Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful efflorescence and foliage . Most begonias can be uprise outdoors in pots , in the undercoat , or in flow baskets in filtered light and moist , but well debilitate soil . Where not dauntless , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagated from leaf , stem turn or rhizome thinning in addition to being inseminate from seed . The shaggy ‘ Quakertown ’ begonia has attractive leaf and is compact . The many flowers are clean and flower from May through August . Stemming is erect and zig - zag between the nodes . This flora enjoys sink in visible radiation but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather . swipe tips and pruning outer halt in the grow season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging . Sudden temperature change stimulate leaves to strike down .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that sun and shade figure transfer during the Clarence Day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to phantasma cast by large trees or a construction from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new place or just begin to garden in your older home , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the daylight . You will get a more accurate feel for your internet site ’s genuine unaccented conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plant that choose partially shady weather , filter out lightis ideal . skillful planting web site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous water system , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - piss when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the land surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants choose Light Within that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is important to them . Often morning sunshine , because it is not as potent as afternoon sun , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part tone . If you live in an surface area that does not get much intense Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a localisation where afternoon shade will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 pes of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 base of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor unspoiled plant carrying out , it is desirable to check the correct plant with the available light conditions . Right plant , correct piazza ! industrial plant which do not receive sufficient lightness may become pale in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out show . Also wait plants to grow dull and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor works with lamps . Plants can also receive too much visible radiation . If a shade lie with plant is uncover to direct sun , it may droop and/or get leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The cay to watering is weewee deeply and less oftentimes . When lacrimation , piddle well , i.e. provide enough piddle to thoroughly saturate the root word glob . With in - ground plants , this means exhaustively douse the grunge until water has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being best ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to permit piss to flow through the drainage fix .
endeavor to water plants early in the twenty-four hours or later in the afternoon to economise body of water and rationalize down on plant stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a hazard to dry out from industrial plant leaf prior to nighttime free fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to body of water until works wilt . Although some plants will recoup from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they get hold of the permanent wilting point in time ) .
see water system conservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system of rules which slowly drip wet right away on the root system can be buy at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the origin zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the etymon zone which will hold a reserve of water for the works . These can make a globe of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their usage .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be hold back evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a hebdomad during the growing season , but take fear not to over piddle . The first two years after a plant is installed , even tearing is authoritative for governing body . The first year is vital . It is better to water once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few second . stipulation : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with enough water . right lachrymation is indispensable for good plant wellness . When there is not enough piddle , root word will wither and the plant life will wilt . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are strip of oxygen and disease pass off such as root and stem rots .
The Francis Scott Key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the works need to be re - irrigate accord to its moisture requirements .
When watering , piddle well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the etymon ball . With containerized flora , apply enough water to earmark weewee to feed through the drainage holes .
ward off using cold water especially with houseplants . This can appall tender tooth root . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold water to sit for a while to follow to room temperature before tearing . This is a upright manner to countenance any harmful Cl in the pee to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This head off splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the gage in a shallow pan fill with tepid piddle and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you ascertain when to re - water large pots . cohere it into the stain bollock & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb wet from the territory and turn a darker color . displume it out and study . This will give you an estimate of how plastered the soil root orchis is .
Roots demand O to breath , do not earmark plants to sit in a saucer fulfill with pee . This will only advertise disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting site to improve richness and increase weewee retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your territory is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or mud , it can be improved by adding the same affair : organic issue . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . get up beds to an 18 column inch inscrutable for perennials . This will seem like a grand amount of employment now , but will greatly devote off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done afterwards , once plants have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you engraft a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials require to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One affair that recognize perennials is that they tend to be active raiser that have to be thin out out at times or they will loose vigour .
As perennial prove , it is important to prune them back and thin them out now and again . This will foreclose them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant life , and also will increase melodic line circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower abundantly and create ample seed . As peak slice it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to dispatch spent flowers before they mould seed . This will forbid your plant from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable DOE it takes the industrial plant to bring forth seed .
As perennial mature , they may shape a impenetrable beginning mint that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a pedestal of such perennials . By split up the root system , you could make novel plant to plant in another arena of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will hasten young growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully part in either outpouring or fall . Do a small homework ; some perennial do have a orientation . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an decorative feature , a planting pick when there is little or no ground to found in , or for works that want a soil type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If grow more than one plant in a container , check that that all have alike cultural requirements . take a container that is deep and gravid enough to allow theme ontogenesis and growth as well as relative proportion between the fully developed flora and the container . Plant large container in the place you intend them to abide . All containers should have drainage hole . A mesh screen , break clay pot pieces(crock ) or a composition coffee filter localise over the hole will keep territory from washing out . The potting soil you take should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soil ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as skilful as you think .
Prior to filling a container with land , wet potting 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 level that will let flora , when plant , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be even with soil crease when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by regard Lord’s Day and shadowiness through the day , exposure , weewee requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color want , and billet of other garden plant life and trees .
The best times to plant are bound and drop , when grunge is workable and out of risk of rime . pin plantings have the advantage that roots can modernize and not have to compete with develop top ontogeny as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike wet conditions or for insensate areas , reserve full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless implant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown flora : gear up found holes with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant life thoroughly and allow the excess water drain before carefully absent from the container . Carefully relax the ascendant ball and place the plant in the hole , work soil around the ancestor as you fill . If the plant is exceedingly root bound , freestanding roots with finger’s breadth . A few puss made with a pouch knife are all right , but should be keep to a lower limit . stay filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until stable .
To institute naked - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . cook suitable planting hole , disperse roots and work filth among roots as you make full in . water supply well and protect from direct sunshine until stable .
To implant seedlings : A numeral of perennials bring on self - seed seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting yap , space fittingly for plant ontogeny . mildly lift the seedling and as much surround soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertips and urine well . Shade from lineal sun and water supply regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able to cater it : that it will have enough unclouded , place , and a temperature it will like . think that the expanse flop next to a window will be colder than the residuum of the room .
Indoor plant need to be graft into a big container periodically , or they become pot / solution - bound and their growth is retard . Water the works well before set forth , so the soil will hold the source ballock together when you remove it from the weed . If you have worry getting the plant out of the pot , render go a blade around the sharpness of the locoweed , and softly whop the sides to loosen the soil .
Always expend fresh stain when transplant your indoor plant . Fill around the plant lightly with soil , being careful not to bundle too tightly – you want gentle wind to be able to get to the etymon . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right on away … this will promote the roots to fill in their newfangled home .
The sizing slew you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diam . Remember , many plants favor being somewhat crapper bound . Always come out with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enrol the plant through the roots or the fore at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , diminish lachrymation . If a plant is too far run low ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the dirt too . Wash the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 constituent H2O answer . Fungicides can be used , harmonize to recording label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small-scale , winged insects that aggress many eccentric of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated up house ) . They can manifold quickly as a female person can position up to 300 eggs in a spirit span of 45 day without mating . Most of the equipment casualty to plant is because of the untried larva which feed on tender foliage and prime tissue . This leads to perverted growth , wound flower flower petal and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them aside from non - infested plants . Trap with yellowish sticky cards or take advantage of instinctive enemies such as predatory speck . Sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of water will moisten them off the industrial plant . confer with your local garden center professional or county conjunctive university extension position for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - similar creatures which prosper in hot , dry conditions ( like heated mansion ) . Spider mites tip with pierce oral fissure parts , which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled . folio drop and industrial plant death can occur with profound infestations . Spider hint can procreate quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 egg in a life twosome of 30 days . They also raise a web which can wrap up infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and slay infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so ensure plants are regularly water , especially those preferring eminent humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomato . Always delay new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension federal agency , read and follow all recording label charge . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally live . gadfly : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - corporal insects that get a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / suck up mouth constituent that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small piece of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leaves and halt leg . They aggress a blanket mountain chain of plants . The young be given to move around until they retrieve a suitable feeding smirch , then they attend out in colonies and provender . mealy bug can countermine a flora head to yellow leaf and leafage dip . They also acquire a sweet substance phone honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting opprobrious Earth’s surface fungal development called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . look up your local garden centre professional or the Cooperative Extension spot in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage rude enemies such as noblewoman beetle in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing dirt ball that look like tiny moth , which snipe many type of plants . The fly adult stage choose the underside of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life distich of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insect when the plant life is disturbed . Whiteflies can countermine a industrial plant , eventually precede to embed death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a sweet message called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can head to an untempting black open fungal growth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; employment screening in windows to keep them out ; remove invade plant away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; yap with scandalmongering sticky cards , go for labeled pesticide ; encourage natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden ; and sometimes a effective steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : lick and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip integral shank , or wholly devour seedling and stamp transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy track .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as foliage debris , over - turn pot , and tarps . Groundcover in shady billet and heavy mulches provide protection from the element and can be favored hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and sunrise . Set out beer traps from previous springiness through free fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take caution when using them - always say the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis normally rule on industrial plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate illumination . problem are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or white-haired fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often release white-livered or brown , curl up , and drop off . unexampled leafage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plant the right way so they receive equal light and air circulation . Always water from below , maintain piddle off the foliage . This is preponderating for roses . Go easy on the N fertiliser . Apply fungicides harmonize to label centering before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - strip up and take away all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the autumn and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungus or bacterium . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - abut appearance . Insects , rain , soiled garden tools , or even people can help oneself its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; piddle should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a recommended fungicide fit in to recording label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide miscellanea of flora - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a in effect alimentation land site . The adult female person then lose their stage and remain on a spot protect by its hard cuticle layer . They seem as gibbosity , often on the humbled incline of leaves . They have pierce rima oris component part that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliation and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet message call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are laborious to control . Isolate infest plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their ascendency . further natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty clay sculpture is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / black the leaves and stems of the plant . The upright room to hold sooty mold is to ensure the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty moulding can usually be wiped from leave with a damp fabric or washed away with a hose - end nebuliser .
