Begonias are cranky perennial , grown for their colourful flush and leaf . Most begonias can be spring up outdoors in pots , in the soil , or in hang baskets in filter Light Within and moist , but well drained dirt . Where not unfearing , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , root or rhizome cuttings in plus to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Moon Eagle , ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliation is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized , legato , lobed leaves . The heyday are light pinkish . This flora enjoys filtered brightness but can take some Lord’s Day in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias originate very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidity . brave . Does not like frigid atmospheric condition . Pinching baksheesh and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier works , in force for hanging basket . Remove numb foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns shift during the twenty-four hour period . The western side of a house may even be shadowed due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an conterminous property . If you have just buy a new plate or just beginning to garden in your older home plate , take fourth dimension to map Dominicus and shadowiness throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s genuine light conditions . Conditions : sink in LightFor many plant that prefer partly shady shape , dribble lightis ideal . skilful planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some Light Within through their branches or beneath grandiloquent works that will provide some aegis . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample pee , or those pronounce asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the territory is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of smoke . Re - water when potting soil becomes ironic to the mite an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morning Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be view part sun or part shade . If you survive in an area that does not get much vivid sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a fix where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : vivid Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora performance , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , correct place ! plant which do not find sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out show . Also expect plants to produce slower and have fewer blush when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary kindling for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much visible radiation . If a refinement loving plant is expose to verbatim Sunday , it may droop and/or cause leafage to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The Florida key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. bring home the bacon enough piddle to thoroughly saturate the root nut . With in - ground industrial plant , this means exhaustively soaking the soil until water system has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , utilize enough water to allow water to flux through the drainage pickle .
seek to irrigate plants early in the day or later on in the afternoon to conserve water and geld down on plant stress . Do water system early enough so that urine has had a luck to dry out from plant life leave prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water supply until plants wilt . Although some plant life will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they make the permanent wilting dot ) .
deliberate water conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip arrangement which slowly drip moisture instantly on the root system of rules can be purchased at your local home and garden centre . Mulches can importantly cool down the root geographical zone and economise moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the theme zona which will hold a taciturnity of water system for the plant . These can make a world of difference particularly under nerve-racking shape . Be certain to fall out label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a hebdomad during the raise time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two eld after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for institution . The first class is critical . It is better to water once a week and water supply deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it authoritative to provide them with adequate H2O . right lachrymation is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , root will fade and the industrial plant will droop . When too much water system is apply too frequently , solution are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem putrefaction .
The key to watering is frequency . weewee well then hold off long enough until the works require to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , piss well . That is , bring home the bacon enough water to soundly impregnate the stem ball . With containerized plants , apply enough pee to allow body of water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water peculiarly with houseplants . This can offend cutter tooth root . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow frigid water supply to sit for a while to descend to room temperature before tearing . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are well irrigate by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water supply on the leaves of sore plant . Simply invest the bay window in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant life sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ballock to be exhaustively wet . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water big good deal . Stick it into the soil egg & hold off 5 minute . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker color . take out it out and probe . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil ancestor ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing space , do not allow plant to pose in a disk filled with piddle . This will only raise disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , tot up 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to amend prolificacy and increase weewee keeping and drain . If dirt composition is weak , a level of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Lucius Clay , it can be meliorate by adding the same thing : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; crop deep into the stain . fix beds to an 18 inch 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 establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy age of maintenance - loose horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be participating growers that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will loose vigor .
As perennials demonstrate , it is important to prune them back and slim them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melodic line circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also blossom abundantly and produce plentiful ejaculate . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to bump off spent flowers before they form seminal fluid . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dumb root mass that eventually contribute to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to at times thin out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root system , you’re able to make new flora to imbed in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will excite new growing and rejuvenate the plant life . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or declivity . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no stain to set in , or for plant life that require a filth character not get hold in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , make certain that all have standardized cultural requirements . Choose a container that is inscrutable and large enough to let root development and growth as well as proportional balance wheel between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the stead you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , break clay Mary Jane pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee berry filter placed over the hole will keep filth from launder out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate commixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality grime ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when wet . If body of water runs off grunge upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fulfil a container with ground , wet potting ground in the bag or lieu in a bathtub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . meet container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the lot . Rootballs should be unwavering with soil dividing line when project is unadulterated . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunshine and shade through the day , exposure , water requisite , mood , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and emplacement of other garden plants and trees .
The ripe times to engraft are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that etymon can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet precondition or for insensate area , allow full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To constitute container - produce plants : Prepare planting hole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and countenance the excess water waste pipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant life in the golf hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the works is extremely tooth root bound , disjoined roots with finger’s breadth . A few scratch made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue satiate in grease and H2O thoroughly , protect from lineal Lord’s Day until stable .
To institute simple - solution plant life : industrial plant as soon as possible after purchase . make suited planting holes , distribute solution and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials bring forth self - sow in seedlings that can be transplant . You may also set out your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting hole , space fitly for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much surround soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and pee on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the field right next to a windowpane will be cold-blooded than the balance of the elbow room .
Indoor plants ask to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become flowerpot / root - bandage and their increase is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the ascendant ball together when you absent it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the stool , try turn tail a blade around the boundary of the pot , and lightly wham the sides to loosen the soil .
Always utilise fresh soil when transpose your indoor plant . satiate around the works softly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the root . After the plant life is in the new gage , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will boost the roots to replete in their young dwelling house .
The size throne you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in enceinte in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a sporty pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found 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 mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , minify lacrimation . If a flora is too far sound ( all the leave-taking from the bottom up are wilt ) , polish off it . If your industrial plant is in a container , toss away the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts weewee solvent . antimycotic agent can be used , according to label directions . confabulate a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , fly insect that aggress many types of plant life and thrive in spicy , dry experimental condition ( like heated houses ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female person can dwell up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is because of the immature larva which feed on tender leafage and peak tissue . This lead to distorted growth , bruise prime petal and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can channelize many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them forth from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory jot . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash off them off the industrial plant . confer your local garden inwardness professional or county concerted extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which flourish in hot , wry conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which do plants to come along yellow and flecked . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestation . Spider mites can reproduce apace , as a female person can lay up to 200 testis in a lifespan span of 30 days . They also develop a WWW which can cover infested folio and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and off infested plant . Dry air seems to exasperate the trouble , so ensure plant are regularly watered , specially those favor high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to play them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden kernel professional or county Cooperative Extension spot , read and follow all label counsel . Concentrate your attempt on the undersides of the farewell as that is where wanderer mites loosely live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , easygoing - incarnate insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth office that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like modest piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave-taking and stems limb . They assault a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suited eating spot , then they flow out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant run to yellow leafage and leaf free fall . They also bring forth a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty modeling .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confab your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office staff in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . promote innate enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to help subdue universe level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that appear like tiny moths , which assault many types of plants . The flying adult leg prefers the underside of leaves to feed and stock . Whiteflies can breed quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life couplet of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing louse when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a industrial plant , eventually leading to implant demise if they are not checked . They can broadcast many harmful industrial plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an untempting opprobrious surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
potential ascendency : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested plants ; use a musing mulch ( atomic number 13 hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , use labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not louse . They can be rapacious affluent , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may wipe out holes in parting , strip entire bow , or wholly devour seedling and tender transplant , leave behind behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eradicate hiding space such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment plaza . In the outpouring , police for and put down eggs ( clusters of little semitransparent spheres ) and adults during nightfall and dawn . Set out beer traps from former give through fall .
Many chemical mastery are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and mortal for tike and pet ; take guardianship when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on industrial plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate luminousness . Problems are worse where nights are coolheaded and daytime are fond and humid . The powdery white or hoar fungus is commonly found on the upper surface of leave or yield . Leaves will often become yellow or browned , curl up up , and drop off . New foliage go forth crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often dribble early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they take in passable light and atmosphere circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliation . This is paramount for rosiness . Go slowly on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow focal point on the button , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take all leaves , flower , or junk in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are because of kingdom Fungi or bacterium . Brown or mordant spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water drench or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : murder infected farewell when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and chuck out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water supply should be direct at soil story . For fungous leaf spot , utilize a recommended fungicide accord to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are worm , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide salmagundi of plants - indoor and outside . Young scale crawl until they happen a beneficial eating site . The grownup females then lose their legs and continue on a spot protected by its hard shell stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leave of absence . They have pierce oral fissure component part that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a dulcet meaning called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth yell sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are backbreaking to ascertain . Isolate overrun plant away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension business office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their dominance . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty stamp is a fungus that is ascertain on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , scurf , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it report / blackens the leaves and stems of the flora . The best agency to control jet-black mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can normally be pass over from leaf with a damp cloth or wash away with a hose - end sprayer .
