Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful bloom and foliation . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in kitty , in the ground , or in hanging handbasket in dribble light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not stout , maturate as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leaf , stem or rhizome cut in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Dewdrop ’ grows from an good rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring spiral leaves that are often colored and model . This plant savour filtrate light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia develop very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather . pinch tip and pruning stunned stems in the arise season gives a bushy plant , just for hanging hoop . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shadowiness patterns shift during the 24-hour interval . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows puke by orotund trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a young home or just start to garden in your older home , take time to map Sunday and tincture throughout the day . You will get a more precise tactile property for your site ’s dead on target weak conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that favor partly shady conditions , filter lightis nonpareil . Good planting situation are under a mid to large sized tree that let some brightness through their branches or beneath taller plant that will supply some protection . status : Moisture - screw HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous H2O , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water good until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of peck . Re - weewee when potting land becomes ironic to the touch an inch or so below the dirt surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is sink in . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part Dominicus or part tincture . If you dwell in an sphere that does not get much vivid sunlight , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a localization where good afternoon specter will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be localise within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available clear condition . Right plant , proper place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in coloration , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few peak when light is less than desirable . It is possible to ply supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a tone loving plant is endanger to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is weewee profoundly and less oft . When tearing , water well , i.e. allow for enough weewee to thoroughly saturate the rootage formal . With in - ground flora , this mean good fleece the soil until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain hole .
seek to water plants ahead of time in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant accent . Do water early enough so that water has had a luck to dry out from plant foliage prior to night fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t expect to weewee until plants wilt . Although some plants will reclaim from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting distributor point ) .
Consider water conservation method acting such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble organisation which slowly dribble moisture directly on the root system can be buy at your local home and garden midpoint . mulch can significantly cool the root zona and maintain moisture .
conceive adding water - deliver gel to the root zone which will hold a military reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference specially under nerve-wracking condition . Be certain to adopt label directions for their use .
circumstance : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as status require . Most plants like 1 inch of body of water a week during the growing season , but take concern not to over water supply . The first two years after a flora is establish , even watering is important for brass . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is better to water once a week and piss deeply , than to water frequently for a few second . weather condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper lacrimation is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel up and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as etymon and root word putrefaction .
The key to watering is frequency . water system well then wait long enough until the works need to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , urine well . That is , allow enough water to thoroughly saturate the root egg . With containerized plants , go for enough H2O to allow water to flow through the drainage muddle .
debar using frigid water specially with houseplants . This can ball over tender roots . filling watering can with tepid H2O or allow inhuman water supply to pose for a while to come to board temperature before tearing . This is a good way to tolerate any harmful Cl in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. lachrymation from the bottom up . This annul splashing water on the leaves of sore plants . Simply rank the sens in a shallow pan filled with tepid H2O and let the plant sit down for 15 proceedings to provide the base orchis to be thoroughly lactating . Take out and set aside sufficient drainage .
employ an unpainted dowel pin to assist you determine when to re - water large sens . bind it into the soil ball & await 5 minute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the dirt and plough a darker colouration . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an estimation of how fuddled the soil antecedent ball is .
solution take atomic number 8 to breather , do not allow industrial plant to sit in a saucer fill with water . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , total 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting situation to improve prolificacy and increase body of water retention and drain . If soil penning is weak , a level of topsoil should be conceive as well . No matter if your dirt is sand or clay , it can be amend by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work late into the land . get up bed to an 18 in mystifying for perennials . This will seem like a marvelous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will savour years of upkeep - free horticulture . Perennials demand to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be fighting agriculturalist that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will liberate vigor .
As perennials make , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forestall them from entirely taking over an surface area to the exclusion of other industrial plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also flower abundantly and bring forth ample seed . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove spend flowers before they constitute seminal fluid . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial grow , they may form a slow rootage mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a point of view of such perennial . By part the stem organisation , you could make young plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate raw growth and regenerate the flora . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either saltation or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting pick when there is little or no soil to engraft in , or for plant that require a grease type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have standardized ethnical requirements . take a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and development as well as proportional balance between the fully develop plant life and the container . set big container in the place you mean them to detain . All container should have drainage gob . A meshing CRT screen , check the Great Compromiser corporation pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee tree filter placed over the hole will keep grunge from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the industrial plant you have chosen . Quality grime ( or territory - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when wet . If water runs off grime upon initial making water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as well as you guess .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the old bag or place in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . fill up container about halfway full or to a stage that will take into account plant life , when planted , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with territory line when labor is thoroughgoing . pee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sunlight and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , clime , ground make-up , seasonal coloring material desired , and position of other garden plant and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The best times to establish are spring and fall , when grease is workable and out of peril of frost . spill planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike sloshed conditions or for cold areas , take into account full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most industrial plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : gear up planting holes with appropriate deepness and quad between . Water the plant thoroughly and get the excess water waste pipe before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the mess , work soil around the solution as you satiate . If the plant is extremely tooth root ricochet , separate ancestor with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fulfill in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To plant bare - stem plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , circularise roots and bring soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Sunday until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial bring out self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . cook suited planting holes , spacing suitably for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much surrounding grease as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is desirable for the conditions you are able to put up it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area in good order next to a windowpane will be colder than the relaxation of the elbow room .
Indoor plants take to be transplant into a large container sporadically , or they become pot / source - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will contain the root ball together when you remove it from the corporation . If you have trouble sustain the plant out of the dope , try run a brand around the edge of the heap , and gently whacking the side to relax the territory .
Always practice fresh soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the industrial plant mildly with land , being heedful not to jam too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the root . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise aright off … this will further the roots to occupy in their new dwelling .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . Remember , many plant prefer being slightly gage bond . Always take up with a clean potful !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most soil and go into the plant through the ancestor or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen lacrimation . If a plant is too far run ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the ground too . Wash the muckle with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts piddle solution . Fungicides can be used , harmonise to label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged louse that attack many types of plants and thrive in live , teetotal conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can manifold apace as a female person can lay up to 300 bollock in a life dyad of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is due to the young larva which feed on tender foliage and heyday tissue . This lead to distorted growth , injured heyday petal and untimely flower dip . Thrips also can impart many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and employ screening on windowpane to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of lifelike enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unfaltering cascade of piddle will wash them off the industrial plant . look up your local garden center professional or county conjunctive file name extension power for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - corresponding creatures which expand in spicy , juiceless condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider touch fertilize with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to come along yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider tinge can manifold rapidly , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a spirit dyad of 30 daylight . They also produce a WWW which can cover infested leave and peak .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant life . ironical tune seems to exacerbate the job , so check that plants are regularly water , peculiarly those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or love apple . Always check new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden plaza or nursery . Take advantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office , interpret and keep abreast all recording label guidance . Concentrate your attempt on the undersides of the foliage as that is where spider mites generally live . pestis : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , lenient - bodied insects that bring forth a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking sassing parts that wet-nurse the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They attack a wide cooking stove of plants . The youthful tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and provender . mealy bug can weaken a plant lead to chicken foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive mordant Earth’s surface fungal development called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer with your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . further rude foe such as gentlewoman beetle in the garden to help reduce universe point of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly louse that look like tiny moth , which attack many types of plants . The wing adult leg prefer the underside of leaves to feed and strain . whitefly can reproduce quickly as a female person can pose up to 500 eggs in a life duo of 2 months . If a industrial plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant decease if they are not chequer . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet marrow called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungous growing called sooty mould .
potential control : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove overrun plants aside from non - infested plants ; utilize a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply judge pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a adept steady shower of piss will wash them off the plant life . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , corrode just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may use up hole in foliage , strip entire stems , or totally devour seedlings and tender transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , worthless trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as fresh as possible , eliminating concealment places such as leaf dust , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches furnish protection from the elements and can be favourite hiding places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( clustering of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . arrange out beer traps from late spring through downfall .
Many chemical controls are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take precaution when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on flora that do not have enough air circulation or adequate visible light . Problems are worse where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or hoar fungus is normally found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often change state yellow or brownish , curl up , and leave out off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant diverseness and space works decent so they receive adequate twinkle and breeze circulation . Always water from below , keep on water off the foliage . This is preponderating for rose wine . Go slowly on the N plant food . give antifungal agent harmonize to recording label directions before problem becomes life-threatening and play along directions exactly , not neglect any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all leaves , bloom , or detritus in the fall and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a H2O soaked or yellow - edged show . Insects , rainwater , pestiferous garden tools , or even people can aid its spread .
Prevention and Control : murder infected leaves when the works is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and toss away of . invalidate overhead irrigation if potential ; water system should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , apply a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are worm , connect to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide mixed bag of plants - indoor and outdoor . vernal scale crawl until they chance a salutary feeding land site . The adult female then lose their legs and stay on on a patch protected by its backbreaking shell layer . They seem as bumps , often on the lower sides of leave-taking . They have pierce mouth portion that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant head to jaundiced foliage and leaf drop-off . They also produce a perfumed content called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black open fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are heavy to control . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infested . refer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension part in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their ascendance . Encourage rude enemy such as leechlike white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of leaf . It feed on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it get over / blacken the leave and stems of the flora . The good way to control sooty mold is to hold in the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can ordinarily be wipe from foliage with a damp cloth or washed away with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
