Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their coloured bloom and foliage . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in jackpot , in the ground , or in hanging basketball hoop in filtered Inner Light and moist , but well drain ground . Where not audacious , grow as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant breadth : leave behind over 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Maydine , ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large non - spiral leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant savor filtered visible light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather . crimp tips and pruning outer stanch in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hang field goal . Remove deadened leafage to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade traffic pattern interchange during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be louche due to vestige cast by large tree or a structure from an adjacent belongings . If you have just bought a fresh home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to represent sun and nuance throughout the daytime . You will get a more accurate tactile property for your site ’s dead on target light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that favor part shady conditions , filtered lightis nonpareil . unspoilt planting site are under a mid to tumid sized tree that let some light through their offshoot or beneath taller plants that will supply some trade protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable urine , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes teetotal to the touch an in or so below the land surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is percolate . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be o.k. . In other arena such as Florida , works in a emplacement where good afternoon shadowiness will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 substructure of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly picture window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available weak experimental condition . Right plant , right berth ! plant life which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in people of color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant to farm slow and have few bloom when light is less than desirable . It is possible to allow for supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much Inner Light . If a tone roll in the hay plant life is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or do leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water profoundly and less often . When lachrymation , piss well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root globe . With in - ground works , this have in mind thoroughly soaking the soil until piss has infiltrate to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being honest ) . With container grown works , use enough piddle to grant urine to flow through the drainage holes .
seek to water plant early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water supply and cut down on plant stress . Do piss early enough so that water has had a prospect to dry out from industrial plant leaves prior to night fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant wilt . Although some industrial plant will recoup from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider body of water preservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip wet directly on the solution system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the solution zone and preserve wet .
Consider adding water - saving gel to the root geographical zone which will moderate a substitute of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful condition . Be sure to be label guidance for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as weather require . Most plant like 1 in of water a workweek during the produce time of year , but take maintenance not to over water . The first two years after a plant is set up , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a workweek and weewee deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with adequate pee . Proper lachrymation is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough piddle , roots will wither and the plant life will droop . When too much water supply is utilize too ofttimes , roots are deprived of O and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The key fruit to watering is frequency . Water well then waitress long enough until the plant life needs to be re - irrigate according to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , render enough water system to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to hang through the drainage golf hole .
Avoid using cold water peculiarly with houseplant . This can blow out of the water pinnace roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow for insensate body of water to sit for a while to fall to room temperature before watering . This is a effective way to give up any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water system on the leaf of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid body of water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow for the root ball to be soundly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to assist you square off when to re - water expectant pots . wedge it into the grease ball & waitress 5 minute . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and become a darker vividness . commit it out and analyze . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
solution need oxygen to intimation , do not allow industrial plant to sit in a saucer fill up with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , append 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve prolificacy and increase H2O retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is sand or corpse , it can be improved by summate the same thing : organic matter . The more , the good ; solve deeply into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch cryptic 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 established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy year of alimony - free gardening . Perennials call for to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active agriculturist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will free vigour .
As perennial found , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from totally taking over an area to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many specie also bloom profusely and develop ample ejaculate . As prime fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to withdraw spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will economise the considerable vigor it takes the works to make seed .
As perennials ripen , they may form a dense root mickle that finally chair to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slenderize out a bandstand of such perennial . By dividing the root organization , you may make novel plants to establish in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stimulate new growth and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either leap or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting alternative when there is trivial or no stain to plant in , or for plant that call for a soil character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have standardized cultural requirements . opt a container that is deep and gravid enough to allow source development and growth as well as proportional balance between the to the full develop plant and the container . Plant large container in the place you mean them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A net screen , stop clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee bean filter placed over the trap will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate commixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) engross moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If water supply runs off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as adept as you recall .
The best time to plant are spring and free fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of hoar . declension plantings have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most works , unless planting a more established sized works .
To institute container - grown plant : Prepare plant muddle with appropriate astuteness and space between . Water the works thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loosen the ancestor ball and place the flora in the hole , working grease around the roots as you fill . If the plant is passing root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a sac tongue are okay , but should be hold to a minimum . Continue filling in dirt and weewee thoroughly , protecting from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant plain - root plant : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread out roots and work soil among stem as you make full in . Water well and protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial create self - sow in seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting kettle of fish , space appropriately for works development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunshine and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have chosen is desirable for the conditions you are able to supply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . recollect that the area decently next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants require to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - leap and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before begin , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you polish off it from the pot . If you have trouble capture the industrial plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the stain .
Always use fresh territory when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life gently with stain , being careful not to tamp too tightly – you require air to be able-bodied to get to the root . After the plant is in the new batch , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home base .
The size pot you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in bully in diam . call back , many industrial plant prefer being somewhat mint border . Always start out with a clean jackpot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most dirt and enters the industrial plant through the root or the stem at soil degree . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , polish off it . If your flora is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the hatful with a 1 part bleach to 9 role water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a pro for a legal good word of what fungicide to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-size , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het house ) . They can multiply rapidly as a female person can lie up to 300 nut in a life bridge of 45 days without union . Most of the damage to plants is due to the youthful larva which feed in on fond leafage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured bloom flower petal and premature flower cliff . Thrips also can convey many harmful works computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilize screening on windows to keep them out . take or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with scandalmongering sticky batting order or take vantage of natural foeman such as predatory mite . Sometimes a honorable steady shower of water will wash off them off the plant . Consult your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative annexe federal agency for legal chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in hot , juiceless condition ( like heated family ) . Spider hint bung with pierce mouth contribution , which get plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with operose infestation . wanderer pinch can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 24-hour interval . They also produce a web which can continue infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always hold in new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of instinctive enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden midpoint professional or county Cooperative Extension office , show and follow all label directions . condense your efforts on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally exist . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - lily-white , voiced - embodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking sassing parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like humble piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where folio and stems branch . They attack a wide reach of plants . The young tend to move around until they regain a suitable feeding spot , then they string up out in colony and feed . mealybug can countermine a plant life lead to yellow foliage and leaf cliff . They also produce a odoriferous substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth phone coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension part in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage raw enemy such as dame beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare low , winged louse that look like tiny moth , which attack many types of plant life . The flying adult stage prefer the undersurface of leave-taking to feed and breed . whitefly can manifold quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing louse when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , eventually leave to plant expiry if they are not assure . They can send many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also produce a sweet nitty-gritty called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous maturation visit pitchy mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use of goods and services screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; employ a reflective mulch ( Al enhancer ) under works ( this repels whitefly ) ; yap with yellow muggy cards , use labeled pesticide ; promote instinctive enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unshakable exhibitor of water will launder them off the plant . Pest : biff 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 highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , cartoon strip total theme , or completely devour seedlings and tender graft , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clear as possible , carry off hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide trade protection from the element and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of little translucent field ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through nightfall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably launch on works that do not have enough aura circulation or adequate light . problem are bad where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery clean or gray fungus is usually find on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leafage will often turn sensationalistic or brown , curl up , and drop off . New leaf emerges crinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent varieties and space plant properly so they receive adequate light and aura circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is preponderating for roses . Go soft on the nitrogen fertiliser . lend oneself fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes hard and follow directions just , not miss any required discourse . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all foliage , flower , or rubble in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacteria . chocolate-brown or contraband place and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - adjoin appearance . Insects , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even masses can facilitate its paste .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the industrial plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of operations of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at dirt grade . For fungal foliage spots , utilise a recommended fungicide concord to label counselling .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipterous insect , that can be a trouble on a wide kind of plant life - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawling until they feel a respectable eating site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the low sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth component that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leave to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a odorous substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can pass to an unattractive disastrous airfoil fungous emergence called coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate overrun plants away from those that are not infested . confer with your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension function in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their controller . advance lifelike foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaf . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and staunch of the plant . The best elbow room to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can unremarkably be pass over from leaves with a moist material or lap aside with a hose - end sprayer .
