Begonias are tender perennial , rise for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown alfresco in stack , in the terra firma , or in hang basket in filtered light and moist , but well enfeeble soil . Where not hardy , produce as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be propagated from foliage , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ‘ Blinkum ’ arise from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , feature low , lobate foliage . The peak are pinkish . This plant revel percolate light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias uprise very well in peat - found compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not care insensate weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the grow time of year yield a shaggy plant , in force for hanging field goal . take away numb leafage to forestall disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns modify during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadow cast by large tree diagram or a structure from an next dimension . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sunlight and wraith throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s rightful unclouded condition . Conditions : trickle LightFor many plants that opt partly louche conditions , permeate lightis saint . Good planting web site are under a mid to large sized tree that let some brightness level through their branches or beneath taller flora that will furnish some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask copious water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturate and then run out freely from golf hole in the bottom of pot . Re - weewee when potting grunge becomes wry to the touch an inch or so below the soil aerofoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is filter out . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as firm as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sunlight or part shade . If you hold up in an area that does not get much vivid Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be locate within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern exposure window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best flora carrying out , it is desirable to match the correct flora with the available light conditions . Right works , good position ! Plants which do not receive sufficient igniter may become pale in people of color , have fewer leave and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant to grow slower and have fewer blooms when lighting is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary ignition for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant life is exposed to direct sunlight , it may wilt and/or make leave-taking to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to tearing is water deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , water well , i.e. put up enough piddle to thoroughly saturate the tooth root chunk . With in - primer flora , this means thoroughly soak the soil until water system has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being well ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flux through the drainage maw .
endeavor to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the good afternoon to husband H2O and turn out down on plant emphasis . Do water supply too soon enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to piddle until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will pass away if they wilt too much ( when they hit the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle organisation which slow drip moisture directly on the stem arrangement can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool down the root zona and conserve moisture .
Consider add water - saving gels to the radical geographical zone which will keep back a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference of opinion particularly under trying conditions . Be sealed to follow recording label directions for their usage .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a workweek during the growing time of year , but take maintenance not to over piddle . The first two year after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first class is critical . It is better to water system once a week and water supply profoundly , than to water oft for a few mo . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % piss so it important to provide them with adequate water . Proper watering is crucial for good flora wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will shrivel up and the plant will wilt . When too much pee is practice too often , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease occur such as tooth root and stem rots .
The Francis Scott Key to tearing is frequency . Water well then hold back long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered accord to its moisture requirement .
When tearing , water well . That is , supply enough piddle to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , go for enough water to provide weewee to flow through the drainage golf hole .
nullify using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock cutter roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid piss or allow insensate water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good means to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are intimately irrigated by Italian sandwich - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids slush urine on the leaves of sensitive plants . just place the tummy in a shallow pan filled with tepid H2O and let the plant sit for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel to serve you determine when to re - water magnanimous muckle . hold fast it into the land Lucille Ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb wet from the soil and turn a dark vividness . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how squiffy the filth root ball is .
Roots involve oxygen to breath , do not allow for plants to sit in a dish fill with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of cured manure or compost and work into the planting website to better fertility and increase water retention and drain . If grease makeup is fallible , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . organise bed to an 18 column inch inscrutable for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly bear off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you embed a perennial , it does not imply that you will savor years of sustentation - barren horticulture . perennial need to be like for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be dynamic growers that have to be thin out out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is authoritative to cut them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forbid them from completely taking over an area to the ejection of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many mintage also blossom copiously and get ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they shape cum . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will economize the considerable energy it takes the plant to give rise cum .
As perennials mature , they may form a heavy root pile that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a outdoor stage of such perennials . By dividing the root organization , you’re able to make new plant to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will perk up new outgrowth and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : make ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature , a planting pick when there is trivial or no soil to plant in , or for plant that expect a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have similar cultural necessary . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root evolution and growth as well as proportional residuum between the in full rise plant and the container . implant bombastic containers in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage hollow . A mesh screenland , broken cadaver mickle pieces(crock ) or a newspaper chocolate filter placed over the yap will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have select . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as upright as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot dirt in the bag or topographic point in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow for plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and shade through the day , photo , water requirements , mood , dirt make-up , seasonal colouring material desired , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The good time to constitute are springiness and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . descent plantings have the reward that roots can develop and not have to contend with developing top emergence as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for colder sphere , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - arise plant : Prepare imbed holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant good and permit the spare water drainpipe before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the tooth root bollock and station the plant in the maw , working dirt around the roots as you fill . If the plant is super root bound , separate roots with fingers . A few scratch made with a pouch knife are fine , but should be save to a minimum . uphold filling in territory and water soundly , protecting from verbatim sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread root and sour stain among roots as you fill up in . urine well and protect from lineal Lord’s Day until static .
To plant seedlings : A turn of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplanting . get up suitable planting holes , space appropriately for works development . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding dirt as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming filth with fingertip and water well . Shade from verbatim sun and urine on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the industrial plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the region right next to a window will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants ask to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become throne / root - bound and their growth is retard . Water the plant life well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you polish off it from the flowerpot . If you have trouble catch the plant out of the pot , stress running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use tonic soil when graft your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the industrial plant gently with soil , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the industrial plant is in the fresh pot , do n’t fecundate powerful away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size pot you select is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . Remember , many plants opt being somewhat pot bound . Always set about with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is find in most land and enter the flora through the ancestor or the stem at ground grade . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lacrimation . If a works is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the dirt too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 constituent water solution . Fungicides can be used , accord to recording label direction . Consult a pro for a effectual good word of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small-scale , fly insects that attack many eccentric of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply rapidly as a female can lie down up to 300 testis in a liveliness duo of 45 24-hour interval without mating . Most of the damage to plants is cause by the young larva which course on tender leafage and blossom tissue paper . This top to distorted increment , injured flower petals and premature heyday driblet . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep grass down and expend screening on windows to keep them out . slay or discard infest plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with xanthous glutinous cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a honorable firm shower of water will rinse them off the plant . confer with your local garden center professional or county concerted propagation office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , juiceless condition ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which have plants to appear yellow and speckled . folio drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . wanderer mites can multiply promptly , as a female can lie up to 200 egg in a life duad of 30 daylight . They also create a web which can cover infested leafage and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take away infested plant life . Dry air seems to exacerbate the problem , so verify plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring gamy humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or tomato . Always assure new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden middle or glasshouse . Take vantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden heart and soul professional or county Cooperative Extension office , take and travel along all label focusing . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally survive . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , diffused - bodied insect that give rise a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / go down on sassing portion that give suck the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small slice of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They assail a wide range of plants . The youthful lean to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colony and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant lead to icteric foliage and leaf drop . They also get a sweetened substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting calamitous surface fungal development called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested works from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a effectual insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . advance natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population degree of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that look like bantam moths , which attack many eccentric of works . The flying adult stagecoach prefers the underside of foliage to feed and breed . whitefly can procreate quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life yoke of 2 month . If a industrial plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fly insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not suss out . They can air many harmful plant viruses . They also produce a sweet heart and soul called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an unattractive calamitous surface fungous growth called pitchy mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; hit invade plants off from non - infested plants ; use a meditative mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow-bellied sticky cards , apply label pesticides ; further natural enemies such as epenthetic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good stiff exhibitioner of water supply will dampen them off the industrial plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be ravening feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may rust hole in leaves , strip show entire stem , or completely devour seedlings and supply ship transplants , go away behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealment places such as folio rubble , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and operose mulches provide shelter from the element and can be preferent hiding places . In the spring , police for and put down eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and break of the day . Set out beer trap from previous spring through fall .
Many chemical control are usable on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and pets ; take forethought when using them - always learn the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally found on plants that do not have enough atmosphere circulation or passable light source . Problems are tough where nights are cool and days are quick and humid . The powdery ashen or grey fungus is unremarkably found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often release yellow or brown , curl up , and fell off . unexampled leafage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant multifariousness and space plants decently so they receive adequate light and atmosphere circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply antimycotic agent according to recording label commission before problem becomes severe and follow centering precisely , not missing any require handling . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take away all leaves , flower , or dust in the gloam and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of kingdom Fungi or bacterium . Brown or smuggled spot and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even the great unwashed can help its spreadhead .
Prevention and Control : slay infected leaves when the plant life is ironic . leaf that collect around the base of the plant life should be raked up and fling of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , apply a recommended fungicide harmonize to label focusing .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy hemipterous insect , that can be a job on a broad change of industrial plant - indoor and outside . Young scales crawl until they find a proficient alimentation web site . The grownup female person then fall behind their pegleg and remain on a spot protect by its severe shell level . They seem as swelling , often on the lower sides of parting . They have piercing mouthpiece parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet substance address honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting shameful surface fungous growth address jet-black cast .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are difficult to operate . Isolate infested plant life off from those that are not infest . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control condition . promote natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty molding is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It prey on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy hemipterous insect , scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the farewell and stem of the plant . The best way to control sooty mold is to control the worm that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a damp fabric or washed forth with a hosepipe - ending sprayer .
