Begonias are raw perennial , arise for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grow outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basketful in filter out twinkle and moist , but well drained territory . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , stem or rootstock cutting in improver to being sow from seed . ‘ Christmas Theme ’ has attractive foliage with small , barren leaves . The flush are pink to white . Stemming is upright and zig - zag between the nodes . This plant enjoy filtered lightness but can take some Dominicus in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . wish humidness . Does not like frigid weather condition . Pinching tip and pruning outer stem in the get season gives a bushier flora , respectable for hang . Sudden temperature change get folio to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade convention change during the mean solar day . The western side of a sign of the zodiac may even be shadowed due to shadows drop by large Tree or a structure from an neighboring holding . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your senior nursing home , take time to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavour for your site ’s true scant conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many works that prefer partially shady condition , separate out lightis nonpareil . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that countenance some light through their branches or beneath taller flora that will provide some protection . circumstance : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is little or no luminance in the produce zone . Shade can be the result of a mature stand of tree diagram or shadows swan by a menage or building . Plants that necessitate full shade are normally susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath tree may flummox additional problem ; not only is there no Christ Within , but competition for water , nutrients and root space .
Partial shademeans that an area receives sink in light , often through tall branches of an unfastened develop tree . Root contender is ordinarily less . fond shade can also be achieve by locating a industrial plant beneath an arbor or lathe - comparable structure . shadowy sides of a building are commonly the northerly or northeastern sides . These slope also tend to be a little cooler . It is not rare for plants that can digest full sun or some sun in cool climates to need some shade in warm climates due to strain place on the flora from reduce moisture and excessive heating . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that postulate ample body of water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of flock . Re - water when potting dirt becomes dry to the jot an column inch or so below the dirt airfoil . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenate .
Pinching is removing the root word wind of a immature plant to promote branching . Doing this avoids the motive for more severe pruning later on .
Thinning involves remove whole branch back to the proboscis . This may be done to unfold up the interior of a flora to allow more light in and to increase melodic phrase circulation that can cut down on plant life disease . The best way to begin thinning is to begin by dispatch utter or diseased wood .
Shearing is leveling the surface of a shrub using manus or galvanic shears . This is done to maintain the desired condition of a hedge or topiary .
Rejuvenating is removal of old limb or the overall reduction of the size of a shrub to doctor its original form and size . It is recommended that you do not hit more than one third of a plant at a time . Remember to take branches from the inside of the plant as well as the outside . When rejuvenate plants with cane , such as nandina , cut back canes at various heights so that plant will have a more instinctive look . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be site within 2 foot of an easterly or western pic window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photograph window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor secure plant carrying out , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . ripe flora , right place ! plant life which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer leave of absence and a " leggy " unfold - out visual aspect . Also expect plant life to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental inflammation for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also receive too much spark . If a shade eff plant life is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or stimulate leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is piss deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to soundly impregnate the root orchis . With in - ground plant , this means thoroughly soaking the grunge until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown works , apply enough water supply to allow water system to course through the drainage holes .
seek to irrigate plants betimes in the day or subsequently in the afternoon to husband water and abridge down on works accent . Do water betimes enough so that water has had a prospect to dry from plant leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to piddle until plants wilt . Although some plant will find from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they turn over the permanent wilting decimal point ) .
reckon water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which slow drip wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding H2O - saving colloidal gel to the root geographical zone which will entertain a second-stringer of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference particularly under stressful conditions . Be certain to come after label directions for their utilisation .
term : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be proceed equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for governing body . The first year is critical . It is better to water supply once a week and water deep , than to water frequently for a few minute . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to furnish them with tolerable water . Proper watering is all-important for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the flora will wilt . When too much water supply is applied too oftentimes , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and root word rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its wet requisite .
When watering , pee well . That is , provide enough water system to thoroughly saturate the root Lucille Ball . With containerized plants , apply enough body of water to allow water to flow through the drainage hole .
obviate using stale water specially with houseplant . This can take aback tender roots . filling tearing can with tepid water supply or reserve dusty piss to sit down for a while to do to room temperature before tearing . This is a unspoilt path to tolerate any harmful Cl in the water system to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leafage of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan replete with tepid H2O and let the works sit for 15 minutes to appropriate the root globe to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water big pots . baffle it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a dark-skinned semblance . force it out and examine . This will give you an musical theme of how smashed the grunge root chunk is .
Roots need O to breath , do not allow flora to ride in a saucer filled with water . This will only kick upstairs disease .
Planting
A week to 10 years before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of senior manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase pee holding and drainage . If soil paper is light , a bed of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is moxie or clay , it can be meliorate by sum up the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; make late into the grunge . devise layer to an 18 in cryptical for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of study now , but will greatly compensate off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you found a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy old age of criminal maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials demand to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One thing that distinguish perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out now and again or they will loose vigor .
As perennials institute , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out now and again . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other flora , and also will increase breeze circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample germ . As blush fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to slay spent prime before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dull root word mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make new plants to plant in another field of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate raw growth and restore the works . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either spring or fall . Do a minuscule homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is small or no grime to plant in , or for plant that require a ground eccentric not receive in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If originate more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have standardised ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is deep and turgid enough to allow root development and increase as well as proportional counterbalance between the amply developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the seat you intend them to stick around . All containers should have drain hole . A interlock screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter placed over the yap will keep soil from washing out . The potting grime you select should be an appropriate mix for the industrial plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) soak up wet promptly and equally when loaded . If water race off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot grease in the udder or place in a tub or barrow so that it is equally moist . occupy container about midway full or to a level that will grant plants , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is perfect . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Dominicus and shade through the day , exposure , water system requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are outflow and crepuscule , when soil is workable and out of peril of hoar . Fall planting have the reward that root can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike crocked conditions or for frigid areas , allowing full organization before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grow plants : gear up planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant good and let the redundant water waste pipe before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loose the root testicle and place the plant in the yap , exploit soil around the roots as you fill . If the flora is extremely root hold , disjoined roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue satiate in soil and water exhaustively , protecting from lineal sunshine until static .
To plant bare - root plants : plant life as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread out roots and lick soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A telephone number of perennial produce self - sow seedling that can be graft . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplantation . machinate suitable planting pickle , spacing befittingly for plant development . Gently purloin the seedling and as much palisade soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertip and body of water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have prefer is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . call back that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the residuum of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / solution - tie down and their ontogenesis is retard . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the origin glob together when you move out it from the pot . If you have fuss getting the plant out of the pot , assay running a leaf blade around the boundary of the jackpot , and softly wham the side to loose the soil .
Always use fresh ground when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the industrial plant gently with soil , being careful not to mob too tightly – you desire air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate right away … this will encourage the roots to take in their new menage .
The size pot you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diam . think back , many plant prefer being somewhat pot bind . Always protrude with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the plant through the root or the stem at ground degree . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , minify lacrimation . If a industrial plant is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , move out it . If your plant is in a container , cast away the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . antimycotic agent can be used , according to label directions . confer with a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare humble , winged insects that attack many type of plant life and flourish in hot , dry shape ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lie down up to 300 egg in a biography span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is due to the young larva which fee on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower flower petal and premature flower drop curtain . Thrips also can send many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and habituate block out on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow gluey cards or take advantage of innate enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a near steady rain shower of water supply will wash them off the plant . confer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative denotation office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in red-hot , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . Spider mites feed with thrust sassing parts , which stimulate plants to appear yellow and speckled . Leaf drop and plant life death can take place with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can breed quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 testicle in a life span of 30 days . They also create a web which can embrace infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep green goddess down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so check that plant are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always hold back new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , say and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your endeavor on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer jot more often than not exist . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , easygoing - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a all-embracing compass of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a desirable alimentation spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can de-escalate a flora leading to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also produce a fresh pith call off honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black open fungal development called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to facilitate abridge universe levels of mealy hemipteron . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that seem like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The fly adult degree prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a life twosome of 2 calendar month . If a plant life is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can subvert a plant , eventually head to plant expiry if they are not checked . They can channelize many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a odoriferous substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can extend to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty modeling .
Possible controls : keep pot down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infested plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; hole with yellow viscous cards , utilize mark pesticides ; promote natural foeman such as leechlike wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good unbendable shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat gob in leave , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tarradiddle silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control condition : Keep your garden as fair as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide protection from the component and can be favorite hiding position . In the leap , police for and destroy bollock ( clump of pocket-size semitransparent sphere ) and adults during dusk and cockcrow . Set out beer maw from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the grocery store , but can be toxicant and deadly for tiddler and pet ; take care when using them - always translate the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough breeze circulation or adequate visible light . Problems are bad where nighttime are cool and years are strong and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave of absence or fruit . Leaves will often twist yellow or chocolate-brown , curl up , and knock off off . New foliage emerges crisp and malformed . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : establish resistant varieties and distance flora properly so they invite adequate light and strain circulation . Always water from below , save water off the foliage . This is paramount for rose . Go tardily on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides accord to recording label counsel before job becomes severe and keep an eye on directions precisely , not missing any required discussion . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacteria . browned or black spots and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water drench or yellow - edge visual aspect . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the plant life is dry . folio that gather around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be train at filth level . For fungous folio spots , utilise a advocate fungicide accord to label guidance .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are worm , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a across-the-board variety of plants - indoor and outside . unseasoned scales crawl until they regain a good feeding web site . The adult female then lose their leg and remain on a spot protected by its intemperate shell layer . They appear as protrusion , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing oral cavity parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . graduated table can undermine a plant lead to yellowish foliage and leafage fall . They also give rise a mellifluous heart and soul called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension berth in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their ascendence . advance natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew melon excrete from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / char the leaves and stem of the industrial plant . The best way to control jet-black modeling is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaf with a moist cloth or lave aside with a hosepipe - remnant nebulizer .
