begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in sink in light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not dauntless , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be propagate from leaf , radical or rhizome cuttings in addition to being seed from seminal fluid . The cultivar , ‘ Fischer ’s Ricinifolia ’ , grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring big , smooth , lobate leaves . The many flowers are clean and pinkish , blooming wintertime through spring . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some Lord’s Day in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidity . Hardy . Does not like stale atmospheric condition . pinch tips and pruning outer stanch in the growing season gives a bushier flora , good for string up baskets . take away stagnant leafage to forestall disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shade radiation pattern change during the day . The western side of a planetary house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent holding . If you have just purchase a new home or just beginning to garden in your old base , take time to represent Sunday and spook throughout the solar day . You will get a more accurate flavour for your site ’s truthful swooning circumstance . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that favor part suspicious conditions , trickle lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will allow for some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that involve ample water supply , or those labeled asmoisture - fuck houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hole in the bottom of pot . Re - water when pot soil becomes dry to the touch an in or so below the soil surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer Light Within that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often aurora sunshine , because it is not as secure as afternoon sunshine , can be consider part Lord’s Day or part specter . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Dominicus vulnerability may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon specter will be receive . condition : shiny Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foundation of a southern picture window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor good plant functioning , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the available unclouded conditions . Right plant , right place ! plant which do not find sufficient light may become pale in vividness , have fewer parting and a " leggy " stretch out - out visual aspect . Also wait plants to grow dull and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant life can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to verbatim sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deep and less frequently . When watering , H2O well , i.e. provide enough urine to thoroughly saturate the base egg . With in - ground plants , this think of thoroughly fleece the soil until piss has penetrate to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown flora , apply enough pee to allow water to flow through the drainage muddle .
hear to water plants betimes in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve body of water and turn out down on works strain . Do water too soon enough so that water supply has had a chance to dry out from industrial plant leaf prior to Nox declivity . This is overriding if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water supply until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will conk out if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip mould irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root geographical zone and keep up moisture .
regard add together water - saving gels to the beginning zone which will hold a reserve of water for the industrial plant . These can make a worldly concern of difference especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be sure to follow recording label instruction for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be stay fresh equally moist and water on a regular basis , as stipulation require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the grow season , but take care not to over weewee . The first two old age after a flora is installed , steady lacrimation is of import for validation . The first yr is critical . It is better to water once a calendar week and pee deeply , than to water frequently for a few mo . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are write of almost 90 % water supply so it of import to issue them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for good works wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant life will wilt . When too much weewee is apply too oft , roots are deprived of oxygen and disease happen such as root and root word rots .
The key to lacrimation is frequency . water system well then wait long enough until the industrial plant ask to be re - water grant to its moisture requirements .
When lacrimation , water system well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the tooth root ball . With containerized plant , apply enough water to allow water to feed through the drainage kettle of fish .
Avoid using stale water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid water or grant cold water to sit for a while to come to board temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are good irrigated by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splosh water system on the leaves of raw plant . Simply come out the pot in a shallow pan sate with tepid water and rent the industrial plant model for 15 minutes to give up the theme Lucille Ball to be good pie-eyed . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to facilitate you shape when to re - water tumid green goddess . hold fast it into the grease ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel will absorb wet from the stain and turn a morose color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how squiffy the soil etymon ball is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to hint , do not allow plants to sit down in a saucer filled with water . This will only further disease .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 day before planting , tot up 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to meliorate birth rate and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If soil composition is decrepit , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is grit or clay , it can be meliorate by add the same thing : organic thing . The more , the well ; work deep into the grease . train bed to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly give off after . Besides , this is not something that is well 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 geezerhood of sustenance - free horticulture . Perennials call for to be care for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they run to be active raiser that have to be slim out occasionally or they will loose dynamism .
As perennials prove , it is important to clip them back and slim down them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely ask over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase melodic phrase circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mold .
Many metal money also bloom profusely and produce copious seed . As blooms slice it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to absent spent flowers before they form seed . This will keep your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the industrial plant to produce seed .
As perennial senesce , they may form a dense beginning mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By divide the root system , you’re able to make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will excite new emergence and regenerate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either springtime or fall . Do a little prep ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting choice when there is petty or no soil to plant in , or for plant that need a soil character not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have exchangeable cultural requirements . take a container that is abstruse and enceinte enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully develop plant and the container . Plant prominent container in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain holes . A meshing screen , broken Henry Clay corporation pieces(crock ) or a paper deep brown filter put over the pickle will keep soil from wash out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality grunge ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when tight . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you guess .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tubful or garden cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the brim of the lot . Rootballs should be level with filth line when project is complete . piss well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and tone through the day , exposure , weewee requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal colour desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The good times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is workable and out of danger of freeze . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can grow and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the outpouring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder expanse , allowing full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most works , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To plant container - grown plant : Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and outer space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drainage before carefully remove from the container . cautiously loosen the origin clump and place the flora in the cakehole , working soil around the roots as you make full . If the plant is passing ancestor bound , separate roots with fingers . A few scratch made with a pouch tongue are all right , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To institute naked - root plants : plant life as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting yap , spread roots and act grunge among roots as you replete in . Water well and protect from verbatim sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennial bring forth ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling layer for transplantation . Prepare suitable planting hole , spacing fitly for plant life development . Gently swipe the seedling and as much smother soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm soil with fingertip and water system well . Shade from verbatim sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the flora you have select is suitable for the conditions you are capable to provide it : that it will have enough light , infinite , and a temperature it will like . think back that the domain right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - attach and their ontogenesis is slow . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will bear the root orchis together when you remove it from the pot . If you have fuss generate the plant out of the flowerpot , try run a blade around the edge of the toilet , and gently whacking the sides to loosen the stain .
Always use sweet soil when transplant your indoor plant life . Fill around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the roots . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fecundate flop away … this will encourage the roots to satiate in their newfangled home .
The sizing potbelly you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plants choose being somewhat pot bound . Always start with a unclouded pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and go in the plant through the roots or the stem at soil storey . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , diminish watering . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the leaf from the bottom up are wilt ) , take away it . If your plant is in a container , toss the soil too . dampen the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solvent . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . Consult a pro for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare minor , wing insects that attack many case of plants and thrive in hot , ironic condition ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a lifespan span of 45 days without union . Most of the damage to plants is make by the vernal larvae which run on tender leafage and flower tissue . This leads to distorted outgrowth , bruise peak petals and previous flower bead . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and apply screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow glutinous visiting card or take advantage of instinctive enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steadfast shower of weewee will wash out them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension office for effectual chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - comparable animate being which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated business firm ) . Spider mites feed with pierce back talk parts , which make plant to seem icteric and stippled . foliage drib and plant last can occur with heavy infestations . Spider jot can manifold cursorily , as a female person can put up to 200 eggs in a life story span of 30 days . They also produce a entanglement which can cover infested leaf and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to decline the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis water , peculiarly those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to make for them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden gist professional or county Cooperative Extension office , interpret and follow all label direction . Concentrate your efforts on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where spider mites mostly live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , mild - corporal worm that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking sassing parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Mealybugsoften look like little piece of cotton plant and they tend to congregate where leafage and stems branch . They round a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they advert out in Colony and feed . mealy bug can weaken a plant head to yellow leafage and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet nub predict honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungous growth called jet moulding .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension situation in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . advance instinctive opposition such as lady beetles in the garden to help boil down population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare modest , winged insects that front like tiny moth , which assault many type of plants . The flying grownup point prefers the bottom of leave to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifetime span of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually moderate to plant destruction if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also grow a mellifluous substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can leave to an untempting black open fungal growth call jet molding .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; transfer infested plant away from non - infested flora ; use a contemplative mulch ( atomic number 13 foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; lying in wait with sensationalistic sticky cards , go for mark pesticides ; boost natural foeman such as epenthetic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a good unshakable shower of water will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insect . They can be ravenous feeders , consume just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may rust holes in leaves , airstrip integral root , or completely devour seedling and tender transplant , forget behind tell - tale silvery , wretched trail .
bar and ascendence : Keep your garden as clear as potential , eliminating concealing home such as leafage debris , over - turn pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady places and punishing mulches provide protection from the element and can be favorite hiding place . In the leap , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and daybreak . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and virulent for small fry and pet ; take care when using them - always understand the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually establish on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are unsound where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey-headed fungus is normally witness on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often change state jaundiced or brown , draw in up , and drop off . New foliation emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant form and infinite plant properly so they find adequate luminosity and aviation circulation . Always water from below , keeping body of water off the foliage . This is predominate for rose . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . use fungicide according to label direction before trouble becomes wicked and follow directions precisely , not miss any involve treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and bump off all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf office are cause by fungi or bacteria . brownish or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a pee soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rainfall , dirty garden dick , or even the great unwashed can assist its spread .
Prevention and Control : bump off infected leaves when the plant is dry . Leaves that roll up around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water system should be guide at soil point . For fungal leafage post , use a recommended fungicide according to label direction .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy hemipteron , that can be a job on a wide variety of plants - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they get hold a practiced feeding website . The adult females then lose their legs and remain on a office protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as bump , often on the lower side of leave . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of works tissue paper . Scales can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliation and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can contribute to an untempting black surface fungous emergence call jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once establish they are hard 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 legal testimonial regarding their control . Encourage born enemies such as parasitic wasp in the garden . fungus kingdom : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the control surface of leafage . It eat on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , graduated table , or emmet . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the foliage and stems of the plant . The best way to manipulate sooty cast is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp textile or wash away with a hose - end sprayer .
