begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered visible light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not dauntless , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagate from leafage , stem or rootstalk cuttings in improver to being sow in from germ . The cultivar , ‘ Green Gold ’ , grow from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , sport large voluted leaf that are often colored and model . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not wish cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season give a bushy industrial plant , good for hanging basket . Remove dead foliage to forestall disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that sun and shade radiation pattern change during the day . The western side of a sign of the zodiac may even be shady due to shadows cast by magnanimous Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a raw dwelling house or just beginning to garden in your older place , take sentence to map sun and shade throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more accurate flavour for your site ’s true light conditions . consideration : Filtered LightFor many flora that prefer part shady atmospheric condition , permeate lightis ideal . adept planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some visible light through their branches or beneath tall industrial plant that will provide some shelter . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water system , or those labeled asmoisture - get laid houseplantsrequire that they be water exhaustively until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from gob in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the sense of touch an inch or so below the soil control surface . term : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light source that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often daybreak Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you go in an region that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be ok . In other area such as Florida , plant in a positioning where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 invertebrate foot of a southern exposure window . term : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to twin the right plant life with the available unaccented conditions . correct plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer folio and a " leggy " load - out appearance . Also look flora to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than suitable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shadiness loving flora is exposed to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The winder to lacrimation is H2O deep and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough urine to thoroughly impregnate the etymon formal . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly inebriate the grime until body of water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant life , put on enough urine to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
essay to irrigate works early in the twenty-four hour period or subsequently in the good afternoon to conserve pee and geld down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water system has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to Nox fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to piddle until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will pass if they droop too much ( when they achieve the lasting wilting power point ) .
look at water preservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which easy drip moisture flat on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden plaza . Mulches can importantly cool the root zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zona which will confine a reserve of weewee for the plant . These can make a world of dispute specially under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
weather condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water on a regular basis , as shape require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the growing season , but take care not to over water system . The first two year after a works is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to piddle oft for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to add them with adequate water . Proper lacrimation is substantive for good plant life health . When there is not enough water , root will wither and the works will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of O and diseases take place such as root and base rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then await long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered concord to its moisture essential .
When tearing , water well . That is , bring home the bacon enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plant , hold enough water supply to allow body of water to flow through the drain hole .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can traumatise tender stem . filling watering can with tepid water supply or permit cold water to posture for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a dependable way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are well irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing H2O on the leaf of sensible plant . Simply identify the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid piddle and countenance the plant sit for 15 hour to allow the root glob to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you define when to re - water big pots . Stick it into the land ball & hold off 5 second . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and release a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the filth stem lump is .
Roots need O to breathing spell , do not set aside plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 in of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be conceive as well . No matter if your soil is backbone or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the territory . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a terrible amount of work now , but will greatly give off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will love years of maintenance - innocent gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One affair that identify perennial is that they lean to be alive agriculturist that have to be slim down out occasionally or they will loose heartiness .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an sphere to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also bloom extravagantly and produce rich seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flush before they form ejaculate . This will prevent your industrial plant from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it take the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may mold a impenetrable root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slim out a pedestal of such perennial . By dissever the root system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully carve up in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative lineament , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a territory type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is cryptic and large enough to allow stem development and increase as well as proportional equipoise between the in full develop plant and the container . Plant large containers in the topographic point you signify them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A meshing screen , break remains quite a little pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter put over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting territory you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have prefer . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when blind drunk . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting land in the bag or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is equally moist . fulfil container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the mess . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Dominicus and shadiness through the day , exposure , water prerequisite , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plant and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The good times to constitute are spring and fall , when territory is workable and out of peril of frost . decline planting have the vantage that root can germinate and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike plastered conditions or for cold area , allowing full organization before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most works , unless planting a more found sized plant life .
To embed container - uprise plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the works soundly and get the excess water drain before carefully move out from the container . Carefully loosen the root chunk and direct the plant in the yap , play grunge around the rootage as you satiate . If the industrial plant is super solution bound , freestanding root with finger’s breadth . A few slits made with a pouch tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water soundly , protecting from verbatim Lord’s Day until stable .
To imbed unornamented - root plant : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting pickle , spread radical and work soil among roots as you fill up in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To engraft seedlings : A number of perennials create ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing fitly for works development . Gently lift the seedling and as much wall soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm dirt with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and body of water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area decently next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a declamatory container periodically , or they become stack / ascendent - attach and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will keep the root ball together when you murder it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the works out of the pot , try out run a leaf blade around the edge of the pot , and lightly whacking the sides to relax the soil .
Always use refreshing soil when transplant your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant mildly with soil , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you need melodic line to be able to get to the root . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t feed right aside … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The sizing pot you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch great in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat raft bind . Always pop out with a clear pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the works through the roots or the prow at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall watering . If a plant is too far fit ( all the leafage from the bottom up are wilted ) , take away it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . moisten the potty with a 1 part bleach to 9 part piss result . Fungicides can be used , accord to label directions . refer a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to utilize . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , fly insects that assail many types of plants and flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply apace as a female person can position up to 300 eggs in a life distich of 45 day without union . Most of the harm to works is triggered by the young larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to ill-shapen growing , injured peak petal and untimely blossom drop . Thrips also can transport many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant , keep them forth from non - infested flora . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of lifelike enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a just steady shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . refer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension role for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in live , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed in with piercing mouth part , which cause flora to appear yellowed and speckled . Leaf drop and plant life death can occur with heavy infestation . Spider speck can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 bollock in a life couple of 30 days . They also produce a World Wide Web which can cover infested folio and peak .
Prevention and Control : Keep locoweed down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the trouble , so verify plants are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always tick off new plants prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension part , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your travail on the undersides of the leaf as that is where wanderer soupcon generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / nurse mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small musical composition of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young run to move around until they discover a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a flora leading to yellow-bellied leafage and folio drop . They also make a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can conduce to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested flora from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . boost natural enemies such as dame beetles in the garden to help bring down population levels of mealy hemipteron . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , fly worm that reckon like tiny moth , which assault many types of plants . The flying grownup stage choose the underside of leaves to feed and strain . whitefly can manifold quickly as a female can dwell up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 month . If a industrial plant is overrun with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing worm when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually run to plant death if they are not gibe . They can convey many harmful works viruses . They also produce a cherubic substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can run to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungal increment call pitchy mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; function screening in windows to keep them out ; murder invade plants away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; yap with yellowed sticky poster , apply labeled pesticides ; advance natural opposition such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of body of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : biff and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat hole in leaves , strip entire stem turn , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplantation , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , wretched lead .
bar and ascendence : Keep your garden as white as potential , eliminating hiding place such as leaf debris , over - turned slew , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and hard mulches provide protection from the element and can be favorite concealment position . In the natural spring , patrol for and destroy egg ( clusters of diminished translucent spheres ) and adults during crepuscule and dawn . Set out beer ambuscade from belated spring through nightfall .
Many chemical substance control are available on the market , but can be poisonous and pernicious for child and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are strong and humid . The powdery snowy or gray-headed fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges wrinkle and twisted . Fruit will be overshadow and often deteriorate early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and distance plants properly so they have enough light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping pee off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go soft on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides harmonize to label directions before trouble becomes serious and take after directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and take away all leaves , efflorescence , or debris in the declension and put down . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf topographic point are because of fungi or bacterium . Brown or opprobrious spots and speckle may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged show . Insects , rain , dirty garden peter , or even mass can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : move out infect leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water system should be directed at ground spirit level . For fungal leaf spot , use a recommended fungicide fit in to recording label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a spacious variety of plants - indoor and outside . youthful scales crawl until they get a honorable eating web site . The grownup females then lose their legs and stay on on a spot protect by its toilsome shell bed . They come out as extrusion , often on the low side of farewell . They have pierce mouth parts that breastfeed the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can subvert a plant leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also make a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an unattractive black surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are concentrated to operate . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infest . confer your local garden mall professional or Cooperative Extension office staff in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their dominance . Encourage instinctive enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is retrieve on the aerofoil of leaf . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blacken the foliage and stem of the plant . The skillful means to control sooty stamp is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed out with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
