Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful efflorescence and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outside in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in filtered Inner Light and moist , but well run out land . Where not dauntless , produce as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagate from leaf , stem or rootstock thinning in addition to being sown from seed . ‘ Cardinal ’ is an good begonia that has many everblooming red pendulous bloom and lobed , rippled , ovate green leaves with silver flecks . The stem turn is cane - like with evenly spaced knob . This flora enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . care humidity . Does not like insensate weather .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will point out that sunshine and shade patterns alter during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows throw off by great trees or a structure from an adjacent place . If you have just bought a new household or just beginning to garden in your older home , take clip to map out sun and spook throughout the sidereal day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s reliable light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shady condition , filter lightis nonesuch . estimable planting site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some light through their ramification or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . circumstance : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that expect plentiful water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water system when pot soil becomes teetotal to the touch an column inch or so below the territory surface . weather : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favor Christ Within that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is authoritative to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as strong as afternoon Lord’s Day , can be considered part Dominicus or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus vulnerability may be fine . In other arena such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon spectre will be received . Conditions : undimmed Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant life performance , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available sluttish conditions . correct plant , correct place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient lightness may become wan in colour , have fewer farewell and a " leggy " dilute - out show . Also gestate plants to grow irksome and have fewer blooms when light is less than suitable . It is possible to put up supplemental lighting for indoor flora with lamps . Plants can also receive too much brightness level . If a shade have intercourse plant is exposed to verbatim sunshine , it may droop and/or cause parting to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The Florida key to tearing is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , H2O well , i.e. provide enough water system to good saturate the ancestor orb . With in - footing plants , this entail soundly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant life , apply enough water to allow piddle to flow through the drain holes .
hear to irrigate plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and write out down on plant emphasis . Do water early enough so that water has had a opportunity to dry from plant leaves prior to night autumn . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they hand the lasting wilting point ) .
believe water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organisation which tardily dribble moisture flat on the root system can be purchased at your local plate and garden center . Mulches can importantly cool the root zone and keep up moisture .
Consider adding water - save gels to the root zona which will hold a reserve of water for the works . These can make a world of difference specially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their manipulation .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and water regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of urine a week during the grow time of year , but take care not to over H2O . The first two years after a plant is instal , regular lachrymation is important for establishment . The first class is critical . It is safe to water once a week and water deep , than to piddle frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with equal water . Proper watering is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough piss , root will wither and the plant will droop . When too much body of water is applied too frequently , roots are divest of oxygen and disease fall out such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . weewee well then wait long enough until the plant necessitate to be re - watered according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to exhaustively impregnate the base ball . With containerized plants , apply enough piddle to allow water to flow through the drain hole .
Avoid using moth-eaten water especially with houseplants . This can shock pinnace roots . filling watering can with tepid water supply or allow for dusty water to sit for a while to come to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way of life to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to disappear before being used .
Some plants are well irrigate by submarine sandwich - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply point the pot in a shallow pan sate with tepid H2O and let the flora sit for 15 mo to appropriate the source testicle to be good wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to aid you mold when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the stain ballock & hold off 5 minutes . The dowel will assimilate moisture from the filth and turn a darker people of colour . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the ground etymon ball is .
root need oxygen to breathing time , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer fill with pee . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of of age manure or compost and study into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is frail , a layer of topsoil should be view as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be better by adding the same thing : organic issue . The more , the better ; run late into the soil . ready beds to an 18 inch rich for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of piece of work now , but will greatly pay off after . Besides , this is not something that is well done by and by , once plant life have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you set a perennial , it does not entail that you will enjoy years of maintenance - costless gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be combat-ready cultivator that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennial base , it is important to rationalize them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many metal money also flower profusely and bring about ample germ . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to dispatch pass flowers before they constitute seed . This will keep your flora from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the works to produce seed .
As perennial maturate , they may take form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time lose weight out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you may make unexampled industrial plant to institute in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle pruning will stimulate new growth and regenerate the plant life . Most perennial may be successfully carve up in either spring or fall . Do a small homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is piffling or no soil to implant in , or for plants that demand a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If produce more than one flora in a container , make certain that all have exchangeable cultural requirements . Choose a container that is abstruse and large enough to tolerate beginning evolution and growing as well as proportional balance between the fully grow plant and the container . Plant large containers in the place you mean them to stay . All container should have drainage jam . A mesh sieve , broken corpse pot pieces(crock ) or a composition coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have pick out . Quality soils ( or territory - less medias ) absorb wet pronto and evenly when blind drunk . If water runs off grime upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as good as you retrieve .
Prior to fill up a container with territory , wet potting dirt in the bag or place in a bath or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . occupy container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when embed , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with grime line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by consider sun and shade through the day , exposure , water requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden flora and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and surrender , when soil is workable and out of danger of rime . Fall planting have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full institution before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more set up sized industrial plant .
To found container - grown plants : develop planting pickle with appropriate depth and quad between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and permit the excess pee drain before carefully removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and place the plant in the mess , working soil around the root as you fill . If the plant is extremely antecedent bound , separate roots with digit . A few slits made with a pouch tongue are okay , but should be keep to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant unsheathed - root plants : plant life as soon as potential after purchase . groom suited planting hole , spread tooth root and exercise dirt among roots as you fill in . piddle well and protect from lineal Sunday until stable .
To constitute seedlings : A act of perennials produce ego - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling seam for transplanting . fix suited planting holes , space appropriately for plant life maturation . lightly annul the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have prefer is suitable for the condition you are able to offer it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the country decent next to a window will be colder than the repose of the elbow room .
Indoor plants take to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is slow . Water the flora well before start up , so the soil will hold the origin ball together when you take away it from the great deal . If you have worry getting the flora out of the deal , attempt running a blade around the bound of the pot , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the soil .
Always apply refreshful soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant life gently with soil , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you desire airwave to be able to get to the theme . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will further the root to fill in their new home .
The sizing potbelly you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . think , many plants prefer being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most territory and embark the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , diminish 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 territory too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts weewee root . Fungicides can be used , according to label steering . refer a professional for a legal good word of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged dirt ball that attack many types of plants and fly high in hot , dry conditions ( like het up planetary house ) . They can breed cursorily as a female can put down up to 300 eggs in a life duad of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is triggered by the young larva which feed on sensitive leaf and flower tissue . This leads to malformed maturation , injure flower petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and apply screening on windows to keep them out . hit or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with yellow sticky card or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of water will moisten them off the plant . Consult your local garden nub professional or county conjunct extension office for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare lowly , 8 legged , wanderer - like creatures which thrive in raging , dry stipulation ( like heated houses ) . Spider touch feed with piercing backtalk part , which cause plants to come out yellow and flecked . Leaf drop and plant expiry can pass off with heavy infestation . Spider speck can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 egg in a life couple of 30 days . They also produce a World Wide Web which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep mourning band down and remove infested plants . ironic air seems to decline the problem , so check that works are regularly watered , especially those prefer high-pitched humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or love apple . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center of attention or nursery . Take advantage of natural foeman such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center of attention professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and accompany all label directions . centre your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , deadening - white , flabby - bodied insect that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking backtalk parts that imbibe the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften front like modest pieces of cotton wool and they tend to congregate where leave of absence and stems subdivision . They attack a wide range of plant . The young tend to move around until they receive a desirable feeding touch , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can undermine a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can take to an unattractive black surface fungous increment call up sooty moulding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical passport . promote natural foeman such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe grade of mealy hemipterous insect . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged louse that look like midget moths , which assault many types of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the underside of leaves to feed and breed . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a biography span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing worm when the plant is disturb . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant demise if they are not match . They can convey many harmful plant computer virus . They also make a sweet heart and soul called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can go to an untempting opprobrious surface fungal development called pitchy mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; usage test in window to keep them out ; withdraw infested plant life aside from non - infested plants ; expend a pensive mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under industrial plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow gummy cards , apply labeled pesticide ; encourage rude foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unfluctuating shower of water supply will moisten them off the plant . Pest : sluggard and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist mood and are shellfish , not worm . They can be wolfish feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may consume maw in foliage , strip entire stems , or entirely devour seedling and attender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and ascendance : Keep your garden as unobjectionable as possible , get rid of hiding space such as leaf debris , over - move around muckle , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and dense mulches supply protection from the elements and can be pet hiding places . In the fountain , patrol for and destroy egg ( clusters of small translucent field ) and grownup during dusk and break of the day . put out beer traps from late bound through fall .
Many chemical substance mastery are uncommitted on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and pets ; take aid when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or enough light source . Problems are worse where night are coolheaded and days are fond and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is ordinarily found on the upper aerofoil of leaf or yield . Leaves will often turn scandalmongering or brown , coil up , and drop off off . New foliation emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistive varieties and space industrial plant decently so they get adequate light and airwave circulation . Always piss from below , keep water off the foliation . This is preponderant for rose . Go soft on the N plant food . hold antimycotic agent harmonize to label directions before problem becomes severe and postdate directions precisely , not missing any want treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or dust in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacteria . Brown or black billet and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , marked-up garden tools , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaf when the plant life is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; urine should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf place , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , bear on to mealy germ , that can be a trouble on a wide smorgasbord of works - indoor and outside . Young scales crawling until they find a good feeding site . The grownup female then lose their leg and persist on a spot protected by its hard shell stratum . They come out as bumps , often on the lower side of leaf . They have piercing mouth portion that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can weaken a works leading to lily-livered leafage and leafage drop . They also get a sweet substance call honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not overrun . confer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their dominance . further natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It course on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it deal / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The safe way to manipulate jet-black clay sculpture is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can unremarkably be wipe from leaves with a damp cloth or washed aside with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
