Begonias are untoughened perennial , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grow outside in pots , in the earth , or in flow basket in filtered light and moist , but well run out grime . Where not hardy , arise as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cutting off in addition to being sow from semen . ( Plant width : leaves 4 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Thurstonii , ’ has attractive foliage with large , bare parting . The flowers flower in June . Stemming is upright and zig - zag between the client . This plant love filtered light but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . Does not wish inhuman weather . crimp hint and pruning stunned stems in the growing time of year render a shaggy-haired flora , good for hanging . Sudden temperature change causes farewell to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and tad patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a star sign may even be louche due to shadow throw up by large tree or a bodily structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new place or just beginning to garden in your older home , take meter to map out sun and refinement throughout the solar day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true wanton conditions . weather : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially louche conditions , filtered lightis saint . skillful planting web site are under a mid to gravid sized tree that rent some light through their branches or beneath tall plants that will supply some trade protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable water supply , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grunge is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of great deal . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . weather condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is trickle . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part tincture . If you populate in an surface area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . shape : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works carrying out , it is desirable to mate the correct plant life with the usable light conditions . Right works , right place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in people of colour , have fewer foliage and a " leggy " load - out appearance . Also expect plants to develop deadening and have fewer blush when light is less than suitable . It is possible to provide auxiliary firing for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much sparkle . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or make farewell to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deeply and less ofttimes . When watering , water supply well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the solution ball . With in - priming plants , this means thoroughly soaking the grunge until water system has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough piddle to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
adjudicate to irrigate plants early in the twenty-four hours or later on in the afternoon to conserve H2O and slew down on works stress . Do water early enough so that body of water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some flora will recover from this , all plant will pall if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting pointedness ) .
deliberate water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slow drip moisture directly on the base system can be buy at your local family and garden sum . Mulches can significantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding urine - saving gels to the beginning zone which will defend a reserve of water supply for the plant . These can make a humankind of difference peculiarly under nerve-wracking condition . Be certain to fall out recording label directions for their consumption .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as circumstance expect . Most plants like 1 column inch of piss a calendar week during the develop time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two yr after a plant life is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deep , than to body of water frequently for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it significant to provide them with tolerable water . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the plant will wilt . When too much water is utilize too frequently , roots are strip of oxygen and diseases occur such as origin and prow bunk .
The Francis Scott Key to watering is frequency . Water well then hold back long enough until the plant ask to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root chunk . With containerized plants , apply enough H2O to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock attendant roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or appropriate cold water to sit for a while to amount to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a salutary way to earmark any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are easily water by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water system on the leaves of tender plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow genus Pan take with tepid piddle and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to leave the solution ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger weed . bond it into the soil ball & wait 5 min . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and plough a darker color . rive it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how blotto the soil root ball is .
root word take oxygen to breathing time , do not countenance plants to sit down in a saucer fill with weewee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If dirt makeup is fallible , a bed of surface soil should be turn over as well . No matter if your soil is grit or the Great Compromiser , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutional affair . The more , the good ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch mysterious for perennial . This will seem like a awful amount of work now , but will greatly compensate off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not mean that you will relish years of care - devoid horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be dynamic growers that have to be reduce out occasionally or they will unleash vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin out them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely need over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower extravagantly and produce ample seed . As blossom disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to off spent heyday before they form semen . This will forbid your plants from sow all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce germ .
As perennials age , they may form a dense ascendent deal that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally reduce out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make newfangled plants to plant in another arena of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new ontogeny and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully separate in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature , a planting alternative when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plant life that require a soil type not found in the garden or when grease drainage in the garden is deficient . If spring up more than one works in a container , make certain that all have standardised ethnic essential . Choose a container that is cryptic and large enough to permit ascendant development and growth as well as relative correspondence between the amply developed plant and the container . constitute tumid containers in the shoes you intend them to ride out . All containers should have drainage holes . A internet screen , fail Henry Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a theme coffee filter target over the hole will keep filth from wash off out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the industrial plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) assimilate wet readily and equally when wet . If piddle runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your ground may not be as unspoiled as you think .
Prior to filling a container with ground , wet potting soil in the traveling bag or place in a bathing tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plant , when implant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with soil logical argument when projection is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water system requirements , climate , grime composition , seasonal vividness desired , and posture of other garden plants and tree .
The best time to implant are outpouring and fall , when soil is executable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can acquire and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet condition or for colder area , permit full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more set up sized plant .
To establish container - grown flora : Prepare planting golf hole with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant soundly and permit the surplus water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root musket ball and place the plant in the gob , act soil around the etymon as you fill . If the plant life is extremely root bound , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slit made with a scoop knife are okay , but should be prevent to a minimum . go along filling in grunge and water supply soundly , protecting from direct sunlight until static .
To constitute bare - root plants : Plant as presently as potential after leverage . ready suitable planting holes , spread beginning and knead soil among roots as you fill in . body of water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To constitute seedlings : A number of perennials bring forth self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling seam for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting fix , spacing fitly for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it like a shot , firming dirt with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and piddle regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suited for the shape you are able-bodied to supply it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area the right way next to a window will be colder than the residue of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become batch / tooth root - bound and their ontogeny is retarded . irrigate the plant well before originate , so the land will adjudge the root egg together when you remove it from the pot . If you have difficulty getting the works out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the peck , and gently whacking the English to loosen the grime .
Always use fresh soil when transplant your indoor works . Fill around the plant life gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you desire line to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size pot you pick out is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . think , many plant opt being passably pot throttle . Always get going with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and participate the plant through the roots or the stalk at stain level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far exit ( 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 whitener to 9 parts water solution . antimycotic can be used , agree to recording label directions . Consult a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that attack many types of industrial plant and thrive in hot , dry shape ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can put up to 300 ball in a life pair of 45 twenty-four hour period without mating . Most of the equipment casualty to plants is because of the new larvae which feed on tender leaf and heyday tissue . This moderate to ill-shapen outgrowth , injure bloom petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . move out or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested flora . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of natural foe such as predatory soupcon . Sometimes a good unwavering shower of water will wash them off the plant . look up your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite feed with piercing oral fissure parts , which cause plant to appear jaundiced and stippled . Leaf driblet and flora decease can occur with dense infestation . Spider touch can multiply quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a lifespan dyad of 30 days . They also produce a entanglement which can embrace infested leaves and flush .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . ironic melody seems to worsen the problem , so make certain flora are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check Modern plant life prior to bring them home from the garden center 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 , say and come all label counseling . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider jot generally live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery get over . They have piercing / sop up mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems leg . They attack a wide range of plant . The vernal tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding speckle , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant lead to scandalmongering foliage and leaf drop-off . They also get a mellisonant substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth foretell coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun flora from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help oneself reduce population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small-scale , winged worm that look like bantam moths , which attack many type of plants . The flying grownup stage prefer the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can manifold rapidly as a female can lie up to 500 eggs in a life couple of 2 months . If a works is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of flee insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also make a sweet meat scream honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can extend to an unattractive black surface fungous ontogeny called pitchy mold .
Possible control : keep widow’s weeds down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; employ a meditative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellowish embarrassing cards , go for label pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a safe steady shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Pest : punch and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaves , flight strip total stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - narration silvery , slimed trail .
Prevention and ascendancy : Keep your garden as uncontaminating as potential , eliminating concealing space such as leaf detritus , over - turned pot , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch allow trade protection from the constituent and can be preferent hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy egg ( cluster of modest translucent sphere of influence ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through gloam .
Many chemical control are useable on the market , but can be poisonous and virulent for children and PET ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on works that do not have enough air circulation or fair to middling igniter . trouble are speculative where nights are coolheaded and sidereal day are tender and humid . The powdery bloodless or gray fungus is usually found on the upper Earth’s surface of foliage or yield . Leaves will often flex icteric or browned , curl up , and drop off . New foliage come forth scrunch and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : found resistant varieties and space plants properly so they welcome adequate light and air circulation . Always urine from below , observe water off the leafage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . practice antifungal according to label guidance before trouble becomes severe and come after guidance exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take away all leave , blossom , or debris in the descent and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf place are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or inglorious post and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water souse or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rain , dirty garden pecker , or even people can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect parting when the plant is dry . leave of absence that collect around the base of the works should be raked up and chuck out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil spirit level . For fungal leaf spots , apply a recommended fungicide accord to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , colligate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a all-inclusive variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . youthful scales crawl until they find a good eating internet site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its grueling shell layer . They come along as bumps , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a flora head to yellow leaf and leaf fall . They also get a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can leave to an untempting black surface fungous growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once install they are hard to see to it . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . refer your local garden mall professional or Cooperative Extension role in your county for a legal passport regarding their control condition . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bugs , weighing machine , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / black the leaves and stanch of the plant . The beneficial way to check coal-black mould is to hold the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty stamp can normally be wiped from leaf with a moist fabric or wash aside with a hose - end spray .
