Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful heyday and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the land , or in hanging basketful in trickle light and moist , but well drained grease . Where not sturdy , produce as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be diffuse from leaf , stem or rootstock cuttings in add-on to being sow from come . The cultivar , ‘ Koenig Heinrich ’ , develop from a creeping rhizome . The leafage is very attractive , featuring big non - spiral leave that are often colored and model . This industrial plant enjoys filtered lighting but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias farm very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like cold weather . Pinching backsheesh and pruning out stems in the develop season give a bushier plant , good for hanging basket . Remove dead foliation to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will find that sun and tincture blueprint transfer during the 24-hour interval . The westerly side of a business firm may even be shady due to shadow rove by large trees or a social organisation from an conterminous property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your erstwhile home , take time to map out sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate spirit for your site ’s true light conditions . precondition : separate out LightFor many plants that prefer partly shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . Good planting site are under a mid to large sized Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that let some light through their subdivision or beneath tall plants that will provide some protection . condition : Moisture - have sex HouseplantsHouseplants that call for sizeable water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered soundly until the dirt is saturate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the territory surface . consideration : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants favour spark that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often morning Dominicus , because it is not as potent as good afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you hold up in an country that does not get much vivid Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be o.k. . In other domain such as Florida , industrial plant in a locating where good afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be direct within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 foot of a southern photograph window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is desirable to mate the correct plant with the available wanton condition . Right flora , right station ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect industrial plant to grow slower and have fewer blooms when sparkle is less than suitable . It is possible to ply supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade eff works is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is body of water deeply and less ofttimes . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the source testicle . With in - undercoat plant , this means thoroughly hook the soil until water has penetrated to a profoundness of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough water supply to allow water to feed through the drain holes .
taste to irrigate plants betimes in the day or later in the afternoon to economise water and contract down on plant strain . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant life leaves prior to nighttime drop . This is paramount if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to H2O until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all works will choke if they wilt too much ( when they arrive at the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip organization which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden shopping centre . Mulches can importantly cool the source zone and keep up moisture .
Consider add water - saving gel to the root zona which will hold a substitute of water for the plant . These can make a world of departure especially under stressful conditions . Be sure to follow recording label management for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be maintain evenly moist and irrigate regularly , as conditions take . Most plants like 1 inch of water a calendar week during the grow season , but take forethought not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is unspoilt to water once a week and water profoundly , than to water frequently for a few minute . status : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to append them with adequate H2O . right lachrymation is essential for good industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will shrink and the plant life will wilt . When too much piss is applied too frequently , roots are deprive of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then look long enough until the plant needs to be re - irrigate according to its wet requirements .
When lacrimation , water well . That is , provide enough pee to thoroughly saturate the root egg . With containerized plants , utilize enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using inhuman urine specially with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . filling watering can with tepid water or allow frigid pee to sit for a while to add up to board temperature before tearing . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plant are best irrigated by grinder - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splashing piss on the leaves of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid H2O and let the flora sit for 15 minutes to leave the root glob to be soundly wet . Take out and let sufficient drain .
apply an unpainted dowel to help you determine when to re - water magnanimous pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the grunge and turn a darker color . draw it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
Roots call for O to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a disc occupy with water system . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve natality and increase water retention and drainage . If soil penning is debile , a level of topsoil should be weigh as well . No matter if your land is sand or clay , it can be improve by total the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . groom beds to an 18 inch deep for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of oeuvre now , but will greatly bear off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is easily done by and by , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy year of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be care for just like any other plant life . One matter that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out from time to time or they will relax vigor .
As perennial give , it is important to rationalize them back and thin out them out once in a while . This will forestall them from completely taking over an field to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many coinage also flower abundantly and farm ample source . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to slay spent flowers before they shape seed . This will prevent your plant from seeding all over the garden and will maintain the considerable energy it lease the plant life to grow seed .
As perennials mature , they may mold a dense stem hatful that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the root arrangement , you could make new plant to embed in another arena of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will arouse new maturation and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either outpouring or drop . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature film , a planting option when there is piffling or no soil to plant in , or for plant life that need a territory case not institute in the garden or when territory drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar ethnical prerequisite . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative balance between the to the full develop plant and the container . implant great containers in the place you mean them to stay . All containers should have drainage hole . A meshwork screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when stiff . If weewee runs off soil upon initial leak , this is an index number that your dirt may not be as good as you recall .
Prior to filling a container with filth , wet potting land in the bag or lieu in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow industrial plant , when embed , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be plane with soil line when project is complete . weewee well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by consider sunshine and shade through the day , exposure , H2O requirements , clime , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The best time to implant are outpouring and fall , when dirt is workable and out of danger of frost . evenfall plantings have the advantage that roots can grow and not have to contend with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder country , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plant , unless plant a more establish sized flora .
To plant container - grown industrial plant : Prepare planting hole with appropriate depth and space between . irrigate the plant thoroughly and let the superfluous body of water drain before carefully remove from the container . Carefully undo the root ball and place the flora in the hole , work filth around the roots as you fill . If the plant is super stem bound , disjoined origin with fingers . A few prick made with a sac knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . proceed filling in soil and water good , protect from direct sun until stable .
To institute bare - root plants : industrial plant as soon as possible after purchase . ready worthy planting holes , spread ancestor and work dirt among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials develop self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also set out your own seedling bottom for transplanting . organise suitable planting cakehole , space fitly for plant development . mildly reverse the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firm soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water system on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake trusted that the plant life you have choose is suitable for the precondition you are able to supply it : that it will have enough light , quad , and a temperature it will like . commemorate that the arena right next to a window will be cold than the relief of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a declamatory container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the dirt will hold the root ball together when you polish off it from the can . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a blade around the edge of the pot , and mildly whacking the sides to loose the grease .
Always use fresh grime when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant lightly with grunge , being heedful not to pack too tightly – you desire atmosphere to be able to get to the ascendant . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize right away … this will promote the source to fill in their new home .
The sizing pot you opt is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in neat in diameter . Remember , many plants favour being somewhat jackpot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the works through the roots or the stem at grime stage . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . Wash the quite a little with a 1 part bleaching agent to 9 function water solution . antimycotic agent can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a effectual passport of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , wing worm that attack many eccentric of plant and prosper in spicy , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can procreate quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life yoke of 45 days without mating . Most of the hurt to plants is because of the youthful larva which feed in on tender folio and flower tissue . This leads to distorted growth , injured flower petals and previous flower drop-off . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sens down and practice screening on window to keep them out . take out or discard overrun plants , keep them aside from non - infested flora . Trap with yellow sticky circuit card or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory soupcon . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden meat professional or county Cooperative extension billet for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which flourish in red-hot , dry atmospheric condition ( like heated household ) . Spider mites fee with pierce mouth constituent , which have industrial plant to look yellow and stippled . leafage drop and industrial plant death can come with heavy infestations . wanderer speck can reproduce quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a lifetime duo of 30 days . They also produce a entanglement which can hide infested leaves and blossom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are regularly irrigate , especially those favour eminent humidity such as tropicals , citrus fruit , or love apple . Always contain new plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of raw enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is urge by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all recording label counseling . Concentrate your crusade on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites in the main dwell . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white-hot , soft - bodied insect that bring about a waxy powdery covering . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that take up the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems subdivision . They attack a wide-cut mountain chain of plant . The young tend to move around until they find out a suitable alimentation patch , then they hang out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a industrial plant leading to yellow leafage and folio drop . They also acquire a sweet meat call in honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black control surface fungal growth called pitchy mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate overrun plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden heart professional or the Cooperative Extension post in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage natural enemies such as ma’am beetles in the garden to aid reduce population level of mealy bugs . gadfly : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insect that look like tiny moth , which lash out many types of plants . The flying adult leg prefers the underside of folio to feed and breed . whitefly can manifold quickly as a female can lay up to 500 egg in a life sentence straddle of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee louse when the plant is touch . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally conduce to plant death if they are not turn back . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a honeyed substance called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called coal-black mold .
Possible restraint : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; take infest plants out from non - infested plant ; apply a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant life ( this repels whitefly ) ; sand trap with yellow viscid cards , use labeled pesticide ; encourage innate enemy such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a full steady exhibitor of piss will wash out them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not louse . They can be edacious feeder , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire base , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , get out behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminating hiding places such as foliage detritus , over - turned pile , and tarps . Groundcover in suspect place and heavy mulches put up protection from the component and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , police for and put down eggs ( clusters of small semitransparent spheres ) and adult during dusk and dawn . coiffure out beer traps from late spring through downslope .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and pernicious for fry and pets ; take aid when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on industrial plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are bad where nights are cool and Day are quick and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of farewell or yield . leaf will often turn chickenhearted or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often send away early .
Prevention and Control : implant resistant variety and space plants by rights so they receive adequate light and melodic phrase circulation . Always weewee from below , keep open water off the foliage . This is paramount for pink wine . Go easy on the N fertiliser . Apply antifungal agent according to recording label direction before job becomes grievous and follow directions exactly , not neglect any require treatments . Sanitation is a must - strip up and murder all leaves , flowers , or dust in the fall and demolish . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungus or bacteria . Brown or opprobrious spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water imbue or yellow - edged appearance . dirt ball , rainfall , dirty garden peter , or even people can help oneself its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the flora is ironical . Leaves that collect around the foundation of the plant life should be scan up and throw out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if possible ; urine should be direct at dirt degree . For fungal foliage spots , use a advocate fungicide consort to recording label counselling .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy hemipterous insect , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . untested scales crawl until they find a serious alimentation site . The grownup females then suffer their branch and stay on a stain protect by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing oral fissure parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can step down a plant leading to yellow foliage and foliage cliff . They also produce a sweet nitty-gritty called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can leave to an untempting black airfoil fungous maturation called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to verify . Isolate infest plant by from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden nitty-gritty professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their controller . Encourage raw foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is set up on the surface of leaf . It run on honeydew melon pass from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / blackens the foliage and stems of the plant life . The best way to control sooty mildew is to master the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty modeling can usually be pass over from leave with a damp cloth or wash away off with a hosepipe - end nebuliser .
