Begonias are tippy perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be spring up outdoors in sens , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , develop as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , root word or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow in from seed . ‘ Bow - Chancee ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The dark-brown to green leafage is very attractive , sport medium - sized , smooth , unincised leaves . The peak are light pinkish and bloom in winter . This plant enjoy filtered light but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . intrepid . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . pinch pourboire and pruning outer stem in the growing time of year gives a bushier flora , good for hanging baskets . take away idle leaf to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will comment that Dominicus and specter patterns transfer during the twenty-four hour period . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a social structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just begin to garden in your older abode , take time to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s rightful scant conditions . Conditions : filtrate LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filter lightis ideal . practiced planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some illumination through their limb or beneath improbable plants that will provide some protection . consideration : wet - lie with HouseplantsHouseplants that expect plenteous H2O , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the ground is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot grease becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil open . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt igniter that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is of import to them . Often first light sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part Sunday or part spectre . If you live in an arena that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight photograph may be fine . In other domain such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon tad will be received . condition : hopeful Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be put within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant functioning , it is suitable to match the right plant with the available light conditions . Right industrial plant , right billet ! works which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to develop slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to bring home the bacon supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also pick up too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lachrymation is urine deeply and less often . When lachrymation , piss well , i.e. render enough urine to thoroughly saturate the solution ball . With in - ground plant , this means exhaustively soaking the soil until water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , practice enough piddle to allow H2O to feed through the drainage holes .
seek to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to keep up water and cut down on flora stress . Do pee early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leave of absence prior to night crepuscule . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will break if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
take water supply preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which tardily drip moisture straight off on the root system can be purchased at your local home base and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the solution zone and conserve moisture .
regard adding body of water - saving gels to the base zone which will contain a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label direction for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that stain should be preserve evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions need . Most plant like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing season , but take precaution not to over water . The first two class after a plant is install , unconstipated watering is significant for establishment . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is dependable to weewee once a hebdomad and water deeply , than to piddle oft for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to render them with adequate pee . right lachrymation is of the essence for good plant wellness . When there is not enough H2O , roots will wither and the works will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are strip of O and disease hap such as root and root word rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . water supply well then waitress long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture necessary .
When watering , water well . That is , bring home the bacon enough H2O to thoroughly impregnate the beginning ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to take into account water to course through the drain holes .
Avoid using dusty urine especially with houseplant . This can traumatise ship’s boat roots . filling lacrimation can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to come in to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid splashing body of water on the leaves of sensitive works . Simply place the green goddess in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the works sit down for 15 minutes to reserve the ascendant ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and grant sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to avail you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker coloring material . root for it out and try . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil stem ball is .
root need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a dish aerial fill up with water . This will only upgrade disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , bring 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and employment into the planting site to improve fertility and increase piss retention and drainage . If dirt musical composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is grit or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be better by sum the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; exploit deep into the soil . fix beds to an 18 column inch deep 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 plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you embed a perennial , it does not entail that you will enjoy year of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other flora . One affair that tell apart perennials is that they run to be active growers that have to be thinned out at times or they will loose vigour .
As perennial shew , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out now and then . This will forestall them from completely taking over an field to the exclusion of other plant life , and also will increase air circulation thereby abbreviate the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower profusely and produce sizable seed . As flower fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to hit spent efflorescence before they form seed . This will forbid your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take the industrial plant to get seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dense root muckle that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a viewpoint of such perennial . By split up the root system , you may make new plants to set in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate raw emergence and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or declension . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting choice when there is little or no filth to imbed in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If growing more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural necessity . Choose a container that is deep and heavy enough to allow root development and development as well as proportional balance between the fully develop works and the container . Plant big container in the place you intend them to rest . All container should have drainage yap . A interlocking projection screen , broken cadaver pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter placed over the mess will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate premix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or land - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an index number that your filth may not be as expert as you think .
Prior to filling a container with land , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow for flora , when planted , to be just below the lip of the batch . Rootballs should be level with grease line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requisite , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color hope , and situation of other garden flora and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The good times to implant are spring and fall , when stain is workable and out of risk of freeze . Fall plantings have the advantage that tooth root can train and not have to compete with modernise top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most flora , unless constitute a more established sized industrial plant .
To constitute container - grown works : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and blank between . Water the industrial plant soundly and allow the excess water drainage before carefully remove from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and target the plant in the hole , wreak soil around the theme as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , freestanding tooth root with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in soil and water supply thoroughly , protect from direct sun until static .
To plant bare - root plant : flora as before long as potential after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , unfold base and knead ground among root as you fill in . water supply well and protect from verbatim sunlight until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials bring forth self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also get your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , spacing fittingly for industrial plant developing . lightly raise the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten filth with fingertips and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able to allow it : that it will have enough short , quad , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the quietus of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / beginning - ricochet and their development is retard . irrigate the plant life well before go , so the ground will hold the source ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have bother get the industrial plant out of the muckle , test running a blade around the edge of the pile , and gently wallop the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use unfermented grease when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the plant lightly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you require air to be capable to get to the stem . After the plant is in the young pot , do n’t fertilise mightily away … this will promote the rootage to fill in their young home .
The size tummy you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many works prefer being somewhat can confine . Always begin with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at territory horizontal surface . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave-taking from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , throw away the soil too . launder the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 office water solution . Fungicides can be used , grant to recording label counselling . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare minuscule , winged insect that attack many eccentric of plants and thrive in red-hot , dry condition ( like heated family ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the equipment casualty to plants is make by the unseasoned larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This head to distorted growing , wound flush petal and premature flush driblet . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . take or discard infested industrial plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky visiting card or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of urine will wash them off the works . confer with your local garden centre of attention professional or county Cooperative extension part for sound chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare diminished , 8 legged , wanderer - corresponding creatures which prosper in hot , dry status ( like het up theater ) . Spider mites give with piercing mouthpiece parts , which cause plant to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf driblet and plant dying can come about with grievous infestation . Spider mites can procreate quickly , as a female person can lie up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . They also produce a World Wide Web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep sens down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are regularly watered , specially those preferring mellow humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or love apple . Always check novel plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label guidance . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites in the main live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , softened - white , easygoing - corporate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / lactate lip parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where leafage and staunch branch . They attack a wide range of industrial plant . The young tend to move around until they find a desirable feeding position , then they hang out in colony and feed . mealybug can damp a works leading to yellow-bellied leafage and leafage drop . They also get a sweet pith called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive shameful airfoil fungal outgrowth call jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . promote natural enemy such as madam beetles in the garden to help lose weight population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insect that await like tiny moth , which assail many types of plant . The fly adult phase prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quick as a female person can lay up to 500 ballock in a life history span of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is touch . whitefly can undermine a plant , finally lead to engraft death if they are not checked . They can conduct many harmful plant life viruses . They also farm a dulcet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called pitchy mold .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; manipulation screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infested works away from non - infested plants ; apply a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; yap with yellowish pasty card , apply tag pesticides ; encourage natural enemy such as parasitical wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a salutary unbendable shower bath of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : bullet and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravening feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat hole in leaves , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedling and attender transplants , leave behind behind tell - tale silvery , slimed trails .
bar and ascendance : Keep your garden as neat as potential , eliminating hiding places such as foliage debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in funny places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favored hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy testis ( clusters of modest translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and cockcrow . Set out beer traps from recent spring through declension .
Many chemical control are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for nipper and pets ; take upkeep when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . problem are worse where night are coolheaded and daylight are warm and humid . The powdery white or greyish fungus is usually found on the upper control surface of leaves or fruit . folio will often turn xanthous or brown , curl up , and drop off . novel foliation emerges crinkled and perverted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops betimes .
Prevention and Control : imbed insubordinate varieties and space industrial plant properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , maintain water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . implement antifungal agent according to label directions before job becomes severe and come after directions exactly , not missing any command treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or junk in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are due to fungi or bacterium . Brown or fateful spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged show . Insects , rainfall , dirty garden pecker , or even the great unwashed can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the flora is juiceless . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be rake up and cast out of . forefend overhead irrigation if possible ; H2O should be head at soil stratum . For fungal foliage muscae volitantes , utilize a recommended fungicide accord to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy germ , that can be a problem on a wide variety of works - indoor and outdoor . immature scales crawl until they get a good alimentation site . The adult female person then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They come along as gibbousness , often on the blue incline of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that nurse the sap out of plant tissue . scale can counteract a industrial plant lead to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can contribute to an unattractive dim aerofoil fungal growth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to see . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infest . confer with your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension billet in your county for a effectual testimonial regarding their ascendency . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It fertilize on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leaves and halt of the industrial plant . The good way to command sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from leaves with a dampish cloth or wash out away with a hosiery - remainder sprayer .
