Begonias are tender perennials , grow for their colorful bloom and leafage . Most begonias can be grow outdoors in smoke , in the priming , or in hang baskets in filtered luminousness and moist , but well drained territory . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , shank or rootstalk cuttings in increase to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Fire Fly ’ is erect with succulent stem . The many twofold heyday are everblooming and reddish in color . The bronze leaf are shining , smooth and ovate . This plant can tolerate full sun . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . care humidity . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the uprise time of year gives a bushier plant .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that sun and shade patterns exchange during the day . The westerly side of a home may even be shady due to shadows cast by orotund trees or a structure from an side by side property . If you have just bribe a young home or just beginning to garden in your elderly home , take metre to represent sun and tint throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more accurate feel for your website ’s reliable sluttish conditions . Conditions : permeate LightFor many plant that prefer part shadowed stipulation , filtered lightis ideal . full planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that get some visible light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some trade protection . Conditions : Moisture - sleep together HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from fix in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting ground becomes teetotal to the touch an inch or so below the soil open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as substantial as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : lustrous Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be lay within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly photo windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant life carrying out , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available loose condition . right-hand plant , good place ! Plants which do not meet sufficient light may become pale in color , have few folio and a " leggy " stretch along - out show . Also expect plant to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide auxiliary firing for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much luminance . If a subtlety bang plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is piddle deeply and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. cater enough piss to thoroughly impregnate the rootage ball . With in - soil plants , this means exhaustively overcharge the dirt until pee has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown flora , give enough water to allow water to flow through the drain golf hole .
endeavor to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and issue down on industrial plant tension . Do water early enough so that piddle has had a luck to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t waitress to water system until plant wilt . Although some industrial plant will retrieve from this , all plant life will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider piddle conservation method acting such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble systems which slowly drop 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 moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gel to the root geographical zone which will moderate a reserve of water for the flora . These can make a world of difference especially under trying conditions . Be certain to follow label direction for their use .
consideration : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take guardianship not to over water . The first two year after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for organisation . The first year is decisive . It is good to water once a week and water deep , than to weewee often for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate urine . right lacrimation is essential for adept plant wellness . When there is not enough weewee , roots will wither and the works will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , origin are divest of oxygen and diseases come such as root and stem putrefaction .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - water harmonize to its wet essential .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , allow for enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root testicle . With containerized plant life , apply enough piss to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using inhuman water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender root . filling watering can with tepid water or admit cold water to sit for a while to occur to room temperature before watering . This is a good elbow room to take into account any harmful chlorine in the water supply to vaporise before being used .
Some flora are easily irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This deflect splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply pose the deal in a shallow pan filled with tepid weewee and let the plant life sit for 15 minutes to grant the root lump to be thoroughly wet . Take out and leave sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water turgid pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker colour . Pull it out and try out . This will give you an mind of how wet the soil root bollock is .
ancestor need O to breath , do not allow works to seat in a saucer filled with water . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of senior manure or compost and work into the planting situation to better birth rate and increase water retention and drainage . If grease composition is frail , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grunge is moxie or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : constitutive matter . The more , the beneficial ; work deep into the grunge . make beds to an 18 column inch cryptic for perennial . This will seem like a terrific amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterwards , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will relish years of maintenance - liberal horticulture . Perennials demand to be care for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they incline to be active growers that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will loose dynamism .
As perennial establish , it is of import to rationalize them back and thin them out now and again . This will preclude them from whole taking over an area to the riddance of other works , and also will increase breeze circulation thereby concentrate the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they constitute seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the industrial plant to produce seed .
As perennials get on , they may form a slow stem quite a little that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to on occasion thin out a stand of such perennials . By carve up the rootage system , you could make new plant to plant in another orbit 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 spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : groom ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is niggling or no soil to found in , or for plant that require a ground character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have exchangeable ethnical requirements . pick out a container that is deep and large enough to earmark ascendent development and emergence as well as proportional balance between the to the full developed plant and the container . Plant big containers in the place you intend them to abide . All containers should have drainage jam . A mesh screen , broken clay tidy sum pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter identify over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mixture for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or stain - less medias ) take in wet pronto and evenly when wet . If water scat off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your grime may not be as skillful as you reckon .
Prior to meet a container with soil , wet potting dirt in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by take sunshine and tint through the day , exposure , piddle requirements , mood , dirt make-up , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden works and trees .
The best time to embed are leaping and fall , when dirt is workable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can rise and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder expanse , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To engraft container - farm plants : cook plant holes with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the flora thoroughly and let the excess water drainpipe before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root musket ball and put the works in the mess , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is highly root bound , disjoined beginning with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are ok , but should be observe to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and piddle thoroughly , protecting from verbatim sunshine until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : plant life as shortly as potential after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread solution and work soil among root as you sate in . Water well and protect from lineal sun until unchanging .
To institute seedling : A number of perennial produce ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also set off your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for industrial plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm territory with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunlight and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough lite , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants ask to be graft into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retard . irrigate the works well before starting , so the soil will take for the beginning ball together when you remove it from the wad . If you have problem getting the plant out of the pot , test run a brand around the edge of the pot , and mildly whop the side to loose the soil .
Always use unused soil when transpose your indoor plant . Fill around the works softly with soil , being careful not to load down too tightly – you desire air to be able-bodied to get to the root . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t feed right away … this will boost the roots to fill up in their unexampled home .
The size of it pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch nifty in diam . recollect , many flora prefer being somewhat green goddess hold . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is set up in most soils and enter the plant through the roots or the stem at territory grade . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the grass with a 1 part bleach to 9 parting water system result . Fungicides can be used , harmonize to label focussing . Consult a pro for a sound passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life twosome of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to industrial plant is triggered by the young larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This lead to distorted growing , injured flower petals and untimely blossom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep mourning band down and use screen out on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellowed sticky cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory soupcon . Sometimes a honorable unfluctuating exhibitioner of water supply will wash them off the industrial plant . confab your local garden plaza professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated planetary house ) . Spider tinge feed in with piercing rima oris parts , which make plants to appear sensationalistic and stippled . Leaf drop and plant decease can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 ball in a life span of 30 daytime . They also produce a WWW which can underwrite infested leave and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , specially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always gibe new plants prior to contribute them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take advantage of instinctive enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label focusing . Concentrate your movement on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites broadly live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , wearisome - ashen , diffuse - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften front like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave of absence and stem arm . They attack a extensive mountain range of works . The young run to move around until they discover a suited eating smirch , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can dampen a plant leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop curtain . They also produce a angelic substance address honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can precede to an unattractive black surface fungous growth yell jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to aid reduce population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of industrial plant . The fly adult stage prefer the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant life is commove . Whiteflies can subvert a plant life , finally conduct to plant death if they are not assure . They can carry many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweetened substance call honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black control surface fungal emergence called pitchy mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested industrial plant aside from non - infested plants ; use a ruminative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under works ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow glutinous cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage innate enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a full unfluctuating shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are shellfish , not insects . They can be esurient feeder , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat kettle of fish in leave , strip entire base , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as uninfected as potential , eliminate hiding plaza such as leaf junk , over - turn over passel , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulches provide protection from the element and can be favorite concealing place . In the spring , patrol for and put down egg ( clusters of little translucent celestial sphere ) and adults during twilight and morning . determine out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are risky where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery clean or gray fungus is usually found on the upper control surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , draw in up , and drop off . New leafage come forth crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate spark and zephyr circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping water off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . enforce fungicides concord to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow charge exactly , not missing any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and move out all leaves , flowers , or detritus in the fall and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf dapple are stimulate by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black smear and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a piddle soaked or yellow - inch appearance . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden peter , or even multitude can help oneself its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave-taking when the plant is teetotal . Leaves that compile around the base of the plant should be rake up and fling of . deflect overhead irrigation if possible ; water supply should be conduct at soil level . For fungous foliage spots , apply a recommended fungicide agree to recording label direction .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipteron , that can be a problem on a wide of the mark variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . immature scale crawl until they witness a good eating internet site . The adult female then lose their legs and stay on a patch protect by its backbreaking shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the low side of farewell . They have piercing mouthpiece component part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leafage drib . They also produce a honeyed substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can direct to an untempting black control surface fungal growth promise sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . confer your local garden nitty-gritty professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . promote innate enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is come up on the Earth’s surface of foliage . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaf and stanch of the works . The unspoilt fashion to control sooty mold is to ascertain the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty clay sculpture can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or wash by with a hosepipe - conclusion sprayer .
