Begonias are warm perennials , develop for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in pots , in the ground , or in hanging hoop in separate out light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not dauntless , produce as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from folio , stem or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being sown from cum . The cultivar , ‘ Fuscomaculata ’ , raise from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large , smooth , lobate leaves . The many flowers are green to whiten with scarlet spots and blossom intermittently . This plant enjoy filtered illumination but can take some Dominicus in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias mature very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not care stale weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the uprise time of year give a shaggy-coated plant , adept for hanging basket . transfer dead leaf to forbid disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and specter rule change during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . The western side of a star sign may even be shady due to shadows cast by large tree or a structure from an contiguous dimension . If you have just buy a novel dwelling or just beginning to garden in your one-time home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true lightheaded conditions . precondition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shady conditions , separate out lightis ideal . secure planting site are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some auspices . weather : Moisture - have sex HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - enjoy houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the grease is saturate and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of plenty . Re - water when potting filth becomes dry to the signature an in or so below the stain surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer luminousness that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often break of the day Sunday , because it is not as solid as good afternoon sun , can be consider part Lord’s Day or part wraith . If you hold up in an area that does not get much intense sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon tincture will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . status : Light and Plant SelectionFor good works public presentation , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light condition . Right works , proper place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient luminosity may become pale in people of colour , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " stretched - out appearing . Also await plants to grow obtuse and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade loving industrial plant is discover to verbatim sun , it may droop and/or cause leave to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. supply enough body of water to thoroughly impregnate the root word ball . With in - earth plant , this mean thoroughly soaking the dirt until water supply has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plant , apply enough weewee to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to irrigate plant betimes in the twenty-four hour period or later on in the good afternoon to conserve body of water and cut down on works stress . Do water too soon enough so that water has had a fortune to dry from industrial plant leave prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t wait to water until plant life droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
take water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slow drip moisture directly on the tooth root organisation can be purchased at your local home and garden centre . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and preserve wet .
Consider tot up weewee - save gels to the root zona which will give a backlog of pee for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to keep an eye on label counsel for their economic consumption .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be continue evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the mature season , but take care not to over water . The first two year after a works is installed , regular watering is authoritative for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to piddle once a week and piss deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to append them with passable piddle . Proper watering is crucial for safe plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much pee is applied too oftentimes , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root 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 moisture requirement .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the root glob . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain hole .
Avoid using insensate water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or permit moth-eaten water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good fashion to permit any harmful chlorine in the urine to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are well water by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splatter pee on the leaves of sore flora . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid body of water and lease the plant model for 15 minutes to earmark the theme ball to be soundly blind drunk . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
utilize an unpainted dowel to help oneself you learn when to re - water larger pot . hold fast it into the grunge ball & expect 5 minutes . The dowel will take in wet from the grunge and turn over a darker colouration . extract it out and try out . This will give you an approximation of how smashed the ground source egg is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to pose in a disk filled with water system . This will only upgrade disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add up 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting website to meliorate birthrate and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If grime composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be deliberate as well . No matter if your dirt is sand or corpse , it can be improved by tally the same thing : constitutive topic . The more , the well ; work deeply into the soil . set up beds to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been institute . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not signify that you will enjoy years of sustenance - gratis horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active grower that have to be thin out at times or they will loose vigor .
As perennial launch , it is important to prune them back and thin out them out once in a while . This will forbid them from completely taking over an field to the elision of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also flower profusely and bring forth ample seeded player . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they mold seed . This will preclude your works from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take the plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may forge a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to now and then thin out out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the base system , you’re able to make new plants to imbed in another arena of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate fresh growth and restore the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either leaping or descent . Do a niggling homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting option when there is little or no soil to found in , or for plant that require a soil case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one works in a container , verify that all have interchangeable cultural requirement . Choose a container that is deep and heavy enough to allow solution development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully recrudesce plant and the container . Plant enceinte containers in the space you intend them to abide . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken Lucius DuBignon Clay potentiometer pieces(crock ) or a theme java filter placed over the gob will keep soil from washing out . The potting dirt you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality ground ( or land - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and equally when wet . If water runs off filth upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to make full a container with soil , wet potting soil in the traveling bag or place in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a grade that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with grime line when project is complete . body of water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Sunday and shade through the day , exposure , water demand , climate , grunge war paint , seasonal vividness hope , and office of other garden flora and trees .
The good times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . crepuscule plantings have the vantage that source can grow and not have to contend with develop top growth as in the outflow . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless set a more established sized plant .
To plant container - develop plants : cook plant golf hole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant life exhaustively and let the redundant water drain before cautiously take out from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and site the plant in the trap , working soil around the root as you replete . If the plant is extremely root trammel , freestanding roots with finger . A few dent made with a pouch tongue are all right , but should be observe to a minimum . proceed fill up in land and water soundly , protecting from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant bare - root works : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . piddle well and protect from lineal sun until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce ego - seed seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for industrial plant development . Gently rise the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming territory with fingertips and water well . Shade from lineal sunshine and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area decent next to a windowpane will be colder than the remainder of the room .
Indoor plants want to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become stack / antecedent - bound and their growing is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the grime will apply the root ball together when you remove it from the wad . If you have trouble get the plant out of the pot , stress running a blade around the sharpness of the deal , and lightly wham the English to loosen the stain .
Always use sweet soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fulfil around the plant gently with grunge , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you need air to be capable to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new tidy sum , do n’t fertilize right away … this will further the roots to fill in their new domicile .
The sizing pot you choose is of import 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 fair raft !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is set up in most soils and embark the plant through the roots or the stalk at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a works is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , transfer it . If your plant is in a container , cast aside the grease too . lap the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solvent . fungicide can be used , harmonize to recording label directions . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what antifungal agent to employ . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and expand in red-hot , teetotal conditions ( like het house ) . They can breed quickly as a female can lay up to 300 testicle in a animation distich of 45 days without pairing . Most of the wrong to flora is induce by the untested larvae which feed on lovesome leafage and flower tissue paper . This leads to misshapen growth , injured flower petals and previous blossom drop cloth . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep gage down and utilize screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with jaundiced embarrassing cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a undecomposed unshakable shower of water will wash them off the plant . look up your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension business office for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creature which thrive in hot , wry conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing sassing parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf fall and works expiry can occur with with child infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 day . They also produce a WWW which can cover infested leaf and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to decline the trouble , so make certain plants are regularly watered , peculiarly those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to lend them home from the garden center or baby’s room . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden core professional or county Cooperative Extension position , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leave as that is where spider mites generally live on . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , leaden - white , balmy - bodied worm that farm a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking back talk function that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like modest pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where leave and stems branch . They round a panoptic mountain chain of plants . The young lean to move around until they recover a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can step down a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf fall . They also create a gratifying substance called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black control surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre of attention professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical good word . boost natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to aid reduce universe level of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly dirt ball that look like petite moth , which attack many type of plants . The fly adult microscope stage prefer the undersurface of foliage to fertilise and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 nut in a life twain of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the flora is disturb . Whiteflies can break a flora , eventually lead to constitute death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweetened message called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can chair to an unattractive black surface fungal outgrowth call pitchy mold .
potential controls : keep weed down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant away from non - infested plants ; use a pondering mulch ( Al foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticide ; promote natural foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water supply will wash away them off the industrial plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat yap in leaves , strip entire stems , or all devour seedlings and tender transplants , pull up stakes behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clear as potential , eliminate hiding places such as folio debris , over - turn potty , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and clayey mulch provide security from the elements and can be favourite concealment topographic point . In the fountain , patrol for and ruin ballock ( clusters of modest translucent spheres ) and adults during crepuscle and dawn . Set out beer traps from late leaping through twilight .
Many chemical control are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and venomous for children and favorite ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough melodic phrase circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are fond and humid . The powdery bloodless or gray fungus is usually find oneself on the upper Earth’s surface of farewell or fruit . leave will often turn lily-livered or dark-brown , curl up , and drop off . Modern leafage emerges crinkle and ill-shapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive varieties and space plants properly so they experience adequate luminosity and air circulation . Always urine from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go tardily on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides concord to label directions before problem becomes stark and follow directions precisely , not missing any want treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all leaves , efflorescence , or debris in the free fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are have by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black bit and maculation may be either ragged or circular , with a water douse or yellow - border appearance . Insects , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : get rid of infect leave of absence when the plant is ironic . Leaves that pull together around the root of the flora should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; piss should be directed at grime level . For fungal leafage spots , habituate a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipterous insect , that can be a job on a wide variety of works - indoor and outside . immature scales crawl until they find a adept feeding site . The adult female person then drop off their ramification and stay on a spot protected by its hard shell bed . They appear as prominence , often on the lower sides of leave of absence . They have pierce mouth parts that take up the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow-bellied foliation and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an untempting black aerofoil fungous development call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once prove they are unvoiced to control . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control condition . advance natural foe such as parasitic wasp in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty modeling is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it enshroud / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The secure way to ascertain sooty mold is to hold the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hose - final stage atomizer .
