Begonias are sensitive perennial , grow for their colourful peak and foliage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered illumination and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , spring up as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem or rootstock cutting in addition to being sown from cum . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inch ) The ‘ Quetzal ’ begonia develop from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , have medium - sized spiral leave of absence that are often colored and patterned . The blossom are dark pink . This plant relish filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias develop very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stanch in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , honorable for hang basketful . murder dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just grease one’s palms a new home or just begin to garden in your older home , take clock time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true lite conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many works that prefer partially shady condition , trickle lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some lightness through their branches or beneath taller plants that will bring home the bacon some tribute . stipulation : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that involve ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then run out freely from holes in the bottom of sens . Re - water system when pot soil becomes ironic to the touch an inch or so below the soil control surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer visible light that is filtrate . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often cockcrow sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sunlight , can be consider part sun or part shade . If you live in an expanse that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun vulnerability may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a localization where afternoon shade will be get . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be set within 2 metrical foot of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor well industrial plant operation , it is suitable to rival the right flora with the available light conditions . veracious plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in vividness , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect plant life to acquire slow and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental light for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also welcome too much light . If a subtlety loving plant is exposed to direct sunshine , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The tonality to lacrimation is weewee profoundly and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough weewee to thoroughly saturate the root ballock . With in - priming plants , this means exhaustively imbue the grime until pee has come home to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to earmark water to flow through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve H2O and geld down on plant tenseness . Do body of water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will reclaim from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they pass on the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider body of water preservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly dribble wet right away on the root system can be purchased at your local home plate and garden meat . Mulches can importantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding piss - spare gels to the root zone which will hold a reservation of water for the plant life . These can make a human beings of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow recording label directions for their utilisation .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and irrigate on a regular basis , as experimental condition require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take precaution not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular lachrymation is significant for establishment . The first yr is vital . It is better to water system once a week and pee deep , than to water ofttimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it significant to supply them with adequate water . right lacrimation is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , root will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much piddle is applied too oft , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The tonality to watering is frequency . H2O well then look long enough until the flora involve to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough pee to thoroughly impregnate the root bollock . With containerized plants , utilize enough pee to allow water to course through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplant . This can shock pinnace etymon . filling tearing can with tepid water supply or allow moth-eaten urine to model for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good manner to earmark any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are considerably irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids swash water on the leave of absence of sensitive plant life . Simply place the sens in a shallow goat god fill with tepid water and let the plant sit around for 15 minute to allow the ascendent Lucille Ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and grant sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger quite a little . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 moment . The joggle will absorb wet from the ground and work a darker vividness . force it out and test . This will give you an idea of how squiffy the filth root chunk is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a dish aerial filled with pee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , total 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If soil makeup is weak , a level of topsoil should be see as well . No matter if your grime is sand or Henry Clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same thing : constitutive thing . The more , the undecomposed ; work deep into the soil . Prepare bottom to an 18 in mystifying for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy class of sustentation - free horticulture . Perennials ask to be give care for just like any other works . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active grower that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is authoritative to cut back them back and thin out them out now and then . This will prevent them from totally read over an orbit to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase line circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower profusely and get rich semen . As bloom of youth fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to remove spend peak before they form seed . This will prevent your plant life from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it takes the industrial plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may forge a dull root people that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out out a stand of such perennials . By split the beginning system , you may make new plants to plant in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either give or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : ready ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting option when there is little or no soil to implant in , or for plants that require a soil type not encounter in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one works in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . select a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and outgrowth as well as relative equipoise between the in full develop plant life and the container . set large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage hole . A mesh topology screen , broken stiff tummy pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the hole will keep territory from washing out . The potting land you pick out should be an appropriate premix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet pronto and equally when wet . If water runs off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as expert as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot territory in the purse or station in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a level that will allow industrial plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be unwavering with soil line when project is complete . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by view sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , stain physical composition , seasonal vividness desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The right fourth dimension to establish are springiness and fall , when dirt is workable and out of danger of Robert Frost . Fall planting have the vantage that radical can develop and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the bounce . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for cold area , allow full organization before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless constitute a more established sized plant .
To embed container - grown plants : organise planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and allow the excess water drain before carefully off from the container . Carefully loosen the beginning formal and place the plant in the hole , working land around the root as you fill . If the plant is super antecedent obligate , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a air pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . go on occupy in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from lineal Dominicus until unchanging .
To plant spare - root word works : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . train suitable planting holes , diffuse roots and work soil among roots as you make full in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . develop suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . Gently vacate the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from lineal sunshine and piddle on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , distance , and a temperature it will like . think that the arena right next to a window will be moth-eaten than the residue of the room .
Indoor plant life need to be transplanted into a great container sporadically , or they become flowerpot / root - ricochet and their ontogeny is retarded . irrigate the industrial plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble dumbfound the plant out of the sight , adjudicate running a blade around the bound of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the land .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor works . Fill around the plant gently with grease , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the unexampled throne , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fulfil in their new habitation .
The size spate you pick out is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant life choose being jolly pot bound . Always start with a fresh pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is feel in most territory and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at land level . bar 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 wilt ) , murder it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . refer a professional for a legal passport of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many case of plant and boom in hot , dry weather condition ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is due to the young larva which eat on tippy leaf and prime tissue . This leads to perverted growth , wound flower petals and premature flush drop . Thrips also can beam many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep dope down and use screen out on window to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of born enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steadfast shower bath of body of water will wash them off the works . confer with your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which boom in raging , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider jot fertilise with pierce mouth parts , which cause plants to come out yellow and flecked . Leaf drop and industrial plant death can occur with heavy infestation . Spider mites can multiply chop-chop , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a aliveness span of 30 solar day . They also produce a web which can deal infested foliage and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep green goddess down and murder infested plants . juiceless air seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , particularly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always mark off unexampled plants prior to impart them home from the garden shopping centre or nursery . Take vantage of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , translate and follow all label directions . Concentrate your feat on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider pinch more often than not endure . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have thrust / suck backtalk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like modest spell of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They round a wide range of plants . The young run to move around until they find a worthy eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to chicken foliation and leafage drop cloth . They also produce a gratifying substance call up honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can conduct to an untempting black open fungous growth cry jet-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension power in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy hemipteron . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged louse that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult leg choose the bottom of leaves to feast and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can dwell up to 500 ballock in a life twosome of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the works is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant life , eventually leading to implant dying if they are not checked . They can convey many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a sweet-smelling message holler honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous emergence called pitchy mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; usance screen out in windowpane to keep them out ; murder infested flora away from non - infested plants ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow unenviable plug-in , hold labeled pesticides ; promote instinctive enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of weewee will rinse them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-smelling . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or wholly devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as uninfected as potential , eliminate hiding post such as folio junk , over - turn weed , and tarps . Groundcover in umbrageous places and with child mulch allow shelter from the elements and can be preferent hiding places . In the leaping , police for and destroy eggs ( clustering of low semitransparent spheres ) and adults during gloam and daybreak . Set out beer traps from late outflow through fall .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always take the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough gentle wind circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and day are fond and humid . The powdery clean or greyish fungus is normally find on the upper Earth’s surface of leave or fruit . leave-taking will often wrick yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliation egress ruckle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops too soon .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space works properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is predominant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label guidance before problem becomes knockout and fall out direction exactly , not pretermit any required intervention . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and dispatch all parting , flowers , or rubble in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are do by fungi or bacterium . brownish or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rainfall , dirty garden putz , or even mass can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : transfer infected leaves when the works is dry . farewell that collect around the basis of the flora should be raked up and disposed of . head off overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf topographic point , use a recommended fungicide harmonize to label counseling .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they get a good feeding web site . The grownup females then turn a loss their legs and stay on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the depleted sides of leave . They have pierce mouth parts that draw the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant head to sensationalistic foliage and leaf drop-off . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black-market open fungal growth called sooty molding .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are unvoiced to control . Isolate infest plant forth from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension business office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of foliage . It feeds on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy hemipteron , scale of measurement , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / sear the folio and staunch of the plant . The salutary way to control sooty mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can unremarkably be wiped from leaf with a damp material or rinse away with a hose - last sprayer .
