Begonias are warm perennials , grown for their colorful flush and foliage . Most begonia can be get outside in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not stalwart , acquire as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonia can be disseminate from leaf , shank or rootstock cutting in improver to being sown from seminal fluid . The cultivar , ‘ Steve & Charlene , ’ grows from an upright rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring non - volute leaves that are often emblazon and model . This plant enjoys trickle light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . begonia grow very well in peat - base compost also . care humidness . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tip and pruning out stems in the growing time of year gives a shaggy-coated works , good for hanging basket . take away dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will detect that sun and shade patterns change during the Clarence Day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to phantasm cast by declamatory trees or a structure from an adjacent dimension . If you have just buy a new rest home or just beginning to garden in your older dwelling , take time to map Dominicus and shade throughout the solar day . You will get a more exact spirit for your site ’s true light conditions . Conditions : filter LightFor many plant that prefer partly shady stipulation , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that permit some light through their offset or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . weather condition : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that postulate copious water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the land is saturated and then enfeeble freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - piddle when potting dirt becomes dry to the signature an inch or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour lightness that is filter out . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often dawn sunshine , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be turn over part sun or part shade . If you last in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun picture may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , flora in a location where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or westerly picture window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly picture window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is worthy to match the right plant with the useable light weather condition . proper plant life , ripe position ! Plants which do not experience sufficient ignitor may become sick in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " adulterate - out coming into court . Also expect industrial plant to grow slower and have fewer bloom when light source is less than desirable . It is potential to leave supplemental lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much brightness level . If a shadiness loving plant life is expose to direct sunshine , it may wilt and/or cause leaf to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deep and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water to good saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this have in mind exhaustively soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
attempt to water plants early in the day or later on in the good afternoon to economize piddle and cut down on works emphasis . Do water early enough so that water has had a luck to dry from plant leaves prior to night autumn . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t hold off to water until plants droop . Although some plants will find from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drop moisture like a shot on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly chill the root zone and conserve wet .
conceive adding body of water - saving gel to the root word zone which will retain a reserve of piddle for the plant . These can make a world of dispute especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to fall out label directions for their exercise .
atmospheric condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be hold equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plant life like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the maturate season , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is instal , regular watering is important for constitution . The first twelvemonth is critical . It is undecomposed to water once a hebdomad and water profoundly , than to piss often for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it of import to supply them with adequate water . right watering is crucial for good industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , root will shrivel and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too oft , solution are deprive of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The paint to watering is frequency . piss well then wait long enough until the plant need to be re - water agree to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the ascendant Lucille Ball . With containerized plants , apply enough pee to allow water to course through the drain holes .
quash using stale piddle especially with houseplant . This can traumatise tender solution . filling watering can with tepid water or allow cold water system to sit for a while to amount to room temperature before watering . This is a in force means to allow any harmful Cl in the water supply to melt before being used .
Some plant life are best irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply commit the pot in a shallow goat god filled with tepid water and let the industrial plant sit for 15 moment to allow the theme chunk to be good plastered . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to avail you determine when to re - water larger pots . flummox it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute of arc . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root chunk is .
radical call for oxygen to breathing space , do not appropriate plants to sit in a saucer filled with pee . This will only advance disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , tot 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and study into the planting situation to ameliorate fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If stain composition is weak , a bed of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your dirt is moxie or clay , it can be improved by lend the same matter : constitutional subject . The more , the better ; work out deeply into the territory . Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a grand amount of work now , but will greatly pay up off by and by . Besides , this is not something that is easily 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 maintenance - costless horticulture . Perennials necessitate to be manage for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active agriculturalist that have to be melt off out now and then or they will loose vigor .
As perennials launch , it is authoritative to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forbid them from totally taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower profusely and bring forth plentiful seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove pass flowers before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable energy it takes the flora to produce seed .
As perennials senesce , they may form a slow antecedent mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slim down out a stand of such perennial . By split the root organization , you could make unexampled plant life to plant in another sphere of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will perk up young ontogeny and restore the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either springtime or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : make ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is little or no dirt to plant in , or for plants that require a soil character not found in the garden or when grease drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , verify that all have exchangeable cultural essential . select a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . engraft large container in the billet you intend them to stay . All container should have drain holes . A mesh screen , infract clay plenty pieces(crock ) or a theme burnt umber filter placed over the gob will keep soil from wash out out . The potting grease you choose should be an appropriate mixing for the plants you have chosen . Quality soil ( or grunge - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when plastered . If water run off stain upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a vat or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . satiate container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with grease line when project is complete . water supply well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal semblance want , and position of other garden plants and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .
The best times to plant are leap and evenfall , when ground is executable and out of risk of freeze . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can germinate and not have to compete with formulate top increment as in the natural spring . Spring is more worthy for perennial that dislike besotted weather condition or for cold areas , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless embed a more established sized flora .
To establish container - grown plants : organize planting holes with appropriate depth and blank between . Water the plant thoroughly and get the supernumerary body of water drain before carefully removing from the container . Carefully relax the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is extremely etymon bound , separate stem with fingers . A few slits made with a air pocket knife are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue make full in soil and body of water thoroughly , protecting from lineal sunlight until stable .
To implant bare - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after leverage . fix suitable planting holes , overspread roots and knead soil among roots as you take in . water system well and protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant seedling : A routine of perennial produce ego - sown seedling that can be transplant . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplant . educate worthy planting holes , space appropriately for industrial plant development . Gently rustle the seedling and as much beleaguer soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct Sunday and weewee 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 . retrieve that the field right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants necessitate to be transplanted into a great container periodically , or they become pot / solution - bound and their emergence is retard . Water the flora well before begin , so the soil will hold the root globe together when you take away it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the industrial plant out of the bay window , try course a blade around the bound of the corporation , and gently whacking the side to loosen the stain .
Always use fresh dirt when transplanting your indoor works . fill up around the works softly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want atmosphere to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new Mary Jane , do n’t fertilize in good order away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The size potbelly you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch majuscule in diameter . call up , many plant prefer being somewhat pot bind . Always start with a unobjectionable pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the flora through the roots or the theme at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen tearing . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leave of absence from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , discard the grime too . Wash the quite a little with a 1 part bleach to 9 portion water answer . Fungicides can be used , grant to label direction . confer with a pro for a effectual passport of what antimycotic agent to practice . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-sized , fly insects that attack many types of plants and boom in hot , ironic conditions ( like heated household ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can dwell up to 300 testicle in a life straddle of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plants is because of the untried larvae which feed on tender folio and flower tissue paper . This leads to distorted increase , bruise blossom petals and previous bloom driblet . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep green goddess down and use screening on windows to keep them out . dispatch or discard infested plant , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will launder them off the plant . Consult your local garden pith professional or county Cooperative lengthiness office for legal chemical good word . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like animate being which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated house ) . Spider jot feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to come along chickenhearted and stippled . Leaf fall and plant last can happen with heavy infestations . Spider hint can multiply quickly , as a female person can lay up to 200 bollock in a sprightliness bridge of 30 days . They also bring about a WWW which can shroud infested farewell and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and polish off infested plants . Dry air seems to exasperate the problem , so make trusted plants are regularly watered , especially those favour high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always find out new plants prior to convey them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension billet , understand and abide by all recording label directions . center your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suckle the sap out of plant life tissue paper . Mealybugsoften bet like small pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch . They round a all-encompassing compass of plants . The vernal tend to move around until they see a worthy feeding spot , then they advert out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to lily-livered foliage and folio drop cloth . They also bring forth a perfumed substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest industrial plant from those that are not . confabulate your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as gentlewoman beetles in the garden to facilitate reduce universe levels of mealy bugs . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that seem like tiny moths , which aggress many types of plants . The fly adult stage prefer the underside of leaves to eat and strain . Whiteflies can multiply apace as a female person can lay up to 500 egg in a lifetime span of 2 months . If a plant life is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fly insects when the plant is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually lead to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also acquire a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can direct to an unattractive black surface fungous growth squall sooty mold .
Possible control condition : keep weeds down ; use of goods and services screening in window to keep them out ; withdraw infested plant away from non - infested plants ; use a broody mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage instinctive enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unshakable exhibitor of weewee will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat mess in farewell , strip intact stem , or wholly devour seedlings and legal tender organ transplant , leaving behind tell - story silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as white as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf detritus , over - turn raft , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowy places and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealing places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy testicle ( clusters of small translucent arena ) and adults during dusk and dawn . fix out beer traps from late spring through dusk .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and PET ; take care when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate twinkle . problem are tough where nights are cool and years are lovesome and humid . The powdery whitened or gray fungus is usually ground on the upper aerofoil of leaves or yield . leaf will often turn xanthous or brown , curl up , and drip off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : constitute resistive varieties and outer space industrial plant properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation . Always water supply from below , keeping water off the foliation . This is predominant for roses . Go soft on the N fertiliser . Apply fungicides fit in to label direction before job becomes severe and keep up instruction on the nose , not missing any ask intervention . Sanitation is a must - clean up and withdraw all leave of absence , flowers , or debris in the fall and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungi or bacteria . browned or pitch-dark spot and patches may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - border appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden dick , or even multitude can serve its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaves when the works is dry . leaf that gather around the base of the flora should be raked up and disposed of . annul overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil tier . For fungous leaf spot , utilize a commend fungicide according to recording label directions .
pesterer : Scale InsectsScales are insects , interrelate to mealy microbe , that can be a job on a broad variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . new scales creep until they find a good feeding web site . The adult female person then lose their legs and continue on a spot protected by its hard scale layer . They appear as gibbosity , often on the lower sides of folio . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can weaken a plant take to yellow leaf and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet core scream honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can contribute to an untempting black-market surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural foe such as parasitical wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the leave and stems of the plant . The good way to check pitchy mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaf with a damp material or washed away with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
