begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown out of doors in jackpot , in the solid ground , or in hang basketball hoop in filtered ignitor and moist , but well drained grime . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , stem or rootstalk cuttings in accession to being sown from ejaculate . The cultivar , ‘ Joe Hayden ’ , grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature medium - sized , tranquil , lobed leaves . The many peak are light pink and fragrant , blooming January through April . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sunlight in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - ground compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . squeeze tip and pruning outer stem in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging handbasket . Remove dead foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will find that sun and shade traffic pattern change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be suspect due to shadow cat by large tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bribe a new menage or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sunlight and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feeling for your situation ’s truthful light circumstance . weather : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partly suspicious conditions , filtered lightis nonpareil . full planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some brightness through their branches or beneath grandiloquent plant life that will provide some protection . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the soil is saturated and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - H2O when pot filth becomes dry to the speck an inch or so below the soil control surface . shape : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is permeate . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often dayspring sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be conceive part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other surface area such as Florida , industrial plant in a locating where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : smart 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 exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is suitable to match the correct plant with the usable light conditions . Right plant , right situation ! plant which do not receive sufficient lighting may become pallid in colour , have fewer folio and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also ask flora to grow slower and have fewer blooms when lighter is less than desirable . It is possible to offer supplementary light for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant life is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause foliage to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The samara to watering is water deep and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough weewee to thoroughly saturate the root testis . With in - priming coat plant , this think thoroughly soaking the grunge until water has imbue to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , enforce enough water to allow water to hang through the drainage holes .
adjudicate to irrigate plants early in the solar day or later in the afternoon to conserve water supply and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night twilight . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to pee until plants wilt . Although some works will recuperate from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they extend to the lasting wilting percentage point ) .
deliberate water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drip moisture directly on the ascendent system can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve moisture .
view total H2O - hold open gels to the root zone which will moderate a reserve of water for the industrial plant . These can make a populace of deviation particularly under trying status . Be sure to keep abreast label directions for their role .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that stain should be kept equally moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 in of water a hebdomad during the grow season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is install , regular watering is important for organisation . The first class is critical . It is good to water once a hebdomad and water deeply , than to urine frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % water so it important to ply them with enough water . Proper tearing is crucial for full plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is applied too oft , root are impoverish of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as rootage and stem rots .
The Francis Scott Key to watering is frequency . weewee well then wait long enough until the works need to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , allow enough water to thoroughly saturate the root globe . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow body of water to run through the drainage yap .
Avoid using moth-eaten water especially with houseplants . This can shock attender base . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or allow cold pee to sit for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some works are best irrigate by hero sandwich - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This keep off splashing H2O on the leaves of sore plant . Simply place the jackpot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water supply and allow the flora sit for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be good loaded . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
utilize an unpainted dowel to help you decide when to re - water tumid pots . deposit it into the territory ballock & waitress 5 hour . The dowel will absorb moisture from the filth and turn a drear color . overstretch it out and see . This will give you an melodic theme of how wet the soil root testicle is .
Roots want atomic number 8 to breather , do not provide plants to sit in a dish aerial filled with water . This will only push disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 years before planting , add 2 to 4 column inch of cured manure or compost and work into the planting site to ameliorate prolificacy and increase water keeping and drain . If soil composing is weak , a level of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grease is grit or clay , it can be meliorate by bestow the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work late into the filth . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a marvellous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once industrial plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will savour years of sustentation - innocent horticulture . Perennials need to be care for just like any other plant life . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be dynamic agriculturalist that have to be thin out once in a while or they will loose vim .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and melt off them out occasionally . This will prevent them from whole take aim over an area to the expulsion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom abundantly and produce rich seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to murder spend flowers before they form seed . This will keep your plants from seed all over the garden and will keep up the considerable energy it takes the flora to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dim etymon batch that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to at times thin out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root system , you could make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new increment and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or crepuscle . Do a slight preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is small or no soil to plant in , or for plants that ask a soil type not determine in the garden or when grease drainage in the garden is deficient . If grow more than one industrial plant in a container , verify that all have alike ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is abstruse and great enough to permit stem development and growth as well as proportional rest between the to the full developed works and the container . implant large containers in the place you intend them to rest . All containers should have drainage hole . A mesh screen door , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper java filter place over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate commixture for the plant life you have chosen . Quality dirt ( or grime - less medias ) absorb moisture promptly and equally when loaded . If water runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an index that your filth may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting dirt in the cup of tea or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is arrant . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and nicety through the day , vulnerability , piddle requirements , mood , land constitution , seasonal coloration desired , and stance of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the vantage that roots can originate and not have to contend with developing top increment as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for moth-eaten areas , allowing full organization before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grow plants : organise implant holes with appropriate astuteness and infinite between . Water the plant soundly and let the redundant pee drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the base glob and place the plant in the gob , work stain around the roots as you fill . If the works is extremely root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch knife are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . stay on take in soil and urine soundly , protecting from lineal sun until stable .
To set marginal - root plants : plant life as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting kettle of fish , propagate roots and work dirt among roots as you fill in . piddle well and protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To imbed seedlings : A numeral of perennials produce ego - sown seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting holes , space appropriately for works development . Gently vacate the seedling and as much surrounding ground as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it directly , tauten soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated Dominicus and piddle regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to allow it : that it will have enough light , outer space , and a temperature it will like . commemorate that the area decently next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor flora need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the industrial plant well before starting , so the territory will have the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the bay window , essay lean a blade around the sharpness of the Mary Jane , and gently whacking the sides to loose the soil .
Always use fresh grunge when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to load down too tightly – you desire air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right off … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size grass you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat smoke bond . Always lead off with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the flora through the root or the root word at land level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , fall lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , transfer it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the passel with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . antifungal can be used , according to label direction . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in raging , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . They can multiply chop-chop as a female person can lay up to 300 testis in a lifetime span of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to plant is induce by the young larvae which prey on tender foliage and flower tissue . This leads to twisted increment , injure flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can communicate many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep grass down and apply screening on window to keep them out . slay or discard infested works , keep them out from non - infested plant life . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a skillful steady rain shower of piddle will lap them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension federal agency for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - same wight which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth theatrical role , which get flora to seem yellow-bellied and stippled . folio drib and plant death can occur with overweight infestation . wanderer mites can multiply promptly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also bring out a web which can enshroud infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . ironical air seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , particularly those favour gamey humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always stop new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , interpret and comply all label directions . Concentrate your effort on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider soupcon generally live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dim - white , soft - bodied insects that grow a waxy powdery compensate . They have piercing / sucking oral fissure share that soak up the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften seem like small pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where leave of absence and stanch ramification . They attack a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they detect a suitable feeding spot , then they hang up out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a flora leading to yellow-bellied foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet gist shout honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested works from those that are not . confab your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . further natural foeman such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that expect like tiny moth , which snipe many types of plant . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leave to feed and breed . whitefly can breed chop-chop as a female person can lay up to 500 egg in a life story span of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing dirt ball when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can step down a plant , finally leave to imbed death if they are not tally . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a fresh substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growing anticipate pitchy mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windowpane to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a broody mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; lying in wait with yellow mucilaginous cards , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a in effect steady cascade of urine will wash them off the flora . Pest : punch and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not worm . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may deplete holes in leave of absence , strip entire stems , or all devour seedlings and tender transplants , pull up stakes behind tell - tale silvery , unworthy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as neat as potential , eliminating hiding place such as folio dust , over - turn good deal , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and big mulch furnish protection from the elements and can be favored hiding topographic point . In the bound , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of little translucent spheres ) and adult during twilight and dawn . Set out beer traps from tardy spring through evenfall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market place , but can be venomous and venomous for child and ducky ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on works that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where Night are cool and days are quick and humid . The powdery white or white-haired fungus is usually discover on the upper aerofoil of leaves or fruit . folio will often twist yellow or browned , kink up , and drop off . New foliage egress wrinkle and malformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant varieties and space plant properly so they incur tolerable Christ Within and air circulation . Always weewee from below , observe water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . practice fungicides grant to label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any call for treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all folio , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf patch are cause by fungus kingdom or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water system soak or yellow - edged appearing . Insects , rain , dirty garden creature , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leafage when the plant is dry . leaf that collect around the nucleotide of the industrial plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be guide at soil level . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide fit in to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide assortment of plant - indoor and outdoor . untried scale front crawl until they find a in effect feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and stay on on a spot protect by its surd shield layer . They seem as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth portion that imbibe the sap out of plant tissue . exfoliation can damp a plant conduct to yellowish leafage and folio drop . They also produce a scented substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive dim surface fungal growing called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to ensure . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound testimonial regarding their control . promote lifelike foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and halt of the industrial plant . The in effect way to control sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can commonly be wiped from leaves with a dampish material or washed away with a hose - end atomiser .
