Begonias are lovesome perennial , grown for their colourful flowers and leafage . Most begonia can be grown out of doors in pots , in the dry land , or in hanging handbasket in filtered spark and moist , but well drained soil . Where not brave , arise as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant breadth : leaves under 6 inches spacious ) The bushy ‘ Raymond George Nelson ’ begonia has attractive leafage with leaves that feature an emerald midrib . The efflorescence are white with cherry hairs . Stemming is vertical and zig - zag between the node . This flora enjoys strain light but can take some sunshine in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not wish cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning out staunch in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , good for hang . Sudden temperature change causes leave to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sun and spectre patterns exchange during the day . The western side of a house may even be suspicious due to shadows cast by large tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a new home or just beginning to garden in your old base , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true lite condition . experimental condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shadowy conditions , permeate lightis ideal . honest planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath magniloquent plants that will put up some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous water supply , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the ground surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour visible radiation that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often sunrise sun , because it is not as secure as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part tad . If you endure in an surface area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon tincture will be receive . Conditions : lustrous Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western photograph window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . atmospheric condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor estimable works public presentation , it is desirable to match the right flora with the available light conditions . Right plant , right place ! flora which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also anticipate plants to grow slower and have few salad days when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving works is exposed to lineal sun , it may wilt and/or cause parting to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The headstone to watering is water profoundly and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough piddle to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plant , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow body of water to flux through the drain golf hole .
endeavor to irrigate works early in the day or subsequently in the afternoon to conserve piss and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a opportunity to dry out from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting percentage point ) .
view water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slow drop wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden eye . Mulches can importantly cool the solution zone and maintain wet .
Consider adding piss - keep open gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of H2O for the plant . These can make a world of difference particularly under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label direction for their purpose .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grunge should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions expect . Most flora like 1 in of pee a workweek during the growing time of year , but take fear not to over water . The first two days after a plant is installed , regular lachrymation is crucial for organisation . The first year is decisive . It is good to piddle once a week and water deep , than to water oftentimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with equal water . Proper watering is essential for unspoiled plant wellness . When there is not enough piss , solution will fade and the plant will wilt . When too much piddle is use too frequently , roots are deprived of O and diseases go on such as root and stem rots .
The keystone to watering is frequency . pee well then wait long enough until the plant postulate to be re - watered allot to its moisture requirements .
When watering , weewee well . That is , provide enough H2O to exhaustively saturate the root word globe . With containerized plants , practice enough pee to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplant . This can shock tender ascendent . Fill watering can with tepid water or provide cold water to sit for a while to hail to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a salutary way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the piddle to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by wedge - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This keep off splosh water on the leaves of sensitive plants . plainly order the flowerpot in a shallow pan fill with tepid body of water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the radical ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
utilize an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will soak up moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and essay . This will give you an idea of how besotted the soil root ball is .
Roots want atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plant to sit in a saucer filled with body of water . This will only advertise disease .
Planting
A week to 10 24-hour interval before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate prolificacy and increase water retention and drainage . If territory opus is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is George Sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the better ; work late into the land . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will relish age of maintenance - free gardening . perennial require to be care for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be participating grower that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials install , it is important to cut back them back and reduce them out now and then . This will forestall them from completely taking over an region to the exception of other flora , and also will increase air circulation thereby cut down the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also flower abundantly and produce sizable seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to withdraw spent peak before they form seed . This will prevent your plant life from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce germ .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally lose weight out a bandstand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make young plants to plant in another orbit of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting alternative when there is petty or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a grunge type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant life in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow origin development and growth as well as proportional balance between the amply developed flora and the container . Plant prominent container in the spot you think them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , broken clay potty pieces(crock ) or a paper chocolate filter put over the hole will keep land from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) draw moisture pronto and evenly when crocked . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as secure as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or spot in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a horizontal surface that will grant plant life , when plant , to be just below the rim of the potty . Rootballs should be unwavering with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Dominicus and shade through the day , exposure , weewee requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and spatial relation of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to imbed are saltation and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of hoar . Fall planting have the reward that roots can modernize and not have to compete with grow top maturation as in the leaping . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder area , allowing full organisation before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless plant a more establish sized flora .
To plant container - grow plants : cook planting holes with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and have the redundant water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loose the origin ball and place the works in the mess , do work soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is exceedingly root bound , separate root word with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are o.k. , but should be proceed to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant spare - root plant : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting trap , spread out etymon and work soil among roots as you replete in . Water well and protect from direct sun until static .
To engraft seedling : A bit of perennial grow self - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling bottom for transplantation . Prepare suited planting holes , space appropriately for industrial plant development . mildly airlift the seedling and as much surrounding grease as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from lineal sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have opt is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough lightheaded , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the country right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their increase is retarded . Water the industrial plant well before starting , so the dirt will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have problem get the plant out of the pot , render running a blade around the sharpness of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loose the territory .
Always use fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the industrial plant gently with stain , being heedful not to compact too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will promote the roots to occupy in their new home .
The size of it slew you select is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being middling pot bound . Always bug out with a clean skunk !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil 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 is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss out the soil too . wash away the jackpot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label counsel . Consult a professional person for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in blistering , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . They can procreate promptly as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a life twosome of 45 days without pairing . Most of the damage to plant is cause by the young larvae which give on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured prime flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can beam many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . off or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural foe such as predatory mite . Sometimes a respectable steady shower of water will wash them off the flora . Consult your local garden nerve centre professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemical good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , ironic condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites run with piercing mouth parts , which cause plant to appear yellowish and stippled . Leaf drib and plant death can happen with heavy infestations . Spider mites can breed quickly , as a female can set up to 200 ballock in a life sentence span of 30 day . They also produce a connection which can cover infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so make certain plant are regularly water , especially those preferring gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always check raw plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden nub professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaf as that is where wanderer hint by and large live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied louse that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaves and stem ramification . They attack a all-inclusive reach of plant . The unseasoned tend to move around until they regain a suitable eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a works leading to yellow foliation and leafage drop . They also get a sweet subject matter called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal outgrowth called jet mold .
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 passport . Encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to avail reduce population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that await like tiny moths , which attack many types of plant . The flying grownup stage favour the underside of leafage to bung and breed . Whiteflies can breed quickly as a female person can place up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to found death if they are not determine . They can beam many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a sweetened substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called pitchy mould .
Possible control : keep dope down ; use screen in window to keep them out ; polish off infested plants off from non - infested plant life ; use a pensive mulch ( atomic number 13 hydrofoil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky card , put on pronounce pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a proficient steadfast shower of water system will dampen them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not worm . They can be ravenous feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire stems , or wholly devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy lead .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as sporty as potential , eliminating concealing place such as leaf debris , over - turned pot , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide aegis from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destruct egg ( clusters of pocket-sized translucent field ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from tardy leaping through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market place , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always register the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or passable light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery ashen or gray fungus is usually discover on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellowish or brown , curl up up , and drop off . New foliage come forth scrunch and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : engraft resistant varieties and distance plants properly so they receive adequate light and strain circulation . Always water from below , keeping pee off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply antimycotic according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - pick up and bump off all leaves , bloom , or debris in the fall and ruin . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are make by fungi or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or round , with a body of water soaked or yellow - border appearance . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden tools , or even people can aid its paste .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the flora is dry . leave that garner around the base of the works should be raked up and disposed of . fend off overhead irrigation if possible ; H2O should be organise at dirt horizontal surface . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label counselling .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insect , associate to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a broad variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . untried scales front crawl until they get a good feeding site . The adult female person then fall behind their legs and remain on a berth protect by its hard shell stratum . They seem as gibbosity , often on the lowly sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth part that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . graduated table can weaken a plant run to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also produce a honeyed substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black control surface fungous growth called pitchy mould .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard to manipulate . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden shopping center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . further instinctive enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is found on the surface of parting . It feeds on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bugs , ordered series , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / scorch the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to control coal-black mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a dampish material or washed aside with a hose - close sprayer .
