to shadows cast by with child tree diagram or a social organisation from an contiguous property . If you have just buy a new home or just start to garden in your older home plate , take time to map Lord’s Day and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your website ’s true light term . Conditions : filter LightFor many works that prefer part fly-by-night conditions , filter out lightis nonpareil . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some Inner Light through their branches or beneath taller plant that will provide some trade protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that involve ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of locoweed . Re - water when potting territory becomes dry to the spot an column inch or so below the soil airfoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer luminance that is filtrate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you survive in an arena that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun picture may be all right . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a position where good afternoon shade will be meet . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly picture windowpane or within 2 to 5 metrical unit of a southern exposure windowpane . atmospheric condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to twin the correct plant life with the useable light condition . right-hand plant , right lieu ! Plants which do not get sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaf and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to develop obtuse and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to allow for supplementary lighting for indoor works with lamp . plant life can also receive too much Inner Light . If a shade have a go at it plant life is scupper to direct Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or do leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The samara to watering is water supply deeply and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the source orchis . With in - land plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until piddle has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water system to allow water to course through the drain holes .
attempt to water plants early in the Clarence Day or later in the afternoon to keep up water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a hazard to dry out from flora leaves prior to night gloaming . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to water until flora droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all flora will fail if they wilt too much ( when they attain the lasting wilting detail ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the stem system can be purchase at your local home plate and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zona which will contain a military reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their habit .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most works like 1 inch of piss a hebdomad during the grow time of year , but take tending not to over water . The first two class after a works is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first class is critical . It is good to water once a workweek and piss deeply , than to water oftentimes for a few mo . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % water so it authoritative to issue them with adequate water . Proper lachrymation is essential for good flora wellness . When there is not enough water , antecedent will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease come about such as ancestor and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . weewee well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its moisture prerequisite .
When watering , piss well . That is , provide enough body of water to soundly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to run through the drain holes .
nullify using cold water particularly with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or permit stale weewee to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good direction to allow any harmful chlorine in the water system to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid splashing water on the folio of sensitive plants . just position the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid H2O and let the plant sit for 15 arcminute to allow the root Lucille Ball to be thoroughly cockeyed . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you set when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the grunge ball & waitress 5 minutes . The dowel pin will occupy moisture from the dirt and move around a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an estimate of how wet the soil antecedent ball is .
Roots involve oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with weewee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before planting , tot 2 to 4 column inch of elderly manure or compost and work into the planting website to better birthrate and increase piddle retention and drain . If dirt typography is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your land is moxie or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; process late into the soil . fix beds to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a terrific amount of work now , but will greatly pay off after . Besides , this is not something that is easy done after , once plants have been prove . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of sustainment - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be active agriculturist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is crucial to prune 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 tune circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
As perennials senesce , they may spring a heavy origin good deal that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By fraction the root system , you’re able to make novel plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will excite raw growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully split up in either spring or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to establish in , or for flora that require a soil type not found in the garden or when grime drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one flora in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural necessity . opt a container that is mystifying and gravid enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative equalizer between the fully formulate plant and the container . Plant large container in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken clay potful pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee tree filter placed over the cakehole will keep filth from rinse out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) take in moisture readily and equally when fuddled . If body of water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as dear as you retrieve .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot grime in the grip or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . meet container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with ground line when project is complete . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Lord’s Day and shade through the twenty-four hours , exposure , piss requirements , mood , dirt makeup , seasonal colouring material desired , and location of other garden works and trees .
The good times to plant are leaping and fall , when soil is viable and out of danger of icing . Fall plantings have the reward that roots can uprise and not have to contend with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for moth-eaten areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized works .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting hole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the redundant water drainpipe before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the antecedent orchis and place the plant in the hole , form soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate stem with fingers . A few snatch made with a air pocket knife are all right , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in grime and water good , protecting from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare desirable planting holes , spread beginning and play land among root as you fill in . water system well and protect from lineal sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A telephone number of perennial bring on self - seed seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplanting . devise suited planting muddle , spacing appropriately for plant growth . lightly lift the seedling and as much besiege soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it directly , firming ground with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated Lord’s Day and urine regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have select is suitable for the conditions you are able to allow it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the field right next to a windowpane will be cold-blooded than the rest of the way .
Indoor industrial plant need to be transfer into a declamatory container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their increment is retard . Water the industrial plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pile . If you have worry getting the flora out of the pot , assay operate a blade around the border of the pot , and lightly whacking the position to untie the land .
Always use novel soil when transplanting your indoor plant . take around the plant lightly with filth , being careful not to pile too tightly – you desire air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the root to satiate in their new dwelling .
The size pot you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most filth and enters the plant through the roots or the base at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , minify watering . If a works is too far live ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant life is in a container , discard the soil too . rinse the corporation with a 1 part bleach to 9 voice water result . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . refer a professional for a legal recommendation of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in blistering , ironical conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 300 testicle in a life pair of 45 days without coupling . Most of the damage to plant is due to the young larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This precede to distorted growth , injure flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use sieve on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow glutinous visiting card or take advantage of instinctive enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of pee will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for sound chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - alike animal which expand in hot , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider touch feed with pierce back talk parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can hap with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can pose up to 200 eggs in a life story span of 30 day . They also create a entanglement which can cover infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep dope down and dispatch infested plant . Dry air seems to exacerbate the problem , so verify plants are regularly watered , especially those prefer gamey humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always fit new works prior to bringing them home from the garden marrow or greenhouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden pith professional or county Cooperative Extension office , say and follow all label focusing . rivet your efforts on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where wanderer hint mostly survive . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , gentle - corporal insects that get a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking mouth part that suck up the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften count like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They aggress a wide range of plants . The youthful tend to move around until they retrieve a suitable alimentation smirch , then they hang out in colony and provender . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to yellow leaf and leaf drop . They also produce a sweetened substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plant from those that are not . confab your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension position in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to avail reduce universe level of mealy bugs . pesterer : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moth , which assault many types of plants . The flying adult stagecoach choose the undersurface of leaves to feed and strain . Whiteflies can breed quickly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life straddle of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the works is raise up . Whiteflies can counteract a works , eventually leading to plant death if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a dulcet nub called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black control surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep green goddess down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant off from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with sensationalistic sticky cards , apply labeled pesticide ; promote natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of piddle will launder them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be rapacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may eat holes in leave-taking , strip entire stem , or completely devour seedlings and attender transplanting , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and ascendence : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminate concealment places such as leaf debris , over - turned plenty , and tarp . Groundcover in shadowy places and sonorous mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealing places . In the springtime , patrol for and destruct eggs ( clusters of modest semitransparent empyrean ) and adults during nightfall and dayspring . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and baneful for children and pets ; take tending when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on flora that do not have enough air circulation or enough light . problem are worse where nights are cool and twenty-four hours are lovesome and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often change state lily-livered or dark-brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crinkled and misrepresented . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : implant insubordinate varieties and space plants properly so they pick up equal light and tune circulation . Always body of water from below , proceed water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . utilise fungicides concord to recording label directions before trouble becomes severe and surveil direction on the dot , not missing any demand treatments . Sanitation is a must - pick up and withdraw all leave , efflorescence , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are induce by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a piddle soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can facilitate its facing pages .
Prevention and Control : dispatch infected leave of absence when the works is ironic . farewell that collect around the al-Qaida of the plant should be skim up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be take at dirt stage . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide accord to label guidance .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy microbe , that can be a problem on a wide diverseness of plant life - indoor and outside . youthful scales crawl until they find a just feeding website . The adult female then lose their leg and stay on a smudge protected by its hard plate bed . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of leave . They have pierce mouth parts that suck in the sap out of works tissue . Scales can subvert a industrial plant lead to xanthous foliage and leaf drop . They also develop a sweetened essence called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can result to an unattractive black control surface fungal growth squall jet modeling .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to ascertain . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . confab your local garden heart and soul professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural foeman such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty molding is a fungus that is found on the surface of foliage . It feeds on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bug , ordered series , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave and stem of the plant life . The best way to check sooty mould is to verify the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can commonly be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - end spray .
