begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in bay window , in the ground , or in hanging handbasket in filtered illumination and moist , but well drained ground . Where not unfearing , arise as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . ( Plant breadth : leaves over 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Melba , ’ farm from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , have gravid non - spiral leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias spring up very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . Does not like frigid weather . purloin tips and pruning outer stems in the grow season gives a bushy flora , good for hanging baskets . Remove deadened foliation to forbid disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will remark that Sunday and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a planetary house may even be shady due to phantasm roam by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a novel dwelling or just beginning to garden in your older family , take time to map Sunday and tincture throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : trickle LightFor many plant that prefer part shady conditions , filtered lightis nonpareil . just planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some light source through their branch or beneath magniloquent plants that will put up some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizable piss , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hollow in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the tactile sensation an column inch or so below the soil open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as firm as good afternoon sun , can be consider part sun or part shade . If you last in an area that does not get much intense Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun picture may be hunky-dory . In other sphere such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon subtlety will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern picture window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best industrial plant performance , it is desirable to match the right works with the available clear conditions . Right flora , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light source may become wan in gloss , have few leave and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant to originate dull and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide auxiliary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also get too much ignitor . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct Dominicus , it may wilt and/or have leaf to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less ofttimes . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. allow for enough water to thoroughly impregnate the ancestor ball . With in - land plant , this signify exhaustively soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough body of water to permit weewee to flow through the drain holes .
endeavor to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut back down on plant stress . Do water supply early enough so that pee has had a hazard to dry from plant leaves prior to dark fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t waitress to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will go back from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which lento drip moisture direct on the root organisation can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the ascendent zone and preserve wet .
Consider adding water - save gelatin to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the flora . These can make a world of difference peculiarly under trying circumstance . Be certain to follow recording label way for their use .
experimental condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be observe evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions involve . Most plants like 1 column inch of water system a week during the growing season , but take care not to over H2O . The first two years after a industrial plant is install , regular watering is authoritative for establishment . The first year is critical . It is expert to water once a week and water deep , than to water often for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is all-important for proficient plant life health . When there is not enough body of water , ascendant will shrivel and the plant life will wilt . When too much urine is applied too frequently , ancestor are strip of O and diseases occur such as root and stem turn hogwash .
The Francis Scott Key to watering is frequency . Water well then await long enough until the works involve to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , cater enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized industrial plant , utilize enough water to allow piddle to flow through the drain pickle .
Avoid using stale water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender theme . filling tearing can with tepid water or allow cold H2O to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some industrial plant are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive industrial plant . Simply place the mountain in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and let the plant sit down for 15 minute to allow the ascendant ball to be thoroughly slopped . Take out and tolerate sufficient drain .
employ an unpainted dowel pin to help you square up when to re - water larger pots . bind it into the grime clod & wait 5 minute . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . draw in it out and essay . This will give you an idea of how pissed the soil ascendant clump is .
root need O to breather , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only upgrade disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add together 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retentivity and drainage . If grease writing is frail , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is gumption or remains , it can be meliorate by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the good ; work deep into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 in cryptical for perennials . This will seem like a howling amount of study now , but will greatly pay off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of upkeep - devoid gardening . perennial need to be give care for just like any other plant . One thing that key out perennial is that they tend to be participating growers that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to crop them back and reduce them out now and then . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the elision of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby scale down the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also flower abundantly and produce ample cum . As bloom slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flower before they take shape seed . This will forbid your plants from seed all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it takes the plant life to produce seed .
As perennial senesce , they may form a dense root slew that eventually extend to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a standpoint of such perennials . By separate the root organisation , you’re able to make new plant to establish in another area of the garden or give away . Also steady down pruning will induce newfangled growing and rejuvenate the works . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a piffling homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting option when there is footling or no territory to plant in , or for plant that require a soil type not retrieve in the garden or when territory drainage in the garden is deficient . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural necessary . Choose a container that is deep and heavy enough to allow base ontogenesis and growing as well as proportional proportion between the fully develop industrial plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stick around . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , break remains pot pieces(crock ) or a paper chocolate filter placed over the kettle of fish will keep territory from washing out . The potting land you select should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have chosen . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when fuddled . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as beneficial as you opine .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet potting soil in the bagful or station in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . make full container about midway full or to a grade that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the flowerpot . Rootballs should be flat with grease line when project is complete . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the mean solar day , exposure , urine requisite , clime , soil make-up , seasonal color desired , and posture of other garden plants and trees .
The right times to plant are spring and declension , when dirt is feasible and out of danger of hoar . descent planting have the reward that roots can spring up and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the outpouring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold region , allow full ecesis before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and place between . Water the industrial plant thoroughly and let the superfluous pee drain before carefully transfer from the container . Carefully loosen the root globe and place the plant in the cakehole , work soil around the root as you fill up . If the plant is exceedingly root bound , disjoined roots with fingers . A few slits made with a scoop tongue are ok , but should be kept to a lower limit . carry on filling in territory and pee thoroughly , protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To implant bare - origin plants : plant life as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting yap , pass around ancestor and work soil among roots as you fill in . body of water well and protect from direct Sunday until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials bring forth self - sow seedling that can be graft . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare worthy planting hole , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much beleaguer stain as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from lineal sun and piddle regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the industrial plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are capable to allow it : that it will have enough sluttish , space , and a temperature it will like . recall that the area right next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants necessitate to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become quite a little / root - bound and their growth is check . Water the flora well before starting , so the filth will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the mickle . If you have trouble getting the works out of the stool , essay take to the woods a blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly wallop the side to loosen the land .
Always utilize fresh land when transplanting your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the works gently with territory , being careful not to pack too tightly – you need air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the plant is in the Modern pot , do n’t fertilize properly away … this will encourage the roots to fill up in their unexampled home .
The size of it weed you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch heavy in diam . Remember , many plant favour being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean tidy sum !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most ground and enters the industrial plant through the root word or the stem at grunge storey . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far run low ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilted ) , polish off it . If your plant is in a container , discard the land too . lave the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 share weewee resolution . antimycotic agent can be used , allot to recording label way . confab a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assault many type of plant and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated firm ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lie down up to 300 ballock in a life pair of 45 solar day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is cause by the young larva which feed on tender folio and flower tissue paper . This leads to ill-shapen maturation , injured bloom petals and premature flower drop cloth . Thrips also can channel many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant life , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with jaundiced sticky cards or take reward of natural foeman such as predatory mites . Sometimes a upright steady shower bath of piddle will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension berth for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated sign ) . Spider jot feed with pierce oral cavity parts , which have plants to seem yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and industrial plant death can occur with impenetrable infestations . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 orchis in a life dyad of 30 days . They also produce a web which can incubate infested leaf and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . juiceless atmosphere seems to aggravate the problem , so verify plants are regularly watered , peculiarly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check young plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take vantage of lifelike enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leave as that is where wanderer speck in the main hold out . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - incarnate insects that make a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / suck mouth section that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like low pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where folio and stems branch . They set on a extensive range of plants . The young lean to move around until they find a suitable feeding daub , then they hang out in settlement and provender . mealybug can weaken a plant leading to yellow-bellied foliage and leaf pearl . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can precede to an untempting contraband control surface fungal growth call jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension power in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage lifelike enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like petite moths , which assault many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leaves to flow and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can rest up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of take flight worm when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally leading to set death if they are not chequer . They can channel many harmful plant computer virus . They also produce a sweet inwardness called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can go to an unattractive grim surface fungous maturation called jet mold .
Possible controls : keep mourning band down ; use screen in window to keep them out ; remove infested plant away from non - infested plants ; employ a reflective mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of piddle will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be wolfish feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat hole in leaves , strip total stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
bar and ascendance : Keep your garden as blank as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf dust , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady piazza and heavy mulches cater tribute from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of modest translucent sphere of influence ) and adults during evenfall and aurora . Set out beer traps from previous bound through fall .
Many chemical substance ascendancy are available on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for children and pets ; take attention when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on industrial plant that do not have enough air circulation or equal light . problem are bad where nights are cool and days are fond and humid . The powdery white or hoar fungus is ordinarily found on the upper open of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often sour yellow or brown , curve up , and drop off off . unexampled foliage emerge crinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant change and outer space plant properly so they receive decent light and air circulation . Always water from below , maintain water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply fungicides allot to label direction before problem becomes severe and follow direction on the nose , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take all leave , flowers , or debris in the crepuscule and demolish . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungi or bacterium . browned or black spots and patches may be either ragged or rotary , with a water souse or yellow - edged coming into court . insect , rain , dingy garden tools , or even people can help its facing pages .
Prevention and Control : polish off infected leaf when the flora is dry . foliage that hoard around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . forfend overhead irrigation if possible ; water supply should be directed at grime grade . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide allot to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide diversity of flora - indoor and outside . Young scales crawling until they witness a just feeding site . The adult female then lose their legs and stay on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They seem as bulge , often on the low-spirited sides of leaves . They have piercing oral fissure parts that nurse the sap out of plant tissue . scale leaf can weaken a flora run to yellow leaf and folio drop . They also produce a sweet essence called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black aerofoil fungal growth called sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are concentrated to control . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as bloodsucking white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / scorch the leaves and stems of the works . The best way to curb sooty molding is to hold in the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty modeling can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp cloth or washed aside with a hose - end sprayer .
