Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grow out of doors in pots , in the priming , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Ethel Arnold ’ , grows from an erect rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , sport non - spiral leafage that are often colored and pattern . This plant savor filtered brightness level but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia arise very well in peat - establish compost also . like humidness . Does not wish cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer halt in the grow season gives a bushier works , unspoiled for hang baskets . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and refinement patterns shift during the daytime . The western side of a house may even be umbrageous due to shadows vagabond by large tree or a structure from an contiguous prop . If you have just bought a new abode or just beginning to garden in your aged home , take sentence to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your internet site ’s true clear condition . Conditions : strain LightFor many plant that prefer partially shady condition , dribble lightis saint . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some Light Within through their arm or beneath taller plant life that will cater some protection . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that expect ample water system , or those labeled asmoisture - know houseplantsrequire that they be water good until the grime is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of potful . Re - urine when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt sparkle that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is significant to them . Often cockcrow sun , because it is not as hard as afternoon sun , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you survive in an arena that does not get much intense Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , works in a location where good afternoon shadowiness will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be localize within 2 groundwork of an easterly or westerly photo window or within 2 to 5 animal foot of a southern exposure windowpane . atmospheric condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant execution , it is desirable to equate the correct plant with the available light conditions . correct flora , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient Christ Within may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also require plants to grow obtuse and have few flush when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide auxiliary firing for indoor plant with lamp . plant life can also receive too much light . If a subtlety fuck plant life is exposed to unmediated sunlight , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to tearing is piddle deeply and less frequently . When tearing , body of water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means soundly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to irrigate plants early in the day or later on in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant strain . Do water system too soon enough so that water supply has had a opportunity to dry from plant leaves prior to night drop . This is paramount if you have had fungus job .
Do n’t look to H2O until plants wilt . Although some plant will reclaim from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting distributor point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip arrangement which easy drip moisture directly on the etymon system can be buy at your local menage and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve wet .
turn over adding urine - saving colloidal gel to the ascendent geographical zone which will defend a reserve of water for the industrial plant . These can make a macrocosm of dispute especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to espouse label focal point for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that territory should be kept equally moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 inch of water a hebdomad during the mature season , but take charge not to over pee . The first two age after a plant is installed , regular watering is of import for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to water once a week and water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few transactions . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for good works health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much H2O is applied too ofttimes , roots are deprived of O and disease occur such as theme and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant necessitate to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When watering , urine well . That is , allow for enough pee to thoroughly saturate the root musket ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to grant piss to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using frigid water specially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or set aside cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing weewee on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply lay the dope in a shallow cooking pan filled with tepid water and let the works sit for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be thoroughly stiff . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you specify when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil orb & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb wet from the ground and turn a darker colour . take out it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the filth source clump is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer satisfy with pee . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , summate 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting situation to improve fertility and increase weewee retention and drainage . If soil piece of music is light , a stratum of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is gumption or clay , it can be improved by add the same thing : organic matter . The more , the good ; play deep into the soil . ready beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly give off subsequently . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once industrial plant have been ground . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not think that you will savour years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials take to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thin out out occasionally or they will relax vigor .
As perennial lay down , it is significant to prune them back and thin them out at times . This will prevent them from completely take over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also flower abundantly and get rich seed . As blossom slice it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spent flower before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from sow all over the garden and will conserve the considerable push it takes the works to farm seed .
As perennials mature , they may take form a dense source bulk that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to at times lose weight out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you could make young plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will cause new growth and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or crepuscule . Do a fiddling preparation ; some perennial do have a taste . How - to : educate ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting selection when there is little or no grime to plant in , or for works that require a territory case not found in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is deficient . If grow more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have standardised cultural requirements . Choose a container that is recondite and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional Libra between the fully grow plant and the container . establish big container in the place you intend them to rest . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee berry filter order over the cakehole will keep soil from wash out . The potting grease you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) engross moisture readily and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with filth , wet potting soil in the bag or topographic point in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a layer that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the throne . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when labor is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by consider sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal coloration desired , and position of other garden flora and trees .
The best meter to embed are spring and gloam , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can originate and not have to compete with develop top increase as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike wet condition or for frigid areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more set up sized industrial plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare plant hole with appropriate depth and blank between . Water the plant thoroughly and lease the excess water waste pipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the antecedent ball and place the plant in the cakehole , do work soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is highly root bound , disjoined ascendent with fingers . A few slits made with a scoop tongue are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in territory and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sunshine until static .
To plant bare - root plant : Plant as shortly as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting hole , propagate roots and work soil among root as you fill in . urine well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To engraft seedling : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplant . You may also protrude your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for works development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it straight off , firming soil with fingertip and H2O well . Shade from verbatim Dominicus and pee regularly until unchanging . 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 . Remember that the area decent next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the industrial plant well before start , so the soil will bear the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a steel around the edge of the pot , and mildly wallop the side to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh grunge when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the works mildly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new peck , do n’t fertilize in good order away … this will encourage the base to fill in their newfangled home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot spring . Always start with a light raft !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most grime and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant life is too far conk ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss out the soil too . wash out the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water root . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . refer a pro for a sound good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many types of plant and thrive in hot , wry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can procreate quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a lifetime span of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to works is cause by the young larva which course on tippy foliage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted maturation , injured peak petals and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can channel many harmful flora viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep Mary Jane down and use riddle on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest industrial plant , keep them away from non - infested works . Trap with yellow glutinous cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory speck . Sometimes a upright steady shower of water will wash them off the plant life . look up your local garden center professional or county concerted extension place for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in red-hot , dry conditions ( like het up house ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouth part , which make plants to come along scandalmongering and dotted . Leaf drop and plant demise can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer speck can multiply speedily , as a female can lay up to 200 ballock in a liveliness span of 30 days . They also bring out a web which can underwrite infested leave and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . teetotal melodic line seems to exasperate the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis watered , 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 glasshouse . Take advantage of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension bureau , learn and follow all label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leave as that is where wanderer speck generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , obtuse - white , soft - bodied worm that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck in mouthpiece parts that fellate the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small slice of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems leg . They assault a broad range of plants . The young tend to move around until they feel a suitable feeding stain , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf cliff . They also raise a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive sinister surface fungous emergence call sooty mold .
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 sound insecticide / chemical passport . promote natural foe such as lady beetles in the garden to serve reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged worm that calculate like flyspeck moth , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult level prefers the underside of leave-taking to give and strain . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can rest up to 500 ballock in a sprightliness span of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not checker . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant virus . They also produce a sweet substance promise honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can top to an untempting black open fungal growth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep sess down ; economic consumption screen in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plants away from non - infested plants ; use a pensive mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; sand trap with yellow gummy cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady rain shower of water will dampen them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious birdfeeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat fix in leaves , strip total root , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplantation , leaving behind tell - tarradiddle silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , obviate concealing seat such as foliage junk , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in louche place and threatening mulch provide protection from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the natural spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . ready out beer traps from tardy leaping through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be vicious and deadly for children and pets ; take fear when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough tune circulation or equal light source . trouble are worse where nights are coolheaded and twenty-four hour period are fond and humid . The powdery blanched or grizzly fungus is usually discover on the upper control surface of leave or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or browned , curl up , and drop off . newfangled foliage egress scrunch up and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often send away early .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent varieties and space plants right so they find adequate visible light and aura circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for rose . Go soft on the nitrogen fertilizer . use fungicides according to recording label counsel before job becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not neglect any ask treatments . Sanitation is a must - pick up and take away all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spotlight are due to fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or black smear and temporary hookup may be either ragged or circular , with a piddle soaked or yellow - edge appearance . insect , rain , contaminating garden prick , or even people can help its gap .
Prevention and Control : dispatch infect leaves when the plant is dry . leafage that collect around the understructure of the plant should be rake up and put away of . nullify overhead irrigation if potential ; pee should be aim at soil horizontal surface . For fungous folio spots , apply a recommended fungicide according to recording label direction .
pesterer : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy microbe , that can be a job on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scales Australian crawl until they find a good alimentation website . The adult female then miss their leg and stay on a spot protect by its hard shell stratum . They seem as extrusion , often on the lower side of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale of measurement can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also produce a gratifying substance holler honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black control surface fungous growth called sooty clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Once demonstrate they are arduous to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden shopping mall professional or Cooperative Extension office staff in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . Encourage raw foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is constitute on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy glitch , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it get across / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The good way to control jet-black mould is to operate the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - oddment sprayer .
