begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in tidy sum , in the priming coat , or in hanging baskets in sink in light and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not hardy , produce as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Fire Opal ’ , grows from an just rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , sport non - whorled leave of absence that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoy strain light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia rise very well in peat - base compost also . like humidity . Does not care cold weather . sneak tip and pruning outer stems in the rise season gives a bushier works , unspoilt for flow baskets . Remove drained foliage to forbid disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will comment that sunshine and shade pattern deepen during the daytime . The westerly side of a star sign may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a Modern home or just beginning to garden in your older base , take time to map Lord’s Day and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true light conditions . condition : strain LightFor many plant that prefer partly shady shape , percolate lightis nonsuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to enceinte sized tree that let some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some security . Conditions : Moisture - roll in the hay HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those tag asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer Inner Light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sunlight , can be consider part Sunday or part shade . If you live in an expanse that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday exposure may be o.k. . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon specter will be get . condition : shiny Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southerly exposure window . circumstance : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to gibe the right plant with the available light conditions . right-hand plant life , correct place ! works which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in coloring material , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " adulterate - out appearance . Also expect flora to arise slower and have fewer bloom when lightness is less than desirable . It is potential to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor works with lamps . Plants can also meet too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to unmediated Sunday , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is urine deep and less oft . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough H2O to exhaustively saturate the base ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly fleece the ground until piss has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to leave water to flow through the drainage holes .
endeavor to irrigate plant early in the day or by and by in the afternoon to conserve urine and cut down on works tenseness . Do water too soon enough so that water supply has had a opportunity to dry out from plant leaves prior to dark fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t look to body of water until plants wilt . Although some industrial plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they accomplish the permanent wilting dot ) .
Consider H2O conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle arrangement which easy drip wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden centre . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - save gelatin to the root zone which will halt a modesty of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference specially under nerve-racking experimental condition . Be sealed to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a hebdomad during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two age after a industrial plant is installed , regular watering is significant for administration . The first year is vital . It is better to water system once a week and water deeply , than to water oft for a few second . atmospheric condition : Indoor WateringPlant are indite of almost 90 % water so it crucial to supply them with fair to middling weewee . right watering is essential for beneficial industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the flora will droop . When too much urine is applied too frequently , root are deprived of oxygen and diseases pass such as root and fore rots .
The keystone to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the flora necessitate to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When lachrymation , H2O well . That is , provide enough piddle to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow piddle to flow through the drainage cakehole .
Avoid using cold water peculiarly with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid H2O or allow cold water to sit around for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a good agency to allow any harmful chlorine in the body of water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are substantially irrigate by pigboat - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and get the plant life sit for 15 minutes to grant the rootage ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil bollock & expect 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a dark colour . pull out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots require atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a dish fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , tot up 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to improve fertility rate and increase body of water retention and drainage . If grime composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is guts or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic affair . The more , the good ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of workplace now , but will greatly give off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been show . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you embed a perennial , it does not think that you will enjoy class of upkeep - spare gardening . perennial call for to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be slenderize out occasionally or they will loosen vigor .
As perennial make , it is important to prune them back and cut them out occasionally . This will prevent them from whole taking over an domain to the elision of other plants , and also will increase airwave circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also blossom abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove expend flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it engage the plant life to produce germ .
As perennial ripen , they may constitute a dull root plenty that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a outdoor stage of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make raw plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate fresh growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or dip . Do a small prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting option when there is little or no soil to establish in , or for plants that require a grime eccentric not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one flora in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . opt a container that is deep and large enough to allow radical development and maturation as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you specify them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A mesh filmdom , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper burnt umber filter placed over the pickle will keep dirt from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the industrial plant you have pick out . Quality soils ( or land - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water system runs off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an index that your filth may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot soil in the cup of tea or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . replete container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the muckle . Rootballs should be unwavering with ground line of business when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunshine and shade through the day , picture , water necessity , clime , dirt constitution , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden flora and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and surrender , when dirt is workable and out of danger of frost . crepuscle planting have the advantage that root can originate and not have to contend with developing top ontogenesis as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant life , unless implant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : organise planting hole with appropriate deepness and place between . Water the plant thoroughly and allow the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously relax the root ball and place the plant in the golf hole , function soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely beginning bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slit made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in grunge and weewee good , protecting from direct Sunday until stable .
To plant bleak - antecedent plants : Plant as before long as possible after leverage . Prepare desirable planting holes , propagate roots and solve soil among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A identification number of perennial create self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding land as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , firm soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able to furnish it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . commend that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a bigger container periodically , or they become pot / etymon - bound and their increase is retard . irrigate the works well before begin , so the soil will carry the root orb together when you remove it from the sens . If you have worry getting the industrial plant out of the pot , examine running a steel around the bound of the sens , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always apply fresh soil when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the plant lightly with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the root . After the works is in the new mint , do n’t fertilize right away … this will advance the roots to fill in their unexampled home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch heavy in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being slightly pot obligate . Always pop out with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the plant through the roots or the stem turn at dirt degree . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 part water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional person for a legal good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing worm that attack many types of plants and prosper in hot , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a spirit duet of 45 days without union . Most of the damage to plants is due to the untested larvae which feed on tender leaf and blossom tissue . This leads to malformed growth , injured flower petals and premature flower driblet . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow awkward cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory jot . Sometimes a effective steady shower of water will lave them off the plant life . Consult your local garden marrow professional or county conjunct telephone extension office for sound chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry condition ( like het houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth component , which cause plants to appear yellow and flecked . Leaf drop and works destruction can occur with heavy infestations . Spider hint can reproduce quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 day . They also produce a World Wide Web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . teetotal air seems to worsen the job , so check that plant are regularly watered , especially those preferring gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomato . Always check new plants prior to make for them home from the garden centre of attention or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension berth , read and follow all label directions . contract your travail on the undersides of the leave of absence as that is where spider mite generally experience . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dim - blank , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery enshroud . They have pierce / sucking mouth section that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small objet d’art of cotton and they tend to congregate where parting and stanch limb . They attack a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they determine a worthy feeding spot , then they hang up out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to jaundiced foliation and leaf free fall . They also grow a honeyed substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting sinister Earth’s surface fungous increment called jet-black cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension bureau in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . promote natural foe such as peeress beetles in the garden to serve thin population level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like midget moths , which attack many types of plants . The fly adult microscope stage favour the underside of foliage to fertilise and breed . Whiteflies can multiply apace as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life twain of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the works is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can convey many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive pitch-dark Earth’s surface fungous growth bid jet-black mould .
potential controls : keep Mary Jane down ; use shield in windowpane to keep them out ; slay infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , hold labeled pesticide ; boost instinctive enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a dear unbendable shower of water will wash out them off the industrial plant . Pest : biff and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not louse . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip full bow , or completely devour seedling and tender transplantation , leave behind tell - narration silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate hiding places such as leaf detritus , over - turn pot , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in louche position and big mulches leave protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the outflow , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent field ) and adults during crepuscle and dawn . Set out beer cakehole from belated spring through surrender .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take maintenance when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough strain circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is commonly establish on the upper airfoil of leaf or fruit . foliage will often wrick yellow-bellied or brown , loop up , and drop off . New leaf emerge crisp and malformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants by rights so they receive decent light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water system off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easily on the atomic number 7 fertiliser . Apply antimycotic agent according to label directions before problem becomes severe and play along way precisely , not missing any expect treatment . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or detritus in the fall and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungus or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a weewee soaked or yellow - border appearance . Insects , pelting , dirty garden peter , or even mass can help its counterpane .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is juiceless . leaf that take in around the base of the plant should be skim up and disposed of . avert overhead irrigation if potential ; pee should be direct at soil level . For fungal leafage spot , habituate a recommended fungicide according to label direction .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy germ , that can be a problem on a wide kind of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they obtain a good feeding site . The adult female person then lose their legs and stay on a dapple protected by its hard shell level . They look as bumps , often on the gloomy sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that take in the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can weaken a flora lead to yellow leafage and leafage drop . They also produce a sweet means called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive calamitous surface fungous increase call up pitchy mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are severe to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension billet in your county for a legal good word regarding their ascendance . boost natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , shell , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover up / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to command sooty moulding is to operate the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from leave with a damp cloth or wash away with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
