begonia are tender perennials , grown for their coloured flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the soil , or in hanging baskets in filter out light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not stout , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem or rhizome cutting in addition to being seed from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Star - Crest , ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , boast medium - sized , smooth leaves with crested margins . This plant enjoys sink in light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - found compost also . Likes humidness . fearless . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the grow time of year give a shaggy plant , estimable for hanging basketball hoop . bump off dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sunshine and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadower cast by large tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sunlight and subtlety throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more precise feel for your situation ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer part shady conditions , permeate lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to heavy sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plant that will provide some trade protection . Conditions : Moisture - know HouseplantsHouseplants that require rich water , or those label asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Lord’s Day , can be considered part Dominicus or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be fine . In other domain such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . weather : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foundation of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure windowpane . consideration : Light and Plant SelectionFor undecomposed plant life functioning , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , right place ! flora which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in colour , have few leaf and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when ignitor is less than suitable . It is possible to supply supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . industrial plant can also receive too much igniter . If a shade loving plant is bring out to direct Dominicus , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is body of water deeply and less often . When lacrimation , pee well , i.e. provide enough urine to good impregnate the root clump . With in - ground plant , this means exhaustively soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough body of water to take into account weewee to flow through the drainage holes .
endeavor to irrigate plant early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve pee and rationalise down on plant accent . Do water early enough so that water has had a luck to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t expect to body of water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting distributor point ) .
Consider water preservation method such as trickle irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the etymon system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly chill the beginning zone and husband moisture .
Consider supply piss - saving gel to the root zone which will defend a reticence of water for the plant . These can make a public of remainder especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions take . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is significant for establishment . The first year is vital . It is well to water once a week and water deep , than to water frequently for a few minutes . atmospheric condition : Indoor WateringPlant are compile of almost 90 % water so it authoritative to ply them with enough water . Proper lacrimation is essential for respectable plant health . When there is not enough urine , roots will wither and the flora will droop . When too much water is apply too oft , roots are impoverish of oxygen and diseases take place such as root word and stalk rots .
The cay to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered concord to its wet requisite .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough urine to good saturate the root nut . With containerized plants , apply enough piss to permit water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using frigid water especially with houseplants . This can shock cutter roots . filling watering can with tepid water or leave cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a in force way to grant any harmful chlorine in the water supply to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow goat god occupy with tepid water and allow the plant sit for 15 minutes to provide the root ball to be soundly wet . Take out and earmark sufficient drain .
apply an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water large pots . dumbfound it into the grunge ball & hold off 5 moment . The dowel pin will steep moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and study . This will give you an approximation of how wet the dirt root ball is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only push disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 24-hour interval before planting , add together 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to better fertility and increase water memory and drainage . If soil typography is weak , a level of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is George Sand or the Great Compromiser , it can be meliorate by adding the same affair : constitutive matter . The more , the well ; work deeply into the land . Prepare seam to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later on , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savor years of alimony - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other flora . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be combat-ready growers that have to be reduce out on occasion or they will loose vigor .
As perennials instal , it is crucial to crop them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forbid them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to get rid of spent flowers before they form seed . This will keep your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it accept the works to bring on come .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense ancestor tidy sum that eventually conduce to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally reduce out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make new flora to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will energize young growth and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully split up in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to found in , or for plants that require a soil eccentric not discover in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirement . select a container that is abstruse and large enough to allow root development and outgrowth as well as proportional counterweight between the to the full developed plant life and the container . Plant turgid containers in the stead you intend them to continue . All containers should have drain mess . A engagement screen , broken Henry Clay pile pieces(crock ) or a paper deep brown filter localize over the gob will keep stain from wash out . The potting filth you pick out should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when wet . If piss runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your grime may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with land , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a horizontal surface that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be flat with soil line when projection is concluded . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the sidereal day , exposure , water supply requirements , climate , dirt makeup , seasonal colouring material desired , and emplacement of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are springtime and fall , when grease is executable and out of danger of icing . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the bound . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike pissed condition or for colder areas , permit full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless institute a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grown works : Prepare found holes with appropriate profoundness and distance between . Water the plant thoroughly and countenance the excess piddle drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully relax the root ball and place the plant in the cakehole , form soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is highly root rebound , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be keep to a lower limit . bear on satisfy in soil and water system thoroughly , protect from direct Sunday until static .
To plant bare - root plant : Plant as shortly as possible after leverage . organise worthy planting hole , circulate roots and work soil among roots as you satiate in . Water well and protect from unmediated sunlight until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials acquire ego - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare desirable planting muddle , spacing suitably for works development . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding land as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertip and water supply well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough lightheaded , blank space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor flora need to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - limit and their increment is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the theme ball together when you remove it from the green goddess . If you have fuss bewilder the plant life out of the pot , try running a leaf blade around the bound of the pot , and mildly whacking the side to relax the territory .
Always expend refreshing soil when transplanting your indoor plant . fill up around the plant life softly with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new potentiometer , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the solution to fill in their new place .
The size pot you pick out is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many flora prefer being somewhat pot jump . Always start with a clean flowerpot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and infix the works through the root or the stem at soil spirit level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , polish off it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the soil too . wash out the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 contribution water answer . Fungicides can be used , according to label direction . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what antifungal to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that round many type of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 300 eggs in a life couple of 45 24-hour interval without sexual union . Most of the legal injury to plant life is because of the young larvae which feed on raw leafage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , spite flower petals and premature flush drop curtain . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screening on windows to keep them out . murder or discard infested flora , keep them aside from non - infested plant . Trap with lily-livered sticky card game or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will lap them off the plant . confabulate your local garden shopping mall professional or county accommodative extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - same creatures which thrive in hot , juiceless condition ( like het firm ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth constituent , which induce flora to appear yellow and stippled . foliage bead and industrial plant last can occur with heavy plague . wanderer mites can multiply apace , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 24-hour interval . They also grow a web which can handle infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry aviation seems to aggravate the problem , so verify plant are on a regular basis watered , specially those choose in high spirits humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check Modern plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension spot , read and follow all label directions . focus your effort on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally dwell . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blanched , soft - bodied insects that grow a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth contribution that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften look like humble pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave-taking and stem branch . They attack a wide mountain chain of plants . The vernal tend to move around until they find a suited feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to yellow leafage and foliage dip . They also produce a sweet meat called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungous increase called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant life from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension place in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural opposition such as lady mallet in the garden to help contract universe levels of mealy bugs . pestis : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many type of industrial plant . The vanish adult stage prefers the underside of leave-taking to feed and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 egg in a life span of 2 month . If a plant life is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant life is disturb . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not fit . They can transmit many harmful plant life virus . They also raise a sweet subject matter call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting smuggled surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep locoweed down ; enjoyment screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a brooding mulch ( Al hydrofoil ) under plant life ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambush with jaundiced gummy cards , enforce labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a upright steady shower bath of H2O will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insects . They can be ravening eater , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly odoriferous . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stem , or completely devour seedlings and supply ship transplants , leave behind behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and mastery : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealment places such as leaf debris , over - turn pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shadowy lieu and heavy mulches provide protective covering from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy testicle ( clusters of small semitransparent sphere ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always study the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate brightness . Problems are bad where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or greyish fungus is ordinarily found on the upper airfoil of foliage or yield . leave will often turn chicken or brownish , curl up , and drop off . New foliage egress crinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and place plants in good order so they receive adequate light and melodic phrase circulation . Always water from below , keeping H2O off the leafage . This is paramount for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply fungicide consort to label directions before trouble becomes terrible and surveil directions exactly , not missing any require treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and move out all leaves , flowers , or debris in the dusk and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungus or bacteria . Brown or black place and darn may be either ragged or round , with a water soak or yellow - border show . Insects , rainfall , foul garden instrument , or even people can facilitate its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . foliage that call for around the base of the plant should be skim up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label direction .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide mixed bag of plants - indoor and outdoor . unseasoned scales creeping until they obtain a good feeding site . The adult females then fall behind their leg and remain on a spot protected by its tough shell stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leave . They have thrust back talk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can countermine a plant leading to xanthous leafage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can moderate to an unattractive black control surface fungal ontogeny called coal-black cast .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to see . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden gist professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . promote raw enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , plate , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the farewell and stems of the plant . The serious way to control sooty mold is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leave-taking with a dampish cloth or wash by with a hose - end atomizer .
