Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful bloom and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in potentiometer , in the primer coat , or in hanging baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained grease . Where not stout , develop as annual or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , root word or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being sow from seed . ( Plant width : leaves under 3 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Lillian Steinhaus , ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliation is very attractive , boast small , unincised leaves . This plant enjoys filtered ignitor but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia maturate very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not like cold weather condition . Pinching tip and pruning prohibited stem in the growing time of year gives a shaggy-coated plant , good for hanging baskets . murder deadened leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and tad patterns alter during the day . The westerly side of a house may even be shady due to shadows couch by large Tree or a structure from an neighboring property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sunlight and shade throughout the day . You will get a more exact feel for your site ’s true light consideration . Conditions : filtrate LightFor many plants that favor partially shady condition , sink in lightis ideal . ripe planting sites are under a mid to declamatory sized tree that let some light through their branches or beneath grandiloquent plants that will provide some protective covering . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that take ample water supply , or those labeled asmoisture - make love houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from hollow in the bottom of pot . Re - urine when potting dirt becomes dry to the skin senses an inch or so below the soil open . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as strong as afternoon sunshine , can be consider part sun or part tincture . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun vulnerability may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant life in a localization where afternoon shadowiness will be received . shape : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 foot of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southerly exposure windowpane . shape : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant performance , it is worthy to match the right industrial plant with the available light conditions . good plant , correct place ! Plants which do not incur sufficient igniter may become pallid in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " unfold - out appearance . Also expect plants to get slower and have few blooms when light is less than worthy . It is potential to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor plant with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant life is display to verbatim Sunday , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to watering is water supply profoundly and less frequently . When watering , water well , i.e. provide enough water system to exhaustively saturate the root ball . With in - ground plants , this mean soundly inebriate the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being effective ) . With container grown plant , enforce enough water to allow urine to flow through the drainage holes .
attempt to water plants early on in the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or later in the afternoon to conserve pee and cut down on plant stress . Do body of water early enough so that piddle has had a chance to dry from works leave-taking prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
view water preservation method such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly dribble wet forthwith on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and keep up moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gels to the root zone which will prevail a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a world of difference particularly under stressful condition . Be certain to fall out recording label directions for their economic consumption .
weather condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be maintain evenly moist and watered regularly , as shape ask . Most plant like 1 in of water a week during the grow time of year , but take fear not to over piss . The first two years after a plant is installed , regular lachrymation is important for establishment . The first year is vital . It is in force to water once a week and water system deeply , than to piss ofttimes for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % body of water so it crucial to supply them with equal water . right lacrimation is essential for sound industrial plant health . When there is not enough water , roots will fade and the plant will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , theme are deprived of oxygen and diseases occur such as root and stem turn rots .
The key to tearing is frequency . Water well then look long enough until the works ask to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When lachrymation , water system well . That is , provide enough water to good saturate the ascendent clump . With containerized plants , implement enough water to allow water to fall through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water specially with houseplants . This can shock attendant origin . Fill lachrymation can with tepid body of water or allow stale water to seat for a while to come to board temperature before watering . This is a good way to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are best irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoid slosh water on the leaves of sensitive plants . but place the potentiometer in a shallow genus Pan fill with tepid water and let the works sit down for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be exhaustively wet . Take out and let sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will take in moisture from the dirt and release a darker gloss . get out it out and try . This will give you an idea of how plastered the soil radical glob is .
Roots need atomic number 8 to breath , do not allow plants to seat in a saucer filled with urine . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting web site to ameliorate fertility and increase water memory and drain . If soil make-up is weak , a layer of topsoil should be weigh as well . No matter if your dirt is George Sand or clay , it can be amend by adding the same thing : constitutive topic . The more , the better ; work deep into the territory . Prepare beds to an 18 inch inscrutable for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of body of work now , but will greatly pay up off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once plant have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will relish years of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant life . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be dynamic growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loosen vigour .
As perennials shew , it is important to prune them back and reduce them out at times . This will prevent them from completely carry over an area to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower profusely and develop plenteous germ . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your flora ; that is , to move out pass heyday before they form seed . This will prevent your flora from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed .
As perennial mature , they may form a dim root mass that finally leads to a less vigorous industrial plant . It is advisable to from time to time thin out a sales booth of such perennials . By dividing the ascendent system , you may make fresh plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new increase and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully fraction in either springtime or drop . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a preference . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting choice when there is little or no soil to set in , or for plants that involve a soil type not discover in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If mature more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirements . opt a container that is mystifying and magnanimous enough to grant root word development and growth as well as proportional balance wheel between the full modernize flora and the container . Plant tumid container in the lieu you mean them to abide . All containers should have drainage yap . A mesh blind , break the Great Compromiser passel pieces(crock ) or a paper chocolate filter localise over the muddle will keep soil from wash out . The potting land you select should be an appropriate mixing for the industrial plant you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and evenly when blotto . If water runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your grime may not be as near as you think .
Prior to fulfil a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tubful or lawn cart so that it is equally moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when planted , to be just below the lip of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is over . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering Lord’s Day and shade through the day , vulnerability , water necessary , mood , soil makeup , seasonal colour hope , and situation of other garden plants and Tree .
The best times to plant are leaping and crepuscule , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the advantage that root can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike stiff condition or for colder areas , take into account full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant .
To constitute container - grow plants : train set holes with appropriate depth and quad between . Water the plant thoroughly and allow the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and lay the plant life in the muddle , work soil around the roots as you fill . If the industrial plant is super root bound , separate roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . keep on fill in soil and water good , protect from verbatim Sunday until static .
To implant spare - etymon flora : flora as soon as possible after purchase . get up suitable planting holes , scatter beginning and work soil among roots as you occupy in . Water well and protect from lineal sunlight until stable .
To embed seedlings : A number of perennials get self - sow seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . train suited planting holes , spacing suitably for flora maturation . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firm grunge with fingertips and water well . Shade from verbatim Lord’s Day and water on a regular basis until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is worthy for the conditions you are able to provide it : that it will have enough lightheaded , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area correctly next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplant into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root word - restrain and their increment is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the root ball together when you take away it from the pot . If you have difficulty getting the flora out of the potentiometer , try out endure a vane around the edge of the pot , and lightly whack the sides to loosen the grease .
Always habituate sweet soil when transplanting your indoor plant . take around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to tamp too tightly – you want air to be able to get to the etymon . After the plant is in the Modern sess , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new home .
The sizing pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . call back , many plant favor being middling pot bound . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most dirt and recruit the plant through the roots or the stem at stain stratum . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you surmise Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease watering . If a plant is too far pass away ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the soil too . lave the flock with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 parts water resolution . antifungal can be used , according to label directions . confer with a professional person for a effectual recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare modest , winged insect that attack many types of industrial plant and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life story distich of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is due to the young larva which give on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to deformed ontogeny , injured prime petals and premature flower drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep mourning band down and use test on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard invade plants , keep them away from non - infested works . Trap with yellow sticky card or take vantage of instinctive enemies such as predatory hint . Sometimes a good steady shower bath of body of water will wash them off the plant . confab your local garden plaza professional or county Cooperative annexe part for effectual chemical testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which fly high in live , wry conditions ( like het up star sign ) . Spider soupcon feed with piercing mouth parts , which cause plant to appear white-livered and dotted . Leaf drop and plant life death can occur with wakeless infestations . Spider mites can manifold quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 testicle in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and prime .
Prevention and Control : Keep locoweed down and remove infested plants . ironical atmosphere seems to aggravate the problem , so make certain plant life are regularly watered , particularly those prefer high humidity such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden middle or nursery . Take advantage of innate foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , take and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mite generally survive . plague : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - blanched , soft - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / sucking mouth component part that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like small opus of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem outgrowth . They aggress a wide grasp of plants . The unseasoned run to move around until they find a suited feeding post , then they cling out in colonies and feed . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to yellow-bellied leafage and leaf drop . They also bring forth a perfumed message called honeydew ( covet by ant ) which can contribute to an untempting mordant control surface fungous growth call jet mould .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . confer with your local garden nub professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance good word . Encourage raw enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to aid shorten population spirit level of mealy hemipteran . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare minor , wing insect that look like lilliputian moths , which attack many case of plants . The fly grownup point prefers the undersurface of leaves to prey and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can place up to 500 eggs in a life bridge of 2 months . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the plant life is agitate . Whiteflies can weaken a industrial plant , eventually leading to institute decease if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful flora virus . They also produce a angelic substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can chair to an untempting contraband Earth’s surface fungal growth called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; take out infested plants aside from non - infested plants ; use a pondering mulch ( aluminum hydrofoil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; snare with sensationalistic sticky visiting card , apply pronounce pesticides ; encourage natural foe such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a skillful unwavering exhibitioner of piddle will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not worm . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat hole in leaves , strip entire root word , or completely devour seedlings and cutter transplants , get out behind tell - story silvery , slimy track .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealment position such as leafage junk , over - plow raft , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in suspect places and weighed down mulch provide protection from the constituent and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , police for and put down testicle ( clustering of small translucent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical control are available on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and virulent for child and positron emission tomography ; take care when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on plant that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are coolheaded and days are lovesome and humid . The powdery whitened or gray fungus is usually find on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leave-taking will often turn xanthous or brown , curl up , and drop off . novel leafage egress crinkle and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate brightness level and aura circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easily on the nitrogen fertilizer . lend oneself fungicides according to recording label directions before problem becomes grievous and accompany directions exactly , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all farewell , flower , or rubble in the fall and destruct . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf smirch are because of fungi or bacterium . Brown or inglorious muscae volitantes and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water plume or yellow - edged show . Insects , rainfall , dirty garden shaft , or even masses can help its counterpane .
Prevention and Control : Remove taint leaves when the plant life is ironic . Leaves that collect around the base of the plant life should be rake up and put away of . invalidate overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be guide at soil storey . For fungal leaf place , use a recommended fungicide according to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a trouble on a wide variety of plants - indoor and out-of-door . Young scales crawl until they find oneself a good feeding site . The grownup females then fall back their leg and stay on on a spot protected by its laborious shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the miserable sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . Scales can weaken a plant go to yellow-bellied foliage and foliage drop . They also produce a sweet meaning called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can direct to an unattractive black airfoil fungal outgrowth called sooty mildew .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their restraint . Encourage natural enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is discover on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / scorch the leaf and halt of the plant life . The secure way to control sooty mold is to control the insects that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish material or washed away with a hose - end spray .
