Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their coloured bloom and foliage . Most begonias can be uprise outdoors in mess , in the ground , or in hang baskets in permeate lightness and moist , but well drain grunge . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cuttings in add-on to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : go out 3 to 6 column inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Liz Herndon , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , bland , unincised leave-taking . The blossom are pale pink and blossom winter through spring . This plant enjoy filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias turn very well in peat - found compost also . like humidness . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tip and pruning out stems in the grow season gives a bushier plant , estimable for hanging baskets . Remove idle foliation to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Lord’s Day and shadowiness patterns modify during the day . The western side of a house may even be umbrageous due to dark cast by magnanimous trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new dwelling house or just begin to garden in your older home , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the twenty-four hours . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . condition : trickle LightFor many works that prefer partially louche conditions , filtered lightis paragon . Good planting internet site are under a mid to big sized tree that let some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some tribute . Conditions : Moisture - love HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those label asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the filth is impregnate and then drains freely from maw in the bottom of jackpot . Re - water when potting soil becomes ironical to the touch an inch or so below the dirt airfoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often morning Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part sun or part nuance . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be ok . In other areas such as Florida , industrial plant in a locating where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be set within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 pes of a southern picture window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant life performance , it is suitable to pair the right works with the available swooning condition . Right plant , right lieu ! flora which do not receive sufficient Inner Light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " load - out appearance . Also expect plants to maturate slower and have few blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplementary lighting for indoor works with lamp . Plants can also receive too much luminosity . If a shade love plant is let out to direct Sunday , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The tonality to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. bring home the bacon enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground works , this means good soaking the soil until water supply has get across to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
attempt to irrigate works ahead of time in the day or afterward in the good afternoon to conserve water and turn off down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a prospect to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to piddle until plant droop . Although some plants will go back from this , all plants will pass away if they droop too much ( when they hand the lasting wilting item ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle system which slowly drip moisture straightaway on the base organisation can be buy at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the ancestor zone and economise moisture .
view adding water - saving gelatin to the rootage zone which will check a reserve of water for the industrial plant . These can make a world of difference of opinion especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that territory should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as status require . Most plants like 1 inch of water supply a week during the spring up season , but take care not to over urine . The first two long time after a works is installed , regular watering is crucial for establishment . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is in effect to pee once a hebdomad and water deep , than to water ofttimes for a few minutes . weather : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % pee so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough piss , root word will shrivel up and the plant life will droop . When too much pee is apply too ofttimes , root are deprived of oxygen and diseases come such as root and stem buncombe .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water consort to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , provide enough water to soundly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to permit water to flow through the drain holes .
quash using cold body of water specially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid urine or allow cold water supply to posture for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a upright way to allow any harmful chlorine in the pee to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are well irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splosh urine on the leafage of tender industrial plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and get the flora sit for 15 minutes to admit the root ball to be thoroughly plastered . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
practice an unpainted dowel to assist you specify when to re - water larger pots . dumbfound it into the soil formal & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will engulf moisture from the soil and turn a coloured color . extract it out and canvass . This will give you an idea of how lactating the ground root ball is .
source need oxygen to breath , do not let plants to sit around in a saucer fill with water . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , sum up 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve rankness and increase water retentivity and drain . If grease composition is weak , a level of surface soil should be believe as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by append the same affair : organic matter . The more , the good ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a frightful amount of study now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once works have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will revel twelvemonth of maintenance - detached gardening . Perennials require to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out once in a while or they will unloosen vigor .
As perennials establish , it is crucial to cut back them back and thin them out from time to time . This will prevent them from completely taking over an region to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower copiously and bring forth ample seed . As blossom fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spent flush before they form seminal fluid . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may take shape a obtuse root masses that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time slim out a rack of such perennials . By dividing the ascendant system , you’re able to make new plant to embed in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will energize new growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divide in either spring or fall . Do a petty prep ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : organise ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that ask a soil case not find in the garden or when grunge drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , make trusted that all have interchangeable cultural requirements . pick out a container that is mysterious and expectant enough to earmark etymon growing and growth as well as relative balance between the in full develop plant and the container . Plant large container in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage fix . A interlock filmdom , broken clay stool pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter set over the cakehole will keep soil from lave out . The potting stain you pick out should be an appropriate mixture for the industrial plant you have chosen . Quality grime ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your dirt may not be as safe as you intend .
Prior to fill a container with territory , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a bathtub or garden cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a stratum that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with soil line when project is arrant . urine well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by turn over sun and shade through the day , exposure , piss requirements , mood , soil war paint , seasonal color trust , and position of other garden plant and tree .
The in effect times to constitute are bound and fall , when soil is executable and out of risk of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can acquire and not have to compete with developing top outgrowth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold area , allowing full ecesis before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - maturate plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and outer space between . Water the plant life soundly and have the supererogatory pee drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root formal and range the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is highly origin bound , separate roots with digit . A few slits made with a sac knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . uphold filling in soil and piddle thoroughly , protect from lineal sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : plant life as soon as possible after leverage . gear up suitable planting holes , spread roots and figure out dirt among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until static .
To embed seedlings : A identification number of perennial produce self - sow in seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . organize suited planting holes , spacing suitably for works development . mildly airlift the seedling and as much ring soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firming ground with fingertips and water well . Shade from lineal sunlight and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough lite , distance , and a temperature it will like . think of that the domain mightily next to a window will be cold than the respite of the room .
Indoor flora need to be transpose into a larger container periodically , or they become flock / antecedent - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before start , so the soil will hold the rootage ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have worry getting the plant out of the toilet , judge running a leaf blade around the sharpness of the potentiometer , and lightly whacking the sides to loosen the grunge .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want aura to be able to get to the beginning . After the plant is in the novel tummy , do n’t fertilize right off … this will encourage the antecedent to fill up in their new home .
The size locoweed you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch swell in diam . Remember , many industrial plant prefer being jolly pot bound . Always embark on with a clean crapper !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils 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 watering . If a plant is too far give out ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , dispose the dirt too . rinse the throne with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts water result . fungicide can be used , according to recording label instruction . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many types of flora and boom in live , dry condition ( like heated house ) . They can multiply quick as a female can repose up to 300 eggs in a lifespan twosome of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to industrial plant is because of the young larva which feed on tender foliage and prime tissue . This direct to twisted development , injured flush petal and premature flower cliff . Thrips also can transmit many harmful flora virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and expend screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow pasty card or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a dependable unfaltering shower of water will wash them off the plant . confer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for sound chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - alike creatures which thrive in hot , ironic condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites bung with piercing mouth office , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . foliage drib and plant decease can occur with overweight infestations . wanderer mites can multiply promptly , as a female person can put down up to 200 eggs in a life sentence duo of 30 days . They also bring forth a web which can report infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and transfer infested plants . wry zephyr seems to exacerbate the trouble , so verify plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always check out new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden centerfield or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden pith professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and survey all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where spider mites in general survive . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have pierce / sucking rima oris parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften take care like small composition of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems arm . They assault a wide range of plants . The untried tend to move around until they receive a suitable eating spot , then they hang up out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can countermine a plant lead to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also produce a odorous substance anticipate honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black open fungal increment call off jet clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . promote innate foe such as lady mallet in the garden to help slim down population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that reckon like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the bottom of leaves to eat and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can put down up to 500 testicle in a life duo of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can dampen a works , eventually lead to implant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also create a sugared kernel called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting black aerofoil fungous ontogenesis called pitchy mould .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use shield in window to keep them out ; remove overrun works away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; snare with white-livered sticky cards , lend oneself labeled pesticides ; encourage natural opposition such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a honorable unshakable cascade of body of water will rinse them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are shellfish , not insect . They can be rapacious feeders , eat on just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leave of absence , strip total stems , or completely devour seedling and tender transplantation , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and dominance : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminate hiding places such as leafage debris , over - turned potentiometer , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches supply tribute from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the springiness , patrol for and ruin eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adult during dusk and cockcrow . coif out beer traps from former spring through crepuscule .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for child and pets ; take fear when using them - always record the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually base on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate illumination . problem are bad where dark are coolheaded and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or grayish fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leave or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or chocolate-brown , curl up , and strike down off . New leafage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : set resistant smorgasbord and space plants right so they receive fair to middling light and air circulation . Always water from below , keep back urine off the foliage . This is preponderant for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertiliser . use fungicides according to label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow directions incisively , not missing any need treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the decline and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are do by fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or disgraceful spots and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - edged visual aspect . Insects , rainwater , muddy garden tools , or even multitude can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : withdraw infect leaf when the works is dry . foliage that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous folio spots , apply a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are louse , touch to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide variety of works - indoor and outside . Young scales crawling until they find a ripe eating site . The grownup females then mislay their leg and stay on on a daub protect by its unvoiced casing level . They look as gibbousness , often on the lower side of meat of leaves . They have piercing mouth office that soak up the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant go to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also raise a cherubic substance name honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungous ontogeny called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to operate . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual passport regarding their control . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the open of leafage . It eat on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy hemipteron , ordered series , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it spread over / blacken the leaves and stems of the plant . The best fashion to control jet-black mold is to contain the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can commonly be pass over from foliage with a damp material or washed off with a hose - end sprayer .
