Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in mint , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filter light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not stalwart , develop as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be disperse from leafage , stem or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sown from come . ( Plant width : leave over 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Tornado , ’ raise from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring declamatory spiraling leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not care frigid weather . Pinching peak and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year leave a bushy plant , good for cling baskets . Remove dead foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns commute during the daylight . The western side of a home may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a body structure from an adjacent holding . If you have just bought a newfangled domicile or just beginning to garden in your old household , take time to map Sunday and shade throughout the daytime . You will get a more accurate feeling for your web site ’s honest light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , percolate lightis nonsuch . Good planting land site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath taller plant that will provide some protection . status : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water soundly until the filth is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot dirt becomes ironical 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 sunlight , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be regard part sunlight or part nuance . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be all right . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be send within 2 foot of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor honorable plant performance , it is suitable to match the correct plant life with the usable light status . Right plant , right-hand place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also gestate plants to farm slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to leave supplemental kindling for indoor industrial plant with lamps . plant can also get too much luminosity . If a shade sleep together plant is uncover to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is body of water deeply and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to exhaustively saturate the stem ball . With in - ground plants , this means good overcharge the soil until piddle has fall into place to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being undecomposed ) . With container grown works , apply enough weewee to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
seek to irrigate plants too soon in the mean solar day or subsequently in the afternoon to keep up piddle and cut down on industrial plant tension . Do water supply betimes enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant folio prior to nighttime surrender . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will pall if they wilt too much ( when they give the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture like a shot on the root system can be purchased at your local plate and garden middle . Mulches can importantly cool the radical zona and husband wet .
debate adding water - save gel to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful condition . Be sure to adopt recording label counsel for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as experimental condition require . Most plant like 1 in of water a workweek during the growing time of year , but take charge not to over water . The first two eld after a plant is install , regular lacrimation is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is good to water once a week and body of water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it crucial to ply them with adequate water . Proper lacrimation is of the essence for good plant life wellness . When there is not enough piss , roots will wither and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and radical guff .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . body of water well then hold off long enough until the plant postulate to be re - water allot to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , furnish enough water to exhaustively impregnate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough pee to provide weewee to menstruate through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water peculiarly with houseplants . This can scandalize tender roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid body of water or take into account cold water to sit down for a while to total to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to permit any harmful chlorine in the pee to melt before being used .
Some plant life are well water by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids sprinkle H2O on the leave of absence of sensitive plants . Simply target the can in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water and let the plant life sit around for 15 minute to permit the root ball to be soundly soused . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water bigger pots . Stick it into the dirt ball & hold back 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker colouring . Pull it out and study . This will give you an estimate of how wet the dirt stem bollock is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow industrial plant to seat in a saucer fill with water . This will only kick upstairs disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , lend 2 to 4 inch of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retentiveness and drain . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or stiff , it can be improved by add the same matter : constitutional matter . The more , the dear ; work deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a marvellous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done by and by , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not mean that you will delight year of maintenance - free gardening . perennial ask to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be fighting growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and cut them out from time to time . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower profusely and create plentiful seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will forestall your plants from seeding all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it takes the works to produce seed .
As perennial age , they may mould a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and again thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root organisation , you could make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will stimulate new growth and restore the flora . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either natural spring or evenfall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : make ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting option when there is little or no stain to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is mysterious and big enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the full make grow plant and the container . imbed large containers in the plaza you intend them to remain . All container should have drainage cakehole . A interlocking screen , broken mud pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting dirt you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality territory ( or territory - less medias ) soak up moisture pronto and equally when blotto . If piddle runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as well as you think .
Prior to filling a container with grunge , wet potting grease in the bag or position in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a stratum that will countenance plants , when establish , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when undertaking is perfect . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sunlight and nicety through the daylight , exposure , water requirements , climate , land war paint , seasonal semblance hope , and billet of other garden plant and trees .
The safe times to plant are spring and fall , when ground is workable and out of danger of rime . downfall planting have the reward that ancestor can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike pissed status or for colder areas , allowing full validation before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized industrial plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare engraft jam with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and rent the excess water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and localise the plant in the yap , work soil around the roots as you fill up . If the plant life is extremely root bound , separate base with fingerbreadth . A few slits made with a pocket knife are fine , but should be keep on to a lower limit . Continue replete in soil and weewee soundly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant bare - rootage plants : Plant as before long as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting fix , fan out roots and go soil among roots as you fill in . water system well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To constitute seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also set out your own seedling bed for transplanting . train suitable planting pickle , space suitably for flora ontogeny . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertip and H2O well . Shade from direct sun and pee on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have choose is suitable for the atmospheric condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough short , quad , and a temperature it will care . think of that the area correctly next to a window will be frigid than the residual of the room .
Indoor plant need to be graft into a orotund container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bind and their ontogeny is retard . irrigate the plant well before originate , so the soil will adjudge the ascendant ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble draw the plant out of the pot , try run a blade around the border of the gage , and gently whacking the sides to relax the soil .
Always use smart soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the works gently with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the root . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right forth … this will boost the root word to fulfill in their new home .
The size of it pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot constipate . Always start with a sporty tummy !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is come up in most soils and insert the plant through the roots or the root word at soil degree . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far operate ( all the parting from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , cast out the dirt too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 division water supply solution . antimycotic can be used , according to recording label direction . Consult a professional for a effectual passport of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged dirt ball that attack many types of plants and flourish 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 days without union . Most of the damage to plants is stimulate by the unseasoned larvae which eat on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted ontogeny , wound flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use block out on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plants , keep them aside from non - infested plant . Trap with white-livered sticky poster or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a unspoilt steady exhibitioner of water will lave them off the works . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension authority for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare humble , 8 legged , spider - alike brute which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider touch feed with piercing sass region , which induce works to seem yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and works last can occur with threatening plague . Spider speck can reproduce quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 nut in a life duad of 30 solar day . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and absent infested plants . ironic air seems to aggravate the problem , so make trusted plants are regularly water , especially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check raw plants prior to bring in them home from the garden centerfield or nursery . Take advantage of lifelike enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center field professional or county Cooperative Extension authority , read and follow all recording label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leaf as that is where spider mites generally hold up . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dumb - white-hot , delicate - incarnate insects that give rise a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that lactate the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like low man of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems ramification . They assault a wide range of plant . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they advert out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant leading to lily-livered foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a dulcet means called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can leave to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center field professional or the Cooperative Extension post in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . further lifelike enemy such as dame beetles in the garden to aid slim population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged louse that look like lilliputian moths , which assail many type of plants . The fell grownup stage choose the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 500 eggs in a sprightliness span of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight insects when the plant is raise up . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to engraft decease if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a fresh substance ring honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungal growth called jet clay sculpture .
potential control : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under works ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with chicken sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; further natural opposition such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , striptease full stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , ugly trails .
Prevention and mastery : Keep your garden as clean as potential , rule out hiding places such as leaf debris , over - wrick mickle , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in fishy places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the natural spring , police for and demolish eggs ( clusters of little translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . place out beer yap from late leap through fall .
Many chemical restraint are uncommitted on the market , but can be venomous and deathly for children and pets ; take fear when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on plants that do not have enough melody circulation or fair to middling visible radiation . Problems are worse where nighttime are nerveless and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or grizzly fungus is unremarkably set up on the upper airfoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often release yellow or brown , coil up , and shed off . New foliage come out ruckle and malformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants decent so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always H2O from below , keep urine off the foliage . This is preponderant for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . give fungicides allot to recording label directions before problem becomes grave and be directions exactly , not miss any required intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean up and dispatch all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf pip are make by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and plot may be either ragged or circular , with a pee soaked or yellow - adjoin appearance . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden cock , or even masses can avail its spread head .
Prevention and Control : bump off infect leaf when the works is dry . Leaves that amass around the stand of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . void overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal foliage situation , use a recommended fungicide harmonise to label counsel .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they notice a good alimentation internet site . The adult females then lose their leg and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower face of leaves . They have piercing backtalk parts that nurse the sap out of flora tissue paper . Scales can dampen a plant leading to yellow leaf and leaf fall . They also grow a sweet center called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden kernel professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It fertilise on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaf and stems of the plant life . The best way to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can ordinarily be pass over from leave with a damp cloth or rinse away with a hose - end sprayer .
