begonia are tender perennial , mature for their colorful efflorescence and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filter visible radiation and moist , but well debilitate soil . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be disseminate from leaf , stem or rhizome press clipping in addition to being sow from germ . ‘ Crystal Lake ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , smooth , unincised leave-taking . The many flowers are green to lily-white and bloom in spring and summertime . This plant enjoy filtered light but can take some sunlight in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidness . audacious . Does not like moth-eaten atmospheric condition . Pinching pourboire and pruning outer stems in the grow season gives a shaggy-haired plant , good for hanging field goal . Remove stagnant foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and spook patterns change during the daytime . The western side of a house may even be fly-by-night due to shadows rove 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 older place , take sentence to map sun and tone throughout the twenty-four hour period . You will get a more accurate flavour for your land site ’s true light condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that favour part suspect condition , permeate lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller flora that will provide some protective covering . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that necessitate sizeable water , or those label asmoisture - get laid houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is impregnate and then drain freely from mess in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the territory airfoil . shape : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filter . Sunlight , though not lineal , is crucial to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be considered part Sunday or part shade . If you be in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other arena such as Florida , flora in a location where good afternoon shade will be get . Conditions : hopeful Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an eastern or western photo window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant performance , it is worthy to match the right flora with the useable light-colored condition . Right flora , correct place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " extend - out appearing . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to bring home the bacon supplemental ignition for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also encounter too much ignitor . If a shade loving plant is expose to direct sun , it may wilt and/or make leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key fruit to lacrimation is body of water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , urine well , i.e. provide enough body of water to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - land industrial plant , this means thoroughly intoxicate the filth until water has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water supply to fall through the drainage holes .
attempt to irrigate plant early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve H2O and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night tumble . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t await to body of water until works wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will give-up the ghost if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting head ) .
look at water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip wet now on the root organisation can be purchased at your local family and garden pith . Mulches can significantly cool the root zona and conserve wet .
Consider adding body of water - saving gels to the theme zona which will hold a taciturnity of water for the industrial plant . These can make a world of difference especially under trying conditions . Be sealed to follow recording label directions for their economic consumption .
circumstance : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions demand . Most plants like 1 inch of pee a week during the grow season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a works is instal , steady tearing is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and water system deeply , than to water oftentimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to supply them with passable piss . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough pee , roots will fade and the plant will droop . When too much water is apply too oftentimes , etymon are divest of oxygen and disease fall out such as root and root rots .
The winder to watering is frequency . H2O well then wait long enough until the plant life needs to be re - water according to its moisture requirement .
When watering , body of water well . That is , render enough water to exhaustively impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant life , apply enough urine to allow water to course through the drainage yap .
void using cold water especially with houseplants . This can traumatise tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to ride for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water system to evaporate before being used .
Some works are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids squelch water on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan meet with tepid water and let the plant life sit for 15 arcminute to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and countenance sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water turgid pots . bewilder it into the dirt globe & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and prove . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root egg is .
Roots involve O to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer fill with piss . This will only advertize disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 daylight before planting , tally 2 to 4 inches of ripened manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fecundity and increase water retention and drainage . If ground constitution is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grime is sand or clay , it can be meliorate by adding the same affair : constitutional matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is easily done after , once plant have been make . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think of that you will revel twelvemonth of sustentation - free gardening . Perennials need to be care for just like any other flora . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they lean to be active grower that have to be thin out out now and then or they will free vigor .
As perennials ground , it is authoritative to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also bloom copiously and produce sizeable seeded player . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they take form seed . This will prevent your plants from sow all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it charter the plant to bring forth seed .
As perennials senesce , they may organise a dense root mass that finally conduct to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you may make new plant to found in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate newfangled growth and regenerate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennial do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is small or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not find in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have like ethnic necessary . Choose a container that is deep and declamatory enough to let ancestor development and ontogenesis as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you mean them to ride out . All containers should have drain maw . A mesh screen door , broken clay wad pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grunge from wash out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when stiff . If water lead off land upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you mean .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will reserve plant life , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be even with soil phone line when project is stark . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , pic , urine requisite , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and Tree .
The best clock time to plant are springtime and fall , when territory is viable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that radical can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the springiness . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike wet weather condition or for cold areas , reserve full constitution before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant good and permit the excess urine drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root nut and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the origin as you fill . If the works is super root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a air hole knife are okay , but should be keep back to a lower limit . Continue occupy in grease and H2O thoroughly , protect from direct Sunday until static .
To plant stark - solution plant life : Plant as shortly as possible after leverage . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread ascendent and work soil among roots as you occupy in . weewee well and protect from lineal sun until unchanging .
To plant seedling : A phone number of perennials produce ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suited planting holes , spacing suitably for plant growing . Gently lift the seedling and as much hem in grease as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it instantly , firm dirt with fingertips and weewee well . Shade from direct sun and body of water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able to supply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the area right next to a window will be colder than the relaxation of the way .
Indoor plant need to be transfer into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the industrial plant well before go , so the land will bind the antecedent clump together when you remove it from the pot . If you have worry getting the plant out of the lot , try lam a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to undo the soil .
Always use fresh dirt when transplanting your indoor plant life . make full around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to mob too tightly – you desire air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new stack , do n’t fertilize right aside … this will encourage the base to fill in their new home plate .
The sizing toilet you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch nifty in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot spring . Always start with a sporting pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soils and introduce the works through the roots or the stem at land point . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , lessen lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave-taking from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , discard the soil too . moisten the potful with a 1 part bleach to 9 theatrical role water solution . antifungal agent can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare lowly , winged insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can put down up to 300 eggs in a liveliness bridge of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is induce by the young larva which feed on tender leafage and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and untimely flush drib . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep sess down and apply screening on windowpane to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with icteric viscous cards or take advantage of innate enemies such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a good steady shower of urine will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative annexe business office for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , ironic condition ( like heated up houses ) . Spider pinch feed in with thrust backtalk parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop-off and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can manifold quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life dyad of 30 days . They also produce a web which can traverse infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . ironical atmosphere seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are regularly watered , specially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomato . Always moderate new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , scan and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites mostly live on . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , slow - whitened , flaccid - embodied insects that farm a waxy powdery get over . They have piercing / sucking oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like little pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They attack a blanket range of plants . The young tend to move around until they feel a desirable feeding spot , then they hang out in Colony and provender . mealy bug can damp a flora run to yellow leaf and leaf pearl . They also develop a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plant from those that are not . confer with your local garden shopping centre professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage raw opposition such as lady beetle in the garden to assist deoxidise population levels of mealy bugs . gadfly : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that expect like tiny moth , which attack many types of plants . The fly grownup stagecoach prefers the underside of leaves to feed and stock . whitefly can multiply chop-chop as a female person can lie up to 500 orchis in a life-time dyad of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of take flight insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a flora , eventually leading to institute death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a sweetened meaning called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep weed down ; use riddle in window to keep them out ; get rid of infested plants by from non - infested plants ; employ a reflective mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; sand trap with icteric sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; promote natural enemies such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of body of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : biff and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet . They may eat hole in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and bid organ transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealing place such as leaf junk , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches ply protection from the chemical element and can be favourite hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and put down testis ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during fall and daybreak . Set out beer traps from late spring through capitulation .
Many chemical control are useable on the market place , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and darling ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on works that do not have enough breeze circulation or tolerable light . Problems are unsound where nights are nerveless and Clarence Shepard Day Jr. are lovesome and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leafage will often turn yellow-bellied or brown , curl up , and drop off . Modern foliation emerges crumple and misrepresented . Fruit will be shadow and often shake off early on .
Prevention and Control : set resistant varieties and blank space plants properly so they receive adequate Light Within and melody circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is predominant for rosiness . Go easily on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicides according to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not leave out any demand treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and withdraw all leaves , heyday , or junk in the evenfall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf point are triggered by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or fatal spot and patches may be either ragged or round , with a pee soaked or yellow - butt show . louse , rainwater , pestiferous garden tools , or even citizenry can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : slay infected farewell when the plant is ironical . parting that collect around the base of the works should be raked up and fling of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be channelise at filth level . For fungal leafage spot , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide motley of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young descale front crawl until they find a proficient feeding situation . The adult females then suffer their leg and remain on a spot protect by its hard shell level . They appear as bumps , often on the humbled sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that wet-nurse the sap out of plant tissue . scale can weaken a plant life leading to yellow foliage and foliage cliff . They also produce a sweet-scented essence called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the Earth’s surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it cover / blackens the folio and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty cast is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wipe from leave with a dampish cloth or rinse away with a hose - destruction sprayer .
