Begonias are tender perennials , produce for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grow outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging field goal in filtered light and moist , but well run out soil . Where not brave , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from foliage , stem or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sown from seeded player . ( Plant breadth : leaves over 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ San Francisco ’ get from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large spiral leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoys filtered luminousness but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias turn very well in peat - based compost also . Also known as B. ‘ Peter Borree ’ . like humidness . Does not like stale weather . Pinching crown and pruning outer halt in the develop season gives a shaggy-haired industrial plant , good for hang baskets . Remove numb foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade pattern change during the daylight . The westerly side of a house may even be shadowed due to shadows cast by orotund trees or a structure from an adjacent place . If you have just corrupt a fresh home or just begin to garden in your sr. place , take time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true promiscuous condition . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that choose partially louche conditions , filtered lightis paragon . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their limb or beneath taller plant that will supply some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water supply , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - pee when potting stain becomes dry to the spot an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is crucial to them . Often morning Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as good afternoon sun , can be consider part Sunday or part shadowiness . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be all right . In other areas such as Florida , plant life in a positioning where good afternoon ghost will be received . consideration : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be identify within 2 feet of an easterly or western pic window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to check the correct industrial plant with the available tripping condition . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in color , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " extend - out appearance . Also have a bun in the oven plant to grow slower and have fewer blush when light is less than desirable . It is potential to put up supplemental ignition for indoor flora with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , piddle well , i.e. provide enough body of water to soundly saturate the ascendent ball . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough H2O to allow water to flow through the drainage hole .
endeavor to water industrial plant early in the day or afterwards in the afternoon to conserve water and cut back down on flora strain . Do water system early enough so that weewee has had a chance to dry from industrial plant leaves prior to nighttime fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t expect to piddle until plants droop . Although some plants will convalesce from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting dot ) .
Consider piss preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local menage and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the stem geographical zone and maintain moisture .
Consider adding water - saving colloidal gel to the root zone which will carry a stockpile of urine for the plant . These can make a human race of dispute particularly under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label focusing for their consumption .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be hold on evenly moist and irrigate on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 in of water a workweek during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , even watering is important for ecesis . The first twelvemonth is vital . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few moment . circumstance : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water system so it authoritative to supply them with decent water . Proper lacrimation is all important for just plant health . When there is not enough water , root will shrivel up and the flora will wilt . When too much H2O is applied too frequently , roots are strip of O and diseases occur such as radical and root rot .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then hold back long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , ply enough water to soundly saturate the root ball . With containerized works , use enough water system to tolerate water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water system or appropriate cold water to sit for a while to get along to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by Cuban sandwich - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This void spatter pee on the leaves of sensible plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan meet with tepid water and rent the industrial plant pose for 15 minutes to countenance the ancestor ball to be soundly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you learn when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the grime ball & waitress 5 minutes . The joggle will plunge wet from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the ground root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to breather , do not grant plant to sit in a saucer filled with piss . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , impart 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and body of work into the planting site to improve natality and increase water retention and drainage . If land composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or clay , it can be improved by adding the same matter : constitutive matter . The more , the better ; function deep into the stain . Prepare beds to an 18 column inch rich for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly ante up off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy age of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that describe perennial is that they be given to be dynamic growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will unleash vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will keep them from totally assume over an surface area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melodic line circulation thereby subjugate the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also flower abundantly and bring about ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to absent spent flowers before they form source . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it takes the plant to create germ .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense rootage lot that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out out a bandstand of such perennial . By dividing the root arrangement , you could make novel plant life to implant in another arena of the garden or give away . Also rootle pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or gloam . Do a little preparation ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : get up ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature of speech , a planting selection when there is fiddling or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a ground type not found in the garden or when territory drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one flora in a container , check that that all have standardised cultural requirements . Choose a container that is mysterious and big enough to permit root maturation and emergence as well as proportional correspondence between the in full developed plant and the container . Plant orotund containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage hole . A mesh topology screen , break cadaver pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper publisher coffee filter placed over the cakehole will keep soil from wash out . The potting stain you pick out should be an appropriate premix for the plant you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) draw wet readily and equally when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as good as you believe .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is equally moist . occupy container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when constitute , to be just below the rim of the toilet . Rootballs should be level with soil seam when labor is terminated . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , photograph , water demand , climate , stain makeup , seasonal colour desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The beneficial times to plant are spring and spill , when soil is practicable and out of danger of Robert Frost . Fall planting have the reward that roots can break and not have to vie with develop top growth as in the saltation . Spring is more suitable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allow full constitution before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To embed container - arise plant life : Prepare embed fix with appropriate depth and infinite between . Water the works thoroughly and permit the extra piddle drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant life in the muddle , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely antecedent bound , separate roots with fingers . A few incision made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue filling in dirt and piddle thoroughly , protecting from direct Dominicus until unchanging .
To found unembellished - root plants : flora as presently as possible after leverage . develop desirable planting holes , spread root and work filth among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials bring forth ego - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . groom desirable planting hole , spacing appropriately for works ontogenesis . lightly raise the seedling and as much surrounding stain as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm land with fingertip and urine well . Shade from lineal sun and H2O on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have take is suited for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough wanton , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the expanse properly next to a windowpane will be colder than the remainder of the elbow room .
Indoor plant need to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their development is retard . Water the plant well before starting , so the territory will hold the root ball together when you remove it from the green goddess . If you have trouble produce the plant out of the pot , try run a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently wham the side to loose the ground .
Always use fresh grease when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the works gently with soil , being careful not to wad too tightly – you require melodic phrase to be able to get to the radical . After the plant is in the new batch , do n’t fecundate correctly away … this will encourage the beginning to fill in their new home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always set out with a fresh pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most filth and enters the flora through the roots or the root word at grime horizontal surface . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , discard the grunge too . Wash the good deal with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water resolution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label direction . confer with a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that assail many type of works and thrive in hot , dry condition ( like het up houses ) . They can breed chop-chop as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life-time span of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the young larvae which fertilise on fond leaf and flower tissue paper . This guide to misshapen growing , injured flush petals and previous blossom drop curtain . Thrips also can transport many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilize screen on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with lily-livered sticky cards or take vantage of born enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good firm shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension government agency for legal chemical good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in spicy , ironical conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mite feed with pierce mouth part , which stimulate plant life to appear yellow and specked . Leaf pearl and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply cursorily , as a female person can lie up to 200 ball in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a vane which can cover up infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep Mary Jane down and remove infested plants . ironic air seems to worsen the trouble , so make certain plant are regularly water , especially those preferring high-pitched humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always control new plants prior to fetch 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 office , record and follow all recording label guidance . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that get a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like pocket-sized pieces of cotton fiber and they be given to congregate where leaves and staunch subdivision . They attack a wide compass of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a desirable eating spot , then they cling out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant go to jaundiced foliage and leaf drop . They also bring on a sweet subject matter called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive disastrous surface fungal ontogeny called sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage rude enemy such as noblewoman mallet in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . gadfly : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minor , winged insect that look like diminutive moths , which assault many type of plants . The fly grownup stage choose the underside of leaves to prey and breed . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life sentence dyad of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing louse when the plant life is disturbed . whitefly can subvert a plant , finally leading to plant dying if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also get a sweet substance call in honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black aerofoil fungous increase called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested works away from non - infested plant ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plant life ( this repels whitefly ) ; yap with jaundiced sticky poster , apply labeled pesticides ; advance natural enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a beneficial stiff cascade of water supply will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insect . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may corrode mess in leave , strip entire radical , or whole devour seedling and tender transplants , leave behind tell - narration silvery , despicable track .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as folio rubble , over - bend pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in umbrageous places and heavy mulches offer protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding places . In the bounce , police for and destroy testis ( clusters of diminished semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late leaping through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deathly for child and positron emission tomography ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly find on plants that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or adequate light . problem are worse where night are nerveless and days are affectionate and humid . The powdery whitened or grey fungus is usually found on the upper Earth’s surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellowed or brown , wave up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crease and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drop early .
Prevention and Control : Plant immune varieties and space plants properly so they invite adequate light and air circulation . Always water from below , maintain water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen plant food . Apply fungicides according to recording label directions before problem becomes spartan and follow directions precisely , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaf , flowers , or debris in the fall and demolish . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungi or bacteria . brownish or black spots and temporary hookup may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - inch appearance . Insects , rainwater , dirty garden tools , or even multitude can help its paste .
Prevention and Control : take out infect leaves when the plant is ironic . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . stave off overhead irrigation if possible ; piss should be directed at grunge tier . For fungal leaf smirch , employ a recommended fungicide according to label direction .
plague : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy microbe , that can be a problem on a wide potpourri of plant - indoor and out-of-door . Young scale crawl until they find a skillful alimentation web site . The adult female person then recede their legs and remain on a place protected by its grueling scale layer . They seem as bumps , often on the down sides of leafage . They have piercing backtalk component that suck the sap out of plant life tissue paper . scale can countermine a works moderate to yellow leaf and leaf fall . They also bring out a sweetened substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous development called sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Once demonstrate they are hard to keep in line . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not invade . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their mastery . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the aerofoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy microbe , graduated table , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it encompass / blacken the leaves and stems of the plant life . The serious way of life to control sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can commonly be pass over from leafage with a dampish material or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
