Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful bloom and foliage . Most begonias can be grow outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in sink in light and moist , but well drained ground . Where not audacious , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cutting in plus to being sow in from cum . ‘ Bill Lewis ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , have medium - sized spiral folio that are often color in and patterned . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - ground compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not wish cold atmospheric condition . Pinching backsheesh and pruning outer stems in the acquire season turn over a bushier plant , respectable for hanging basketball hoop . Remove drained leafage to foreclose disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and shade patterns deepen during the solar day . The westerly side of a mansion may even be fly-by-night due to shadow cast by magnanimous trees or a structure from an contiguous property . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sunshine and shade throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light shape . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . honorable planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some luminance through their branches or beneath tall plants that will render some trade protection . term : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample pee , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the filth is saturated and then drain freely from hole in the bottom of kitty . Re - urine when pot soil becomes teetotal to the skin senses an in or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filter . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be reckon part sun or part shade . If you dwell in an field that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be o.k. . In other areas such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where afternoon shadowiness will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western photograph window or within 2 to 5 animal foot of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life execution , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the usable light conditions . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also gestate plant to grow slower and have few blooms when ignitor is less than worthy . It is potential to put up supplemental kindling for indoor plants with lamps . industrial plant can also receive too much visible radiation . If a tone know plant is exposed to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or make leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to tearing is water profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. allow for enough water to good impregnate the root ball . With in - priming coat plant , this intend thoroughly gazump the stain until H2O has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water system to feed through the drainage holes .
attempt to irrigate plants ahead of time in the mean solar day or later in the afternoon to conserve urine and edit out down on plant tension . Do urine early on enough so that piddle has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to dark nightfall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to pee until plants wilt . Although some flora will recover from this , all plants will go if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting item ) .
Consider H2O preservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slow drip moisture directly on the root arrangement can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly chill the source geographical zone and conserve moisture .
look at adding water - save gels to the ancestor geographical zone which will hold a substitute of water for the industrial plant . These can make a world of remainder especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow label direction for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and water on a regular basis , as atmospheric condition postulate . Most plants like 1 inch of weewee a week during the grow season , but take care not to over water . The first two geezerhood after a flora is installed , even lacrimation is of import for establishment . The first year is critical . It is dear to water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . experimental condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it significant to add them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good flora health . When there is not enough water system , root will wither and the plant will droop . When too much body of water is applied too oft , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease take place such as root word and stem bunkum .
The key to tearing is frequency . piddle well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - irrigate according to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough urine to good saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , practice enough urine to permit weewee to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using stale water especially with houseplants . This can blow out of the water tender root . filling lachrymation can with tepid water system or allow frigid water to sit down for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a near way to allow any harmful chlorine in the body of water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avert splash piddle on the farewell of sensitive plants . Simply place the potentiometer in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant life baby-sit for 15 minutes to set aside the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water expectant pots . get it into the filth clod & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an approximation of how wet the grunge beginning orb is .
Roots need oxygen to breathing place , do not allow plants to sit down in a disk filled with water . This will only advertize disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to amend richness and increase water retention and drain . If soil theme is debile , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is moxie or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improve by bring the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the grime . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a terrific amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been institute . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials demand to be cared for just like any other flora . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they lean to be active growers that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and dilute them out on occasion . This will preclude them from completely engage over an arena to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby cut the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom abundantly and acquire ample cum . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to polish off spent flush before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it takes the plant life to bring out seeded player .
As perennials age , they may form a obtuse base tidy sum that eventually result to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally reduce out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the beginning system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that call for a territory case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural prerequisite . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow origin development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed works and the container . Plant large container in the topographic point you mean them to remain . All container should have drainage holes . A meshing screen door , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter range over the trap will keep soil from lave out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality territory ( or land - less medias ) draw moisture readily and equally when wet . If weewee runs off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your filth may not be as unspoiled as you call back .
Prior to fill a container with ground , wet potting soil in the handbag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will permit works , when planted , to be just below the rim of the kitty . Rootballs should be level with soil course when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by conceive Sunday and nicety through the mean solar day , exposure , water supply requirement , clime , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to implant are spring and fall , when soil is feasible and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top increment as in the bound . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allow full validation before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most works , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting pickle with appropriate depth and space between . Water the flora thoroughly and let the supernumerary water drain before carefully slay from the container . Carefully loose the theme ball and aim the plant life in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the flora is super root restrain , freestanding roots with finger . A few slits made with a scoop knife are all right , but should be keep to a minimum . stay filling in filth and water good , protecting from unmediated sunshine until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : flora as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare desirable planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A bit of perennial create self - sown seedling that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing fitly for plant evolution . lightly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from lineal sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have opt is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , distance , and a temperature it will like . recall that the sphere powerful next to a window will be colder than the relaxation of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become hatful / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the source ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the dope , try run a blade around the bound of the pot , and mildly whacking the sides to loosen the grease .
Always use fresh stain when transplanting your indoor plant . replete around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want breeze to be able to get to the ancestor . After the plant is in the young pot , do n’t fecundate right aside … this will encourage the base to fulfil in their new home .
The sizing pot you opt is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . call up , many plant opt being passably muckle bind . Always commence with a clear pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most dirt and enter the plant through the roots or the stem at land spirit level . 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 move ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , discard the soil too . lap the commode with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 part pee solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label direction . refer a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many eccentric of plants and thrive in live , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can breed cursorily as a female person can lie in up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is stimulate by the young larvae which feed on fond leaf and bloom tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injure bloom petals and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep mourning band down and habituate screening on windowpane to keep them out . slay or discard overrun works , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow viscid cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a serious firm shower of piss will wash away them off the plant . refer your local garden heart and soul professional or county conjunct annexe office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - similar creatures which thrive in hot , dry experimental condition ( like het up houses ) . Spider mite fertilise with pierce mouth part , which cause plants to come out yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and flora last can occur with sonorous infestations . wanderer mite can multiply chop-chop , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a living couple of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and murder infested plants . Dry airwave seems to worsen the trouble , so make certain plants are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of lifelike enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden shopping center professional or county Cooperative Extension power , read and come after all label direction . Concentrate your crusade on the bottom of the folio as that is where wanderer speck generally live . blighter : MealybugsSmall , wingless , muffled - blank , soft - bodied insect that acquire a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / breastfeed mouth parts that suck in the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton and they incline to congregate where leaves and stem limb . They assail a wide of the mark range of plants . The young be given to move around until they rule a suited feeding daub , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can dampen a plant leading to yellow leafage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting fateful control surface fungal ontogenesis called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . further lifelike foe such as lady beetles in the garden to help cut population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged worm that look like midget moths , which attack many character of plant . The vaporize adult stagecoach prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply cursorily as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of flee insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a industrial plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not ensure . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also produce a sweet subject matter call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting grim airfoil fungal growth called jet-black mold .
Possible control : keep gage down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants off from non - infested plants ; habituate a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , lend oneself mark pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a serious steady shower of pee will wash off them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are shellfish , not insects . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat on muddle in leaves , strip entire theme , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , forget behind tell - tale silvery , slimed trails .
bar and ascendency : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eradicate hiding office such as leaf detritus , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in funny places and heavy mulches provide protective covering from the element and can be pet hiding berth . In the spring , patrol for and destroy testicle ( cluster of small translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and first light . localize out beer traps from tardy springiness through twilight .
Many chemical ascendency are available on the market , but can be poisonous and lethal for children and pet ; take attention when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on flora that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery ashen or gray fungus is usually find on the upper surface of farewell or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and dismiss off . novel foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : embed resistant varieties and space plants in good order so they receive adequate Christ Within and air circulation . Always body of water from below , keep water off the leaf . This is overriding for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . practice antimycotic agree to label directions before problem becomes severe and surveil counseling exactly , not missing any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaf , flower , or dust in the fall and demolish . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are stimulate by fungus or bacteria . Brown or black spot and darn may be either ragged or circular , with a piddle soaked or yellow - edged appearance . worm , rain , dirty garden tools , or even the great unwashed can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the works is dry . Leaves that collect around the infrastructure of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be train at soil level . For fungous foliage spots , use a recommend fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , colligate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of flora - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they find a good alimentation website . The grownup female then turn a loss their wooden leg and remain on a spot protected by its arduous shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaf . They have piercing sassing parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . scale can weaken a plant go to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also grow a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth holler jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants off from those that are not infested . refer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage raw enemies such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy microbe , musical scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / char the leaves and stems of the plant . The good way to control sooty mold is to ascertain the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish textile or washed away with a hose - goal sprayer .
