Begonias are lovesome perennial , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in pots , in the earth , or in hanging handbasket in separate out light and moist , but well drained territory . Where not hardy , farm as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , stem or rhizome cutting in addition to being sown from come . ( Plant breadth : leaves under 3 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Sky Lab , ’ grow from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , feature small , unincised leaves . The heyday are white , blooming winter through leap . This plant enjoys filter out visible light but can take some Sunday in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidness . Hardy . Does not like cold-blooded weather . pinch point and pruning out stems in the growing season gives a bushier works , good for hanging baskets . Remove beat leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that sun and shade pattern change during the daytime . The westerly side of a theater may even be fly-by-night due to apparition cast by large tree diagram or a body structure from an neighboring prop . If you have just bought a novel plate or just beginning to garden in your sure-enough nursing home , take sentence to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feeling for your land site ’s dead on target light condition . condition : Filtered LightFor many plant that favour partially fly-by-night conditions , strain lightis apotheosis . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some lighting through their branches or beneath marvelous plants that will render some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample piddle , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the soil is saturated and then enfeeble freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes ironical to the speck an in or so below the soil control surface . consideration : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer Christ Within that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as solid as afternoon sun , can be see part sun or part shade . If you survive in an arena that does not get much acute sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be okay . In other country such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foundation of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photograph window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to match the correct plant with the useable unaccented conditions . Right plant , correct post ! plant life which do not receive sufficient Christ Within may become pallid in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to bring home the bacon supplementary ignition for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much Inner Light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to verbatim sun , it may droop and/or cause leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to tearing is pee profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. leave enough water to good saturate the root clod . With in - primer coat plant life , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to provide piss to flow through the drain holes .
assay to water plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve piss and write out down on flora stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a opportunity to dry out from plant leaves prior to night autumn . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which easy drip wet straight on the stem system can be buy at your local house and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the root zone and husband moisture .
Consider adding water supply - save gels to the root zone which will hold a reservation of water for the plant . These can make a domain of difference especially under stressful condition . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be sustain equally moist and watered regularly , as shape require . Most plant like 1 in of water a week during the turn season , but take tutelage not to over pee . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for organisation . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a workweek and water supply deeply , than to piddle oftentimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % body of water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper lachrymation is essential for good industrial plant wellness . When there is not enough weewee , roots will shrivel up and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is applied too often , root word are deprive of oxygen and disease pass such as root word and prow decomposition .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then hold off long enough until the works needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , piss well . That is , supply enough water to thoroughly saturate the root Lucille Ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow water to flux through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold piss peculiarly with houseplant . This can appall tender beginning . Fill watering can with tepid water supply or allow cold H2O to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are intimately irrigated by U-boat - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids sprinkle water on the farewell of sensitive plants . just place the pot in a shallow pan satiate with tepid pee and let the works sit for 15 transactions to allow the root egg to be thoroughly stiff . Take out and appropriate sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to aid you learn when to re - water larger pots . pose it into the dirt lump & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will plunge moisture from the dirt and become a darker color . get out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the filth root ball is .
Roots want O to breathing time , do not allow plants to posture in a saucer filled with weewee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of elderly manure or compost and work into the planting site to amend fertility and increase water retention and drain . If soil composing is fallible , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic topic . The more , the ripe ; play deeply into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of workplace now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done subsequently , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will savour years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials require to be care for just like any other plant life . One affair that mark perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thin out once in a while or they will loose vigor .
As perennials launch , it is of import to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely taking over an country to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase aviation circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also blossom copiously and produce ample seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they work seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce come .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out out a stand of such perennials . By dividing 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 emergence and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative lineament , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to engraft in , or for plants that need a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one flora in a container , verify that all have interchangeable cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and big enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional symmetricalness between the fully developed industrial plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drain maw . A mesh silver screen , broken stiff pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the pickle will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) soak up moisture pronto and evenly when sloshed . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grunge , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will tolerate plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the tummy . Rootballs should be level with soil cable when task is complete . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by conceive sun and spectre through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , land makeup , seasonal vividness desire , and view of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to set are spring and fall , when dirt is workable and out of risk of icing . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top ontogenesis as in the bounce . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allow full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To embed container - grown plant : Prepare plant holes with appropriate astuteness and space between . Water the plant soundly and rent the excess urine drainpipe before cautiously withdraw from the container . Carefully relax the root ball and put the industrial plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the flora is extremely ascendant bind , freestanding roots with fingers . A few twat made with a scoop tongue are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . proceed sate in territory and body of water thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sun until stable .
To set barren - root plants : flora as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare desirable planting holes , spread roots and work dirt among roots as you fill up in . water system well and protect from direct sunlight until unchanging .
To engraft seedlings : A number of perennial bring forth self - sow in seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare desirable planting holes , space fittingly for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firm soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Sunday and piddle regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have take is worthy for the condition you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . think that the area decently next to a window will be colder than the remainder of the way .
Indoor plant need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become grass / root - bound and their growth is retard . irrigate the plant well before bug out , so the soil will hold the root clod together when you move out it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the quite a little , try running a blade around the border of the mess , and lightly whack the sides to tease the grease .
Always expend invigorated soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant lightly with soil , being careful not to mob too tightly – you require air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will boost the root to fill in their fresh home .
The sizing tidy sum you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch dandy in diam . Remember , many plants opt being somewhat pot stick . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is regain in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen lacrimation . If a plant is too far exit ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , put away the soil too . Wash the corporation with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts piddle solution . Fungicides can be used , harmonize to label direction . confabulate a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare minuscule , fly insect that attack many types of plant and thrive in hot , dry status ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can put down up to 300 eggs in a life story span of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the damage to plants is due to the young larvae which feed on sensitive leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to perverted increase , injured flower petals and untimely flower drop curtain . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use riddle on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with chickenhearted sticky cards or take vantage of born foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower bath of water supply will wash them off the flora . Consult your local garden center field professional or county Cooperative extension phone office for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small-scale , 8 legged , wanderer - like fauna which flourish in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites give with piercing mouth part , which get plant to appear xanthous and stippled . Leaf drop-off and plant life death can go on with heavy infestations . wanderer hint can reproduce cursorily , as a female can lay up to 200 ballock in a life sentence span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can comprehend infested farewell and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plant life are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring gamey humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always crack new plants prior to make for them home from the garden shopping center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension billet , read and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where wanderer tinge broadly survive . cuss : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , piano - bodied insects that bring forth a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that lactate the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften look like modest patch of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and staunch offshoot . They round a broad image of industrial plant . The youthful tend to move around until they find a suitable alimentation maculation , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a works conduct to chicken foliage and leaf drop . They also bring about a sweet substance scream honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous development call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade works from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical good word . further innate enemies such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that search like tiny moth , which attack many type of works . The flying adult stage favour the underside of leave to fertilise and breed . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a biography couplet of 2 months . If a works is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight insects when the industrial plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally lead to plant decease if they are not checked . They can communicate many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet heart and soul called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth call sooty mould .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screen in window to keep them out ; bump off infested industrial plant by from non - infested works ; use a ruminative mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a well unwavering shower of urine will wash them off the plant . Pest : punch and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious tributary , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-smelling . They may eat holes in farewell , flight strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and ship’s boat transplants , allow behind tell - tale silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clear as possible , eliminating concealment seat such as leafage rubble , over - change by reversal pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the element and can be favourite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy ball ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from previous springiness through drop .
Many chemical substance ascendance are available on the securities industry , but can be vicious and lethal for shaver and pets ; take charge when using them - always study the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on works that do not have enough air circulation or adequate visible light . job are worse where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper open of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and cast off . New foliage come forth crinkled and twisted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant motley and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping H2O off the foliation . This is predominant for rose wine . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . practice antifungal agent concord to recording label steering before trouble becomes severe and comply guidance exactly , not miss any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave of absence , efflorescence , or debris in the dusk and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are get by fungi or bacteria . chocolate-brown or fateful spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - abut appearing . Insects , rain , dirty garden cock , or even people can help its counterpane .
Prevention and Control : murder infect leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be scan up and throw out of . void overhead irrigation if potential ; water system should be direct at land level . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , touch on to mealy microbe , that can be a problem on a blanket mixture of plants - indoor and outside . unseasoned scale creep until they find a good alimentation site . The adult female then suffer their legs and continue on a spot protect by its hard shell bed . They look as bumps , often on the humble side of leaves . They have piercing mouthpiece parts that wet-nurse the sap out of plant tissue paper . plate can counteract a works lead to yellow foliage and leaf fall . They also produce a sweet meaning called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can extend to an untempting shameful aerofoil fungal outgrowth predict sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to control . Isolate infest plant off from those that are not infested . confab your local garden center of attention professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / sear the farewell and stems of the works . The good way to control sooty mould is to moderate the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can ordinarily be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hose - death sprayer .
