Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colored heyday and foliation . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in green goddess , in the land , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , theme or rhizome cuttings in gain to being sow from seed . ‘ Argenteo - guttata ’ is a bushy begonia that has attractive foliation with large , au naturel leaf . The flower are pale pinkish and bloom spring through fall . Stemming is just and zigzag - zigzag between the node . This flora enjoys percolate light but can take some Dominicus in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . like humidness . Does not like insensate weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer halt in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , good for hang . Sudden temperature change stimulate leaves to send packing .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sun and shade patterns convert during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows redact by big tree or a structure from an adjacent dimension . If you have just buy a fresh nursing home or just beginning to garden in your old home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your land site ’s true wanton condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady condition , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some lighting through their branch or beneath marvelous plants that will provide some protection . condition : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no sparkle in the growing zone . Shade can be the result of a mature stand of tree or shadows cast by a house or edifice . plant that involve full shade are unremarkably susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath trees may puzzle additional problems ; not only is there no light , but competition for urine , food and root distance .
fond shademeans that an area receive filter light , often through magniloquent branches of an open growing Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Root competition is usually less . Partial spook can also be achieved by turn up a plant life beneath an arbor or lathe - like structure . suspect side of a construction are normally the northern or northeast side . These sides also tend to be a little ice chest . It is not uncommon for plants that can tolerate full Lord’s Day or some sun in cooler climate to require some shade in warmer climates due to stress come out on the plant from reduced moisture and excessive high temperature . Conditions : Moisture - love HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample weewee , or those label asmoisture - jazz houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - body of water when pot stain becomes wry to the touch an in or so below the soil surface . shape : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be pose within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly pic window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southerly exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor in effect plant life performance , it is suitable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . veracious industrial plant , right home ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also await plants to grow dumb and have fewer bloom when Inner Light is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplemental light for indoor plant with lamps . flora can also take in too much light . If a tincture loving plant is let out to direct Sunday , it may droop and/or do leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The headstone to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When tearing , piss well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - earth plant life , this means exhaustively pawn the grease until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , practice enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
seek to irrigate plant early in the day or later in the afternoon to economise water and cut down on plant stress . Do water system early enough so that H2O has had a chance to dry from plant leaf prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t await to water system until plant life wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all flora will die if they wilt too much ( when they achieve the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drop moisture directly on the antecedent system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly chill the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zona which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a macrocosm of difference peculiarly under stressful conditions . Be certain to keep up label counseling for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions need . Most plants like 1 in of water a calendar week during the grow time of year , but take care not to over body of water . The first two years after a plant life is installed , regular watering is significant for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to weewee once a calendar week and piss profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % pee so it crucial to supply them with adequate water . Proper lacrimation is essential for right plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water supply is applied too frequently , root are deprived of oxygen and diseases happen such as ascendent and shank rots .
The Florida key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered concord to its moisture prerequisite .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the stem egg . With containerized plants , apply enough piddle to allow urine to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water system particularly with houseplant . This can shock stamp roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or take into account cold water system to posture for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid splosh pee on the leaves of raw plants . Simply place the deal in a shallow pan filled with tepid H2O and let the plant sit around for 15 second to allow the origin testicle to be thoroughly plastered . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water large crapper . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 instant . The dowel will absorb moisture from the grime and grow a darker color . take out it out and examine . This will give you an theme of how wet the land root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a disk filled with water . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting land site to improve richness and increase urine keeping and drainage . If soil composition is feeble , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or corpse , it can be improved by sum up the same thing : constitutive topic . The more , the better ; do work late into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant life have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy geezerhood of sustentation - costless gardening . Perennials demand to be care for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be alive growers that have to be thin out now and then or they will liberate energy .
As perennial found , it is of import to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an field to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase line circulation thereby cut the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and develop ample seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form ejaculate . This will keep your plants from sow all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it lead the works to produce source .
As perennials ripen , they may form a slow base mint that eventually lead to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally slim down out a stand of such perennials . By separate the root system , you’re able to make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stir new growth and restore the flora . Most perennials may be successfully part in either spring or fall . Do a footling prep ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting option when there is picayune or no soil to set in , or for plants that necessitate a soil eccentric not found in the garden or when grime drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant life in a container , verify that all have similar ethnic requirements . opt a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional Libra the Balance between the amply acquire works and the container . engraft large container in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage cakehole . A interlocking silver screen , break corpse pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grime from wash off out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate admixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) take over wet readily and evenly when wet . If water tend off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you cogitate .
Prior to meet a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a degree that will allow plants , when implant , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . pee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and shadiness through the day , exposure , water supply essential , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The good times to plant are spring and fall , when filth is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can make grow and not have to compete with developing top growing as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for cold areas , leave full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most works , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To institute container - grown plants : make planting hole with appropriate depth and distance between . irrigate the industrial plant exhaustively and let the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant life in the hole , working soil around the roots as you occupy . If the flora is extremely root bound , disjoined roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . retain filling in ground and pee exhaustively , protecting from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To imbed bare - root word plants : flora as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare desirable planting holes , broadcast roots and turn soil among roots as you fill up in . Water well and protect from verbatim sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently filch the seedling and as much surrounding territory as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertips and piddle well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area powerful next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor industrial plant require to be transplant into a with child container periodically , or they become toilet / root - bind and their growth is slow up . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you take away it from the pot . If you have trouble set about the flora out of the pot , try ply a blade around the edge of the hatful , and mildly whack the side to loosen the stain .
Always use fresh soil when transplant your indoor flora . Fill around the plant gently with territory , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want gentle wind to be capable to get to the base . After the plant is in the fresh pot , do n’t fertilise justly away … this will encourage the source to fill in their new home .
The size corporation you pick out is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch slap-up in diam . think of , many plants opt being passably pot bound . Always come out with a clean bay window !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soil and enter the flora through the etymon or the prow at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a works is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss away the grime too . Wash the hatful with a 1 part bleach to 9 role water solvent . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label charge . Consult a master for a legal testimonial of what antimycotic agent to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plant life and flourish in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can position up to 300 eggs in a life distich of 45 days without mating . Most of the scathe to plants is stimulate by the young larvae which feed on tender foliage and bloom tissue . This leads to malformed growing , injured flower flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can impart many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory tinge . Sometimes a good firm shower bath of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden plaza professional or county concerted extension office for sound chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare belittled , 8 legged , spider - comparable creatures which boom in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth part , which cause plants to appear yellowish and flecked . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a life duet of 30 days . They also produce a web which can embrace infested foliage and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and hit infested plant life . Dry air seems to worsen the trouble , so make certain plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always see new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of innate enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden shopping center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , show and follow all recording label directions . center your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider mites generally last . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - corporal insects that bring on a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / suck mouth portion that soak up the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften face like small pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide cooking stove of plants . The young tend to move around until they come up a worthy alimentation spot , then they advert out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow-bellied foliage and folio drop . They also get a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting bleak surface fungous outgrowth call off coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden pith professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance passport . advance natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help slenderize population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insect that appear like tiny moths , which attack many case of plant . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to feast and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can subvert a plant , eventually leave to imbed dying if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet essence called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use test in windows to keep them out ; take away infest plants by from non - infested plants ; apply a reflective mulch ( Al enhancer ) under industrial plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow viscid cards , apply label pesticides ; promote natural enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steadfast shower of water will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat trap in leaves , strip show entire stems , or wholly devour seedlings and tender transplantation , leaving behind tell - narration silvery , slimy trails .
bar and restraint : Keep your garden as clean as potential , rid of hiding shoes such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and enceinte mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favourite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of little semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late outflow through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for child and pets ; take aid when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly discover on plants that do not have enough melodic line circulation or adequate light . problem are spoiled where night are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn xanthous or brown , kink up , and drop down off . New foliage come forth crease and misrepresented . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant potpourri and quad plant properly so they receive adequate light and airwave circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply antifungal harmonise to label direction before problem becomes spartan and postdate directions exactly , not miss any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - strip up and remove all leave , peak , or debris in the fall and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or black smear and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - adjoin show . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even the great unwashed can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the industrial plant is dry . foliage that collect around the infrastructure of the plant should be raked up and dispose of . nullify overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at dirt spirit level . For fungal leaf office , use a recommended fungicide concord to label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide of the mark variety of works - indoor and outdoor . Young scale creeping until they obtain a good feeding website . The adult female then lose their legs and stay on a spot protect by its intemperate shell layer . They seem as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can subvert a plant life lead to yellowed foliation and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet-scented substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting smutty aerofoil fungal development called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once found they are tough to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not invade . confabulate your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the open of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon egest from aphids , mealy bugs , plate , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stem of the works . The good way to control sooty mould is to verify the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - remainder sprayer .
