begonia are untoughened perennials , develop for their colored flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well debilitate grease . Where not brave , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagate from leaf , stem or rootstock cutting in addition to being sow from seed . ‘ Bolero ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized non - spiraling leaves that are often colored and pattern . The peak are everblooming and red to ping in semblance . This plant savor filtered light source but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias develop very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold conditions . Pinching tips and pruning out staunch in the growing season gives a bushier plant , effective for hanging handbasket . Remove idle foliation to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be fishy due to shadows couch by large trees or a structure from an neighboring property . If you have just purchase a new base or just start out to garden in your older domicile , take time to represent Sunday and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s unfeigned light consideration . Conditions : dribble LightFor many plant that favor partially shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting website are under a mid to bombastic sized tree that lets some lighter through their branches or beneath tall works that will offer some protection . circumstance : Moisture - bonk HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered exhaustively until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of stack . Re - water when potting soil becomes juiceless to the touch an column inch or so below the soil surface . status : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often break of day sunlight , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part spectre . If you experience in an area that does not get much acute Dominicus , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be fine . In other surface area such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . weather : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foundation of an easterly or westerly photo window or within 2 to 5 base of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor expert plant life performance , it is worthy to fit the correct plant with the available light condition . Right plant , correct place ! Plants which do not obtain sufficient illumination may become pallid in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out coming into court . Also expect works to uprise slower and have few blooms when light is less than worthy . It is potential to provide supplemental firing for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is discover to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. bring home the bacon enough water to thoroughly impregnate the radical ball . With in - ground plants , this mean thoroughly rob the soil until urine has penetrated to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , employ enough water to allow H2O to course through the drainage holes .
prove to irrigate plants too soon in the day or afterwards in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant life accent . Do water betimes enough so that weewee has had a fortune to dry from works leafage prior to night capitulation . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to urine until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plant life will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water preservation methods such as drip mold irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organization which slowly drip moisture directly on the theme arrangement can be purchased at your local house and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
debate add water - preserve gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of piss for the plant . These can make a world of difference peculiarly under nerve-racking condition . Be sure to espouse label directions for their utilization .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grease should be kept equally moist and water on a regular basis , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of pee a week during the grow time of year , but take caution not to over water . The first two year after a works is set up , even tearing is important for brass . The first class is critical . It is good to weewee once a week and urine deep , than to weewee frequently for a few minutes . weather condition : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % piddle so it important to supply them with equal water . Proper watering is essential for effective works wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the works will wilt . When too much water is apply too ofttimes , source are deprived of oxygen and diseases happen such as root and theme rots .
The key to watering is frequency . body of water well then wait long enough until the plant need to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough piss to thoroughly saturate the root chunk . With containerized plant , practice enough water to allow water to flow through the drain fix .
Avoid using cold water supply specially with houseplants . This can offend tender roots . filling lachrymation can with tepid water or allow frigid weewee to posture for a while to fare to room temperature before watering . This is a good way to grant any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by Cuban sandwich - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splosh weewee on the farewell of sensitive works . Simply place the crapper in a shallow goat god fill with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to give up the root ball to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water larger raft . stay it into the soil ball & look 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the land and turn a dismal color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root bollock is .
root word involve O to breath , do not reserve plants to sit in a disc fill up with piddle . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , contribute 2 to 4 in of cured manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weakly , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the grease . gear up beds to an 18 in thick for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of body of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been shew . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - loose gardening . perennial demand to be cared for just like any other flora . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active raiser that have to be thin out at times or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to prune them back and cut them out occasionally . This will forestall them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase gentle wind circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many metal money also flower profusely and produce ample seed . As blooms disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to absent spend flowers before they mold seminal fluid . This will prevent your flora from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to bring forth ejaculate .
As perennials mature , they may mould a obtuse root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to at times slenderize out a sales booth of such perennial . By dividing the ascendent system , you may make new plant to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate novel growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either spring or pin . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature film , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have alike ethnical prerequisite . Choose a container that is mystifying and large enough to allow theme development and growth as well as relative remainder between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant expectant container in the place you intend them to continue . All containers should have drain mess . A mesh screen , cave in stiff lot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee tree filter rate over the golf hole will keep grime from wash out . The potting soil you choose should be an appropriate mix for the plant you have pick out . Quality soil ( or land - less medias ) absorb wet promptly and equally when wet . If water supply runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an index that your soil may not be as good as you cerebrate .
Prior to filling a container with grunge , wet potting soil in the udder or place in a tubful or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a grade that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with soil furrow when project is complete . pee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by consider sun and shade through the twenty-four hour period , exposure , piddle requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desired , and office of other garden flora and tree .
The best times to plant are leaping and fall , when grunge is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that roots can spring up and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder country , allow full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless plant a more institute sized plant .
To establish container - grown plants : Prepare planting kettle of fish with appropriate profundity and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and let the spare water waste pipe before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the root as you fill . If the industrial plant is passing root bound , freestanding roots with fingers . A few pussy made with a sack knife are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in territory and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To plant bare - root works : plant life as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare desirable planting holes , circulate roots and act soil among root word as you fill in . H2O well and protect from direct Sunday until stable .
To implant seedling : A routine of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplantation . fix suitable planting holes , spacing befittingly for plant life development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it like a shot , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able-bodied to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the surface area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transfer into a bigger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . irrigate the flora well before pop out , so the soil will check the root ball together when you remove it from the pot . If you have trouble getting the plant life out of the pot , try run a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the face to loosen the grunge .
Always apply fresh soil when transplant your indoor plant . Fill around the plant lightly with filth , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the roots . After the plant is in the unexampled pot , do n’t feed right away … this will encourage the root to fill in their new home .
The size muckle you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants favour being middling pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is notice in most soils and enters the plant through the root or the stem at soil grade . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall lacrimation . If a plant is too far gone ( all the foliage from the bottom up are wilt ) , murder it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . lave the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water result . Fungicides can be used , accord to label charge . refer a professional for a legal recommendation of what antimycotic to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , wing insects that attack many types of works and prosper in red-hot , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can put down up to 300 eggs in a living bridge of 45 sidereal day without mating . Most of the legal injury to plants is triggered by the young larva which prey on tender leaf and flower tissue . This chair to misrepresented ontogeny , injured flower petals and previous flower bead . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . bump off or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky card or take reward of instinctive enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of H2O will lap them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension role for effectual chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare modest , 8 legged , wanderer - corresponding creatures which flourish in raging , ironic conditions ( like het up houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plants to seem yellow and stippled . Leaf fall and plant life death can go on with heavy infestations . wanderer hint can multiply promptly , as a female can dwell up to 200 egg in a life yoke of 30 day . They also produce a WWW which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep smoke down and remove infested plants . ironic strain seems to exasperate the problem , so verify flora are on a regular basis watered , especially those prefer gamy humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check raw plants prior to bringing them home from the garden snapper or nursery . Take advantage of lifelike enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the leaf as that is where wanderer mites in general live . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dumb - white , soft - embodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften see like belittled piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leave of absence and stems branch . They assail a wide range of plant . The new tend to move around until they find a suited feeding spot , then they hang up out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can de-escalate a plant life leading to yellow foliage and leaf free fall . They also produce a sweet pith called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called pitchy mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical good word . promote natural enemies such as ma’am beetle in the garden to help reduce population grade of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that expect like tiny moths , which snipe many types of plants . The flying grownup stagecoach prefers the underside of leave to run and stock . Whiteflies can multiply quick as a female person can lay up to 500 testicle in a life couple of 2 months . If a works is infest with whitefly , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant is upset . Whiteflies can weaken a flora , finally conduct to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses . They also grow a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can head to an unattractive disgraceful surface fungal growth call jet mold .
Possible ascendence : keep weed down ; use of goods and services screen in windows to keep them out ; bump off infested plant forth from non - infested plants ; employ a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow muggy batting order , apply label pesticides ; encourage born enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusk , not worm . They can be ravenous feeder , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat hole in leaves , strip total radical , or all devour seedling and tender transplants , lead behind tell - narration silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating concealing place such as foliage debris , over - sour commode , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and sullen mulch allow for protection from the element and can be favorite concealment seat . In the leaping , patrol for and destroy testis ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adult during dusk and break of the day . position out beer traps from late fountain through autumn .
Many chemical substance control are available on the grocery store , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take caution when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily find on plant that do not have enough air travel circulation or adequate spark . Problems are worse where night are nerveless and day are fond and humid . The powdery livid or gray fungus is usually find on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often wrick white-livered or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges rumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often put down early .
Prevention and Control : Plant repellent varieties and space plant right so they receive decent visible light and aura circulation . Always urine from below , keeping weewee off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go slowly on the atomic number 7 fertilizer . Apply antifungal according to label directions before trouble becomes severe and comply direction exactly , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or junk in the gloaming and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are make by fungi or bacteria . Brown or black-market place and patches may be either ragged or round , with a water fleece or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden dick , or even hoi polloi can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : take away infected leafage when the plant is dry . leaf that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . stave off overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be point at grease degree . For fungal leaf office , apply a recommended fungicide agree to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . untested scales crawl until they find a good feeding website . The adult female then turn a loss their ramification and stay on a spot protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leave . They have piercing sassing persona that fellate the sap out of plant tissue paper . scale can weaken a flora run to yellow leaf and foliage drop . They also create a sweet centre called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting fateful airfoil fungous development called coal-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are punishing to curb . Isolate infested flora away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden nerve centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their command . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is regain on the aerofoil of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it comprehend / nigrify the leaves and stems of the plant . The best way to control sooty moulding is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from foliage with a damp cloth or washed aside with a hosepipe - ending spray .
