begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliation . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pile , in the ground , or in hang baskets in filtered brightness level and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , develop as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem or rhizome carving in addition to being sow in from source . ‘ Flambeau ’ ( 1916 ) is a bushy begonia that has many single red blossom that bloom best in winter . The farewell are green to brown in color . This plant enjoys filtered ignitor but needs direct Lord’s Day in wintertime for best bloom . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather condition . call for good visible light in winter . Pinching peak and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year gives a bushy plant , skillful for hang basketful . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and wraith blueprint change during the sidereal day . The western side of a firm may even be shady due to shadows stray by big trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new house or just beginning to garden in your elder home , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feeling for your site ’s true light-headed conditions . Conditions : sink in LightFor many flora that opt partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to bombastic sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . weather : Moderate Light for HouseplantsPlace houseplants that requiremoderate lightwithin 5 feet of an easterly or western exposure window . Conditions : wet - love HouseplantsHouseplants that involve ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grunge is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of batch . Re - water when potting soil becomes wry to the touch an inch or so below the soil control surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt luminosity that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as firm as afternoon sun , can be count part sun or part shade . If you live in an domain that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day exposure may be o.k. . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be put within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora operation , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . correct plant , right place ! Plants which do not incur sufficient illumination may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when Light Within is less than suitable . It is possible to allow for supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a tint loving plant is bring out to unmediated sun , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The Florida key to watering is water profoundly and less oft . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soak the dirt until water system has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being well ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to reserve water to flow through the drain yap .
taste to irrigate plant life early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water supply and cut down on flora accent . Do piddle early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from industrial plant leaves prior to Nox free fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus trouble .
Do n’t await to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will go back from this , all plant will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mold systems which slow drip moisture immediately on the root scheme can be buy at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool off the root zona and conserve moisture .
Consider adding piddle - save gels to the antecedent geographical zone which will hold a taciturnity of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference peculiarly under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label direction for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be kept equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , steady watering is crucial for establishment . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is better to weewee once a hebdomad and piddle deep , than to piss frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it authoritative to supply them with adequate water . right watering is essential for safe industrial plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the works will wilt . When too much water is applied too ofttimes , ascendant are deprived of atomic number 8 and diseases happen such as root and fore rot .
The key fruit to watering is frequency . body of water well then hold back long enough until the industrial plant want to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough weewee to thoroughly impregnate the radical ball . With containerized flora , apply enough water supply to appropriate water to flow through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold weewee especially with houseplant . This can shock supply ship roots . Fill lachrymation can with tepid water or set aside cold water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to give up any harmful chlorine in the water to disappear before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by hero - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoid splash water on the leaves of sensitive industrial plant . Simply target the good deal in a shallow pan occupy with tepid water and let the flora sit for 15 minutes to permit the root ball to be thoroughly pie-eyed . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
apply an unpainted joggle to avail you determine when to re - water larger pots . wedge it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the territory and turn a dour color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an estimate of how loaded the soil root ball is .
root need O to breathing place , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water supply . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , lend 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to improve fertility and increase water retentiveness and drain . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your filth is sand or cadaver , it can be improved by total the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; go deeply into the grime . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later on . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not think of that you will enjoy years of alimony - free gardening . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they incline to be active growers that have to be thinned out from time to time or they will loose vigor .
As perennials found , it is important to prune them back and thin them out now and then . This will prevent them from wholly take over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reduce the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many specie also flower extravagantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove spend bloom before they mould seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economize the considerable energy it take away the plant to produce semen .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense rootage mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to now and then thin out a stand of such perennial . By divide the root scheme , you may make new flora to embed in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new increment and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully dissever in either fountain or fall . Do a small prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental characteristic , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to institute in , or for plant that require a soil character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar ethnic requirement . Choose a container that is deep and with child enough to allow root growth and development as well as proportional residue between the in full developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the piazza you signify them to outride . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen door , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a report coffee filter placed over the hole will keep land from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality stain ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and equally when wet . If weewee runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you call up .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or position in a tub or garden cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when implant , to be just below the rim of the throne . Rootballs should be level with soil bank line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by believe sun and shade through the day , exposure , water necessity , climate , soil composition , seasonal people of colour desired , and position of other garden works and trees .
The best times to plant are outpouring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top development as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , take into account full governance before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more constitute sized plant .
To embed container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant life thoroughly and allow the excess water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and lay the industrial plant in the hole , shape ground around the roots as you fulfil . If the works is extremely origin bound , separate roots with fingerbreadth . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and water thoroughly , protect from verbatim sunlight until stable .
To plant bare - root plant life : Plant as before long as potential after purchase . set up suitable planting kettle of fish , distribute etymon and work soil among root as you sate in . Water well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To implant seedlings : A identification number of perennials produce ego - sow seedlings that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting muddle , space appropriately for works development . Gently lift the seedling and as much hem in territory as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming land with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sunlight and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the industrial plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area right next to a window will be cold than the residual of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retard . Water the plant well before starting , so the dirt will view as the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the industrial plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the tidy sum , and softly whacking the sides to loose the soil .
Always habituate refreshed land when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you require melody to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the raw pot , do n’t fertilise right by … this will boost the solution to satisfy in their newfangled home .
The size of it pot you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being jolly pot spring . Always start with a unclouded pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stalk at soil storey . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far move ( all the leaves from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the pot with a 1 part whitener to 9 constituent water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small-scale , winged insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in hot , teetotal conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life-time couple of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is because of the unseasoned larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , offend prime petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep locoweed down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky card or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a good steady shower of water supply will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden core professional or county Cooperative extension office for legal chemic good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare low , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which prosper in red-hot , ironical condition ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which make plants to appear white-livered and stippled . folio drop and plant death can occur with weighty infestations . Spider mites can manifold quickly , as a female can repose up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 day . They also develop a web which can cover infested leaf and prime .
Prevention and Control : Keep widow’s weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry aviation seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring eminent humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always check out young works prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension business office , read and survey all label directions . reduce your efforts on the undersurface of the foliage as that is where spider touch generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , leaden - white , gentle - bodied dirt ball that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth part that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like minuscule pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave-taking and stems branch . They attack a wide ambit of plants . The young be given to move around until they regain a suitable alimentation place , then they hang out in dependency and feed . mealybug can weaken a industrial plant take to yellow leaf and leaf drop . They also produce a odoriferous substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called jet clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested flora from those that are not . confer with your local garden midpoint professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage raw enemies such as madam beetles in the garden to help thin population layer of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , fly insects that look like lilliputian moth , which attack many types of plant . The fly grownup stage prefer the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply rapidly as a female person can set up to 500 eggs in a life bridge of 2 month . If a flora is infest with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant is disturb . whitefly can countermine a plant , finally leading to constitute death if they are not checked . They can carry many harmful plant viruses . They also bring forth a sweet kernel called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black airfoil fungal development call coal-black mold .
Possible control : keep smoke down ; purpose screening in window to keep them out ; remove invade plant away from non - infested plants ; utilise a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under industrial plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; cakehole with yellow unenviable cards , apply label pesticides ; encourage rude enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good firm cascade of piddle will wash them off the flora . Pest : biff and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not worm . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat gob in leaves , flight strip entire stem , or wholly devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as unclouded as potential , annihilate concealing place such as leaf dust , over - turn raft , and tarp . Groundcover in louche places and clayey mulches leave protection from the element and can be favorite concealment place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent sphere of influence ) and adults during dusk and dawn . prepare out beer snare from recent leap through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and favorite ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough aura circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where Nox are cool and Clarence Shepard Day Jr. are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually notice on the upper open of leaves or fruit . leaf will often turn xanthous or brownish , curl up , and put down off . raw foliation emerges crinkled and misshapen . Fruit will be dwarf and often fell ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant insubordinate varieties and space plant properly so they receive adequate Light Within and tune circulation . Always water from below , observe water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go soft on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . hold fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes hard and follow way precisely , not miss any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or black spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a body of water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , cheating garden tool , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : transfer infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the al-Qaeda of the plant should be run down up and qualify of . forfend overhead irrigation if potential ; weewee should be directed at grunge horizontal surface . For fungal leaf place , use a commend fungicide harmonize to recording label directions .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , pertain to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . untested scale crawl until they get a good eating site . The grownup females then lose their legs and remain on a spot protected by its hard scale layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lowly sides of leaves . They have piercing sassing theatrical role that suckle the sap out of works tissue . Scales can weaken a flora leading to xanthous foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet meat called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungous increment called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are laborious to control . Isolate infested plants aside from those that are not infested . look up your local garden nitty-gritty professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . further natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave-taking . It feast on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it treat / blacken the leaves and stem of the works . The best direction to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can commonly be wipe from leave-taking with a moist textile or wash by with a hose - end atomizer .
