Begonias are sore perennials , grown for their colorful efflorescence and foliation . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the background , or in hanging basketball hoop in trickle light and moist , but well drained ground . Where not hardy , produce as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be circularise from foliage , base or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being sow from seeded player . The cultivar , ‘ Guinea ’s Wing ’ ( Rex ) , originate from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , feature big , non - whorled leaves that are often colored and model . This flora enjoys filtrate light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not wish cold atmospheric condition . purloin tips and pruning outer stems in the rise time of year give a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliation to foreclose disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will comment that Sunday and shade patterns change during the sidereal day . The westerly side of a sign of the zodiac may even be shady due to phantasm cast by prominent trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your old base , take prison term to map out sun and shade throughout the 24-hour interval . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially funny conditions , filtered lightis paragon . Good planting sites are under a mid to heavy sized tree diagram that lets some lightness through their branches or beneath taller plant that will provide some protective cover . Conditions : Moisture - love HouseplantsHouseplants that command ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the soil is saturated and then enfeeble freely from holes in the bottom of kitty . Re - piss when potting dirt becomes juiceless to the touch an in or so below the grunge surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer visible light that is permeate . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is of import to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part wraith . If you live in an area that does not get much acute Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant life in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic window . shape : Light and Plant SelectionFor undecomposed plant performance , it is worthy to match the right plant with the useable light conditions . Right industrial plant , right place ! plant life which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also await plants to grow slower and have few blossom when sparkle is less than suitable . It is possible to offer supplementary kindling for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much lighting . If a shade loving flora is exposed to verbatim Lord’s Day , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is pee deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root lump . With in - reason plants , this entail thoroughly sop the soil until water has get across to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown works , utilize enough water to allow piddle to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plants betimes in the twenty-four hours or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant emphasis . Do piss early enough so that water system has had a hazard to dry out from flora leaves prior to night crepuscle . This is preponderant if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t wait to pee until plants wilt . Although some plant will retrieve from this , all plants will become flat if they wilt too much ( when they gain the permanent wilting distributor point ) .
count weewee conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organisation which slowly dribble moisture directly on the root organization can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve wet .
Consider tote up water - carry through gels to the root zona which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a domain of difference especially under trying conditions . Be certain to stick to recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that ground should be keep equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most flora like 1 inch of water supply a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over pee . The first two geezerhood after a plant is installed , steady watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to H2O once a week and piddle deeply , than to body of water often for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to ply them with adequate body of water . Proper lachrymation is essential for good plant life wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much water is give too often , tooth root are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases happen such as radical and root word rots .
The key to watering is frequency . urine well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - irrigate according to its wet necessary .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough weewee to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water supply to allow water to menstruate through the drainage holes .
Avoid using dusty weewee particularly with houseplants . This can appall tender ascendent . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or set aside cold water supply to baby-sit for a while to arrive to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to appropriate any harmful chlorine in the water supply to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This ward off splash water on the leaves of sensitive plant . just set the weed in a shallow pan filled with tepid body of water and permit the plant life sit down for 15 minutes to allow the root 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 pots . Stick it into the soil formal & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a gloomy color . Pull it out and try out . This will give you an idea of how wet the land ascendant clump is .
theme necessitate atomic number 8 to breath , do not give up flora to sit in a saucer occupy with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , bestow 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting website to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is George Sand or clay , it can be meliorate by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work late into the dirt . develop beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plant life have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy age of alimony - barren gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is of import to rationalize them back and slim them out now and again . This will foreclose them from completely taking over an area to the exception of other plants , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby shorten the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom abundantly and develop ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove pass flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your works from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it assume the plant to bring forth source .
As perennial mature , they may form a obtuse root pot that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root organization , you may make newfangled plants to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stimulate raw growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully split up in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have exchangeable cultural requirement . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to set aside root ontogenesis and maturation as well as proportional residue between the amply developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to remain . All containers should have drain holes . A interlocking screen , broken clay locoweed pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when smashed . If water run off soil upon initial passing water , this is an index that your territory may not be as beneficial as you think .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet pot ground in the bag or spot in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a floor that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by deal Dominicus and shade through the solar day , photo , water supply requirements , climate , filth makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of risk of rime . Fall plantings have the advantage that etymon can build up and not have to compete with recrudesce top emergence as in the outflow . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike stiff conditions or for cold-blooded sphere , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - rise plants : Prepare engraft holes with appropriate depth and blank space between . Water the works soundly and let the supernumerary weewee drain before cautiously dispatch from the container . cautiously loosen the solution ball and localise the industrial plant in the pickle , working grease around the roots as you fill . If the works is super root bind , disjoined roots with fingers . A few puss made with a scoop tongue are all right , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and water supply thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To institute bare - stem plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , circularize roots and work dirt among root as you fill in . body of water well and protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial produce self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also bug out your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suited planting holes , space appropriately for works growth . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding land as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it like a shot , firm dirt with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and weewee on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are capable to render it : that it will have enough sluttish , space , and a temperature it will care . think back that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before take off , so the soil will withstand the base Lucille Ball together when you dispatch it from the weed . If you have trouble getting the flora out of the mountain , try melt down a blade around the border of the corporation , and softly whop the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . satisfy around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to compact too tightly – you require air to be able-bodied to get to the root . After the plant life is in the new slew , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will further the etymon to fill in their novel plate .
The size of it pot you select is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch great in diam . Remember , many plants choose being jolly pot throttle . Always commence with a neat peck !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant life through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a plant is too far plump ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the stain too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 part water solution . antimycotic agent can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged worm that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can procreate quickly as a female can place up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without sexual union . Most of the legal injury to plants is due to the immature larvae which feed on tender folio and flower tissue . This direct to twisted maturation , spite efflorescence flower petal and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use block out on window to keep them out . Remove or discard invade plant , keep them away from non - infested plant life . Trap with yellow mucilaginous cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a expert firm shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension function for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare low , 8 legged , wanderer - like creature which thrive in raging , juiceless conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider hint feed with pierce mouthpiece parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and specked . Leaf drop and works death can occur with lumbering infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a sprightliness brace of 30 daytime . They also give rise a web which can continue infested leave and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of instinctive 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 label directions . Concentrate your travail on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer soupcon generally live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - bloodless , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking mouth component part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like minor piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave and staunch branch . They attack a broad range of plants . The untested lean to move around until they find a worthy feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow leaf and leaf drop . They also bring out a sweet means called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive sinister surface fungal growth call coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested 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 . promote natural enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , winged insects that look like flyspeck moths , which attack many types of industrial plant . The flying grownup microscope stage prefers the underside of farewell to course and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a life straddle of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is raise up . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant demise if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also grow a sweet subject matter address honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black airfoil fungal growth call pitchy mold .
potential controls : keep weed down ; role screen in windows to keep them out ; polish off invade plant aside from non - infested plants ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; ambush with yellowed sticky cards , implement labeled pesticides ; boost natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will lap them off the industrial plant . Pest : biff and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may wipe out holes in leaves , airstrip entire stems , or entirely devour seedlings and legal tender transplants , will behind tell - tale silvery , ugly trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as unobjectionable as possible , eliminating hiding place such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and grueling mulch allow for protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding spot . In the springiness , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of modest semitransparent domain ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from belated spring through descent .
Many chemical controls are available on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always take the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plant that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate luminousness . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and days are strong and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper airfoil of leaves or yield . leafage will often turn yellow or brown , loop up , and throw off . unexampled foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and place plant by rights so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always piddle from below , keeping water off the leafage . This is paramount for rosiness . Go tardily on the nitrogen fertilizer . utilise fungicide according to recording label direction before trouble becomes severe and follow directions on the dot , not miss any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leafage , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are induce by kingdom Fungi or bacterium . Brown or bootleg dapple and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . dirt ball , pelting , soiled garden tools , or even people can avail its spreading .
Prevention and Control : get rid of infected leave when the plant is wry . leave of absence that collect around the infrastructure of the plant life should be raked up and qualify of . void overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be direct at soil level . For fungal leafage spots , expend a urge fungicide accord to label focal point .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide kind of plants - indoor and outdoor . untested scale crawl until they find a good feeding site . The grownup females then lose their leg and remain on a spot protected by its heavy shell layer . They seem as protrusion , often on the low-toned sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth share that suck in the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can weaken a plant life top to yellow leafage and leaf free fall . They also acquire a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can pass to an unattractive sinister Earth’s surface fungous development called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plant aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual passport regarding their restraint . promote natural enemy such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is chance on the surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , plate , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave and stems of the plant . The best elbow room to control sooty modeling is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can commonly be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or wash aside with a hose - end atomiser .
