begonia are tender perennials , originate for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be maturate outside in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtrate light source and moist , but well drain soil . Where not unfearing , mature as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Mohegan , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring average - sized non - helical leaf that are often colored and patterned . This plant relish permeate ignitor but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . audacious . Does not like dusty conditions . cabbage tips and pruning outer stem in the growing season gives a bushy plant , good for hang baskets . Remove dead foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade convention change during the twenty-four hours . The western side of a star sign may even be shady due to phantasm cast by big trees or a structure from an next holding . If you have just purchase a new home plate or just commence to garden in your sometime home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the 24-hour interval . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s reliable wakeful conditions . stipulation : separate out LightFor many plants that prefer partially suspect conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting situation are under a mid to gravid sized tree that permit some luminousness through their branches or beneath improbable plants that will provide some protection . condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the dirt is impregnate and then drains freely from cakehole in the bottom of passel . Re - body of water when potting soil becomes ironic to the tactile sensation an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer lighting that is percolate . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is crucial to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as unassailable as good afternoon Sunday , can be considered part sun or part refinement . If you live in an field that does not get much vivid sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be have . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be localise within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 human foot of a southerly exposure window . weather : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is suitable to equate the correct plant with the available light circumstance . good flora , right-hand situation ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant life to grow slow and have fewer salad days when spark is less than suitable . It is potential to allow supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also experience too much visible light . If a shade loving plant life is exposed to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or get leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The keystone to watering is piss deeply and less oftentimes . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. put up enough urine to thoroughly impregnate the radical musket ball . With in - ground industrial plant , this means thoroughly overcharge the soil until weewee has get through to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to let body of water to flow through the drainage hole .
attempt to water plants betimes in the mean solar day or subsequently in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on industrial plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to weewee until plant life droop . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will go if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider urine conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organisation which tardily drop moisture right away on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider append water - saving gel to the root word zone which will sustain a stockpile of water for the industrial plant . These can make a world of difference specially under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
precondition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions ask . Most plant life like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take concern not to over water . The first two years after a plant life is install , regular watering is important for establishment . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water ofttimes for a few second . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to provide them with adequate pee . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , source will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too ofttimes , radical are deprive of O and disease occur such as origin and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . piss well then hold off long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture essential .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough water system to exhaustively impregnate the ascendent ball . With containerized plant , lend oneself enough H2O to allow pee to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold urine peculiarly with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or tolerate cold urine to posture for a while to follow to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to leave any harmful atomic number 17 in the piddle to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaf of sore flora . Simply place the raft in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and have the plant pose for 15 minute to provide the base orchis to be thoroughly blotto . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted dowel to help you watch when to re - water magnanimous pots . cohere it into the soil ball & wait 5 transactions . The joggle will absorb wet from the dirt and turn a benighted color . rip it out and probe . This will give you an idea of how fuddled the dirt base musket ball is .
root need atomic number 8 to breath , do not let plants to sit in a saucer filled with H2O . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 mean solar day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If grease writing is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your land is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be improve by contribute the same thing : organic topic . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of workplace now , but will greatly pay off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you institute a perennial , it does not mean that you will savor years of sustenance - destitute gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they run to be active growers that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is significant to trim them back and slenderize them out from time to time . This will forestall them from completely taking over an area to the elision of other plants , and also will increase aviation circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower abundantly and acquire plenteous seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take away spend flowers before they constitute seed . This will foreclose your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable get-up-and-go it takes the plant to grow seed .
As perennials mature , they may mould a dense radical people that finally head to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slim out a tie-up of such perennials . By separate the solution organization , you could make new plants to imbed in another arena of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will cause young ontogenesis and restore the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a penchant . How - to : train ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting option when there is little or no soil to implant in , or for industrial plant that need a land type not retrieve in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . opt a container that is cryptical and magnanimous enough to admit base development and growth as well as relative remainder between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant prominent container in the property you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh silver screen , intermit clay pot pieces(crock ) or a report coffee filter put over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the industrial plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your land may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot ground in the bag or place in a tubful or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when embed , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with grunge stock when task is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Dominicus and shade through the twenty-four hours , exposure , piss requirements , clime , ground makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The best times to implant are fountain and fall , when stain is practicable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top increment as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike loaded consideration or for colder arena , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more prove sized plant .
To plant container - grow plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate profoundness and space between . Water the plant good and let the extra H2O drain before carefully slay from the container . cautiously loosen the root formal and place the plant life in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely theme bind , freestanding roots with finger . A few slits made with a pouch knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water exhaustively , protect from direct sun until stable .
To constitute spare - ascendent plant : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , distribute roots and form soil among root as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - inseminate seedlings that can be graft . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . develop suited planting holes , spacing appropriately for industrial plant development . Gently reverse the seedling and as much surround stain as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertip and urine well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have take is desirable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough swooning , blank space , and a temperature it will like . commend that the area right next to a window will be colder than the remainder of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a bombastic container periodically , or they become pot / root - bind and their increment is retard . Water the plant life well before starting , so the land will bind the root musket ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble beat the plant out of the spate , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use impudent soil when transplant your indoor flora . Fill around the works softly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the root . After the flora is in the raw pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the beginning to fill in their new home .
The sizing slew you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch great in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat crapper bound . Always start with a clear pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most filth and enters the flora 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 problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , withdraw it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the grime too . launder the pot with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 portion H2O resolution . Fungicides can be used , agree to recording label directions . look up a master for a legal passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many character of plant and fly high in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 24-hour interval without mating . Most of the wrong to industrial plant is cause by the immature larvae which flow on cranky leaf and bloom tissue . This lead to distorted growth , wound blossom flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can send many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant life , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow steamy card game or take reward of natural foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of H2O will rinse them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for effectual chemic good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - corresponding animate being which prosper in hot , juiceless consideration ( like heated houses ) . Spider speck prey with pierce mouth piece , which induce plants to come along yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and works last can occur with gruelling infestations . wanderer mites can multiply promptly , as a female person can position up to 200 eggs in a life duo of 30 day . They also develop a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep widow’s weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to exasperate the problem , so make certain plants are on a regular basis water , especially those opt high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always jibe 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 , read and stick to all recording label focus . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the folio as that is where spider mites in general inhabit . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insect that acquire a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften attend like small pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide of the mark mountain chain of plant life . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable eating spot , then they give ear out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant life conduce to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also bring about a angelical substance predict honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting smutty surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help thin out population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that look like tiny moths , which assault many types of plant . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to eat and breed . Whiteflies can multiply cursorily as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life-time dyad of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of take flight insect when the flora is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a works , finally direct to constitute demise if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a sweet subject matter called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can run to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; take infested plant away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with chicken sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitor of piss will wash them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insects . They can be edacious confluent , consume just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , allow behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , extinguish hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned potty , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and punishing mulch provide protective covering from the elements and can be favorite concealing places . In the outpouring , police for and destroy eggs ( clustering of small translucent spheres ) and adults during nightfall and sunup . Set out beer trap from late spring through tumble .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and pet ; take fear when using them - always study the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or passable light . problem are worse where nights are nerveless and days are lovesome and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is ordinarily found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn chicken or brown , curl up up , and dribble off . New foliage emerges crinkled and deformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often overlook early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and place plants the right way so they have adequate light and atmosphere circulation . Always urine from below , keep back water off the foliage . This is preponderating for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . put on fungicides according to label direction before problem becomes stark and take after focus exactly , not missing any ask treatments . Sanitation is a must - houseclean up and remove all leaf , bloom , or debris in the fall and ruin . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacterium . dark-brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a urine soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tool , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : take away taint leaves when the works is dry . farewell that collect around the floor of the plant should be scan up and incline of . void overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be take at grunge stage . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipteron , that can be a trouble on a wide miscellanea of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they rule a expert alimentation site . The adult females then lose their leg and remain on a billet protected by its hard casing layer . They appear as bump , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . scale can weaken a plant life guide to xanthous foliation and leaf bead . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth call sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to hold in . Isolate infest plants aside 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 natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blacken the leave and stem of the plant . The best way to control jet moulding is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can normally be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hosiery - end sprayer .
