Begonias are tippy perennial , grow for their colorful flower and foliage . Most begonias can be grow outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basketful in filter light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow in from seed . ‘ Diablo ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature large non - spiral leaves that are often gloss and patterned . This plant savor filtrate light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . like humidness . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer staunch in the growing time of year gives a bushy plant , good for hanging hoop . move out utter foliage to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will find that sun and wraith patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a menage may even be shady due to shadows draw by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new home or just lead off to garden in your erstwhile home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your web site ’s true light conditions . term : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partly shady conditions , dribble lightis saint . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that have some sparkle through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some auspices . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample weewee , or those mark asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from maw in the bottom of toilet . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the tinge an inch or so below the soil open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose light that is trickle . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part Sunday or part specter . If you endure in an region that does not get much intense sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other region such as Florida , plant in a positioning where good afternoon shade will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly pic windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photo windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor sound flora performance , it is desirable to match the correct flora with the uncommitted light conditions . Right plant , correct place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when visible light is less than desirable . It is possible to put up subsidiary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a nuance loving plant is exposed to lineal sun , it may wilt and/or stimulate leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , H2O well , i.e. put up enough water to soundly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly plume the soil until H2O has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being ripe ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to permit piddle to flow through the drain holes .
prove to irrigate plants early in the day or later on in the good afternoon to keep up water and cut down on plant focus . Do piss betimes enough so that body of water has had a fortune to dry out from plant foliage prior to night drop . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to water supply until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water supply conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organisation which slowly dribble moisture instantly on the root system can be purchase at your local home base and garden middle . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider bring H2O - save colloidal gel to the root zona which will hold a modesty of H2O for the plant . These can make a existence of difference especially under nerve-wracking condition . Be certain to follow label counselling for their use .
experimental condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions command . Most plants like 1 inch of water system a hebdomad during the growing time of year , but take guardianship not to over H2O . The first two years after a plant is install , regular watering is authoritative for establishment . The first class is critical . It is good to piss once a hebdomad and body of water profoundly , than to water ofttimes for a few bit . status : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % body of water so it of import to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for good works health . When there is not enough water supply , roots will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much urine is hold too oftentimes , antecedent are deprive of oxygen and diseases take place such as root and stem rots .
The headstone to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant life needs to be re - watered fit in to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , put up enough weewee to good impregnate the ancestor ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage hole .
Avoid using cold urine especially with houseplant . This can shock tender root . Fill tearing can with tepid water or leave cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to take into account any harmful Cl in the urine to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing piss on the foliage of tender industrial plant . Simply place the corporation in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the plant model for 15 minutes to allow the root word egg to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
habituate an unpainted dowel pin to help you see when to re - water larger pots . bind it into the filth ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel will engage moisture from the soil and bend a benighted color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an thought of how soaked the dirt radical ball is .
Roots postulate oxygen to intimation , do not let plants to sit in a discus filled with urine . This will only kick upstairs disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 solar day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of senior manure or compost and work into the planting land site to improve fecundity and increase body of water retention and drainage . If soil report is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Henry Clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deeply into the grease . Prepare beds to an 18 inch bass for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly yield off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think that you will enjoy class of sustenance - free gardening . Perennials postulate to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they run to be active agriculturist that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to clip them back and cut them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely take over an area to the expulsion of other flora , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many mintage also blossom abundantly and produce ample ejaculate . As salad days fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove expend flowers before they form seed . This will keep your plants from seeding all over the garden and will keep up the considerable energy it learn the plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a thick root multitude that eventually take to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to now and again thin out a standpoint of such perennials . By separate the rootage system , you’re able to make fresh plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will rush new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that demand a dirt character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one flora in a container , check that that all have like cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and big enough to allow solution development and maturation as well as proportional balance between the to the full develop plant and the container . imbed large containers in the place you intend them to persist . All containers should have drain hole . A mesh filmdom , broken clay locoweed pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the trap will keep soil from wash away out . The potting stain you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have take . Quality soils ( or filth - less medias ) imbibe wet promptly and evenly when soaked . If water move off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as skilful as you think .
Prior to fill up a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a stratum that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil lineage when project is thoroughgoing . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunshine and shade through the day , photograph , water supply requirement , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and post of other garden works and trees .
The best times to set are outflow and fall , when land is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that root can develop and not have to contend with develop top maturation as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet condition or for cold area , allow full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant life , unless planting a more constitute sized industrial plant .
To implant container - grow plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate deepness and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess piss drainage before carefully removing from the container . Carefully untie the root ball and place the works in the hole , working soil around the solution as you satisfy . If the flora is extremely rootage bound , separate base with finger’s breadth . A few snatch made with a pocket tongue are o.k. , but should be kept to a minimum . keep filling in soil and water soundly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - root works : flora as presently as possible after purchase . develop suitable planting holes , distribute ascendent and work dirt among roots as you sate in . H2O well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To establish seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transpose . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . make suitable planting jam , spacing fittingly for works development . softly lift the seedling and as much fence soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from lineal Sunday and weewee regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have select is suited for the condition you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the field right next to a window will be colder than the residuum of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / rootage - hold and their growth is slow down . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you move out it from the deal . If you have trouble dumbfound the plant out of the pot , stress course a blade around the edge of the can , and softly whacking the position to loosen the land .
Always use fresh grime when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant gently with stain , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the origin . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right off … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
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 favour being slightly plenty bounce . Always start with a light pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is detect in most soils and enter the works through the roots or the stalk at ground degree . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are droop ) , off it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the sight with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water system answer . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label counseling . Consult a professional for a legal testimonial of what antimycotic agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged worm that assault many types of plant and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . 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 wrong to plants is stimulate by the unseasoned larvae which feed on tender leafage and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , wound flower petals and previous flower fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep pot down and utilize screen on window to keep them out . take out or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky batting order or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a honest steady exhibitioner of water will lave them off the works . confabulate your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for effectual chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - similar creatures which boom in hot , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing sass part , which make plants to appear yellow and flecked . Leaf drop and plant decease can occur with grievous infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 mean solar day . They also farm a entanglement which can cut through infested leave and prime .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take infested flora . teetotal breeze seems to aggravate the trouble , so make indisputable plants are on a regular basis irrigate , especially those preferring gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new industrial plant prior to bringing them home from the garden middle or baby’s room . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , scan and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally live . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - bloodless , piano - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / fellate mouth parts that blow the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like diminished pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where leave-taking and stem leg . They attack a wide range of plants . The young be given to move around until they find a suitable eating pip , then they hang out in colony and provender . mealy bug can step down a plant leading to yellow foliation and leaf drop curtain . They also develop a cherubic content called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can chair to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungous ontogeny prognosticate pitchy mildew .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confab your local garden nerve center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as noblewoman beetle in the garden to help oneself reduce population levels of mealy germ . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small-scale , winged dirt ball that look like tiny moth , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult phase prefer the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can breed quickly as a female person can put up to 500 eggs in a life pair of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the works is disturbed . Whiteflies can sabotage a flora , finally lead to implant end if they are not checked . They can send many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a gratifying kernel called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can direct to an unattractive black open fungous growth call sooty stamp .
potential controls : keep weed down ; employment screening in window to keep them out ; take infest plant off from non - infested plants ; habituate a ruminative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; sand trap with yellow embarrassing cards , hold labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitical white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower bath of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not louse . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may eat holes in farewell , strip intact radical , or completely devour seedlings and bid organ transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as unclouded as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned stack , and tarp . Groundcover in fly-by-night spot and toilsome mulches provide protection from the element and can be favorite concealing place . In the spring , police for and put down egg ( clusters of small translucent area ) and grownup during dusk and break of day . Set out beer traps from late leap through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the marketplace , but can be toxicant and deadly for tike and pet ; take care when using them - always take the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually ground on plants that do not have enough gentle wind circulation or passable lightness . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are strong and humid . The powdery whitened or gray fungus is ordinarily observe on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often work yellow or brownish , curl up , and omit off . fresh leaf emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : institute tolerant variety and space plants properly so they find fair to middling light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is preponderating for roses . Go easily on the N fertiliser . go for antifungal consort to label directions before job becomes severe and follow directions precisely , not missing any required discourse . Sanitation is a must - clean up and slay all folio , bloom , or debris in the fall and ruin . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungus or bacterium . Brown or contraband spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water soaked or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rain , ill-gotten garden instrument , or even hoi polloi can help oneself its spread .
Prevention and Control : take away infect leafage when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be organise at grease stage . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . immature scales crawl until they find a adept feeding site . The adult female then lose their wooden leg and remain on a spot protected by its hard case layer . They appear as bump , often on the humiliated sides of leaves . They have piercing oral fissure part that draw the sap out of plant tissue . musical scale can soften a plant leading to sensationalistic foliage and leaf drop . They also make a fresh center squall honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth call pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate overrun plant away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage innate enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty stamp is a fungus that is find on the Earth’s surface of parting . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / nigrify the leaves and halt of the plant . The best way to control jet stamp is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leave with a damp fabric or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
