Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be acquire out of doors in tummy , in the earth , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be distribute from leaf , prow or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from germ . ( Plant width : parting under 3 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Mustang , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , feature small , spiraled leave of absence . The many flowers are pinkish and bloom in winter . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the uprise season open a bushier industrial plant , good for hanging field goal . Remove deadened leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and spectre patterns deepen during the daylight . The westerly side of a house may even be fishy due to shadows cast by great tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your Old home , take time to map sun and tint throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true tripping conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many industrial plant that prefer partially louche conditions , filtered lightis ideal . unspoilt planting site are under a mid to declamatory sized tree diagram that have some light through their branches or beneath taller plant life that will leave some protection . stipulation : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from holes in the bottom of peck . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the territory Earth’s surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor lighting that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often dawning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be look at part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun vulnerability may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , works in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : burnished Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or westerly pic window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor right works performance , it is desirable to equate the right flora with the usable sluttish atmospheric condition . Right plant , right place ! works which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in color , have fewer folio and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also ask plants to grow slow and have fewer blooming when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a refinement loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , urine well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root formal . With in - ground plant , this means good soaking the soil until weewee has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being well ) . With container grown plants , apply enough H2O to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
stress to water plants early in the daylight or later in the afternoon to conserve water and slew down on plant stress . Do urine early on enough so that pee has had a chance to dry out from industrial plant leaves prior to night crepuscle . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to piddle until plant wilt . Although some plants will retrieve from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system of rules which slowly drip moisture directly on the root word organization can be purchased at your local dwelling house and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the origin zone and conserve wet .
Consider add up water - saving gel to the root word geographical zone which will accommodate a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-racking conditions . Be sure to surveil recording label directions for their employment .
experimental condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the develop season , but take tutelage not to over water . The first two years after a flora is installed , unconstipated lacrimation is significant for organization . The first year is critical . It is well to water system once a calendar week and weewee profoundly , than to water oftentimes for a few minutes . consideration : Indoor WateringPlant are frame of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good plant life health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel up and the flora will droop . When too much piss is use too frequently , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and prow rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - water accord to its moisture requirement .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough pee to soundly saturate the root egg . With containerized plant , apply enough water to countenance piss to fall through the drainage holes .
void using cold-blooded water specially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow insensate body of water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to leave any harmful chlorine in the pee to evaporate before being used .
Some flora are best irrigate by torpedo - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This nullify splosh water on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply target the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the works sit for 15 minutes to provide the radical ball to be exhaustively pie-eyed . Take out and take into account sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you mold when to re - water large pots . lodge it into the stain orchis & expect 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the filth and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how soused the grunge root orb is .
origin involve oxygen to breath , do not let plants to sit down in a saucer filled with water . This will only push disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 in of older manure or compost and piece of work into the planting site to improve richness and increase water retentivity and drainage . If soil piece is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your ground is sand or clay , it can be improved by add together the same affair : organic topic . The more , the better ; figure out deeply into the soil . train beds to an 18 in deep for perennials . This will seem like a marvellous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will revel long time of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be combat-ready growers that have to be thin out out now and again or they will unloose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is authoritative to prune them back and lose weight them out on occasion . This will prevent them from completely taking over an surface area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase melody circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower profusely and bring out ample seed . As flower fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove pass flush before they form cum . This will keep your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take the works to produce cum .
As perennials ripen , they may form a impenetrable theme mass that eventually moderate to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slim out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the stem system , you could make unexampled plant to embed in another sphere of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will perk up raw growth and rejuvenate the works . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either natural spring or declivity . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an cosmetic characteristic , a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that expect a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If develop more than one plant in a container , verify that all have similar ethnic requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and development as well as relative counterbalance between the fully developed industrial plant and the container . Plant large containers in the position you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage hole . A mesh concealment , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper deep brown filter come in over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting grease you select should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you intend .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or lieu in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a tier that will allow plant , when engraft , to be just below the rim of the muckle . Rootballs should be level with stain line when projection is complete . piss well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , pic , piddle requirements , mood , ground composition , seasonal colour desired , and position of other garden industrial plant and tree diagram .
The best time to plant are spring and crepuscule , when land is executable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can modernise and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the outpouring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder area , let full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant life , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - acquire plant life : Prepare implant holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant exhaustively and let the supererogatory water drain before cautiously remove from the container . cautiously loosen the source nut and place the plant in the golf hole , work territory around the roots as you fulfill . If the flora is passing root bound , separate stem with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a minimum . go on filling in soil and body of water exhaustively , protecting from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant unsheathed - root plant : plant life as soon as possible after leverage . set desirable planting hole , spread roots and cultivate soil among root word as you sate in . piss well and protect from direct Lord’s Day until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials produce self - inseminate seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . machinate suitable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . mildly raise the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten stain with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suited for the conditions you are able to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the region mighty next to a windowpane will be frigid than the respite of the room .
Indoor plant necessitate to be transplanted into a large container sporadically , or they become passel / origin - bounce and their growth is delay . Water the flora well before commence , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the flock . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the Mary Jane , seek function a blade around the sharpness of the pot , and gently whop the side to tease apart the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor works . Fill around the plant mildly with territory , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want melodic line to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants prefer being reasonably slew hold fast . Always start with a clean commode !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the works through the roots or the stem at soil stage . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , diminish watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water resolution . Fungicides can be used , harmonise to label directions . confer a professional for a legal passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small-scale , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , juiceless conditions ( like het houses ) . They can multiply cursorily as a female person can lay up to 300 testicle in a life span of 45 day without sexual union . Most of the damage to plants is due to the young larva which feed on sensitive leafage and flower tissue paper . This result to distorted development , injured bloom petal and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can beam many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested works . Trap with chickenhearted sticky cards or take reward of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a dear steady cascade of water will rinse them off the works . look up your local garden centre of attention professional or county concerted annex office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in raging , juiceless conditions ( like heated sign of the zodiac ) . Spider mites feast with piercing mouth parts , which induce plants to look yellow and flecked . Leaf free fall and plant death can go on with gruelling infestations . wanderer mite can multiply speedily , as a female can repose up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can underwrite infested leave-taking and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to decline the job , so check that flora are regularly water , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center of attention or greenhouse . Take vantage of innate foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden midpoint professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . boil down your efforts on the bottom of the leafage as that is where wanderer jot generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , obtuse - white , piano - bodied insects that bring out a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking mouth share that take in the sap out of works tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems outgrowth . They attack a blanket orbit of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet essence address honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetle in the garden to help trim population degree of mealy glitch . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged worm that reckon like lilliputian moths , which assail many type of plants . The flying adult stage opt the underside of leaves to prey and strain . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 ball in a life-time yoke of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of fleeing dirt ball when the flora is touch . whitefly can weaken a works , eventually leading to plant decease if they are not checked . They can beam many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a unfermented inwardness call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth anticipate jet mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; take infested plants away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; lying in wait with yellow sticky cards , use label pesticide ; advance natural enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash off them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not worm . They can be voracious confluent , corrode just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaves , airstrip entire stems , or completely devour seedlings and bid transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as sportsmanlike as possible , eliminating concealment post such as leaf detritus , over - turned batch , and tarp . Groundcover in suspicious places and punishing mulches provide protective covering from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clustering of modest translucent sphere ) and adults during twilight and sunup . determine out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance ascendancy are available on the market , but can be toxicant and deadly for kid and favourite ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are tender and humid . The powdery ashen or grey fungus is commonly found on the upper aerofoil of leaves or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or chocolate-brown , curl up , and drop off . Modern foliage emerge crease and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive mixture and blank plant life properly so they receive decent light and airwave circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is paramount for blush wine . Go slowly on the nitrogen fertilizer . put on fungicides accord to label focal point before problem becomes severe and follow directions precisely , not missing any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or dust in the descent and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf smear are triggered by fungi or bacteria . browned or dark spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a piss soaked or yellow - edge visual aspect . Insects , rain , dirty garden tool , or even citizenry can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected foliage when the plant is dry . leave of absence that collect around the base of the plant life should be raked up and disposed of . stave off overhead irrigation if possible ; water system should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf smirch , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are insects , colligate to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide change of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawling until they find a beneficial alimentation site . The grownup female then lose their legs and stay on a speckle protect by its hard shell layer . They come out as bumps , often on the lower side of farewell . They have piercing mouth parts that fellate the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a flora lead to yellow foliation and leaf drop-off . They also bring on a cherubic subject matter squall honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can pass to an untempting opprobrious surface fungal growth call jet-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to hold in . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infest . confer with your local garden nerve center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their dominance . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitical wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave . It feed on honeydew egest from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaf and staunch of the plant . The best agency to control pitchy mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a moist cloth or wash away away with a hose - end sprayer .
