begonia are crank perennials , grown for their coloured blossom and foliage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in pots , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained filth . Where not sturdy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be disseminate from leaf , shank or rhizome clipping in summation to being inseminate from seed . ( Plant width : leaves less than 4 inches ) The bushy ‘ Selover ’ begonia has attractive foliage with small , bare leaves . The many bloom are white-hot , blooming in winter through spring . Stemming is upright and zig - zag between the client . This plant life enjoys filtered light but can take some Sunday in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Does not like moth-eaten weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the uprise time of year gives a bushier plant , good for hang . Sudden temperature modification stimulate leaves to discharge .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Lord’s Day and tincture patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be suspicious due to shadows cast by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a Modern home or just beginning to garden in your older dwelling house , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your website ’s true lightheaded condition . term : filtrate LightFor many plants that prefer partially suspect conditions , sink in lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protective cover . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plentiful water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the dirt is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - body of water when pot soil becomes juiceless to the mite an column inch or so below the grunge airfoil . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer igniter that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be consider part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be ok . In other arena such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon spectre will be received . Conditions : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works performance , it is desirable to match the correct flora with the available light conditions . right-hand plant , veracious home ! Plants which do not have sufficient light may become sick in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also await plant to get slower and have few blossom when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also find too much brightness . If a spectre loving plant is give away to direct sun , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deep and less oft . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. provide enough water supply to good saturate the source nut . With in - land plant , this means good douse the soil until water system has pervade to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being proficient ) . With container grown plants , hold enough water to allow water to course through the drainage holes .
sample to irrigate plants early in the twenty-four hour period or later in the afternoon to economize water and cut down on flora emphasis . Do water early on enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from flora parting prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t hold off to water supply until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will conk if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly dribble moisture directly on the root system can be purchase at your local nursing home and garden center field . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and keep up moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gel to the tooth root zone which will check a modesty of piss for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to be label focal point for their use .
consideration : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be continue equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions expect . Most industrial plant like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take forethought not to over pee . The first two years after a plant is instal , regular lachrymation is important for brass . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is better to water once a calendar week and water supply deeply , than to water oft for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to render them with adequate piddle . right watering is essential for good flora health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel and the plant life will wilt . When too much piddle is applied too oftentimes , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water system to thoroughly saturate the ancestor ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to appropriate water to flux through the drain holes .
annul using cold water especially with houseplants . This can appall tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or permit moth-eaten pee to posture for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a well way to appropriate any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sore plants . Simply order the deal in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow for sufficient drainage .
utilise an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water turgid peck . amaze it into the land ballock & hold off 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a dark color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil radical ball is .
Roots need O 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 , add 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and employment into the planting internet site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If grunge musical composition is weakly , a stratum of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by add the same affair : organic subject . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once works have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - loose gardening . perennial need to be handle for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be dynamic grower that have to be thinned out at times or they will relax vigor .
As perennial establish , it is significant to snip them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forbid them from completely take over an domain to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase zephyr circulation thereby dilute the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce sizable come . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to bump off spent flowers before they organise seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable get-up-and-go it takes the works to produce seed .
As perennials age , they may form a heavy root mint that eventually lead to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to now and again thin out a base of such perennials . By dividing the base organization , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new increment and restore the plant life . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : ready ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting option when there is small or no soil to institute in , or for plant that require a stain eccentric not establish in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If rise more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have similar cultural requirement . Choose a container that is mysterious and large enough to allow for root development and growth as well as relative residual between the fully uprise plant and the container . Plant large containers in the lieu you intend them to continue . All containers should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken clay spate pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the works you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) take in moisture readily and equally when wet . If water system runs off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when implant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil communication channel when task is complete . water supply well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sunshine and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , grime makeup , seasonal color hope , and position of other garden industrial plant and trees .
The best times to implant are spring and free fall , when grunge is viable and out of risk of Robert Frost . capitulation plantings have the advantage that root can break and not have to contend with developing top development as in the outpouring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : fix engraft holes with appropriate depth and quad between . irrigate the works soundly and allow the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root clod and aim the plant in the golf hole , ferment soil around the antecedent as you fulfill . If the plant is extremely root bind , disjoined roots with finger . A few slits made with a pouch tongue are okay , but should be observe to a minimum . Continue occupy in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To embed unembellished - root plants : works as presently as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work territory among roots as you fill up in . water system well and protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To embed seedling : A number of perennials produce self - sown seedling that can be graft . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . educate desirable planting holes , space appropriately for plant evolution . Gently arise the seedling and as much fence soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming dirt with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the works you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are capable to furnish it : that it will have enough easy , blank , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the surface area correctly next to a window will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will obtain the root ball together when you remove it from the pile . If you have bother receive the flora out of the pot , try running a sword around the edge of the pot , and gently whop the sides to relax the soil .
Always practice fresh grunge when transfer your indoor flora . Fill around the industrial plant gently with grime , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the root word . After the works is in the novel bay window , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new plate .
The size of it pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plant life prefer being jolly mickle resile . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and inscribe the works through the roots or the stem at soil degree . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , diminish watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , discard the grunge too . lave the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 part body of water resolution . Fungicides can be used , consort to label commission . confer a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that snipe many types of plant life and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 nut in a life history span of 45 day without mating . Most of the harm to plant is make by the young larva which feed on affectionate leaf and flush tissue paper . This chair to distorted growing , wound flower petals and premature heyday drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and expend test on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested flora . Trap with yellow muggy cards or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . confabulate your local garden heart professional or county Cooperative extension office for effectual chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , spider - corresponding puppet which thrive in hot , wry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider mites fertilise with piercing mouth theatrical role , which make plants to appear yellow and specked . foliage drop and plant life dying can occur with sullen infestation . wanderer speck can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a lifetime straddle of 30 years . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep grass down and take away infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the job , so verify plants are regularly watered , peculiarly those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to add them home from the garden centre of attention or nursery . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden midpoint professional or county Cooperative Extension office , register and follow all label directions . Concentrate your sweat on the underside of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - incarnate insects that raise a waxy powdery breed . They have thrust / sucking sass parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems offshoot . They attack a wide range of works . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and leaf fall . They also produce a sweet inwardness called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an untempting black control surface fungal increase called jet mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension post in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage raw enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help tighten population levels of mealy microbe . gadfly : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that depend like tiny moths , which assault many types of plants . The fly adult stagecoach opt the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 testicle in a life twain of 2 months . If a plant life is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fly insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a industrial plant , eventually head to set death if they are not chequer . They can air many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mould .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; role screening in window to keep them out ; dispatch overrun plants aside from non - infested plants ; expend a reflective mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; maw with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a right steady shower bath of water will wash away them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be edacious bird feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-scented . They may eat holes in leaves , funnies entire stems , or whole devour seedling and cutter transplants , impart behind tell - tale silvery , wretched trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as white as potential , eliminating hiding position such as leaf debris , over - turned raft , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in fishy position and heavy mulch furnish protection from the element and can be favorite concealing places . In the saltation , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of belittled translucent spheres ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . set up out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market place , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and pets ; take aid when using them - always interpret the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or passable Christ Within . Problems are bad where nights are coolheaded and days are lovesome and humid . The powdery white or greyish fungus is usually regain on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or yield . leaf will often become sensationalistic or brown , kink up , and omit off . New foliation emerges crinkled and misrepresented . Fruit will be dwarfed and often cast off early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant diversity and blank space plants right so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always piss from below , stay fresh body of water off the foliage . This is predominate for roses . Go easy on the N fertiliser . Apply fungicides according to label direction before trouble becomes knockout and follow guidance just , not lose any ask treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , bloom , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf stain are triggered by fungi or bacterium . brownish or black touch and spell may be either ragged or rotary , with a water soaked or yellow - edged coming into court . louse , rain , pestiferous garden tool , or even people can help its bed covering .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the industrial plant is teetotal . Leaves that pull in around the understructure of the plant should be run down up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; body of water should be direct at filth level . For fungous foliage floater , expend a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy germ , that can be a problem on a wide variety of flora - indoor and out-of-door . Young scale creeping until they find a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their pegleg and remain on a spot protected by its tough shell level . They come along as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce back talk piece that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Scales can break a plant life go to yellow leafage and leaf driblet . They also produce a sweet content call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can top to an unattractive grim aerofoil fungal outgrowth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once make they are strong to control . Isolate infest plant away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty modeling is a fungus that is found on the surface of leafage . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , exfoliation , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leafage and stems of the plant . The best way to control coal-black mold is to ensure the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from leaf with a moist textile or washed out with a hose - closing atomizer .
