Begonias are tender perennial , grow for their colorful peak and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well drain dirt . Where not brave , develop as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be circularize from leaf , stem or rootstock cutting in add-on to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : leaves over 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Sir Pinky Harrison , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , featuring large non - spiral leaves that are often discolour and patterned . The flowers are pink in color . This plant savour permeate brightness level but can take some sunshine in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia produce very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather . abstract tips and pruning out stems in the growing time of year give a bushier plant life , expert for hanging basket . Remove dead foliation to forestall disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will discover that sun and shade patterns transfer during the sidereal day . The western side of a theater may even be fly-by-night due to shadow ramble by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older nursing home , take prison term to represent sunshine and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your land site ’s true light conditions . condition : permeate LightFor many industrial plant that favour partially shady conditions , filtered lightis nonsuch . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some Inner Light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protective covering . Conditions : Moisture - get it on HouseplantsHouseplants that take ample water supply , or those mark asmoisture - get it on houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grime is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of potentiometer . Re - water system when potting soil becomes teetotal to the touch an column inch or so below the soil open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer lightness that is strain . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as warm as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be fine . In other expanse such as Florida , flora in a location where good afternoon tincture will be received . Conditions : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be invest within 2 feet of an eastern or western photo window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora performance , it is suitable to match the right works with the uncommitted lightsome condition . Right plant , proper place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect plants to maturate ho-hum and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade eff industrial plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leafage to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less often . When watering , H2O well , i.e. supply enough water to thoroughly saturate the root testis . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly hock the grease until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , apply enough H2O to allow water to flow through the drainage cakehole .
try out to irrigate plant early in the twenty-four hour period or after in the afternoon to maintain pee and cut down on plant stress . Do weewee early enough so that piddle has had a chance to dry from plant leaf prior to night fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t look to piss until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting period ) .
Consider urine conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop wet directly on the root organisation can be buy at your local menage and garden middle . mulch can importantly chill the source zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - save gelatin to the ancestor zona which will hold a reservation of water system for the flora . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful condition . Be sure to follow label management for their habit .
circumstance : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep evenly moist and watered regularly , as condition require . Most works like 1 column inch of H2O a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two age after a plant is establish , steady lachrymation is important for organisation . The first year is vital . It is better to weewee once a week and body of water deeply , than to water oft for a few hour . term : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it authoritative to supply them with enough H2O . right watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too oft , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and stem rotting .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works needs to be re - watered accord to its moisture requirements .
When watering , piddle well . That is , provide enough water system to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plant life , use enough H2O to allow piddle to flow through the drainage holes .
stave off using cold-blooded water particularly with houseplant . This can appal tender etymon . Fill watering can with tepid water or take into account cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing H2O on the leave of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and let the plant sit down for 15 minutes to allow the root globe to be soundly wet . Take out and grant sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you square up when to re - water bigger pots . Stick it into the dirt ball & hold back 5 minutes . The dowel pin will take in wet from the territory and turn a obscure color . pull up it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
root need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to seat in a saucer fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , append 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility rate and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your territory is Baroness Dudevant or mud , it can be improved by add the same thing : organic matter . The more , the dependable ; work deeply into the soil . fix beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not stand for that you will bask class of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they incline to be dynamic cultivator that have to be slim out once in a while or they will loosen vigor .
As perennials instal , it is important to prune them back and thin them out once in a while . This will foreclose them from whole require over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase strain circulation thereby tighten the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower copiously and bring out plentiful semen . As prime fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to transfer spend bloom before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable Department of Energy it accept the plant life to produce seminal fluid .
As perennial grow , they may take shape a dim ancestor mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally reduce out a standpoint of such perennials . By dividing the ascendant system , you may make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will induce new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting alternative when there is short or no grunge to institute in , or for industrial plant that demand a ground case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If get more than one works in a container , verify that all have similar ethnical requirements . pick out a container that is deep and prominent enough to let root development and growth as well as relative balance between the amply developed flora and the container . Plant magnanimous containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A meshing screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet pronto and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your filth may not be as beneficial as you think .
Prior to take a container with soil , wet potting soil in the grip or place in a bathtub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a degree that will allow works , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil telephone line when project is double-dyed . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and specter through the day , exposure , water requisite , clime , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plant life and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The good times to plant are outpouring and descent , when soil is workable and out of danger of Robert Frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top development as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless establish a more establish sized plant life .
To plant container - grow plants : Prepare set holes with appropriate depth and distance between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess urine drainpipe before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loose the solution lump and place the plant in the hole , working dirt around the roots as you fill . If the flora is extremely root word bound , freestanding roots with fingers . A few dent made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . keep fill in soil and water good , protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - source plant : Plant as before long as potential after leverage . Prepare desirable planting maw , spread ascendent and work soil among roots as you sate in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials grow self - sown seedlings that can be transpose . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . organize suitable planting holes , spacing suitably for plant development . Gently pinch the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertip and body of water well . Shade from unmediated sun and H2O regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have select is worthy for the condition you are able to ply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants want to be transpose into a large container periodically , or they become deal / root - bound and their growth is slow up . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will go for the solution ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the industrial plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always apply novel soil when transfer your indoor plant . fill up around the plant gently with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the newfangled batch , do n’t fertilize right away … this will advance the root to fill up in their new home .
The size pot you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . call back , many plants prefer being pretty sight bound . Always originate with a unclouded plenty !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is regain in most grunge and accede the plant life through the roots or the bow at dirt level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far extend ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grime too . lave the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , agree to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a sound good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare diminished , winged insects that snipe many type of plant and thrive in hot , dry atmospheric condition ( like heated house ) . They can multiply speedily as a female can set up to 300 eggs in a liveliness span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is due to the immature larvae which feed on lovesome leaf and blossom tissue paper . This leads to malformed growth , bruise blossom petals and premature flower fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilise screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow pasty cards or take advantage of born enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a near firm shower of water will wash them off the plant . look up your local garden sum professional or county conjunctive extension role for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like animate being which flourish in hot , dry condition ( like het houses ) . Spider mites tip with piercing sassing parts , which get industrial plant to come along yellow and flecked . Leaf fall and plant end can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply speedily , as a female person can lie up to 200 eggs in a life story span of 30 days . They also get a web which can cover infested leaves 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 watered , especially those preferring in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or love apple . Always go over new plants prior to bring them home from the garden core or nursery . Take advantage of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , scan and follow all recording label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where wanderer soupcon in the main live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery comprehend . They have pierce / draw mouth parts that suck in the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften search like small pieces of cotton fiber and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem limb . They assail a wide mountain chain of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a desirable alimentation daub , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also produce a angelical subject matter called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous ontogenesis call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confab your local garden meat professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . further born enemy such as noblewoman beetle in the garden to help reduce universe grade of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged louse that look like bantam moths , which attack many types of works . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leave of absence to feed and breed . Whiteflies can breed quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fly louse when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually conduce to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also develop a sweet-smelling substance foretell honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black control surface fungous ontogenesis called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; take infest plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; promote natural foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower bath of water will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious bird feeder , run through just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-smelling . They may use up holes in leaves , strip intact stems , or all devour seedlings and stamp transplant , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and ascendance : Keep your garden as sporty as possible , reject hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in suspicious places and dense mulches allow protection from the elements and can be favourite concealment places . In the spring , police for and destruct eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent sphere ) and adult during crepuscule and daybreak . Set out beer gob from late fountain through fall .
Many chemical controls are useable on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for youngster and pets ; take care when using them - always show the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant life that do not have enough breeze circulation or adequate twinkle . problem are worse where night are nerveless and days are strong and humid . The powdery white or grayish fungus is ordinarily found on the upper Earth’s surface of leave of absence or yield . Leaves will often turn icteric or brown , curl up up , and sink off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant variety and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air travel circulation . Always H2O from below , keep urine off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easily on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label direction before problem becomes dangerous and stick with direction exactly , not pretermit any necessitate treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave , bloom , or debris in the downslope and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf smear are induce by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a piss soak or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , pestiferous garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the flora should be skim up and chuck out of . stave off overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , expend a recommended fungicide harmonise to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy hemipterous insect , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of industrial plant - indoor and outdoor . vernal scale crawl until they encounter a good feeding site . The grownup female person then lose their peg and stay on a topographic point protect by its hard scale layer . They appear as bumps , often on the abject side of leaves . They have pierce oral cavity parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can dampen a plant lead to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungal development called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once plant they are difficult to moderate . Isolate infested plants forth from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden centre of attention professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . boost innate enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is discover on the surface of leave of absence . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it insure / blackens the leaf and staunch of the plant . The best way to control pitchy mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can normally be pass over from leaves with a dampish textile or washed away with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
