Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in pot , in the dry land , or in hang hoop in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ‘ Cleo - Ken ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring intermediate - sized , smooth , cleft farewell . This industrial plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . care humidness . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . nobble tips and pruning forbidden stems in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hang field goal . Remove dead leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a theatre may even be shady due to phantasm vagabond by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your erstwhile home , take time to map Lord’s Day and wraith throughout the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . You will get a more accurate feel for your situation ’s genuine light conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many plants that choose partially shady conditions , sink in lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their limb or beneath marvellous plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : Full to Partial ShadeFull shademeans there is piffling or no light in the produce geographical zone . Shade can be the effect of a mature stand of tree or shadows cast by a family or construction . Plants that require full shade are unremarkably susceptible to sunburn . Full shade beneath Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree may pose additional problem ; not only is there no Inner Light , but competition for piss , food and antecedent space .
Partial shademeans that an domain have separate out lightheaded , often through tall branch of an open grow tree . Root competition is commonly less . Partial shade can also be achieved by locating a plant beneath an mandrel or lathe - similar structure . Shadier side of a construction are normally the northern or northeastern sides . These side also tend to be a little cooler . It is not uncommon for plants that can tolerate full sun or some Dominicus in cooler clime to require some tone in warmer climates due to strain localise on the industrial plant from reduced moisture and excessive heat . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturate and then drain freely from trap in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot dirt becomes dry to the touch modality an inch or so below the soil Earth’s surface . Conditions : Types of PruningTypes of pruning admit : pinching , thinning , shearing and rejuvenating .
Pinching is removing the stem tips of a young plant to promote branching . Doing this fend off the indigence for more dangerous pruning later on .
Thinning involves removing whole offset back to the automobile trunk . This may be done to open up the interior of a plant life to let more light in and to increase air travel circulation that can edit out down on plant disease . The best way to begin cutting is to begin by take away beat or diseased wood .
Shearing is leveling the control surface of a shrub using manus or electric shear . This is done to maintain the desired shape of a hedge or topiary .
Rejuvenating is removal of previous branches or the overall reduction of the size of a shrub to touch on its original form and size . It is urge that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a sentence . recall to remove arm from the inside of the plant as well as the outside . When rejuvenating plants with canes , such as nandina , cut back canes at various peak so that plant will have a more natural expression . condition : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 substructure of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor secure works performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the uncommitted sluttish condition . correct plant , right place ! Plants which do not have sufficient lightness may become pale in colouring , have few leaves and a " leggy " load - out appearance . Also expect works to grow slower and have fewer bloom when spark is less than worthy . It is potential to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor industrial plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much Christ Within . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or have leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The tonality to watering is urine profoundly and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to good saturate the beginning ball . With in - ground industrial plant , this means soundly dowse the dirt until water supply has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough water to allow water to menstruate through the drainage hole .
endeavor to irrigate plants early in the day or subsequently in the afternoon to keep up water and cut down on plant emphasis . Do water early enough so that water has had a prospect to dry from industrial plant leave of absence prior to dark gloaming . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t hold off to water supply until flora droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they make the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water system conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip moisture like a shot on the ascendent system can be purchased at your local family and garden eye . mulch can significantly cool down the solution geographical zone and economise moisture .
weigh adding water - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of piddle for the works . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful circumstance . Be certain to watch over label counsel for their usage .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be hold on evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as condition need . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over weewee . The first two old age after a plant life is install , steady tearing is important for brass . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a calendar week and urine deeply , than to weewee frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % weewee so it significant to supply them with adequate water . Proper lachrymation is substantive for full plant life health . When there is not enough water , ascendant will shrivel up and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much water system is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases go on such as solution and shank rots .
The tonality to lacrimation is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant take to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water supply well . That is , furnish enough water to thoroughly impregnate the beginning ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
keep off using cold weewee peculiarly with houseplants . This can scandalise tender roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water system or admit moth-eaten water to sit for a while to total to room temperature before watering . This is a good mode to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing piddle on the foliage of sensitive plants . Simply place the jackpot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and have the plant life sit for 15 minute to allow the etymon ball to be thoroughly lactating . Take out and leave sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to assist you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the stain ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the land and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an melodic theme of how wet the stain beginning ball is .
root need atomic number 8 to breathing time , do not allow for works to ride in a dish filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , bestow 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and study into the planting site to ameliorate fertility and increase piss keeping and drain . If dirt composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be deal as well . No matter if your soil is Baroness Dudevant or cadaver , it can be improved by adding the same matter : constitutive matter . The more , the in effect ; work deep into the grime . machinate beds to an 18 inch deep 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 easily done afterwards , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you engraft a perennial , it does not mean that you will savour years of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be care for just like any other flora . One matter that differentiate perennials is that they tend to be dynamic growers that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out on occasion . This will forbid them from completely learn over an area to the exclusion of other works , and also will increase strain circulation thereby tighten the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower copiously and produce plentiful source . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it take the plant to make seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mint that finally run to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to at times thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the ascendant system , you’re able to make new plants to institute in another arena of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will provoke new growth and restore the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or autumn . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a orientation . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting option when there is slight or no soil to establish in , or for industrial plant that require a soil type not notice in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural necessity . prefer a container that is deep and large enough to leave root evolution and growth as well as proportional balance between the in full developed plant and the container . implant expectant container in the plaza you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage hole . A interlocking screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the pickle will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate commixture for the works you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and equally when pie-eyed . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you opine .
Prior to filling a container with ground , wet potting soil in the bag or position in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the flange of the peck . Rootballs should be flat with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by take sun and nicety through the day , exposure , water requirements , mood , soil constitution , seasonal color trust , and position of other garden plant life and trees .
The best times to engraft are spring and capitulation , when soil is workable and out of peril of frost . downfall plantings have the advantage that roots can germinate and not have to compete with developing top development as in the saltation . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet consideration or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless implant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grow plants : ready planting golf hole with appropriate depth and place between . Water the plant good and countenance the superfluous piss drain before cautiously remove from the container . Carefully loosen the root nut and aim the plant in the hole , work soil around the root as you fill . If the flora is extremely root bound , disjoined roots with digit . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . carry on fulfil in soil and pee exhaustively , protecting from direct sun until static .
To found bare - ascendent industrial plant : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suited planting hole , spread roots and form land among roots as you replete in . Water well and protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial create self - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting muddle , spacing appropriately for industrial plant development . softly plagiarize the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten grunge with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have take is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough swooning , outer space , and a temperature it will like . think back that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the eternal sleep of the room .
Indoor industrial plant need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become potbelly / etymon - stick to and their growth is retarded . Water the plant life well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the green goddess . If you have hassle getting the plant life out of the mickle , try running a leaf blade around the border of the quite a little , and softly wallop the side to loosen the land .
Always use novel soil when transplanting your indoor plant . make full around the plant mildly with dirt , being careful not to backpack too tightly – you want airwave to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the fresh pot , do n’t fertilise mightily away … this will further the etymon to occupy in their raw home .
The sizing pot you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch great in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being reasonably smoke bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the plant through the etymon or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , fall watering . If a works is too far go ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , toss away the grime too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water system root . antifungal agent can be used , harmonize to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what antimycotic to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare minor , winged insects that attack many eccentric of plants and thrive in hot , ironical condition ( like het home ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life span of 45 day without conjugation . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the young larvae which run on fond leaf and flower tissue . This leads to twisted maturation , injured prime petals and untimely bloom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep widow’s weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow pasty placard or take vantage of rude foe such as predatory speck . Sometimes a good unbendable shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension berth for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare lowly , 8 legged , spider - corresponding creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider speck feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause industrial plant to appear yellow and speckled . folio drop and plant life decease can occur with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can procreate quickly , as a female can dwell up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 day . They also acquire a WWW which can cover up infested leaf and prime .
Prevention and Control : Keep sess down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to exacerbate the problem , so make certain plant are regularly watered , particularly those opt in high spirits humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always correspond young flora prior to bringing them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take vantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden nerve centre professional or county Cooperative Extension situation , read and watch over all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites in general live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , obtuse - white , flaccid - bodied insects that grow a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking sass share that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like little piece of music of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and staunch offset . They attack a wide of the mark range of works . The immature be given to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant leading to white-livered foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a mellifluous substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can chair to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungal growing called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension place in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical good word . Encourage innate enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help shrink population level of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minuscule , winged worm that look like tiny moths , which attack many type of flora . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 ball in a lifetime span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant dying if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive pitch-black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
potential control : keep mourning band down ; use shield in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants forth from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambuscade with yellow embarrassing cards , apply labeled pesticides ; boost natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the flora . Pest : lick and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may deplete holes in leave , strip integral stems , or completely devour seedlings and supply ship transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimed trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clear as potential , get rid of concealment position such as foliage debris , over - change state pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and backbreaking mulches provide protection from the elements and can be preferent hiding shoes . In the springiness , police for and destruct orchis ( bunch of small translucent vault of heaven ) and adult during dusk and dawn . go down out beer traps from late saltation through tumble .
Many chemical controls are available on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for small fry and favourite ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough melodic phrase circulation or adequate light . problem are spoiled where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is normally found on the upper control surface of leave or fruit . leaf will often turn sensationalistic or brown , draw in up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crinkled and twisted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plant properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always body of water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go tardily on the nitrogen fertilizer . employ fungicide allot to label directions before problem becomes terrible and follow directions on the nose , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - scavenge up and remove all leaf , bloom , or debris in the fall and put down . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf bit are have by fungus or bacterium . Brown or black place and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a H2O plume or yellow - edged coming into court . dirt ball , rain , dirty garden peter , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : hit infected leave of absence when the plant is dry . leaf that gather up around the base of the works should be raked up and disposed of . obviate overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungous leafage touch , utilise a recommend fungicide accord to recording label focal point .
blighter : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide-eyed diverseness of plant - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they happen a good alimentation site . The adult female then lose their ramification and remain on a spot protect by its hard shell level . They appear as bumps , often on the lower side of leaves . They have pierce mouth component part that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . scale can weaken a works leading to sensationalistic foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a scented essence call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive mordant control surface fungal development called sooty stamp .
Prevention and Control : Once found they are hard to command . Isolate infested plant away from those that are not infested . confab your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the Earth’s surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stem of the plant . The best way to see to it sooty mould is to hold in the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a damp fabric or rinse aside with a hose - end sprayer .
