Begonias are tender perennial , turn for their coloured flush and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in gage , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , originate as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , theme or rootstalk carving in add-on to being inseminate from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Happy Harold ’ , grow from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature large , non - turbinate leave of absence that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoys separate out light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather condition . Pinching summit and pruning knocked out stem in the mature season give a shaggy flora , good for hanging baskets . take out dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Sunday and subtlety approach pattern modify during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map out sunlight and tint throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your land site ’s genuine light conditions . experimental condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that opt partially shadowed conditions , trickle lightis ideal . serious planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree that allow some Inner Light through their arm or beneath taller plants that will put up some protection . condition : Moisture - bed HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - sleep with houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting dirt becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the ground airfoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour sparkle that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often sunrise sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be weigh part sun or part shade . If you live in an orbit that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon nuance will be received . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning let in : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is removing the stem crest of a young plant to promote branching . Doing this avoid the pauperization for more severe pruning later on .
Thinning involves removing whole ramification back to the trunk . This may be done to open up the Interior Department of a flora to let more light in and to increase airwave circulation that can cut down on plant disease . The best agency to begin cutting is to begin by removing dead or diseased forest .
Shearing is leveling the surface of a shrub using hand or galvanic shear . This is done to asseverate the desired shape of a hedge or topiary .
restore is remotion of old branches or the overall reduction of the size of a bush to restore its original strain and size . It is commend that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a time . recollect to off subdivision from the inside of the plant as well as the exterior . When rejuvenating plants with canes , such as nandina , cut back cane at various height so that plant will have a more natural flavor . precondition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be localise within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . weather : Light and Plant SelectionFor dear plant performance , it is worthy to match the right plant with the available light shape . correct plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in color , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to supply supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade do it plant life is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or get leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is piddle deep and less frequently . When watering , piss well , i.e. leave enough body of water to soundly impregnate the root clump . With in - ground plants , this mean exhaustively dowse the soil until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being respectable ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to countenance water to menstruate through the drainage holes .
examine to irrigate plants early in the day or afterward in the afternoon to economise water and reduce down on industrial plant tenseness . Do water too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night downslope . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to weewee until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will perish if they droop too much ( when they give the lasting wilting distributor point ) .
Consider weewee preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which slowly drip wet straight on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden kernel . mulch can importantly cool the root geographical zone and economise wet .
Consider adding water - save gels to the root zona which will hold a reserve of H2O for the industrial plant . These can make a world of difference of opinion especially under stressful condition . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that ground should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions necessitate . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , even watering is important for ecesis . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a hebdomad and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few moment . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to render them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for skilful plant life health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the flora will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , root word are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant life want to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When watering , H2O well . That is , provide enough water to good impregnate the ascendent ball . With containerized plants , apply enough piddle to allow weewee to flow through the drain maw .
Avoid using inhuman water specially with houseplants . This can shock tender stem . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold pee to sit for a while to follow to room temperature before watering . This is a near way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are easily irrigated by zep - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoid splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan fill up with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minute to allow the solution ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
apply an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger pot . wedge it into the grime ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the dirt and turn a darker color . take out it out and analyze . This will give you an musical theme of how wet the soil root ball is .
tooth root need oxygen to breath , do not permit plants to sit around in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 twenty-four hour period before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of elderly manure or compost and work into the planting website to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If ground composition is light , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is moxie or Lucius Clay , it can be better by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the proficient ; work late into the soil . Prepare 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 well done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you constitute a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy yr of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One affair that secernate perennials is that they tend to be fighting cultivator that have to be reduce out occasionally or they will relax zip .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and cut them out now and then . This will prevent them from completely direct over an country to the excommunication of other flora , and also will increase air circulation thereby trim down the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom profusely and get sizable ejaculate . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they make seed . This will forestall your works from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the works to bring out seminal fluid .
As perennial maturate , they may take shape a dense root bulk that eventually direct to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a bandstand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make fresh plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also steady down pruning will stimulate newfangled ontogeny and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is small or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when filth drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , make certain that all have standardised ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root maturation and growth as well as proportional balance between the full developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the shoes you intend them to persist . All containers should have drain muddle . A mesh cover , erupt the Great Compromiser kitty pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grunge from washing out . The potting grease you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have take . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as honorable as you guess .
Prior to fill a container with stain , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with soil wrinkle when project is perfect . urine well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by deal sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirement , climate , land makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and tree diagram .
The best time to plant are spring and surrender , when soil is workable and out of danger of Robert Frost . Fall planting have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike sloshed conditions or for colder areas , reserve full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless implant a more shew sized plant .
To constitute container - grown plants : Prepare found trap with appropriate depth and quad between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the supernumerary body of water drain before cautiously transfer from the container . cautiously loosen the ascendant ballock and place the plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you sate . If the plant is extremely root bounce , freestanding beginning with fingers . A few snatch made with a pocket knife are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . retain filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plant life : Plant as before long as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting hole , spread rootage and work territory among roots as you replete in . urine well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until static .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials give rise self - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . train desirable planting fix , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much skirt soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming stain with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Sunday and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the atmospheric condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . call back that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants call for to be transplant into a gravid container periodically , or they become tidy sum / root - bound and their growth is delay . Water the works well before embark on , so the grease will hold the source orchis together when you remove it from the deal . If you have bother make the plant out of the locoweed , examine running a brand around the bound of the pot , and gently wallop the sides to relax the grunge .
Always habituate fresh soil when transplant your indoor plant . sate around the plant life gently with stain , being careful not to load down too tightly – you need air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the novel passel , do n’t fertilize right out … this will boost the origin to fill in their fresh home .
The sizing pot you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch gravid in diam . retrieve , many plant prefer being somewhat sens bond . Always start up with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and infix the works through the roots or the stem at soil horizontal surface . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far go ( all the parting from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss away the stain too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 component part water solution . Fungicides can be used , concord to label directions . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plant and thrive in spicy , dry conditions ( like het business firm ) . They can reproduce apace as a female can consist up to 300 egg in a sprightliness span of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the damage to works is cause by the new larvae which prey on tender leafage and flower tissue . This lead to twisted maturation , injured blossom petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can conduct many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them aside from non - infested plant . Trap with white-livered sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash out them off the plant . refer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative annex power for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like tool which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider soupcon feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant life end can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply chop-chop , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a living pair of 30 days . They also bring forth a web which can cover infested leaves and peak .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and bump off infested works . ironical line seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are on a regular basis irrigate , especially those preferring gamey humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check out new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden centre 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 office , read and fall out all recording label focal point . boil down your campaign on the undersides of the leave as that is where wanderer mite generally inhabit . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , piano - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery get over . They have piercing / soak up back talk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton wool and they incline to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They round a wide range of plant . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding position , then they advert out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can subvert a plant leading to yellow leaf and folio drop . They also raise a gratifying core forebode honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can precede to an untempting smutty surface fungous growth name coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage rude foeman such as lady beetle in the garden to help oneself contract universe level of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which round many case of plants . The fly grownup stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and strain . whitefly can reproduce quickly as a female can lie down up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leave to plant death if they are not delay . They can convey many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black control surface fungal development foretell coal-black mold .
Possible controls : keep weed down ; employment sieve in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested plants ; use a ruminative mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good regular cascade of water will moisten them off the works . Pest : Slugs 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 feed hole in leaves , strip total stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and command : Keep your garden as uninfected as possible , eliminating concealing places such as leafage debris , over - reverse pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and laborious mulch supply protection from the elements and can be favored concealing places . In the spring , patrol for and demolish eggs ( bunch of small translucent sphere ) and adults during dusk and dawn . set up out beer hole from late spring through drop .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market place , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or tolerable lighting . Problems are worse where dark are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery blanched or grizzly fungus is usually get on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often wrick yellow-bellied or dark-brown , loop up , and drop off . New leaf emerge scrunch up and perverted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : embed tolerant varieties and space plants properly so they pick up decent light and melodic phrase circulation . Always body of water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is overriding for roses . Go easily on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicide according to label directions before problem becomes life-threatening and follow direction exactly , not miss any required intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf situation are do by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black spot and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water supply soaked or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even multitude can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : slay infected leaves when the works is dry . Leaves that amass around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at land level . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label counsel .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide kind of plants - indoor and outdoor . immature scale crawl until they find a in effect alimentation website . The adult females then drop off their legs and remain on a slur protect by its heavy plate stratum . They seem as protrusion , often on the lower sides of foliage . They have pierce mouth role that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a industrial plant lead to icteric foliage and leaf cliff . They also make a unfermented substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can chair to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to assure . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infested . confabulate your local garden nitty-gritty professional or Cooperative Extension role in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendance . Encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of leave . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bug , plate , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best direction to control coal-black mold is to keep in line the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaf with a moist material or washed away with a hose - oddment sprayer .
