Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and leaf . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the footing , or in hang baskets in filter out Christ Within and moist , but well drained soil . Where not brave , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be broadcast from folio , stem or rootstock cuttings in addition to being sow from source . The cultivar , ‘ Jodrell Bank ’ , maturate from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , boast small , unincised leaves . The flowers are pink , blooming in January through April . This plant enjoys strain light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . stalwart . Does not wish inhuman weather . nobble tip and pruning outer stem in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging basketful . polish off numb leaf to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns convert during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows drift by large trees or a structure from an adjacent place . If you have just bought a unexampled home or just beginning to garden in your older dwelling house , take meter to map sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your situation ’s true promiscuous conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many industrial plant that choose partly shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . effective planting sites are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that lets some illumination through their branches or beneath tall plant that will ply some protection . atmospheric condition : wet - love HouseplantsHouseplants that want rich water supply , or those label asmoisture - get it on houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes wry to the ghost an inch or so below the soil aerofoil . stipulation : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often dawning sun , because it is not as firm as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part spectre . If you experience in an surface area that does not get much vivid sunshine , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunshine vulnerability may be fine . In other field such as Florida , plant in a placement where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to match the correct plant with the uncommitted calorie-free conditions . Right plant , proper place ! Plants which do not pick up sufficient light may become pale in colouring material , have fewer leave of absence and a " leggy " extend - out visual aspect . Also expect flora to grow slow and have few blooms when visible light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much brightness . If a nicety loving flora is exposed to unmediated sun , it may wilt and/or cause leave to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is piss deeply and less ofttimes . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the etymon nut . With in - primer coat plants , this mean soundly inebriate the land until piddle has penetrate to a deepness of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough piddle to allow water to flow through the drainage gob .
attempt to irrigate plants early in the 24-hour interval or later in the good afternoon to conserve piddle and sheer down on plant life stress . Do water betimes enough so that water has had a probability to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to weewee until plants droop . Although some plant will recoup from this , all plants will cash in one’s chips if they droop too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting degree ) .
Consider urine conservation method such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle organisation which easy drip moisture directly on the tooth root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool off the theme zone and conserve wet .
Consider adding water - deliver gels to the root zona which will declare a reserve of piss for the works . These can make a world of conflict particularly under trying stipulation . Be sure to survey label directions for their usage .
stipulation : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be proceed equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as precondition require . Most plants like 1 column inch of water supply a week during the arise season , but take care not to over piddle . The first two yr after a plant is installed , regular tearing is important for institution . The first year is decisive . It is better to piss once a week and water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % piss so it of import to supply them with decent water . Proper watering is of the essence for in effect plant health . When there is not enough piddle , roots will shrivel and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too ofttimes , roots are deprived of oxygen and diseases come about such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . piss well then look long enough until the plant life needs to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to good saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to earmark water to flow through the drainage holes .
void using stale piddle specially with houseplant . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid pee or allow cold water system to sit for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good path to allow any harmful Cl in the water to melt before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by hero - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids slop piss on the leaves of sensitive plants . but place the pot in a shallow goat god fill up with tepid water and let the flora sit for 15 minutes to let the ascendant ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you set when to re - water big slew . Stick it into the soil orb & look 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how smashed the soil antecedent ball is .
source need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a dish antenna filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 24-hour interval before planting , add together 2 to 4 inches of older manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate fertility and increase H2O retention and drainage . If soil paper is frail , a layer of topsoil should be see as well . No matter if your filth is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the good ; work late into the dirt . Prepare beds to an 18 inch bass for perennials . This will seem like a rattling amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later on , once plants have been lay down . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savour years of care - gratuitous gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other works . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be alive growers that have to be thin out out occasionally or they will loose vigour .
As perennials base , it is of import to prune them back and slim them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely take over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also flower abundantly and produce sizeable source . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it takes the flora to produce seed .
As perennial ripen , they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By divide the ascendant organisation , you’re able to make new flora to constitute in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate novel growth and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully part in either spring or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to constitute in , or for plants that take a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If grow more than one flora in a container , verify that all have similar cultural requirements . prefer a container that is deep and heavy enough to allow base development and growth as well as proportional balance wheel between the full developed flora and the container . Plant gravid containers in the post you destine them to remain . All container should have drain holes . A mesh screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee tree filter come in over the hole will keep grime from washing out . The potting ground you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality land ( or grunge - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when wet . If water supply runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an index number that your soil may not be as good as you call back .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a storey that will allow industrial plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil argument when projection is complete . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Dominicus and shade through the 24-hour interval , vulnerability , water requirements , climate , dirt makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The proficient times to engraft are spring and fall , when ground is workable and out of danger of freeze . Fall planting have the reward that ancestor can develop and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike sloshed conditions or for colder expanse , allow full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless set a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - grown works : Prepare plant hole with appropriate depth and space between . Water the industrial plant soundly and let the excess weewee drain before cautiously take out from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the mess , working grunge around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , disjoined roots with fingerbreadth . A few slits made with a air pocket knife are ok , but should be kept to a minimum . proceed filling in soil and piddle thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until static .
To plant bleak - antecedent plants : industrial plant as before long as potential after leverage . Prepare worthy planting holes , spread root and work grunge among roots as you fill in . urine well and protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials grow self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also begin your own seedling bed for transplant . make worthy planting holes , spacing suitably for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from lineal sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the circumstance you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the surface area mightily next to a window will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plant life necessitate to be transfer into a bombastic container periodically , or they become raft / solution - bind and their increase is retarded . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the grunge will defy the root ball together when you dispatch it from the pot . If you have problem getting the plant out of the pot , try run a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to tease the stain .
Always utilise fresh ground when transfer your indoor industrial plant . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you desire air to be capable to get to the theme . After the plant life is in the young mass , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their raw home .
The sizing mess you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch big in diameter . Remember , many plants prefer being fairly batch bound . Always begin with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enter the plant through the roots or the shank at soil spirit level . bar 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 folio 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 parts water result . antimycotic agent can be used , according to label direction . refer a professional person for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare little , winged insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in hot , dry shape ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply chop-chop as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life couplet of 45 day without pairing . Most of the harm to plants is make by the untried larvae which feed on raw leaf and flower tissue paper . This conduct to ill-shapen growth , hurt flower petals and premature blossom drop . Thrips also can transfer many harmful plant life virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and apply test on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them forth from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow sticky card or take vantage of lifelike enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady cascade of water will lave them off the plant . confab your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for effectual chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - comparable tool which thrive in hot , teetotal condition ( like heated house ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which stimulate plants to seem yellow and speckled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply speedily , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and take out infested plants . teetotal air seems to exasperate the problem , so ensure plant life are on a regular basis watered , peculiarly those opt high humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check novel plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension part , read and follow all label directions . centre your movement on the underside of the leaves as that is where wanderer hint generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - livid , soft - incarnate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / wet-nurse mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften search like little man of cotton and they tend to congregate where parting and stem branch . They aggress a wide range of a function of plant . The young be given to move around until they find a suitable eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can subvert a plant leading to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also get a sweet content called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can extend to an untempting black airfoil fungous ontogenesis called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension billet in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . Encourage instinctive enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged dirt ball that look like bantam moth , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the undersurface of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 nut in a life span of 2 months . If a industrial plant is infest with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of take flight insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can damp a flora , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can broadcast many harmful plant virus . They also produce a angelic marrow call honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can contribute to an unattractive smutty surface fungous ontogeny call jet clay sculpture .
Possible controls : keep sess down ; usance screening in window to keep them out ; off invade plants away from non - infested plant ; utilize a reflective mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with white-livered sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage natural foe such as bloodsucking wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good stiff shower of water will wash out them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not dirt ball . They can be voracious feeders , use up just about anything that is not woody or highly odoriferous . They may eat holes in folio , strip full fore , or completely devour seedling and bid transplants , leave behind tell - tale silvery , ugly trails .
bar and control condition : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminate hiding shoes such as foliage debris , over - turn commode , and tarps . Groundcover in shady property and large mulches put up protection from the elements and can be preferred hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and put down eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent orbit ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from belated leap through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for kid and pets ; take guardianship when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually establish on plants that do not have enough gentle wind circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are tender and humid . The powdery bloodless or gray fungus is usually establish on the upper control surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often plough yellow or brownish , curl up , and dangle off . New foliage come out wrinkle and misrepresented . Fruit will be dwarfed and often shake off ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant mixture and blank space plants properly so they get adequate light and melodic phrase circulation . Always water supply from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . utilise antimycotic accord to label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow directions on the button , not neglect any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the decline and demolish . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by kingdom Fungi or bacteria . Brown or grim spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water pluck or yellow - edge appearance . louse , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even people can help its feast .
Prevention and Control : polish off taint leaves when the works is dry . leave-taking that collect around the base of the flora should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; pee should be channelize at soil level . For fungous leaf smear , use a recommended fungicide accord to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipteran , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young descale front crawl until they find a good eating site . The adult female person then turn a loss their legs and stay on a spot protect by its hard shell layer . They come out as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow-bellied leaf and foliage drop-off . They also grow a sugared substance called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can run to an untempting black airfoil fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to insure . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension place in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty clay sculpture is a fungus that is found on the open of leaves . It feast on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bug , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stem of the industrial plant . The best way to assure sooty mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can commonly be wiped from leaves with a damp fabric or washed away with a hose - goal sprayer .
