begonia are tender perennial , grow for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in pay heed basket in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagate from foliage , stem or rhizome cuttings in summation to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves over 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Winkey ’s Vivid , ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring great spiral leaves that are often colored and pattern . The flowers are blue to pink and blossom in bounce through summertime . This works enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia acquire very well in peat - based compost also . care humidity . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . squeeze tips and pruning out stem in the growing season give a bushier plant , good for attend baskets . slay stagnant foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and spectre patterns change during the day . The western side of a sign may even be shady due to shadow cast by large trees or a bodily structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just lead off to garden in your older base , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate look for your land site ’s true light shape . condition : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partially suspicious condition , filtered lightis ideal . dependable planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that countenance some luminance through their branches or beneath marvelous plants that will provide some protection . weather : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be irrigate thoroughly until the ground is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water system when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil open . stipulation : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be consider part Dominicus or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant life in a localisation where good afternoon nicety will be received . Conditions : hopeful Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 base of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant carrying out , it is suitable to match the correct works with the available light term . right-hand flora , correct place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient twinkle may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also carry plants to rise slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also get too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to verbatim Sunday , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is body of water deeply and less oft . When watering , water well , i.e. ply enough water to good impregnate the root egg . With in - dry land industrial plant , this means thoroughly soak the territory until urine has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough piddle to allow water to flow through the drain hole .
prove to irrigate plant betimes in the mean solar day or after in the afternoon to economize water and cut down on plant tenseness . Do urine betimes enough so that water has had a hazard to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t expect to water until plants wilt . Although some flora will recover from this , all plants will break down if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting full point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which tardily dribble wet directly on the root system can be purchase at your local home base and garden essence . mulch can significantly cool down the root zone and husband moisture .
Consider add together water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of H2O for the industrial plant . These can make a worldly concern of difference specially under stressful weather . Be sure to follow label focusing for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep evenly moist and watered regularly , as stipulation require . Most works like 1 in of water a hebdomad during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water system . The first two year after a plant is installed , even watering is significant for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is beneficial to water once a week and body of water deeply , than to body of water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % water so it authoritative to supply them with decent water . right tearing is essential for serious plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the plant will wilt . When too much urine is applied too frequently , ascendent are deprived of O and diseases occur such as antecedent and bow rots .
The Francis Scott Key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirement .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root musket ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow piddle to run through the drain holes .
annul using cold water especially with houseplants . This can scandalise tender root word . Fill watering can with tepid water supply or countenance cold water to pose for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a upright elbow room to appropriate any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to disappear before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leave-taking of raw flora . Simply come out the pot in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid water and countenance the plant life sit around for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
utilize an unpainted joggle to assist you determine when to re - water larger skunk . Stick it into the soil ball & hold back 5 moment . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and change by reversal a non-white colour . pull up it out and test . This will give you an thought of how wet the soil etymon testicle is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not reserve plants to seat in a disc filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 day before planting , bring 2 to 4 inches of senior manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase urine retentivity and drainage . If soil piece is weak , a layer of topsoil should be see as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the good ; bring deep into the land . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done after , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savour years of criminal maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be care for just like any other flora . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they incline to be active growers that have to be thin out occasionally or they will let loose heartiness .
As perennials establish , it is important to trim them back and thin them out once in a while . This will prevent them from completely submit over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase airwave circulation thereby reduce the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also flower copiously and produce ample seed . As blooming fade it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to remove spend bloom before they form source . This will prevent your plants from sow all over the garden and will conserve the considerable free energy it takes the plant to produce cum .
As perennials suppurate , they may form a dumb root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally dilute out a stand of such perennials . By divide the root system of rules , you’re able to make new plant to constitute in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new outgrowth and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or drop . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is short or no land to plant in , or for plants that require a soil eccentric not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If develop more than one works in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural necessity . opt a container that is recondite and large enough to give up root maturation and ontogeny as well as proportional Libra the Scales between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the post you intend them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A internet screen , fall in Henry Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper deep brown filter placed over the trap will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If water run off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or piazza in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow for plant , when planted , to be just below the lip of the potty . Rootballs should be level with soil line when task is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the daylight , exposure , water system essential , climate , grease war paint , seasonal color desired , and military position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are saltation and fall , when soil is workable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike tight conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To establish container - uprise plants : Prepare planting gob with appropriate depth and space between . Water the works exhaustively and let the excess body of water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root bollock and place the plant in the cakehole , working dirt around the root as you fulfil . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate root with fingers . A few scratch made with a sack tongue are okay , but should be keep to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and pee thoroughly , protecting from direct Dominicus until stable .
To establish desolate - root plants : Plant as shortly as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting hole , spread roots and work soil among origin as you fill in . Water well and protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A turn of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suited planting holes , space fitly for plant exploitation . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding grease as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming dirt with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Dominicus and water system on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the expanse right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants take to be transplanted into a expectant container periodically , or they become tummy / rootage - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the industrial plant well before begin , so the land will hold the radical orchis together when you remove it from the pile . If you have trouble get the plant out of the stool , try melt down a blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly whacking the sides to loosen the ground .
Always expend invigorated soil when transplanting your indoor plant . replete around the flora gently with land , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want zephyr to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the Modern pot , do n’t fecundate right away … this will boost the roots to fill in their new nursing home .
The sizing flowerpot you select is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . commend , many plant prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always begin with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is ascertain in most grease and enters the flora through the root word or the stem at dirt layer . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen watering . 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 grunge too . Wash the wad with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts urine resolution . Fungicides can be used , harmonise to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in spicy , dry conditions ( like het house ) . They can breed quick as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a living brace of 45 day without mating . Most of the scathe to plants is due to the unseasoned larva which tip on tender leaf and flower tissue . This lead to malformed growth , spite flower flower petal and premature blossom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and use screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested industrial plant , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a adept steady shower of urine will wash them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county conjunctive extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-sized , 8 legged , wanderer - like animate being which thrive in hot , ironical conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce backtalk part , which cause plant life to appear yellowish and stippled . Leaf drop and plant decease can occur with weighty infestations . Spider tinge can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a lifetime duad of 30 days . They also bring out a web which can cover infested leaves and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and dispatch infested plants . Dry airwave seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plants are regularly watered , specially those favour high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always fit Modern plants prior to bringing them home from the garden substance or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and trace all recording label directions . Concentrate your endeavor on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider jot loosely live on . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blanched , soft - bodied worm that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have thrust / suck mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small objet d’art of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave and stems arm . They attack a spacious range of mountains of works . The young tend to move around until they find a worthy feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can step down a plant life leading to yellow foliation and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a angelic substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can go to an unattractive black surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden mall professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage instinctive enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help oneself reduce population levels of mealy bug . pesterer : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that wait like diminutive moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult leg prefers the bottom of leave to feed and breed . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female person can set up to 500 egg in a life story span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can step down a flora , eventually leading to plant death if they are not curb . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet means call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called jet mold .
Possible control : keep weeds down ; exercise screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plant aside from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( Al foil ) under flora ( this repels whitefly ) ; hole with yellow muggy poster , implement labeled pesticides ; promote natural enemies such as epenthetic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a beneficial steady rain shower of water will wash away them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusk , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-scented . They may consume holes in farewell , strip total stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - story silvery , worthless trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as light as potential , eliminating concealing places such as leaf debris , over - turned flowerpot , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowy places and ponderous mulch furnish security from the element and can be favorite hiding position . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during evenfall and dawn . dress out beer snare from late natural spring through fall .
Many chemical control are available on the market place , but can be toxicant and mortal for children and pets ; take care when using them - always scan the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are affectionate and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually found on the upper aerofoil of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often release yellow-bellied or brown , coil up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent variety and blank space plant properly so they receive passable light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping weewee off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . put on fungicides according to label counsel before problem becomes austere and abide by way exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , bloom , or debris in the decline and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or disastrous spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water dowse or yellow - edge show . insect , rain , foul garden tools , or even the great unwashed can help oneself its spreading .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected parting when the plant is teetotal . Leaves that garner around the base of the flora should be graze up and dispose of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; body of water should be lead at soil stage . For fungal folio spots , employ a recommend fungicide according to recording label focusing .
pesterer : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a broad variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young descale crawl until they feel a good feeding site . The adult female person then mislay their leg and rest on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They come out as gibbousness , often on the lower side of leave-taking . They have piercing mouth part that suck the sap out of plant tissue . exfoliation can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also farm a sweet meaning call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black aerofoil fungal emergence bid sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to hold in . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden essence professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual good word regarding their control . boost natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the open of leaf . It feed in on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bugs , weighing machine , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaf and stems of the flora . The best way to check jet mildew is to control the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leave with a damp cloth or washed off with a hosiery - death sprayer .
