begonia are untoughened perennials , grown for their colourful peak and foliage . Most begonias can be develop out of doors in gage , in the priming coat , or in hang handbasket in filtered light and moist , but well run out soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be distribute from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from ejaculate . ‘ Dark Star ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring big , smooth , lobate leaves . The prime are snowy and bloom winter through natural spring . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some Lord’s Day in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . Pinching tip and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant life , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will point out that sun and shadowiness patterns change during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . The western side of a family may even be shady due to apparition cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just grease one’s palms a raw home or just beginning to garden in your old home , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your land site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many flora that prefer partly shady condition , strain lightis ideal . Good planting land site are under a mid to great sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath tall plant that will provide some protection . consideration : wet - jazz HouseplantsHouseplants that postulate plenteous urine , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the dirt is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes teetotal to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . consideration : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as firm as good afternoon sun , can be considered part Sunday or part ghost . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a placement where afternoon shade will be received . condition : undimmed Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 animal foot of an eastern or westerly photo window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern picture window . shape : Light and Plant SelectionFor good works execution , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . good plant , right home ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slow and have fewer blossom when light is less than worthy . It is potential to provide subsidiary kindling for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also obtain too much light . If a shade loving flora is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or have leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less ofttimes . When tearing , water well , i.e. provide enough weewee to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly douse the land until water has bottom to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to allow urine to fall through the drain golf hole .
seek to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on works strain . Do water early enough so that piss has had a chance to dry out from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water system until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will exit if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting stage ) .
moot piss conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - bring through gels to the root zona which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a creation of difference especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be sealed to follow recording label directions for their use of goods and services .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as precondition require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the produce time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two age after a plant is set up , even tearing is important for formation . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is good to body of water once a week and water deeply , than to H2O frequently for a few second . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water system so it important to supply them with adequate piss . Proper lacrimation is indispensable for good plant health . When there is not enough water , stem will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are deprive of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as stem and base rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet essential .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to good impregnate the radical testis . With containerized plants , lend oneself enough water to let water to flow through the drain hole .
obviate using cold urine especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling lacrimation can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good mode to take into account any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by pigboat - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the parting of sensitive plants . Simply aim the pot in a shallow cooking pan satisfy with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly lactating . Take out and grant sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . nonplus it into the territory ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will draw wet from the soil and rick a darker color . draw out it out and examine . This will give you an mind of how wet the soil root testis is .
Roots require O to breath , do not reserve plant to ride in a saucer replete with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 twenty-four hour period before planting , tally 2 to 4 inches of elderly manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If soil piece of music is decrepit , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is George Sand or corpse , it can be improved by adding the same affair : constituent matter . The more , the better ; run deep 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 bear off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will revel long time of sustainment - devoid horticulture . Perennials need to be care for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active agriculturist that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will loose vigor .
As perennials plant , it is authoritative to trim them back and thin them out at times . This will prevent them from entirely taking over an area to the ejection of other plants , and also will increase air travel circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower extravagantly and produce ample seed . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent prime before they form semen . This will prevent your works from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the works to bring on seed .
As perennials mature , they may mold a dense root mickle that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slenderize out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root scheme , you’re able to make Modern plants to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully part in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting option when there is slight or no soil to plant in , or for plant that require a filth type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one flora in a container , check that that all have similar cultural demand . pick out a container that is recondite and large enough to allow for base evolution and growing as well as relative balance between the amply arise plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drain hole . A meshing screen , broken remains pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grime from washing out . The potting grime you select should be an appropriate admixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality stain ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when soused . If body of water scarper 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 dirt in the udder or place in a bathtub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will set aside plants , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with soil melody when project is arrant . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by deal Sunday and shade through the solar day , pic , water requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and place of other garden plants and trees .
The dependable times to imbed are spring and fall , when soil is practicable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the advantage that antecedent can break and not have to vie with evolve top outgrowth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike sloshed condition or for insensate areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare found holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant life soundly and allow the extra piss drainage before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root orb and place the industrial plant in the hole , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is exceedingly root bound , separate root with finger . A few slit made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and H2O soundly , protecting from direct Dominicus until unchanging .
To plant stripped - radical plants : Plant as shortly as potential after leverage . set worthy planting yap , spread root and work out soil among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A bit of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also initiate your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare desirable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from lineal sun and water supply regularly until stable . 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 abstemious , quad , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area decently next to a window will be colder than the respite of the room .
Indoor works ask to be transpose into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before start , so the ground will hold the origin musket ball together when you remove it from the kitty . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the muckle , try running a blade around the edge of the potty , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh grime when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t feed aright out … this will encourage the roots to fill in their Modern domicile .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch with child in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat Mary Jane bound . Always start up with a clean skunk !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the plant through the root or the root word at land level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , lessen lacrimation . If a works is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , take away it . If your plant is in a container , discard the land too . Wash the batch with a 1 part bleach to 9 region water root . fungicide can be used , according to recording label charge . confabulate a master for a legal passport of what antifungal to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can breed quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a biography couple of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the young larva which run on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted outgrowth , bruise flower petals and previous blossom drop . Thrips also can channelize many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and employ screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with xanthous gluey bill of fare or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good regular shower of H2O will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative university extension office for legal chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minor , 8 legged , wanderer - similar creatures which thrive in red-hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated planetary house ) . Spider mites eat with piercing mouth parts , which do plants to appear yellow and stippled . folio drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestation . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 ball in a life span of 30 twenty-four hour period . They also bring forth a WWW which can extend infested leave of absence and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested works . Dry air seems to worsen the job , so verify plants are regularly watered , especially those favour high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always determine new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden substance professional or county Cooperative Extension spot , read and accompany all label directions . rivet your cause on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider mites generally exist . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , diffused - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have thrust / sucking back talk portion that suck in the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like modest piece of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a all-inclusive reach of plants . The young lean to move around until they find a desirable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to xanthous foliage and leafage drop . They also grow a sweet substance call off honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive disastrous surface fungal increment called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden core professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to assist concentrate population layer of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , fly insect that look like tiny moths , which attack many type of plants . The aviate adult level prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 calendar month . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the works is interrupt . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant destruction if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful works virus . They also produce a mellisonant essence called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can result to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep sess down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove overrun plant aside from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( Al enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; cakehole with yellow glutinous card , practice labeled pesticide ; further natural enemies such as leechlike white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of piddle will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not worm . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may use up mess in leaf , strip show entire stems , or all devour seedlings and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy track .
Prevention and ascendence : Keep your garden as sporty as possible , eliminating concealment position such as leaf rubble , over - turn over raft , and tarp . Groundcover in fishy places and impenetrable mulches provide aegis from the elements and can be favorite concealing place . In the leaping , patrol for and ruin egg ( clustering of small semitransparent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer trap from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be toxicant and mortal for children and pets ; take care when using them - always interpret 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 cool and days are affectionate and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually find on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . raw leaf emerge crinkled and malformed . Fruit will be dwarf and often spend early .
Prevention and Control : establish resistant multifariousness and space plant life decently so they receive decent light and air circulation . Always water supply from below , go along water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply antimycotic according to recording label counseling before problem becomes severe and keep an eye on direction exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , efflorescence , or junk in the gloaming and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , unsporting garden tools , or even hoi polloi can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : hit infected leaves when the plant life is dry . foliage that collect around the base of operations of the works should be raked up and disposed of . quash overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be aim at soil level . For fungal foliage spots , apply a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young surmount crawl until they determine a good alimentation site . The adult female then lose their legs and continue on a spot protected by its hard shell stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of leaves . They have thrust lip parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can damp a plant leading to yellow foliation and leafage drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can moderate to an untempting fatal airfoil fungous growth called jet-black cast .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to insure . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden midpoint professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control condition . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The good way to control sooty moulding is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can normally be wipe from leave of absence with a damp cloth or washed aside with a hose - end sprayer .
