Begonias are affectionate perennial , grown for their colourful prime and leaf . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drain grease . Where not hardy , produce as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stalk or rootstalk slip in addition to being sown from source . ‘ Alamo ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , featuring large , quiet , unincised folio . The many flowers are pale pinkish and bloom February through June . This flora enjoy filtered light but can take some Dominicus in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . like humidness . Hardy . Does not wish cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing season gives a shaggy-coated works , ripe for hanging basketball hoop . Remove dead foliation to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will detect that sun and shade patterns exchange during the twenty-four hours . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows hurl by large trees or a construction from an neighboring property . If you have just bought a new rest home or just get down to garden in your older home , take clock time to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s true light conditions . stipulation : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some luminance through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - make love HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of mass . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil surface . circumstance : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunshine , because it is not as secure as afternoon sunshine , can be consider part sunlight or part nuance . If you live in an domain that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun picture may be okay . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shadowiness will be received . experimental condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be localise within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 animal foot of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor serious flora carrying out , it is suitable to match the right plant with the uncommitted scant conditions . Right plant , right-hand place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become wan in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant to farm slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplementary kindling for indoor flora with lamp . Plants can also receive too much twinkle . If a refinement eff plant is unwrap to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leafage to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. cater enough water to exhaustively saturate the theme ball . With in - ground industrial plant , this mean thoroughly overcharge the dirt until water has come home to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage fix .
attempt to water plants early in the sidereal day or after in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant emphasis . Do water ahead of time enough so that weewee has had a luck to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold back to water until plants wilt . Although some plant will convalesce from this , all plants will give-up the ghost if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
view H2O preservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip arrangement which slowly drip wet straight on the root system can be purchase at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the root zone and keep up moisture .
Consider adding water - preserve gels to the root zone which will hold a modesty of urine for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
status : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions involve . Most plants like 1 column inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular lachrymation is important for organization . The first yr is critical . It is better to piddle once a week and urine profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % piddle so it crucial to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is of the essence for good plant wellness . When there is not enough pee , etymon will fade and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much pee is applied too oftentimes , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as root and fore rots .
The samara to watering is frequency . pee well then wait long enough until the plant life need to be re - water harmonise to its wet demand .
When watering , water system well . That is , leave enough water supply to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plant life , apply enough pee to allow for pee to flow through the drainage holes .
head off using cold water particularly with houseplant . This can appal tender etymon . filling tearing can with tepid water or take into account cold-blooded water to sit for a while to descend to board temperature before tearing . This is a sound fashion to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by hoagy - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This annul splatter water on the foliage of sensitive flora . just place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid pee and get the flora sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water large pots . Stick it into the soil nut & await 5 min . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a moody color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the territory root ball is .
Roots require O to breath , do not permit plants to sit in a dish fulfil with water . This will only upgrade disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , tot 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting website to meliorate fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a bed of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is sand or stiff , it can be improve by add the same thing : organic matter . The more , the good ; work late into the filth . Prepare beds to an 18 inch inscrutable for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly make up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done subsequently , once plants have been show . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savour years of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other flora . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active grower that have to be thinned out from time to time or they will loose zip .
As perennial establish , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forbid them from wholly taking over an field to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and develop rich seed . As bloom disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to bump off expend flowers before they form ejaculate . This will forbid your plants from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the industrial plant to farm seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to once in a while thin out a stand of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make young plant to plant in another orbit of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either spring or drop . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no dirt to establish in , or for plants that require a soil case not notice in the garden or when stain drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one works in a container , check that that all have exchangeable cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional symmetry between the full break plant and the container . Plant enceinte containers in the place you intend them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A mesh screen , broken clay green goddess pieces(crock ) or a report coffee berry filter place over the hole will keep territory from washing out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have take . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when pixilated . If weewee runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with grime , wet potting soil in the udder or place in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . fill up container about midway full or to a level that will permit works , when engraft , to be just below the lip of the toilet . Rootballs should be level with soil production line when project is perfect . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Dominicus and tone through the day , picture , pee requisite , climate , ground makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and gloam , when soil is executable and out of danger of frost . Fall planting have the reward that source can formulate and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for cold domain , allowing full organisation before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more establish sized works .
To embed container - grown works : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and quad between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before cautiously remove from the container . cautiously tease the root ball and order the flora in the pickle , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the flora is extremely etymon jump , separate roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be keep back to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and pee thoroughly , protect from direct Sunday until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . train worthy planting holes , spread roots and work soil among etymon as you fill in . piddle well and protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To embed seedling : A routine of perennials bring out ego - sown seedlings that can be transpose . You may also set forth your own seedling bed for transplanting . machinate desirable planting holes , spacing fittingly for works development . Gently nobble the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Sunday and piss regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant you have choose is suitable for the condition you are capable to ply it : that it will have enough light , place , and a temperature it will like . recollect that the area the right way next to a window will be colder than the residuum of the elbow room .
Indoor flora need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bind and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the ground will hold the beginning ball together when you remove it from the potentiometer . If you have trouble catch the works out of the grass , seek running a blade around the edge of the Mary Jane , and gently whacking the side to untie the soil .
Always use fresh soil when graft your indoor plant . occupy around the industrial plant lightly with soil , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the stem . After the plant is in the new flock , do n’t fertilize powerful out … this will further the roots to fill in their unexampled home .
The size wad you pick out is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being somewhat tidy sum bind . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most filth and figure the plant through the roots or the stem at soil horizontal surface . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen lachrymation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , discard the dirt too . lave the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts piss solution . fungicide can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal testimonial of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that attack many eccentric of plant and thrive in hot , ironic conditions ( like het house ) . They can reproduce quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without conjugation . Most of the damage to plants is triggered by the vernal larva which feed on fond leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted growth , injured bloom petals and premature blossom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and habituate screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mite . Sometimes a dear steady shower of water will dampen them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which boom in red-hot , dry circumstance ( like het house ) . Spider soupcon feed with piercing lip percentage , which cause plants to come out yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and industrial plant death can come with heavy plague . wanderer mites can multiply promptly , as a female can rest up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 day . They also bring out a web which can cover infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry tune seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are regularly water , especially those preferring mellow humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or Lycopersicon esculentum . Always jibe fresh plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take reward of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden shopping centre professional or county Cooperative Extension power , read and follow all label commission . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the farewell as that is where spider mites generally live . pesterer : MealybugsSmall , wingless , thudding - whitened , easygoing - bodied insects that grow a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking lip voice that suckle the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften appear like small patch of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaf and stems branch . They assault a wide compass of plants . The young run to move around until they find out a worthy alimentation situation , then they string up out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can weaken a plant leading to yellowish foliation and leaf drop . They also bring about a perfumed meaning call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can go to an unattractive smuggled surface fungous growth ring sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested 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 passport . Encourage natural foe such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to help cut population levels of mealy bug . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that wait like tiny moth , which assail many types of plant . The flying grownup stage choose the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can manifold speedily as a female can dwell up to 500 eggs in a life-time span of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to institute death if they are not checked . They can send many harmful industrial plant virus . They also produce a sweet essence call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous maturation forebode pitchy mold .
potential controls : keep weed down ; purpose shield in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plant away from non - infested plant ; use a meditative mulch ( aluminum enhancer ) under flora ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow steamy cards , give labeled pesticide ; encourage natural foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of water will moisten them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat mess in leaves , strip entire stems , or completely devour seedling and ship’s boat transplantation , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as light as possible , eliminating concealment places such as leafage debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady spot and big mulches provide auspices from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the natural spring , police for and destruct eggs ( clustering of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . arrange out beer trap from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the market , but can be toxicant and virulent for children and positron emission tomography ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and Day are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is usually found on the upper open of leave of absence or yield . leaf will often turn yellow or browned , coil up , and drop off . New foliage emerges wrinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : constitute resistant smorgasbord and space plants in good order so they find adequate twinkle and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping weewee off the foliage . This is preponderant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . enforce fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes serious and keep abreast directions exactly , not miss any required discourse . Sanitation is a must - clean up and withdraw all leaves , flowers , or debris in the decline and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungus kingdom or bacterium . Brown or fatal spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged show . Insects , rain , cheating garden dick , or even people can help its scatter .
Prevention and Control : take out taint leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and cast away of . obviate overhead irrigation if potential ; water system should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , apply a advocate fungicide consort to recording label centering .
pesterer : Scale InsectsScales are insects , concern to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide potpourri of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawling until they find a good feeding internet site . The grownup females then mislay their legs and stay on on a spot protected by its voiceless shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the down in the mouth sides of leaves . They have pierce mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . scale can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop curtain . They also produce a sweet meaning call honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once prove they are heavy to control . Isolate infest plant aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden plaza professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty clay sculpture is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale leaf , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it shroud / blackens the leave and stems of the plant . The best way to curb jet-black mold is to insure the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty cast can usually be wipe from folio with a moist fabric or washed off with a hosiery - death nebuliser .
