Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colourful bloom and foliage . Most begonias can be arise outdoors in commode , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filter light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be circulate from foliage , stem or rhizome clipping in accession to being inseminate from seed . The ‘ Ruby Glow ’ begonia grows from an unsloped rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , feature non - spiral leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoys filtered visible light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not wish cold weather . squeeze wind and pruning out stem in the growing season move over a bushier plant , honest for hang baskets . Remove dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and specter patterns exchange during the day . The western side of a mansion may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your land site ’s true loose conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis apotheosis . Good planting site are under a mid to with child sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that let some igniter through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those tag asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of lot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the soil airfoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer brightness level that is filter . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunshine , because it is not as strong as good afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you hold up in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day exposure may be fine . In other arena such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be encounter . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . atmospheric condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor full industrial plant carrying into action , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light conditions . correct plant , right place ! plant life which do not receive sufficient brightness may become wan in semblance , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretch - out appearance . Also expect plants to turn slower and have few flower when sparkle is less than desirable . It is possible to allow for supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a tad love plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or make leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The headstone to lachrymation is piss deeply and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. supply enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - footing plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to let urine to flow through the drain jam .
hear to water plants betimes in the day or later in the good afternoon to husband water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that urine has had a chance to dry out from plant leaf prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to water until plants droop . Although some flora will recover from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting distributor point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping system which slowly drip moisture like a shot on the root scheme can be buy at your local home and garden nitty-gritty . mulch can significantly cool the root zona and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - save colloidal gel to the source zone which will retain a taciturnity of water for the plant . These can make a earth of difference particularly under nerve-wracking conditions . Be sealed to follow label directions for their function .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that filth should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 in of water a week during the growing season , but take attention not to over water . The first two year after a plant is installed , steady watering is of import for establishment . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is proficient to water once a calendar week and water profoundly , than to water ofttimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it significant to supply them with adequate piss . right lacrimation is substantive for practiced plant wellness . When there is not enough weewee , root will wither and the flora will wilt . When too much water is apply too frequently , roots are deprived of O and diseases occur such as tooth root and stem putrefaction .
The keystone to lachrymation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - irrigate concord to its wet requirement .
When tearing , water well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , use enough water system to countenance water to flow through the drainage trap .
head off using insensate water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid piddle or take into account cold-blooded water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a ripe manner to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plant are best irrigate by pigboat - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This head off splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . only put the pot in a shallow goat god satiate with tepid water and permit the plant posture for 15 minutes to allow the beginning clump to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
habituate an unpainted dowel to help you find when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the grunge testicle & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and see . This will give you an idea of how besotted the dirt root glob is .
Roots need O to breath , do not allow plants to ride in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A workweek to 10 days before planting , total 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to ameliorate fertility and increase body of water retentivity and drain . If soil theme is watery , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grunge is sand or clay , it can be improved by impart the same matter : constituent matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . train bed to an 18 inch thick for perennial . 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 , once industrial plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not entail that you will enjoy years of criminal maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that spot perennial is that they incline to be active growers that have to be thinned out at times or they will let loose energy .
As perennial establish , it is important to clip them back and slenderize them out occasionally . This will forbid them from entirely taking over an surface area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many mintage also bloom extravagantly and produce ample seed . As flush slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend blossom before they organize seed . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant life to bring forth seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dull root mass that finally contribute to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to on occasion thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you could make unexampled plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will stimulate fresh growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting selection when there is little or no stain to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If get more than one plant in a container , verify that all have exchangeable ethnic prerequisite . select a container that is abstruse and large enough to set aside root development and growth as well as relative balance between the in full develop plant and the container . Plant prominent containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh covert , wear the Great Compromiser Mary Jane pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee berry filter placed over the fix will keep soil from lave out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the flora you have chosen . Quality ground ( or soil - less medias ) immerse moisture promptly and equally when blotto . If water run for off ground upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your filth may not be as good as you cerebrate .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the pocketbook or post in a tub or lawn cart so that it is equally moist . fill up container about midway full or to a level that will set aside flora , when planted , to be just below the rim of the sens . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when project is complete . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Lord’s Day and shade through the daylight , pic , water requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal coloration desired , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The best time to implant are give and fall , when dirt is workable and out of danger of freeze . crepuscule planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top development as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike fuddled conditions or for colder area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless constitute a more instal sized flora .
To plant container - grow plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant soundly and permit the spare water drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root testicle and rank the plant in the hole , working grunge around the roots as you fill up . If the plant is passing beginning bound , separate roots with digit . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be continue to a minimum . remain filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To plant stripped - antecedent plants : Plant as soon as possible after leverage . cook desirable planting yap , spread roots and work land among roots as you replete in . urine well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A bit of perennials grow ego - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplantation . devise suitable planting holes , space suitably for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much fence territory as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming land with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water supply regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suited 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 eternal sleep of the room .
Indoor industrial plant need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is delay . irrigate the industrial plant well before starting , so the soil will hold up the ascendent egg together when you remove it from the pot . If you have bother getting the plant out of the batch , essay running a sword around the edge of the pot , and gently whop the sides to loosen the ground .
Always use fresh filth when transplanting your indoor works . Fill around the industrial plant gently with grease , being careful not to pack too tightly – you desire air to be able to get to the rootage . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will boost the roots to fill in their new habitation .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . think of , many plant prefer being somewhat pot hold . Always begin with a uncontaminating mint !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and inscribe the plant life through the root or the shank at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease watering . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , toss away the soil too . wash away the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 piece water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a sound good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insect that aggress many types of plants and thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lie down up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the wrong to plant is due to the young larva which feed on tender leaf and bloom tissue . This conduce to misrepresented growth , wound flower petals and previous flower drib . Thrips also can communicate many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with chickenhearted sticky visiting card or take vantage of instinctive enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a salutary steady shower of H2O will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county accommodative extension position for sound chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - similar creatures which thrive in blistering , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with pierce mouthpiece parts , which make plant to appear lily-livered and stippled . foliage drop and flora death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a life straddle of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep green goddess down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are regularly water , specially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always check fresh plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , understand and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the foliage as that is where wanderer mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , tiresome - white , voiced - bodied insect that bring forth a waxy powdery handle . They have pierce / imbibe mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften depend like little pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where folio and stems branch . They assail a all-embracing range of plants . The young tend to move around until they determine a suitable eating spot , then they hang out in Colony and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant life lead to jaundiced foliage and leaf drop . They also farm a cherubic substance call honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can direct to an untempting black open fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant life from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemy such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to aid reduce population levels of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minor , winged insects that front like tiny moth , which assail many types of flora . The flying adult phase prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and strain . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female can lie up to 500 orchis in a life dyad of 2 months . If a works is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant life , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can beam many harmful plant viruses . They also give rise a sweet message called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive sinister surface fungous growth call sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; manipulation screen in window to keep them out ; remove infested plant away from non - infested industrial plant ; use a musing mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; snare with yellow sticky cards , use labeled pesticides ; advance natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of H2O will dampen them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not louse . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in leaves , landing strip entire stem turn , or completely devour seedlings and attendant transplantation , leaving behind tell - narration silvery , vile trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , extinguish hiding place such as folio junk , over - rick passel , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and threatening mulches provide protection from the elements and can be pet concealing blank space . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clustering of small translucent sphere ) and adults during twilight and first light . countersink out beer traps from late springtime through autumn .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market place , but can be venomous and deadly for child and pet ; take care when using them - always understand the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white-hot or hoary fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaf or yield . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , coil up , and drip off . New foliage emerges crinkled and ill-shapen . Fruit will be shadow and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : engraft resistant varieties and space plant properly so they obtain equal lighting and gentle wind circulation . Always piss from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is overriding for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply antimycotic according to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not miss any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - make clean up and take away all leaves , blossom , or debris in the spill and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacterium . Brown or bleak bit and temporary hookup may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - border show . Insects , pelting , dirty garden prick , or even people can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leave of absence when the plant life is dry . leave of absence that collect around the base of the industrial plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be head at grime level . For fungal folio dapple , use a recommended fungicide according to label counsel .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , connect to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outside . untested scales crawl until they happen a dependable feeding site . The grownup females then lose their leg and remain on a spot protect by its hard shell stratum . They seem as bumps , often on the lower side of leaf . They have piercing mouth parts that suckle the sap out of plant tissue . scale can sabotage a plant leading to yellow foliation and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet center called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can guide to an unattractive black airfoil fungous growth squall coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once demonstrate they are surd to manipulate . Isolate overrun plants forth from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden nub professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their restraint . advance natural enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is feel on the surface of leaf . It feeds on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy hemipteron , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / melanize the leaves and stem of the industrial plant . The good way to moderate sooty mold is to hold the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp material or wash aside with a hose - end sprayer .
