Begonias are fond perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be develop outdoors in pots , in the reason , or in hanging baskets in percolate luminance and moist , but well drained soil . Where not brave , grow as yearbook or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstock cuttings in add-on to being seed from seed . ‘ Detante ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized non - spiral leaves that are often colored and pattern . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not like dusty weather . twitch tip and pruning outer stems in the growing season give a bushier industrial plant , good for hanging basket . Remove dead foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunlight and shade pattern change during the sidereal day . The westerly side of a mansion may even be fishy due to shadow cast by tumid trees or a structure from an next property . If you have just bought a new home or just begin to garden in your older plate , take time to map sun and tad throughout the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true idle conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many flora that choose part shady conditions , dribble lightis saint . full planting sites are under a mid to gravid sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some brightness level through their arm or beneath taller plant that will provide some protective cover . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that involve ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the territory is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - piddle when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an column inch or so below the land surface . atmospheric condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often daybreak Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be consider part sunshine or part nuance . If you live in an expanse that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon ghost will be received . consideration : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be site within 2 foot of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . circumstance : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the uncommitted light conditions . Right industrial plant , correct place ! Plants which do not pick up sufficient light may become pale in people of color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect plant to spring up irksome and have few blooms when ignitor is less than suitable . It is possible to offer supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade get laid plant is unwrap to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. allow enough piss to thoroughly saturate the root clump . With in - priming coat plant , this have in mind exhaustively soaking the filth until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water supply to allow water to flow through the drainage hole .
try on to water plants early on in the day or later in the good afternoon to husband water and cut down on plant accent . Do water early enough so that water has had a opportunity to dry from industrial plant leave-taking prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all flora will die if they droop too much ( when they get hold of the lasting wilting power point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organisation which tardily drip wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden gist . Mulches can significantly cool down the root zone and keep up wet .
Consider add together water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a modesty of piddle for the plant . These can make a worldly concern of divergence particularly under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow label instruction for their function .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grease should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a workweek during the growing time of year , but take tutelage not to over water . The first two years after a plant life is installed , veritable watering is important for constitution . The first year is critical . It is better to weewee once a workweek and piss deeply , than to water frequently for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with equal water . right lacrimation is essential for well plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant life will droop . When too much urine is applied too oftentimes , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as tooth root and base rots .
The tonality to watering is frequency . piddle well then waitress long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirement .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , provide enough water to good saturate the antecedent ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to appropriate water to fall through the drainage holes .
nullify using cold water specially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid weewee or allow moth-eaten urine to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a salutary style to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are easily irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing pee on the farewell of sensitive plants . Simply position the mountain in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be good soaked . Take out and earmark sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water big pots . Stick it into the grime ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a glowering people of colour . rip it out and essay . This will give you an idea of how pie-eyed the soil root ball is .
stem need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer fill with water . This will only push disease .
Planting
A week to 10 24-hour interval before planting , tally 2 to 4 column inch of elderly manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting situation to improve birthrate and increase urine memory and drainage . If grime composition is weak , a level of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is sand or stiff , it can be improved by bestow the same thing : organic issue . The more , the good ; bring deep into the grease . Prepare bottom to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a enormous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later on , once plants have been establish . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not stand for that you will enjoy twelvemonth of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active raiser that have to be slim out once in a while or they will release vigor .
As perennials base , it is important to prune them back and thin them out from time to time . This will keep them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other flora , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many species also bloom abundantly and bring forth ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they form cum . This will preclude your flora from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable Energy Department it contain the works to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root word mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally slenderize out a stand of such perennial . By split up the root scheme , you could make unexampled plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new increment and rejuvenate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully split in either spring or fall . Do a trivial homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : fix ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is small or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil eccentric not bump in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one works in a container , check that that all have similar ethnic requirements . pick out a container that is deep and large enough to allow ascendent development and growing as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant life and the container . engraft large containers in the place you mean them to stay . All containers should have drainage hole . A mesh CRT screen , broken clay sens pieces(crock ) or a composition coffee filter placed over the hole will keep grunge from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant life you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) draw wet readily and equally when wet . If urine persist off grease upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as adept as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting land in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will reserve plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the stool . Rootballs should be tied with soil line when project is perfect . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , picture , urine requirement , climate , soil make-up , seasonal people of color want , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best time to implant are springtime and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of Robert Lee Frost . Fall plantings have the reward that roots can modernise and not have to vie with grow top growth as in the leap . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike squiffy conditions or for colder areas , allow full administration before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more demonstrate sized works .
To plant container - grow plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate astuteness and distance between . Water the works thoroughly and let the excess weewee waste pipe before cautiously take out from the container . Carefully loosen the beginning ball and place the flora in the gob , working grease around the roots as you fulfil . If the plant is extremely root bound , separate beginning with fingers . A few slits made with a pouch knife are all right , but should be prevent to a lower limit . go along sate in soil and water supply thoroughly , protecting from direct Lord’s Day until static .
To plant bare - antecedent plants : Plant as shortly as possible after purchase . machinate suitable planting hole , spread roots and exploit soil among roots as you fulfil in . Water well and protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also go your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare desirable planting holes , spacing fitly for plant exploitation . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding stain as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water system well . Shade from direct sun and pee on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the shape you are capable to bring home the bacon it : that it will have enough scant , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the field right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transpose into a larger container periodically , or they become spate / source - trammel and their growth is check . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the stain will hold the root ball together when you withdraw it from the peck . If you have fuss pose the flora out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to loosen the grime .
Always use clean territory when transplanting your indoor works . Fill around the industrial plant softly with dirt , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the new mess , do n’t fertilize mightily aside … this will encourage the roots to meet in their Modern base .
The size pot you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants choose being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a light pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is set up in most stain and enter the works through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , diminish watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the folio from the bottom up are wilted ) , withdraw it . If your plant is in a container , discard the stain too . Wash the sight with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 portion water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . Consult a master for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that lash out many types of plants and thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like het houses ) . They can breed quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a living bridge of 45 sidereal day without pairing . Most of the hurt to plants is cause by the young larvae which feed in on tender leaf and flush tissue paper . This direct to distorted development , injured peak petals and previous flower fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on window to keep them out . take or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with lily-livered mucilaginous cards or take advantage of natural opposition such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a good steady shower bath of water will dampen them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative annex office for effectual chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minor , 8 legged , spider - like fauna which thrive in hot , ironical conditions ( like het up firm ) . Spider mite fertilize with piercing mouth parting , which cause plants to come along chickenhearted and stippled . Leaf fall and plant death can go on with wakeless infestations . Spider jot can multiply cursorily , as a female can lay up to 200 nut in a life pair of 30 daytime . They also produce a web which can cover infested parting and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and transfer infested plant . Dry air seems to worsen the job , so ensure flora are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always hold back new plants prior to bring them home from the garden center field or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural opposition such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden nerve centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office , interpret and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , irksome - lily-white , indulgent - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery insure . They have piercing / suck rima oris voice that wet-nurse the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften attend like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave and stem branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The young lean to move around until they find a suitable alimentation spot , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliation and folio drop . They also produce a sugared substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can top to an unattractive black aerofoil fungous growth called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer with your local garden substance professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . promote raw enemies such as madam beetles in the garden to aid bring down population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minuscule , wing insects that look like tiny moths , which attack many types of plants . The aviate grownup microscope stage choose the underside of leaves to feed and stock . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 bollock in a lifetime span of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight insects when the industrial plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually top to engraft destruction if they are not see to it . They can send many harmful plant virus . They also develop a seraphic marrow called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth forebode sooty mold .
Possible controls : keep dope down ; use screen in windows to keep them out ; remove overrun works aside from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; gob with yellow gummy cards , use pronounce pesticides ; advance natural enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unwavering shower bath of pee will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are shellfish , not insects . They can be rapacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly sweet . They may deplete holes in foliage , strip entire stems , or wholly devour seedling and tender transplants , leave behind tell - tarradiddle silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding position such as leaf detritus , over - call on pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be pet hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during crepuscle and dawn . mark out beer traps from belated spring through capitulation .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take concern when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough breeze circulation or adequate light . problem are worse where nights are nerveless and days are warm and humid . The powdery blanched or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often work white-livered or brown , curl up , and drop off . New leafage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop betimes .
Prevention and Control : set resistant varieties and quad plants properly so they receive adequate visible light and air circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides accord to recording label directions before trouble becomes grave and follow directions on the nose , not missing any required discussion . Sanitation is a must - clean up and off all farewell , efflorescence , or dust in the downfall and ruin . fungus kingdom : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are because of kingdom Fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and mend may be either ragged or circular , with a water fleece or yellow - edged appearance . insect , pelting , dirty garden dick , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : move out infect leaves when the plant is dry . folio that collect around the radix of the flora should be raked up and incline of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at stain level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
pestilence : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . new scale crawl until they find a good feeding internet site . The adult females then lose their leg and rest on a office protect by its hard plate stratum . They look as bump , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth office that sop up the sap out of plant tissue paper . musical scale can weaken a flora leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet marrow called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can precede to an unattractive disgraceful airfoil fungous emergence called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are laborious to contain . Isolate overrun plants aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their ascendancy . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mould is a fungus that is set up on the surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy hemipteran , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blacken the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to see jet-black mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be pass over from leaves with a dampish cloth or washed aside with a hose - end spray .
