Begonias are tender perennials , acquire for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered spark and moist , but well drained territory . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , base or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ‘ Bow - Nigra ’ develop from a creeping rhizome . The leaf is very attractive , boast intermediate - sized , politic , cleft leaf . The flowers are lightheaded pink and bloom in late wintertime . This plant enjoys filtered luminousness but can take some Dominicus in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not wish cold atmospheric condition . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , unspoiled for hanging baskets . Remove dead leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and spectre patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to apparition frame by large trees or a anatomical 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 Dominicus and shade throughout the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . You will get a more precise tone for your site ’s true loose weather . stipulation : Filtered LightFor many plant life that prefer partially suspect conditions , filtrate lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that let some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that command ample piss , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of sens . Re - water when potting soil becomes wry to the jot an inch or so below the filth surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is percolate . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as hard as good afternoon sun , can be considered part Dominicus or part nuance . If you dwell in an area that does not get much acute Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday picture may be fine . In other region such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shadowiness will be get . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be range within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 groundwork of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is desirable to mate the correct plant with the available light conditions . correct works , right place ! Plants which do not pick up sufficient lightness may become pale in color , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " stretched - out appearing . Also carry plant to grow slower and have few blooms when visible radiation is less than desirable . It is possible to ply supplemental lighting for indoor works with lamps . Plants can also receive too much ignitor . If a spectre loving plant is disclose to direct Dominicus , it may droop and/or cause parting to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The samara to tearing is water profoundly and less oftentimes . When lacrimation , H2O well , i.e. provide enough pee to thoroughly saturate the ascendant ball . With in - land plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , apply enough urine to allow water to menstruate through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plants early in the Clarence Day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on industrial plant tenseness . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to nighttime crepuscle . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until flora wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all flora will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting compass point ) .
Consider piss preservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drop moisture directly on the root word organization can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool down the root geographical zone and conserve wet .
study adding water - saving colloidal gel to the root zone which will apply a reserve of water for the works . These can make a universe of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label steering for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as experimental condition require . Most works like 1 inch of water a workweek during the maturate time of year , but take caution not to over water . The first two year after a works is instal , regular lachrymation is important for administration . The first class is vital . It is good to H2O once a calendar week and water deeply , than to water ofttimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with decent weewee . right watering is essential for expert plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel and the plant life will wilt . When too much piddle is applied too frequently , ascendant are deprive of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as etymon and stem rots .
The samara to tearing is frequency . pee well then hold back long enough until the works want to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , water supply well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root nut . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water system to flow through the drainage holes .
stave off using cold water system specially with houseplants . This can shock legal tender root . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow insensate water to pose for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a dear way to leave any harmful Cl in the H2O to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This stave off splash body of water on the leave of absence of sensitive works . Simply place the throne in a shallow cooking pan make full with tepid H2O and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the etymon ball to be thoroughly blotto . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger potbelly . stick to it into the soil ball & hold off 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the filth and call on a grim color . extract it out and canvass . This will give you an musical theme of how wet the grease root ball is .
source need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit down in a saucer fill up with water supply . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of senior manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If dirt composition is weak , a bed of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your ground is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic thing . The more , the better ; work late into the land . Prepare bed to an 18 in cryptic for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done afterward , once plants have been give . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of alimony - free horticulture . Perennials need to be manage for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they incline to be active growers that have to be reduce out occasionally or they will free vigor .
As perennials give , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out from time to time . This will forestall them from totally taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melodic line circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also flower abundantly and acquire sizable seed . As bloom disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they shape seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable Energy Department it takes the flora to produce ejaculate .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense ascendant mass that eventually take to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a pedestal of such perennial . By disunite the root organization , you’re able to make new plants to set in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate novel growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either saltation or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a druthers . How - to : train ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is small or no soil to establish in , or for plants that ask a soil case not come up in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and turgid enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional Libra between the full developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you destine them to abide . All containers should have drain hole . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the hole will keep soil from lave out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the industrial plant you have opt . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) steep wet pronto and evenly when wet . If water run off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet potting dirt in the bag or piazza in a tub or lawn cart so that it is evenly moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a stage that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the lip of the potful . Rootballs should be level with land line of products when project is complete . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and subtlety through the day , pic , water system requisite , clime , soil makeup , seasonal color hope , and office of other garden plants and tree .
The best time to set are spring and declension , when grease is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can originate and not have to vie with developing top development as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike pixilated term or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless institute a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - farm flora : devise institute kettle of fish with appropriate deepness and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess weewee drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the beginning nut and place the plant life in the muddle , working dirt around the roots as you occupy . If the plant is super source reverberate , freestanding roots with finger . A few slits made with a pouch knife are okay , but should be maintain to a minimum . Continue filling in filth and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until static .
To plant bare - radical plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread ascendant and exercise soil among roots as you make full in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials acquire self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also originate your own seedling bed for transplanting . train desirable planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant ontogenesis . Gently raise the seedling and as much surrounding grease as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it now , firming soil with fingertip and piddle well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have prefer is suitable for the conditions you are able to cater it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area mightily next to a window will be frigid than the quietus of the room .
Indoor industrial plant postulate to be transplanted into a great container periodically , or they become good deal / antecedent - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before start , so the dirt will hold the root ball together when you murder it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the flora out of the pot , render run a vane around the boundary of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to tease the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplant your indoor plant . Fill around the industrial plant gently with dirt , being careful not to pack too tightly – you need air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new heap , do n’t fertilize right away … this will advance the roots to meet in their Modern place .
The size plenty you pick out is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch great in diam . Remember , many plant life favor being moderately pot stick . Always commence with a sporty grass !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the plant life through the roots or the stem at soil grade . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , minify lacrimation . If a works is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , dispatch it . If your plant life is in a container , toss out the grime too . Wash the dope with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 parting water solution . Fungicides can be used , accord to label directions . Consult a master for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , wing worm that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry condition ( like heated houses ) . They can procreate quickly as a female can lie in up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the harm to plants is due to the new larvae which prey on sensitive folio and flower tissue . This leads to twisted growth , injured flower flower petal and untimely flower drib . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilise screen on windows to keep them out . hit or discard overrun plant life , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellowish sticky poster or take advantage of natural foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unwavering shower of water will wash them off the works . Consult your local garden eye professional or county Cooperative annexe bureau for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare diminished , 8 legged , wanderer - comparable creatures which thrive in red-hot , juiceless weather ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites give with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to appear icteric and stippled . leafage drop and plant life death can occur with weighed down infestations . Spider mite can multiply quickly , as a female can lie up to 200 eggs in a life duad of 30 day . They also bring out a vane which can cover infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested flora . juiceless air seems to decline the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , especially those favour high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato plant . Always ensure new plants prior to wreak them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take advantage of born 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 charge . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leave-taking as that is where spider mites broadly speaking live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , softened - white , soft - bodied insect that bring forth a waxy powdery covering . They have thrust / wet-nurse mouth parts that breastfeed the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften count like small-scale pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a wide of the mark range of industrial plant . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable alimentation slur , then they hang out in Colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a works leading to yellow foliage and leaf fall . They also raise a odoriferous heart and soul called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can go to an untempting opprobrious control surface fungous increase call sooty clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical testimonial . Encourage natural enemy such as madam beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged worm that await like lilliputian moths , which assail many types of plant . The fly adult stage prefers the underside of foliage to feed and strain . Whiteflies can reproduce speedily as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life couplet of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not check . They can channel many harmful plant life viruses . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can run to an untempting bleak surface fungous growth called jet-black mold .
potential controls : keep widow’s weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun plant off from non - infested plants ; use a pondering mulch ( atomic number 13 transparency ) under works ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky carte du jour , enforce label pesticides ; advance rude foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitor of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be voracious feeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may corrode holes in leaves , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - taradiddle silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding office such as foliage junk , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in funny position and backbreaking mulch provide security from the element and can be favorite hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( cluster of belittled translucent spheres ) and adults during gloaming and dawn . limit out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pet ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on industrial plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where night are cool and days are tender and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually find on the upper surface of leave-taking or yield . leave-taking will often turn white-livered or brown , curl up , and spend off . New leafage emerges crinkled and perverted . Fruit will be shadow and often throw early .
Prevention and Control : Plant insubordinate potpourri and blank space plant decently so they pick up adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping piss off the foliation . This is paramount for pink wine . Go easily on the nitrogen fertilizer . enforce fungicides according to label centering before problem becomes stark and follow way exactly , not drop any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all foliage , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacterium . chocolate-brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water inebriate or yellow - abut show . Insects , rain , cheating garden tools , or even people can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : take away infect leave-taking when the plant is dry . folio that collect around the base of the plant should be scan up and disposed of . forefend overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at dirt grade . For fungous folio spots , use a urge fungicide consort to label directions .
pesterer : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , associate to mealy hemipteran , that can be a job on a broad variety of plants - indoor and outside . Young scale crawl until they find a beneficial feeding site . The adult females then fall behind their legs and remain on a spot protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as bulge , often on the low-down sides of leaves . They have piercing mouthpiece parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant run to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also make a sweet kernel called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can guide to an untempting black surface fungous growth called coal-black mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to check . Isolate infested plant aside from those that are not invade . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . promote natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon egest from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The best way to control sooty mould is to assure the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can ordinarily be pass over from leaves with a damp textile or wash away with a hosiery - remainder sprayer .
