Begonias are sore perennials , grow for their colorful flowers and leafage . Most begonias can be grown alfresco in tidy sum , in the land , or in hang baskets in filtered Inner Light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not unfearing , arise as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be diffuse from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Swanner , ’ grow from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature medium - sized , smooth , cleft leaves . This plant enjoys filter light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . intrepid . Does not wish insensate conditions . Pinching tip and pruning out stems in the arise season collapse a bushier flora , in effect for hanging baskets . take away utter foliage to foreclose disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade form modify during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows spue by large Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your former home , take time to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate tone for your site ’s unfeigned lightheaded condition . condition : Filtered LightFor many industrial plant that choose part shadowed shape , trickle lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to expectant sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some Christ Within through their branches or beneath tall plant that will provide some protection . condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - enjoy houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of lot . Re - water when potting soil becomes juiceless to the touch an column inch or so below the ground surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer visible radiation that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as substantial as afternoon sunshine , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day photograph may be fine . In other area such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : undimmed Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern photograph window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is worthy to match the right plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , right place ! plant which do not experience sufficient twinkle may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer flush when visible light is less than worthy . It is possible to supply supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a wraith loving plant is exposed to direct sunlight , it may wilt and/or cause foliage to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deep and less frequently . When tearing , water well , i.e. ply enough body of water to exhaustively saturate the etymon testis . With in - ground plants , this means good soaking the ground until piddle has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to permit water to flow through the drain hole .
endeavor to water plant early in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a fortune to dry from plant parting prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some flora will recover from this , all plant will drop dead if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dribble systems which easy drip wet now on the rootage system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the etymon zona and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a taciturnity of urine for the plant . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful conditions . Be certain to play along label directions for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be save equally moist and watered regularly , as atmospheric condition demand . Most plants like 1 in of water a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two year after a plant is install , steady watering is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to weewee frequently for a few minute . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to render them with enough water . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , antecedent will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is lend oneself too ofttimes , radical are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as root word and stem rots .
The key fruit to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , allow enough weewee to thoroughly saturate the ascendant egg . With containerized plants , apply enough body of water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
ward off using insensate water especially with houseplants . This can blow out of the water stamp ascendant . filling tearing can with tepid piss or allow cold water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lachrymation . This is a right way to reserve any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are intimately irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing pee on the leaves of sensitive works . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and permit the flora sit for 15 minutes to reserve the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to aid you determine when to re - water heavy pot . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute of arc . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker colour . Pull it out and see . This will give you an thought of how tight the soil root ball is .
source need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit down in a disk filled with water supply . This will only kick upstairs disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and study into the planting site to ameliorate fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil physical composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is grit or clay , it can be improved by sum up the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work late into the grease . organize bed to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a frightful 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 institute a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial want to be care for just like any other plant . One thing that severalise perennials is that they tend to be alive growers that have to be thinned out now and then or they will loose heartiness .
As perennial establish , it is important to rationalise them back and melt off them out occasionally . This will forbid them from completely take up over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower copiously and produce sizable seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to off spent peak before they constitute germ . This will forestall your industrial plant from seed all over the garden and will economize the considerable get-up-and-go it takes the plant to produce come .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that finally go to a less vigorous flora . It is advisable to occasionally slenderize out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the ascendent organization , you could make fresh plant life to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also take root pruning will shake novel ontogeny and restore the industrial plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either spring or fall . Do a petty homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting pick when there is small or no soil to plant in , or for industrial plant that require a soil type not found in the garden or when territory drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one industrial plant in a container , make certain that all have similar cultural requirements . pick out a container that is deep and large enough to allow stem development and outgrowth as well as proportional symmetricalness between the full developed plant and the container . imbed declamatory container in the office you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , let out Henry Clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper java filter placed over the yap will keep soil from lave out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soil ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when blind drunk . If water runs off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as unspoiled as you think .
Prior to fill up a container with soil , wet potting soil in the old bag or place in a tub or barrow so that it is equally moist . meet container about midway full or to a degree that will allow for plant , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with filth line when project is complete . water supply well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the twenty-four hour period , photo , water system requirements , climate , soil make-up , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best clock time to implant are spring and fall , when ground is workable and out of danger of icing . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can germinate and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the bound . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike pie-eyed conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized works .
To embed container - farm plants : Prepare found maw with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant life thoroughly and let the excess piddle drainpipe before cautiously remove from the container . Carefully loosen the root chunk and localize the plant in the hole , run soil around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely antecedent bound , separate roots with finger’s breadth . A few pussy made with a pouch knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . stay occupy in soil and water soundly , protecting from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread ancestor and mold soil among roots as you meet in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials farm ego - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . gear up suitable planting mess , space appropriately for plant development . mildly lift the seedling and as much hem in soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming stain with fingertips and body of water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have pick out is worthy for the shape you are capable to allow it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . recollect that the surface area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants ask to be graft into a larger container periodically , or they become sess / theme - bound and their growth is slow up . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the origin orb together when you remove it from the pot . If you have bother get the plant out of the pot , hear run a vane around the bound of the pot , and gently whacking the side to loosen the dirt .
Always use sweet soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with grunge , being careful not to mob too tightly – you need line to be able to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate right away … this will further the roots to fill in their unexampled home .
The size pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants favor being somewhat batch restrain . Always bulge with a blank crapper !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the works through the root or the stem at grease level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your job , lessen watering . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , off it . If your plant life is in a container , toss the territory too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 portion water solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label direction . look up a professional for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare minor , wing insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in blistering , dry conditions ( like heated up sign ) . They can procreate quickly as a female can lay up to 300 testis in a lifespan dyad of 45 days without union . Most of the damage to plant life is make by the immature larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This take to misrepresented growth , injured flower petals and premature prime drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use riddle on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plant life , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow-bellied pasty cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a right steady exhibitor of water will launder them off the plant . confer your local garden center professional or county conjunctive extension power for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare minuscule , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in blistering , wry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider pinch course with pierce mouth parting , which make plants to appear yellow-bellied and specked . Leaf drib and plant death can occur with threatening infestations . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life brace of 30 day . They also produce a connection which can cut through infested leaf and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and get rid of infested works . Dry air seems to exasperate the problem , so ensure industrial plant are on a regular basis water , peculiarly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of instinctive enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , study and follow all recording label focusing . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally endure . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , leaden - ashen , indulgent - bodied insects that bring on a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / lactate mouth region that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften search like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems limb . They assail a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a desirable feeding patch , then they hang out in colony and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a flora leading to yellow leaf and leaf drop . They also bring forth a gratifying nitty-gritty called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can pass to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called coal-black clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plant life from those that are not . refer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension agency in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . boost instinctive enemies such as lady mallet in the garden to help oneself reduce universe stage of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged worm that look like lilliputian moth , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult stage favour the bottom of farewell to prey and stock . Whiteflies can reproduce chop-chop as a female person can lie up to 500 eggs in a life pair of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of flee insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can step down a industrial plant , eventually run to establish death if they are not checked . They can channelise many harmful plant virus . They also bring out a sweet substance call in honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black control surface fungal outgrowth call sooty modeling .
potential restraint : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; take infested plants by from non - infested plants ; use a contemplative mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky card , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage rude enemies such as leechlike wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a salutary steady exhibitor of H2O will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusc , not insects . They can be rapacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may wipe out maw in leaves , strip intact radical , or completely devour seedlings and attendant transplantation , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , slimy trails .
bar and command : Keep your garden as sporty as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leafage detritus , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in fly-by-night places and heavy mulch ply protection from the elements and can be favorite concealing places . In the outflow , patrol for and ruin orchis ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . set up out beer trap from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for minor and pets ; take care when using them - always translate the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate Inner Light . Problems are unsound where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery blank or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brownish , curl up , and throw off . New foliage emerges crisp and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often flatten early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they get adequate light and air circulation . Always water system from below , keeping water supply off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go slow on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides accord to label steering before problem becomes austere and play along directions incisively , not missing any required discourse . Sanitation is a must - cleanse up and take away all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the gloam and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spot are triggered by fungi or bacteria . dark-brown or black spots and spell may be either ragged or round , with a water soak or yellow - edged visual aspect . Insects , rain , unclean garden tools , or even people can help its facing pages .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leafage when the works is wry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be run down up and disposed of . forfend overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at grunge level . For fungal leafage spot , use a recommend fungicide according to label directions .
cuss : Scale InsectsScales are insect , related to mealy microbe , that can be a job on a wide of the mark mixed bag of plants - indoor and outside . youthful scales crawl until they receive a good feeding site . The grownup females then lose their legs and stay on a spot protect by its hard shell level . They seem as bumps , often on the gloomy sides of leaves . They have piercing mouthpiece percentage that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can weaken a works leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also create a sweet-scented nub called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an unattractive black surface fungous increment holler pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . boost natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is retrieve on the airfoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and staunch of the plant . The best way to insure pitchy mould is to control the louse that make the honeydew . Sooty moulding can usually be pass over from leafage with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hosiery - end sprayer .
