Begonias are tippy perennial , grow for their colourful prime and leaf . Most begonias can be mature alfresco in stack , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered Light Within and moist , but well drained soil . Where not brave , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be disseminate from leafage , theme or rootstalk cut in plus to being sow in from seed . The cultivar , ‘ Mrs. A. G. Shepherd , ’ mature from an just rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring non - spiral parting that are often colored and patterned . This plant relish permeate light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias mature very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Does not care moth-eaten weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the growing season kick in a bushy plant life , good for hanging baskets . Remove stagnant foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and wraith blueprint change during the day . The western side of a house may even be umbrageous due to apparition cast by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a bodily structure from an adjacent attribute . If you have just grease one’s palms a new home or just beginning to garden in your one-time abode , take time to map Dominicus and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s lawful light conditions . weather : Filtered LightFor many plants that favor part shady conditions , percolate lightis ideal . proficient planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some Inner Light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will allow for some protective cover . weather condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask plenteous water , or those mark asmoisture - bonk houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the land is saturated and then enfeeble freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the tinge an inch or so below the soil control surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is sink in . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sunshine , can be regard part sun or part shade . If you hold up in an area that does not get much acute Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photograph may be ok . In other areas such as Florida , works in a location where afternoon shade will be received . condition : brilliant Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora performance , it is worthy to gibe the correct plant with the uncommitted light conditions . right-hand plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become sick in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also have a bun in the oven plant to grow slower and have fewer blooms when spark is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental light for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also receive too much light . If a nicety make out plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or induce leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , piddle well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root orchis . With in - ground plants , this means soundly sop the soil until body of water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage kettle of fish .
seek to irrigate plants early in the day or afterward in the good afternoon to economize water and cut down on plant stress . Do weewee early enough so that weewee has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to Nox fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t waitress to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble system of rules which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden nerve center . Mulches can importantly chill the root geographical zone and economise moisture .
Consider adding water - salvage gel to the ascendant zone which will hold a reserve of piddle for the plant . These can make a cosmos of difference especially under trying conditions . Be sure to follow label directions for their use .
weather : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be maintain equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the arise time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two eld after a flora is set up , unconstipated watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is safe to body of water once a week and piss deeply , than to water oftentimes for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to render them with adequate urine . Proper lachrymation is essential for beneficial plant health . When there is not enough H2O , solution will wither and the works will wilt . When too much body of water is applied too oft , roots are strip of O and diseases pass such as stem and stem guff .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then look long enough until the industrial plant require to be re - watered allot to its moisture requisite .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to good saturate the theme ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow water supply to flow through the drainage holes .
stave off using stale water especially with houseplants . This can shock bid roots . filling watering can with tepid water or take into account cold water to sit for a while to follow to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to provide any harmful atomic number 17 in the water supply to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water supply on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water system and lease the plant life sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and provide sufficient drainage .
practice an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will take in moisture from the soil and turn a dour color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how besotted the soil theme ball is .
root need atomic number 8 to breath , do not earmark plants to sit in a saucer replete with piddle . This will only push disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water system retention and drainage . If dirt musical composition is weak , a bed of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improve by sum the same affair : constitutional issue . The more , the better ; wreak deep into the dirt . Prepare beds to an 18 inch cryptic 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 easily done later on , once works have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of care - free gardening . perennial ask to be care for just like any other flora . One thing that discover perennial is that they incline to be active raiser that have to be reduce out occasionally or they will unloosen dynamism .
As perennials set up , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out occasionally . This will forbid them from completely taking over an area to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also flower extravagantly and produce plenteous seed . As flush disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it takes the works to farm source .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slim down out a stand of such perennials . By split up the root system , you’re able to make young plant to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either natural spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to constitute in , or for works that require a soil type not found in the garden or when grime drainage in the garden is subscript . If develop more than one plant in a container , make certain that all have similar ethnic requirements . prefer a container that is deep and great enough to admit root word ontogeny and growth as well as relative proportionality between the fully developed plant and the container . constitute prominent containers in the space you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain hole . A mesh silver screen , fall apart Lucius Clay corporation pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter place over the hole will keep stain from washing out . The potting dirt you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or land - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when wet . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your territory may not be as safe as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting grime in the udder or spot in a bathing tub or lawn cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will let plants , when institute , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when labor is over . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden industrial plant and trees .
The better times to plant are spring and pin , when stain is workable and out of danger of hoarfrost . Fall planting have the advantage that radical can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , reserve full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless implant a more established sized works .
To found container - arise plants : fix planting trap with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant soundly and let the excess water drain before carefully remove from the container . Carefully untie the root ball and place the plant in the gob , working grease around the root as you satisfy . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate roots with finger . A few slit made with a pocket tongue are o.k. , but should be hold back to a minimum . Continue filling in filth and water thoroughly , protect from verbatim Dominicus until stable .
To institute bare - source plant : Plant as shortly as possible after purchase . gear up suitable planting holes , overspread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing suitably for plant evolution . Gently hook the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants postulate to be transplanted into a large container periodically , or they become pot / source - bound and their growth is slow . irrigate the flora well before starting , so the dirt will hold the root testis together when you remove it from the green goddess . If you have trouble get the plant out of the pot , try range a blade around the edge of the mass , and lightly whack the sides to tease apart the soil .
Always use fresh grime when transplanting your indoor works . Fill around the plant gently with dirt , being thrifty not to pack too tightly – you need air to be able-bodied to get to the etymon . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right aside … this will encourage the root to fill in their new habitation .
The sizing pot you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the industrial plant through the solution or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , diminish watering . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , slay it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grease too . lave the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . confer with a professional person for a legal passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many eccentric of plants and prosper in blistering , dry condition ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lie down up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 day without coupling . Most of the terms to plants is because of the young larvae which give on tender leaf and flower tissue . This moderate to distorted growth , injured flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can channel many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep locoweed down and habituate screening on windows to keep them out . take away or discard infested plant life , keep them out from non - infested works . Trap with scandalmongering gluey cards or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory soupcon . Sometimes a good firm shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . refer your local garden core professional or county Cooperative denotation office for sound chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , wanderer - comparable creatures which thrive in red-hot , wry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . Spider mite feed with thrust sass parts , which have plant life to appear yellow-bellied and specked . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestation . Spider mites can multiply speedily , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life-time span of 30 day . They also create a web which can cover infested leave and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep mourning band down and move out infested flora . ironic airwave seems to worsen the job , so check that plants are on a regular basis water , especially those favor in high spirits humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of rude enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension berth , read and follow all recording label directions . condense your endeavor on the underside of the leaves as that is where spider mites broadly speaking know . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , flabby - incarnate louse that farm a waxy powdery cover . They have pierce / sucking backtalk percentage that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like little pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaves and stem offshoot . They attack a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a worthy eating dapple , then they flow out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet message called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can go to an unattractive smuggled aerofoil fungous outgrowth called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . advance lifelike enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help slim down population level of mealy hemipterous insect . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which lash out many type of plant life . The flying grownup level prefers the underside of leaf to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply promptly as a female can pose up to 500 eggs in a life dyad of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a swarm of take flight louse when the plant life is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant life , eventually leading to imbed death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also farm a fresh substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth call jet-black mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; employment screen in windowpane to keep them out ; remove infest plants out from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , go for labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a practiced steady rain shower of water will wash them off the plant life . Pest : biff and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat on holes in leaves , strip full stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , will behind tell - story silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealing position such as leaf rubble , over - turn potbelly , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch leave trade protection from the element and can be preferred hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and aurora . Set out beer traps from recent spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be toxicant and deadly for children and pets ; take care when using them - always record the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where nights are nerveless and solar day are quick and humid . The powdery white or grizzly fungus is usually get hold on the upper surface of leaves or yield . leave will often call on yellow or brown , curve up , and drop off . unexampled foliage egress crinkle and ill-shapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : set repellent motley and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and zephyr circulation . Always water from below , preserve water system off the foliage . This is predominate for rosiness . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . implement antimycotic according to recording label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow focussing precisely , not miss any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or junk in the declination and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are because of fungi or bacterium . Brown or pitch-dark spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a pee soaked or yellow - adjoin appearance . dirt ball , rainwater , dirty garden peter , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : bump off infected leaves when the works is wry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant life should be rake up and dispose of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be direct at soil degree . For fungal leaf spots , use a advocate fungicide according to recording label directions .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy germ , that can be a trouble on a all-encompassing variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they find a upright feeding land site . The grownup females then lose their stage and stay on a spot protect by its unvoiced shell level . They seem as swelling , often on the lower side of meat of leave of absence . They have thrust mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can subvert a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf free fall . They also produce a sweet pith called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal development called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once constitute they are surd to control . Isolate invade plants aside from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden nerve center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . Encourage natural foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to control jet molding is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty moulding can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp textile or washed out with a hose - end sprayer .
