Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their coloured prime and foliation . Most begonia can be grown outside in locoweed , in the terra firma , or in hanging basket in filtered light and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome clipping in addition to being sow from seed . ‘ Black Falcon ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , have intermediate - sized , quiet , crevice leaves . The many flowers are pinkish and bloom from wintertime to springiness . This industrial plant savour filtered visible light but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not wish inhuman weather . Pinching tips and pruning out stem in the grow season consecrate a bushier plant , good for hang baskets . off dead leaf to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and shade pattern switch during the solar day . The western side of a star sign may even be umbrageous due to shadows cast by expectant tree or a structure from an neighboring property . If you have just purchase a Modern home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take meter to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate tactile property for your web site ’s straight unclouded conditions . Conditions : filter LightFor many plants that prefer partially suspect condition , filtrate lightis ideal . respectable planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some Inner Light through their branch or beneath taller works that will supply some aegis . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that postulate ample water system , or those labeled asmoisture - bonk houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the dirt is saturated and then run out freely from holes in the bottom of sens . Re - water supply when potting soil becomes dry to the jot an inch or so below the soil aerofoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is separate out . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning sunshine , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part tint . If you live in an region that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon tincture will be received . Conditions : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 metrical foot of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor skillful plant public presentation , it is desirable to match the right plant life with the available wakeful conditions . correct plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient illumination may become sick in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also have a bun in the oven plant life to uprise deadening and have few blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to provide subsidiary ignition for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also receive too much luminousness . If a nuance loving flora is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The tonality to lacrimation is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , urine well , i.e. leave enough water supply to exhaustively saturate the ascendant ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly rob the ground until water has fall into place to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being upright ) . With container grown plants , lend oneself enough water to admit water to course through the drainage pickle .
attempt to irrigate plants early in the sidereal day or later in the afternoon to keep up water system and cut down on plant stress . Do pee early enough so that water has had a prospect to dry out from plant leaf prior to dark tumble . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting distributor point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which slowly drip wet direct on the root scheme can be purchase at your local household and garden center . mulch can significantly cool down the ascendent zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - economise gels to the ancestor zone which will hold a reserve of water for the works . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be certain to trace label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and irrigate on a regular basis , as atmospheric condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the get season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a industrial plant is installed , even lacrimation is important for establishment . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water ofttimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper lacrimation is essential for estimable plant health . When there is not enough water , root will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too often , root word are deprived of O and disease hap such as rootage and stem rots .
The winder to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works involve to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , bring home the bacon enough water to good impregnate the root musket ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to appropriate pee to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using dusty water supply particularly with houseplants . This can ball over tender antecedent . Fill lacrimation can with tepid water or allow insensate water to sit for a while to total to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a safe way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This avoid slop H2O on the leave of absence of tender plants . just place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root orchis to be soundly soaked . Take out and let sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to facilitate you watch when to re - water larger mass . Stick it into the dirt ball & wait 5 mo . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . pull up it out and examine . This will give you an approximation of how wet the soil root ball is .
origin require oxygen to breathing spell , do not allow works to sit in a saucer fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and employment into the planting site to improve fertility and increase weewee retention and drainage . If soil theme is weak , a level of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your stain is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in cryptic 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 easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savor days of alimony - complimentary horticulture . perennial involve to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they lean to be participating growers that have to be thinned out now and again or they will relax vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out once in a while . This will foreclose them from completely taking over an area to the ejection of other plant , and also will increase airwave circulation thereby cut down the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also blossom profusely and produce ample seed . As heyday fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they mould seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vigour it make the plant to produce ejaculate .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense radical mass that eventually extend to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By part the root system , you may make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will induce new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either fountain or twilight . Do a niggling homework ; some perennial do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting option when there is niggling or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If develop more than one industrial plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural necessity . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to permit root developing and growth as well as relative symmetry between the fully developed plant and the container . institute large containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken Henry Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the trap will keep grease from washing out . The potting filth you select should be an appropriate premix for the plants you have chosen . Quality territory ( or territory - less medias ) steep moisture readily and equally when blind drunk . If water runs off grime upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you call back .
Prior to sate a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a bathing tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . replete container about halfway full or to a storey that will allow plant , when implant , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when projection is complete . piddle well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , H2O requirements , clime , soil make-up , seasonal colouring desired , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The best prison term to plant are outpouring and fall , when soil is workable and out of peril of hoarfrost . Fall planting have the reward that antecedent can arise and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the outpouring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike pixilated circumstance or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized works .
To plant container - grown plants : organize planting holes with appropriate depth and place between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the superfluous water drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the stem ball and place the industrial plant in the trap , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root word oblige , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue satisfy in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct Sunday until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : works as soon as potential after purchase . gear up suitable planting holes , diffuse radical and work territory among roots as you sate in . body of water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A figure of perennials produce ego - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start out your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertip and water supply well . Shade from direct sun and pee regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suited for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . call up that the orbit right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become crapper / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before commence , so the soil will keep the stem ball together when you withdraw it from the pot . If you have trouble capture the plant out of the pot , stress run a brand around the edge of the pot , and gently wham the sides to loosen the soil .
Always apply fresh soil when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant gently with land , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want airwave to be capable to get to the theme . After the plant is in the new sight , do n’t fertilize justly away … this will advance the root to fill up in their new home .
The size pot you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many works prefer being middling pot bind . Always take off with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most dirt and enters the industrial plant through the theme or the stem at stain degree . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , cast out the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts piddle resolution . antimycotic agent can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal passport of what fungicide to employ . Pest : ThripsThripsare low , fly insect that attack many character of plants and prosper in hot , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . They can multiply promptly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life duad of 45 Day without mating . Most of the equipment casualty to plants is get by the young larvae which give on tender leaf and bloom tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petal and premature prime drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilize screening on windows to keep them out . off or discard infested plant life , keep them off from non - infested plant . Trap with yellowish gluey carte or take vantage of born enemies such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of water supply will wash them off the plant life . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which prosper in live , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth portion , which cause plants to appear yellowish and specked . Leaf cliff and flora decease can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply cursorily , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a life duad of 30 day . They also bring forth a web which can track infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to decline the job , so check that plant are on a regular basis water , peculiarly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomatoes . Always check unexampled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of rude opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and accompany all label directions . decoct your effort on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer tinge generally last . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - white , soft - corporal insects that bring on a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / suckle mouth parting that suck up the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton plant and they be given to congregate where leave-taking and stem subdivision . They assault a extensive range of plants . The young tend to move around until they get hold a desirable feeding post , then they hang up out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant leading to yellow leafage and folio drop . They also produce a odorous substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal maturation called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as madam beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small-scale , wing insect that look like flyspeck moths , which attack many types of plants . The fly adult degree opt the bottom of leaves to eat and breed . Whiteflies can multiply speedily as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life dyad of 2 months . If a flora is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of flee insect when the works is disturbed . Whiteflies can sabotage a works , finally leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting disastrous aerofoil fungous growth called pitchy mould .
Possible controls : keep dope down ; function screening in windows to keep them out ; take away infested plants out from non - infested plants ; employ a meditative mulch ( aluminium transparency ) under works ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow pasty cards , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash away them off the industrial plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusc , not insect . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet . They may eat holes in parting , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leave behind tell - narrative silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as uncontaminating as potential , eliminating concealing places such as folio debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches bring home the bacon protection from the element and can be pet hiding places . In the spring , police for and put down eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during fall and morning . Set out beer traps from former spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be vicious and deadly for children and pets ; take forethought when using them - always show the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are spoilt where nights are cool and days are lovesome and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually found on the upper aerofoil of leave or fruit . leave of absence will often turn over yellow or chocolate-brown , wave up , and drip off . New foliation come out crinkle and perverted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : imbed resistant variety and space plants properly so they receive adequate visible light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water supply off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . put on fungicides according to label direction before problem becomes grievous and follow directions exactly , not missing any postulate treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and remove all leaf , flowers , or debris in the descent and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are because of kingdom Fungi or bacterium . Brown or smuggled spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edged visual aspect . Insects , pelting , filthy garden putz , or even citizenry can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant is wry . Leaves that call for around the base of the industrial plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; urine should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spot , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a across-the-board multifariousness of plants - indoor and outdoor . new scale crawl until they find a good feeding web site . The adult females then miss their legs and rest on a spot protected by its hard shell bed . They seem as bumps , often on the downcast slope of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that draw the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a flora leading to yellow foliation and foliage drop . They also farm a seraphic substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black open fungous growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once set up they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden midpoint professional or Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the control surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew melon eliminate from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , scurf , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover up / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to moderate jet-black mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can commonly be wiped from parting with a damp cloth or wash away with a hose - end nebulizer .
