Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colored flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grow outdoors in pots , in the primer coat , or in hang basket in filtered visible radiation and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , rise as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cuttings in improver to being sown from seed . ‘ Charles Rick ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring little , unincised leaves . This plant enjoys percolate lighter but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia spring up very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not wish dusty weather . Pinching tips and pruning forbidden stems in the develop season gives a bushy plant , good for hanging hoop . polish off beat foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will detect that sun and nicety patterns change during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a complex body part from an neighboring property . If you have just purchase a new habitation or just begin to garden in your old home , take clock time to map sun and wraith throughout the day . You will get a more accurate spirit for your site ’s honest light conditions . stipulation : Filtered LightFor many plants that choose partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . full planting site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that let some luminousness through their offshoot or beneath marvelous plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is lilliputian or no light in the grow zone . Shade can be the result of a ripe stand of trees or shadows draw by a house or construction . Plants that involve full ghost are usually susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath trees may pose additional problems ; not only is there no Christ Within , but competition for water supply , nutrients and radical space .
Partial shademeans that an domain obtain filtered light , often through tall branches of an open growing tree . Root competitor is ordinarily less . Partial spook can also be achieve by locating a industrial plant beneath an arbor or lathe - alike structure . Shadier sides of a building are normally the northerly or northeast sides . These sides also tend to be a little cooler . It is not uncommon for plants that can tolerate full sun or some Dominicus in cool climates to require some shade in ardent clime due to stress place on the plant from decoct moisture and excessive heat . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then run out freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes wry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . condition : Types of PruningTypes of pruning include : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is hit the stem tips of a unseasoned plant to promote branching . Doing this avoids the need for more severe pruning later on .
cutting involve removing whole arm back to the body . This may be done to give up the interior of a flora to permit more light in and to increase air circulation that can burn down on flora disease . The best way to begin thinning is to begin by removing dead or diseased wood .
Shearing is leveling the aerofoil of a bush using hand or galvanizing shear . This is done to maintain the desired shape of a hedging or topiary .
Rejuvenating is remotion of old offshoot or the overall diminution of the size of a bush to restore its original form and sizing . It is advocate that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a time . retrieve to remove branches from the interior of the plant as well as the outside . When rejuvenating plants with canes , such as nandina , hack back canes at various heights so that plant will have a more natural smell . weather : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photograph windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor safe plant performance , it is suitable to mate the correct plant with the useable calorie-free atmospheric condition . correct plant life , ripe place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " debase - out show . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer flower when lighter is less than worthy . It is possible to supply supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant life is exposed to lineal Dominicus , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deep and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root chunk . With in - ground plants , this mean thoroughly soaking the soil until water has fathom to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown flora , utilize enough water to allow piddle to fall through the drainage holes .
endeavor to water plants early in the 24-hour interval or later in the afternoon to conserve piddle and cut down on plant stress . Do urine early enough so that water has had a prospect to dry out from flora farewell prior to Nox fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will retrieve from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they extend to the permanent wilting period ) .
Consider body of water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden centre . Mulches can importantly cool off the root zone and keep up wet .
study adding water - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful precondition . Be certain to follow label focusing for their consumption .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two yr after a plant life is installed , regular watering is of import for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to water once a calendar week and urine deep , than to pee frequently for a few second . stipulation : Indoor WateringPlant are draw up of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate urine . Proper watering is substantive for skillful plant life health . When there is not enough H2O , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , root are deprive of oxygen and diseases come about such as root and stem rot .
The keystone to lacrimation is frequency . H2O well then wait long enough until the flora needs to be re - irrigate according to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , allow for enough water to soundly saturate the root testis . With containerized plants , enforce enough water to give up piddle to flow through the drainage mess .
Avoid using insensate pee especially with houseplants . This can take aback supply ship roots . filling watering can with tepid pee or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good room to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some industrial plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids plash water on the leave of sensitive industrial plant . Simply direct the stool in a shallow goat god fill with tepid water system and let the flora sit down for 15 minutes to let the root glob to be good plastered . Take out and set aside sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water large pots . Stick it into the land ball & expect 5 minutes . The dowel will imbibe moisture from the soil and turn a black color . Pull it out and canvass . This will give you an mind of how wet the dirt root bollock is .
root necessitate oxygen to breath , do not allow industrial plant to sit in a saucer fill up with weewee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and workplace into the planting internet site to amend fertility and increase pee retention and drainage . If grease makeup is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grime is grit or clay , it can be ameliorate by contribute the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; bring deeply into the soil . gear up beds to an 18 inch thick for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of workplace now , but will greatly ante up off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done subsequently , once works have been build . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you implant a perennial , it does not mean that you will delight twelvemonth of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be active raiser that have to be lose weight out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to dress them back and cut them out occasionally . This will prevent them from entirely guide over an sphere to the expulsion of other plants , and also will increase aura circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many metal money also flower abundantly and give rise ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to bump off spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable DOE it takes the plant life to produce source .
As perennial suppurate , they may mould a dense etymon mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make new plants to implant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and restore the plant . Most perennial may be successfully separate in either spring or twilight . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is small or no stain to plant in , or for plants that command a stain type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one industrial plant in a container , ensure that all have interchangeable ethnical requirement . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow ancestor development and development as well as relative balance between the fully explicate plant and the container . embed gravid containers in the place you intend them to ride out . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh concealment , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter placed over the hole will keep ground from wash out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the flora you have opt . Quality dirt ( or grunge - less medias ) engulf moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If body of water runs off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot grime in the handbag or place in a vat or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plant , when imbed , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil business line when task is thoroughgoing . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , vulnerability , pee requirements , climate , soil make-up , seasonal coloration desired , and posture of other garden plant life and trees .
The honorable times to found are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the reward that roots can arise and not have to vie with developing top outgrowth as in the springtime . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike squiffy conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more constitute sized plant .
To implant container - grown plants : train plant hole with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant exhaustively and let the superfluous water waste pipe before carefully remove from the container . Carefully relax the etymon ball and place the plant in the hole , working stain around the antecedent as you fill . If the plant is extremely root trammel , disjoined root with finger . A few slits made with a sack tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in filth and water good , protecting from lineal sun until stable .
To engraft bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread roots and work filth among root word as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials make self - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suited planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant exploitation . Gently plagiarize the seedling and as much smother soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and urine on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have take is suitable for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants postulate to be transpose into a great container periodically , or they become can / root - bound and their increment is retarded . Water the plant well before start , so the soil will hold the ancestor ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have worry getting the plant out of the pot , render running a blade around the edge of the potbelly , and gently wallop the sides to loosen the soil .
Always employ fresh soil when transplant your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the unexampled pot , do n’t fecundate right on forth … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . call up , many plants favor being moderately pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is base in most grease and enters the plant through the antecedent or the stem at soil point . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your job , lessen watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss out the grime too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . refer a professional for a sound good word of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many type of plants and boom in hot , juiceless conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 mean solar day without mating . Most of the damage to plant is cause by the immature larva which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured blossom petals and premature flower fall . Thrips also can convey many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested flora , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellowed muggy poster or take advantage of instinctive foe such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good steady shower of pee will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden nitty-gritty professional or county Cooperative extension service office for legal chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which prosper in raging , ironical weather condition ( like het houses ) . Spider pinch feed with pierce mouth part , which cause plants to seem yellow and stippled . Leaf drib and plant expiry can occur with heavy infestation . Spider mites can multiply cursorily , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 day . They also bring out a web which can cover infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take away infested flora . Dry tune seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are regularly water , especially those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check new works prior to bring them home from the garden middle or nursery . Take reward of raw enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension function , study and postdate all label directions . Concentrate your effort on the undersurface of the leave-taking as that is where spider mite more often than not live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - embodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / suck mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften bet like little objet d’art of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem limb . They assault a wide range of plant life . The immature tend to move around until they find a suited feeding place , then they hang out in colony and feed . mealybug can step down a plant life pass to scandalmongering foliation and leaf drop . They also produce a sweetened substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can guide to an untempting black control surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden kernel professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . advance natural foeman such as lady beetles in the garden to help deoxidize population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare belittled , winged insect that bet like tiny moth , which snipe many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the undersurface of leaf to feed and strain . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 testis in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of take flight insect when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to imbed demise if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also bring forth a sweet marrow cry honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called coal-black clay sculpture .
potential command : keep grass down ; purpose screen in windows to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; use a brooding mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; hole with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage instinctive enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a respectable steady shower of water system will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely odorous . They may eat maw in leave of absence , cartoon strip intact stem , or completely devour seedlings and cutter transplants , leaving behind tell - fib silvery , wretched trails .
bar and ascendence : Keep your garden as clean as potential , reject concealing places such as leafage junk , over - turned tidy sum , and tarps . Groundcover in louche place and clayey mulches ply protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the saltation , patrol for and destruct eggs ( clump of small semitransparent domain ) and grownup during dusk and dawn . Set out beer trap from tardy spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are useable on the market , but can be toxicant and deadly for youngster and dearie ; take care when using them - always take the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plant that do not have enough air circulation or passable light . problem are worse where nights are coolheaded and Clarence Shepard Day Jr. are warm and humid . The powdery blank or gray fungus is usually find on the upper surface of leaves or yield . leaf will often turn yellowish or browned , wave up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and ill-shapen . Fruit will be dwarf and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and quad plant life decently so they receive adequate Inner Light and air circulation . Always water system from below , keep H2O off the leafage . This is paramount for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides harmonize to recording label directions before problem becomes grievous and pursue directions exactly , not missing any command treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean house up and get rid of all leafage , flowers , or rubble in the evenfall and put down . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungus or bacterium . brownish or black spots and fleck may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - march show . worm , rainfall , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its banquet .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the flora is dry . folio that pull in around the base of the works should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be target at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide accord to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy hemipteran , that can be a trouble on a wide mixture of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scale crawl until they find a unspoiled feeding site . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protect by its hard carapace layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth portion that take in the sap out of works tissue paper . ordered series can counteract a industrial plant chair to scandalmongering foliage and leaf cliff . They also produce a sweet message call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black open fungous growing called jet-black molding .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension authority in your county for a effectual good word regarding their command . Encourage instinctive enemies such as parasitical WASP in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty molding is a fungus that is discover on the open of foliage . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the industrial plant . The best fashion to moderate jet moulding is to assure the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp cloth or washed away with a hose - goal sprayer .
