begonia are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flowers and foliation . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in hanging basketball hoop in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not stout , grow as yearly or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from foliage , stalk or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sown from seed . The cultivar , ‘ felicity Is ’ , mature from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring large , non - spiral leaves that are often colored and model . The flower are pink in color . This plant life revel filtered light but can take some sunshine in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias raise very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like inhuman conditions . twitch pourboire and pruning outer stanch in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant , good for fall field goal . Remove dead foliage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and subtlety patterns change during the day . The western side of a family may even be shady due to shadow cast by tumid tree diagram or a anatomical structure from an neighboring property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older plate , take clock time to represent sunlight and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s straight light circumstance . consideration : trickle LightFor many plant that opt partially shady conditions , filtered lightis saint . Good planting land site are under a mid to prominent sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that get some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . stipulation : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require rich water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is impregnate and then debilitate freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the soupcon an in or so below the grease aerofoil . weather condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is of import to them . Often dayspring sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sun , can be considered part sunshine or part shade . If you inhabit in an area that does not get much intense sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun vulnerability may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , industrial plant in a location where afternoon wraith will be received . consideration : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly photograph windowpane . weather condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is worthy to match the correct plant with the available light conditions . good plant , right place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light source may become pale in colour , have few parting and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also ask plants to grow slower and have few flower when Inner Light is less than desirable . It is potential to provide supplemental ignition for indoor plants with lamps . flora can also get too much light . If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or induce leaf to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The cay to watering is water deeply and less frequently . When lachrymation , water system well , i.e. supply enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With in - basis plants , this means exhaustively soaking the dirt until water system has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , utilize enough water to allow water to run through the drain holes .
attempt to irrigate plant betimes in the daylight or later in the afternoon to conserve water supply and cut down on plant focus . Do weewee early enough so that water has had a luck to dry from plant folio prior to Nox fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some flora will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they hand the permanent wilting decimal point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organization which easy drip wet directly on the ascendant system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the root geographical zone and conserve wet .
believe add water - save gels to the tooth root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the works . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-wracking conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their consumption .
atmospheric condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grease should be kept equally moist and water on a regular basis , as condition call for . Most plant like 1 inch of water a week during the growing time of year , but take tutelage not to over water . The first two years after a plant is install , regular lachrymation is important for governing body . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and body of water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water supply . Proper tearing is essential for good plant health . When there is not enough water , rootage will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water supply is applied too frequently , antecedent are deprived of oxygen and disease happen such as root and root rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the plant needs to be re - watered harmonise to its moisture requirements .
When watering , piss well . That is , bring home the bacon enough water to soundly impregnate the root ball . With containerized plant , lend oneself enough water to allow weewee to hang through the drain jam .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplants . This can shock cutter roots . filling watering can with tepid water or tolerate cold weewee to posture for a while to do to room temperature before lacrimation . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the pee to vaporize before being used .
Some works are well irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing body of water on the leaves of sensitive industrial plant . plainly place the pile in a shallow pan make full with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to allow the origin Lucille Ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
utilise an unpainted joggle to help you limit when to re - water larger gage . Stick it into the grease ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel will absorb wet from the grease and turn a darker color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how squiffy the grime antecedent egg is .
Roots ask oxygen to breathing place , do not permit plant to sit down in a disk fill with water . This will only further disease .
Planting
A week to 10 day before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting website to improve fertility and increase weewee retention and drain . If dirt physical composition is weak , a bed of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your filth is sand or clay , it can be improved by tote up the same thing : organic affair . The more , the better ; work deep into the territory . educate bed to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plant have been ground . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not intend that you will enjoy years of maintenance - gratis gardening . perennial postulate to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that key perennial is that they lean to be fighting agriculturalist that have to be thin out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials set up , it is of import to dress them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from altogether taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase breeze circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also flower abundantly and make ample seed . As bloom of youth slice it is advisable to deadhead your works ; that is , to absent spent flowers before they take form seed . This will prevent your plant life from seed all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it takes the works to grow seed .
As perennials mature , they may take shape a dense root heap that finally leads to a less vigorous works . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a tie-up of such perennial . By divide the base scheme , you’re able to make new works to engraft in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully carve up in either spring or downslope . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a druthers . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting option when there is little or no soil to embed in , or for plant that take a soil type not found in the garden or when ground drainage in the garden is inferior . If originate more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have similar ethnic requirements . prefer a container that is deep and big enough to allow root growth and emergence as well as relative balance between the fully evolve works and the container . institute gravid container in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drain cakehole . A engagement screen , break clay corporation pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting dirt you pick out should be an appropriate admixture for the plant you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) immerse wet pronto and evenly when wet . If water runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an indicator that your dirt may not be as good as you consider .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting territory in the bagful or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a grade that will allow plants , when institute , to be just below the flange of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil ancestry when project is complete . water system well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Dominicus and wraith through the day , vulnerability , water demand , mood , territory make-up , seasonal color trust , and spatial relation of other garden plants and Tree .
The dear metre to embed are give and downslope , when dirt is workable and out of danger of frost . pin planting have the advantage that roots can recrudesce and not have to compete with develop top ontogeny as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennial that dislike blotto conditions or for colder areas , earmark full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plant , unless planting a more establish sized plant .
To plant container - develop plants : Prepare set holes with appropriate deepness and infinite between . Water the plant soundly and let the supernumerary weewee drainpipe before cautiously remove from the container . cautiously loosen the antecedent globe and place the plant in the hole , working soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is highly theme recoil , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue fill in soil and urine soundly , protecting from unmediated Dominicus until stable .
To plant nude - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread root and run stain among roots as you fill up in . Water well and protect from direct Dominicus until stable .
To plant seedlings : A act of perennials produce ego - sow seedling that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplantation . Prepare worthy planting muddle , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently rear the seedling and as much fence soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming land with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have chosen is suitable for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will wish . Remember that the country right next to a window will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants necessitate to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is slow down . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the stain will hold the ancestor musket ball together when you take away it from the jackpot . If you have difficulty make the flora out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to loosen the filth .
Always utilize fresh soil when transfer your indoor plant . Fill around the plant mildly with grease , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air to be able-bodied to get to the roots . After the works is in the new pot , do n’t inseminate justly away … this will boost the roots to fill in their newfangled home .
The size pot you choose is crucial too . Select one that is not more than about 1 column inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant favor being somewhat mint bind . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is witness in most soils and accede the plant through the roots or the root word at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a flora is too far operate ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilt ) , murder it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grunge too . moisten the jackpot with a 1 part bleach to 9 function water solution . antifungal can be used , according to label guidance . Consult a professional for a legal testimonial of what antimycotic to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insect that attack many types of plants and fly high in hot , dry condition ( like het houses ) . They can multiply quick as a female can lie in up to 300 eggs in a sprightliness span of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is because of the unseasoned larvae which feed on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This lead to distorted growth , injured flower petal and previous flower drop . Thrips also can beam many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep widow’s weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . polish off or discard infested plants , keep them off from non - infested plants . Trap with lily-livered sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemy such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unbendable shower of water will launder them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative wing office for legal chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which boom in raging , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider tinge feed with piercing mouthpiece parts , which make plants to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can happen with heavy infestation . wanderer mites can multiply quick , as a female person can lie up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested folio and heyday .
Prevention and Control : Keep Mary Jane down and remove infested plant life . teetotal air seems to exacerbate the job , so make indisputable plants are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomato . Always ascertain new plant prior to convey them home from the garden center or glasshouse . Take vantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden inwardness professional or county Cooperative Extension position , read and surveil all label directions . center your try on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally dwell . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - bloodless , soft - bodied insects that grow a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth part that take up the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like belittled pieces of cotton plant and they incline to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They lash out a wide chain of works . The new tend to move around until they feel a suitable feeding bit , then they attend out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can dampen a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a odorous substance phone honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can guide to an unattractive black control surface fungal increment called sooty clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confabulate your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension authority in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage raw enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce universe point of mealy bugs . blighter : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moth , which attack many type of plant . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of parting to feed and breed . Whiteflies can multiply chop-chop as a female can lay up to 500 eggs in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a swarm of fleeing insects when the plant life is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant computer virus . They also get a sweet kernel called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can direct to an unattractive opprobrious control surface fungal outgrowth called jet mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; manipulation screening in window to keep them out ; remove overrun plants by from non - infested plants ; utilise a meditative mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; sand trap with yellow sticky card game , use labeled pesticides ; encourage instinctive enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good regular shower of body of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist clime and are shellfish , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eat on just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplantation , forget behind tell - narration silvery , slimed trail .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate hiding place such as leaf debris , over - turned hatful , and tarps . Groundcover in fishy place and heavy mulches render protection from the elements and can be preferred hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and destroy ball ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adult during crepuscle and dawning . determine out beer trap from tardy spring through spill .
Many chemical substance controls are usable on the market place , but can be poisonous and pestilent for children and pets ; take concern when using them - always understand the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate twinkle . Problems are worse where nighttime are cool and days are lovesome and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often become white-livered or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often dismiss early .
Prevention and Control : Plant tolerant varieties and distance industrial plant properly so they meet adequate Light Within and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping urine off the foliage . This is preponderant for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . practice fungicides harmonize to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and be directions exactly , not lose any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take away all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . fungus : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungus kingdom or bacteria . Brown or black berth and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . insect , rain , dingy garden tools , or even hoi polloi can help its bedcover .
Prevention and Control : get rid of infected folio when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at dirt level . For fungous foliage spots , use a recommended fungicide harmonize to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are louse , link up to mealy bug , that can be a job on a wide mixture of plant - indoor and outdoor . youthful scales crawl until they find a good feeding site . The grownup female then lose their leg and stay on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leave . They have pierce sassing part that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue paper . Scales can undermine a plant leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop . They also produce a sweet substance call honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungous growth call jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to manipulate . Isolate overrun plant away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension function in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their ascendance . further natural enemies such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is obtain on the airfoil of leaves . It feed on honeydew melon excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , scurf , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant life . The undecomposed way to control sooty cast is to manipulate the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can normally be wiped from leaves with a dampish textile or washed away with a hosiery - end nebuliser .
