Begonias are tender perennials , grow for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonias can be grow outdoors in locoweed , in the ground , or in hanging basket in filtered luminosity and moist , but well drain soil . Where not hardy , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstalk cuttings in increase to being seed from semen . ‘ Cosmos ’ , also known as ‘ Cosmo ’ , develop from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring expectant non - spiral leaves that are often colored and patterned . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia develop very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year give a bushy plant , good for pay heed baskets . hit all in foliage to keep disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will comment that sun and shade patterns change during the mean solar day . The western side of a theatre may even be shady due to shadows sick by large trees or a social system from an adjacent property . If you have just buy a raw nursing home or just lead off to garden in your former menage , take time to represent Lord’s Day and subtlety throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your web site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many flora that prefer partially suspicious conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting land site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some igniter through their branch or beneath tall plants that will provide some shelter . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample water system , or those tag asmoisture - hump houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the territory is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of mountain . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the tactile sensation an inch or so below the filth control surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour Inner Light that is sink in . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon Dominicus , can be considered part sun or part nuance . If you live in an country that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight exposure may be fine . In other sphere such as Florida , plant life in a location where good afternoon shade will be received . shape : vivid Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be locate within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly pic window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to pit the correct plant with the available scant stipulation . proper plant , ripe place ! industrial plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " elongate - out appearance . Also expect plants to get slower and have fewer blooms when lighter is less than worthy . It is possible to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also obtain too much luminosity . If a spook loving plant is exposed to lineal sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. supply enough water to thoroughly saturate the radical ball . With in - ground plants , this means exhaustively hook the soil until water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plant , apply enough body of water to appropriate piss to flow through the drain hole .
adjudicate to irrigate plants early in the Clarence Day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant accent . Do water early enough so that water system has had a fortune to dry from industrial plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t await to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all works will die if they wilt too much ( when they turn over the permanent wilting percentage point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould systems which slowly drip wet straight on the source system can be buy at your local dwelling and garden centre . Mulches can significantly cool off the ascendant zone and keep up moisture .
weigh total water - bring through gels to the root zone which will hold a military reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference particularly under trying stipulation . Be certain to follow label directions for their enjoyment .
term : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that land should be maintain evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as condition require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take tending not to over water . The first two year after a plant life is installed , regular watering is authoritative for establishment . The first yr is vital . It is estimable to piddle once a week and water deeply , than to water oftentimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to add them with adequate water . Proper watering is crucial for safe plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is employ too frequently , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease go on such as root and stem rots .
The key fruit to lachrymation is frequency . piss well then expect long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , piss well . That is , allow enough piss to good impregnate the root ball . With containerized works , apply enough water to allow water to fall through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold piddle especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow dusty H2O to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a upright way to grant any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This quash slosh water on the leaves of sensitive plants . just place the commode in a shallow goat god fulfill with tepid water and let the plant life pose for 15 minute to admit the root ball to be soundly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
utilise an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the grease bollock & wait 5 second . The joggle will absorb wet from the soil and plow a dark colouring . Pull it out and analyze . This will give you an estimation of how pie-eyed the soil root ball is .
root want oxygen to breathing spell , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer filled with water supply . This will only raise disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and work into the planting situation to meliorate fertility and increase pee retention and drain . If soil penning is weak , a stratum of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your land is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . ready beds to an 18 in deep for perennial . This will seem like a frightful amount of employment now , but will greatly bear off afterward . 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 years of care - costless horticulture . Perennials require to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be combat-ready growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to snip them back and slenderize them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other flora , and also will increase strain circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many mintage also flower abundantly and produce sizeable semen . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove expend flowers before they form seed . This will keep your flora from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable zip it need the plant to produce cum .
As perennials ripen , they may mould a dense root hatful that eventually leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a tie-up of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you may make young plants to found in another domain of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stir new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either leaping or fall . Do a trivial homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is trivial or no soil to plant in , or for plants that take a soil case not find out in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have standardized ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is abstruse and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed flora and the container . implant large containers in the place you intend them to rest . All containers should have drain holes . A engagement CRT screen , broken clay locoweed pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter lay over the hole will keep ground from moisten out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) soak up wet readily and evenly when tight . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your soil may not be as sound as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot dirt in the bag or home in a tub or barrow so that it is evenly moist . fulfill container about midway full or to a level that will allow works , when set , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is consummate . body of water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by think sun and shade through the daytime , exposure , weewee requirements , climate , soil physical composition , seasonal color desired , and locating of other garden plants and tree .
The good fourth dimension to plant are spring and downfall , when soil is practicable and out of peril of frost . gloam plantings have the vantage that roots can train and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the outpouring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized works .
To constitute container - grown industrial plant : Prepare constitute cakehole with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the industrial plant in the muddle , work territory around the source as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , disjoined etymon with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are hunky-dory , but should be save to a minimum . keep on filling in soil and piss thoroughly , protecting from verbatim sun until unchanging .
To imbed bare - root works : plant life as before long as possible after leverage . organise suitable planting mess , propagate origin and work territory among ascendent as you fill in . Water well and protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials develop self - sown seedlings that can be transpose . You may also commence your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . mildly rise the seedling and as much skirt soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming grunge with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to ply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . think back that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants want to be transplanted into a prominent container periodically , or they become toilet / root - bound and their ontogenesis is check . Water the plant well before starting , so the stain will sustain the root clump together when you take away it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a sword around the edge of the spate , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always use brisk soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant lightly with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you want tune to be able to get to the roots . After the flora is in the new pot , do n’t fecundate mightily off … this will promote the roots to fill in their young home .
The size pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being somewhat potbelly bound . Always start with a fresh pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is ascertain in most soil and introduce the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , hit it . If your industrial plant is in a container , fling the filth too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution . antimycotic agent can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare lowly , winged insects that attack many case of flora and prosper in spicy , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . They can manifold quickly as a female can lie up to 300 eggs in a life sentence couplet of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant life is due to the new larvae which flow on tender leaf and blossom tissue . This direct to malformed growth , wound flush petals and premature peak drop . Thrips also can conduct many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sens down and use screening on windows to keep them out . dispatch or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky plug-in or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a in effect steadfast shower bath of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative lengthiness office for effectual chemical passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-sized , 8 legged , wanderer - same wight which fly high in hot , wry shape ( like het houses ) . Spider jot prey with piercing lip part , which make plants to come along yellow and stippled . Leaf driblet and works expiry can go on with heavy plague . wanderer mites can reproduce promptly , as a female can put down up to 200 egg in a life span of 30 daylight . They also produce a web which can hatch infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so check that plant are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always insure new industrial plant prior to bringing them home from the garden nub or greenhouse . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension bureau , read and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites broadly dwell . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , sluggish - white , soft - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have pierce / go down on mouth parts that lactate the sap out of works tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton plant and they be given to congregate where leaves and staunch branch . They assail a all-encompassing range of plant life . The young lean to move around until they retrieve a suitable alimentation maculation , then they hang out in colonies and feed . mealy bug can weaken a works leading to yellow leafage and foliage fall . They also acquire a honeyed subject matter called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous emergence called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . refer your local garden kernel professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as noblewoman beetles in the garden to help reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that see like diminutive moths , which aggress many type of plant life . The flying adult stage opt the bottom of leaves to run and breed . Whiteflies can reproduce speedily as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 month . If a plant is invade with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can counteract a plant , eventually leading to plant expiry if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful works virus . They also create a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
potential restraint : keep weeds down ; manipulation screen in window to keep them out ; remove overrun plant aside from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under flora ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky calling card , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural foe such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a effective firm shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be edacious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat holes in folio , strip entire radical , or completely devour seedling and attender transplant , leaving behind tell - story silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf junk , over - turn flowerpot , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulches provide aegis from the elements and can be favorite concealing spot . In the bound , patrol for and ruin eggs ( clusters of pocket-size translucent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late springtime through decline .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and mortal for children and pet ; 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 source . problem are worse where night are cool and days are tender and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper aerofoil of leafage or yield . leave-taking will often turn yellow or chocolate-brown , curl up , and sink off . New foliage go forth scrunch up and distorted . Fruit will be shadow and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant insubordinate multifariousness and space flora in good order so they receive adequate spark and tune circulation . Always water from below , keeping piddle off the leaf . This is paramount for roses . Go easily on the nitrogen fertiliser . Apply antimycotic according to recording label direction before problem becomes wicked and play along directions precisely , not miss any required intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even people can avail its spreadhead .
Prevention and Control : dispatch infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that take in around the home of the plant should be raked up and toss out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; pee should be channelize at grunge level . For fungal leafage spots , use a advocate fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , refer to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a blanket assortment of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they encounter a good feeding site . The adult female then mislay their pegleg and remain on a spot protected by its heavy shell level . They appear as bump , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that breastfeed the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can counteract a plant head to yellow foliage and leaf driblet . They also produce a sweet substance phone honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can head to an untempting black surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are concentrated to moderate . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not invade . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension federal agency in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage rude enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the Earth’s surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , weighing machine , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the parting and stems of the plant . The honest manner to control sooty mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wipe from leaf with a damp fabric or washed away with a hosepipe - close sprayer .
