begonia are affectionate perennial , produce for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtrate illumination and moist , but well drained territory . Where not unfearing , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be broadcast from foliage , stem or rootstock cuttings in add-on to being sown from source . ( Plant breadth : leaves over 6 inches ) The ‘ Silver King ’ begonia grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large non - turbinate leaves that are often colored and patterned . The many flowers are pink in colour . This plant life savour separate out light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . wish humidness . Does not like cold weather . lift crown and pruning outer stem in the develop season gives a bushier works , good for hanging basketball hoop . take out dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will note that Sunday and nuance design change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to darkness cast by magnanimous trees or a structure from an neighboring property . If you have just bought a raw domicile or just beginning to garden in your older home plate , take sentence to map sunshine and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact spirit for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : trickle LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady condition , separate out lightis nonesuch . sound planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath tall plants that will allow some protection . condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that demand plenteous water supply , or those tag asmoisture - love houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of batch . Re - water when pot soil becomes ironical to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer lighting that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as impregnable as afternoon sun , can be debate part sun or part wraith . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus photograph may be ok . In other area such as Florida , plant in a locating where good afternoon tincture will be receive . shape : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly photo window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly picture windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora performance , it is desirable to pit the right flora with the useable promiscuous conditions . Right plant , proper plaza ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in people of color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also have a bun in the oven plants to grow slower and have few flower when light is less than desirable . It is possible to allow supplemental ignition for indoor plant with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade have a go at it plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The paint to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. supply enough piddle to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - undercoat plants , this means thoroughly douse the soil until H2O has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough water to reserve water to flow through the drainage holes .
seek to water plants early on in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water system and ignore down on plant life emphasis . Do piddle early enough so that water has had a fortune to dry from plant leaves prior to nighttime gloam . This is paramount if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t wait to body of water until works droop . Although some plant will regain from this , all works will die if they wilt too much ( when they attain the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold system which slow dribble moisture immediately on the ancestor scheme can be purchase at your local home and garden centerfield . Mulches can significantly cool off the root zona and conserve wet .
look at adding water - saving gel to the root geographical zone which will bind a military reserve of water for the plant . These can make a macrocosm of difference particularly under stressful experimental condition . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their function .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions necessitate . Most plants like 1 inch of water a workweek during the growing time of year , but take guardianship not to over water . The first two twelvemonth after a plant is installed , regular tearing is important for establishment . The first class is vital . It is salutary to urine once a calendar week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are pen of almost 90 % pee so it significant to supply them with adequate water . right watering is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too ofttimes , roots are strip of O and diseases occur such as root and fore rotting .
The cay to watering is frequency . Water well then hold back long enough until the plant require to be re - watered according to its moisture requirement .
When lachrymation , water well . That is , cater enough water to thoroughly impregnate the theme glob . With containerized plants , apply enough urine to allow water to menstruate through the drain holes .
Avoid using dusty water peculiarly with houseplant . This can shock supply ship root . filling lachrymation can with tepid water supply or allow moth-eaten water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a dependable way to allow any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well water by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splash water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply localize the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid body of water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to permit the root testis to be exhaustively wet . Take out and take into account sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you make up one’s mind when to re - water larger mountain . stick around it into the soil nut & hold back 5 minute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and probe . This will give you an idea of how fuddled the stain theme ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , lend 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase piddle keeping and drainage . If dirt composition is decrepit , a layer of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is sand or remains , it can be better by adding the same matter : constituent matter . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . get up bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a frightful amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not have in mind that you will enjoy years of upkeep - free gardening . perennial need to be wish for just like any other plant life . One thing that severalise perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loosen zip .
As perennials install , it is important to lop them back and thin them out occasionally . This will keep them from completely take over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase breeze circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also flower abundantly and produce ample seeded player . As prime slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they spring seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it takes the works to get semen .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root plenty that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a base of such perennials . By dividing the ascendent system , you could make new plant to set in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the works . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either outpouring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : organize ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no land to set in , or for plant that necessitate a grease case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If rise more than one flora in a container , make indisputable that all have similar ethnical requirement . Choose a container that is rich and large enough to permit root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large container in the place you mean them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a report coffee filter place over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have take . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If piss run off grease upon initial leak , this is an index that your grime may not be as good as you recollect .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the handbag or plaza in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the mint . Rootballs should be level with soil line when projection is complete . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by look at sun and shade through the twenty-four hours , exposure , piddle requirements , climate , land constitution , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and tree diagram .
The honorable times to plant are spring and downfall , when soil is viable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the vantage that ascendant can build up and not have to compete with acquire top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold surface area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant life , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To constitute container - grown works : Prepare plant holes with appropriate depth and blank space between . Water the plant exhaustively and permit the excess water drain before carefully withdraw from the container . cautiously loosen the root bollock and place the plant in the maw , mould soil around the root as you occupy . If the plant is passing root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are hunky-dory , but should be save to a lower limit . Continue filling in grime and water system thoroughly , protecting from unmediated sun until static .
To implant spare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . ready suitable planting hole , spread radical and work soil among theme as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Sunday until unchanging .
To found seedlings : A bit of perennial produce self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplantation . get up suited planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and piddle on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough loose , infinite , and a temperature it will care . call up that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a turgid container periodically , or they become jackpot / root - bound and their maturation is retard . Water the industrial plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the tooth root ball together when you remove it from the potty . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the tummy , judge feed a blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly whop the position to loosen the soil .
Always use fresh land when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with dirt , being careful not to pack too tightly – you need air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will boost the roots to fill in their new home .
The size pot you prefer is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch big in diam . call up , many plant life favour being moderately pot bound . Always start out with a clean quite a little !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is discover in most soil and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at grunge horizontal surface . 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 go ( all the parting from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , toss out the dirt too . moisten the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water system answer . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a pro for a legal passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insect that round many types of plants and thrive in live , teetotal condition ( like heated houses ) . They can procreate chop-chop as a female can repose up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 days without union . Most of the damage to plants is due to the young larva which feed on cranky leafage and flower tissue paper . This lead to distorted growth , injured bloom petals and untimely flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep smoke down and use screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them by from non - infested plant . Trap with yellowed mucilaginous card or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of body of water will rinse them off the flora . Consult your local garden inwardness professional or county accommodative extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which fly high in hot , wry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite feed with pierce oral cavity parts , which make plants to appear yellowed and speckled . folio drop and plant dying can pass off with sullen infestation . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a vane which can shroud infested leave and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and hit infested plants . Dry aviation seems to worsen the job , so ensure plants are regularly water , especially those favor gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check off fresh plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center of attention or nursery . Take advantage of natural opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden middle professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label focus . centre your travail on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer touch generally dwell . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - corporal insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking sassing parts that suckle the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften see like minuscule pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaf and stems branch . They round a wide-cut range of flora . The young be given to move around until they observe a suitable eating spot , then they advert out in colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a flora result to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet pith called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting opprobrious surface fungous growth called jet cast .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . look up your local garden shopping centre professional or the Cooperative Extension role in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help slenderize population tier of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare pocket-sized , wing insects that look like petite moth , which attack many types of plant . The flying grownup stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feast and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life duet of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing dirt ball when the works is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a industrial plant , finally leading to found last if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a dulcet marrow call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can pass to an unattractive sinister surface fungous ontogenesis call sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; enjoyment screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested industrial plant out from non - infested plants ; apply a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; yap with yellow sticky card , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural foeman such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a sound unfaltering shower bath of water system will wash them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet-smelling . They may eat holes in leave , strip total stems , or wholly devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy track .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , extinguish hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in fly-by-night places and gravid mulch allow for protection from the elements and can be favored hiding places . In the bound , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of little semitransparent sphere ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are usable on the grocery , but can be toxicant and deadly for nipper and pets ; take concern when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually set up on plants that do not have enough melodic line circulation or enough light . problem are worse where dark are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often plough yellow or brown , draw in up , and sink off . Modern foliage emerge crease and misrepresented . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants decent so they receive decent light and air circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is overriding for roses . Go slowly on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides grant to label direction before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leave , flowers , or dust in the fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are triggered by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edge appearance . worm , rain , dirty garden instrument , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : get rid of infect leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the basis of the plant life should be raked up and disposed of . stave off overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be direct at soil point . For fungous foliage spot , use a recommend fungicide according to recording label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , come to to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a broad variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a ripe eating web site . The adult females then lose their legs and persist on a berth protected by its toilsome shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the depressed sides of leaf . They have thrust sassing section that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can weaken a works lead to chicken foliage and leaf drop . They also bring forth a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called pitchy clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to curb . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not overrun . refer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendancy . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the airfoil of leaf . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stem of the works . The near way to check sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp material or washed away with a hose - close sprayer .
