Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colourful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in grass , in the ground , or in hang handbasket in filtered luminance and moist , but well debilitate soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagate from leafage , stem or rhizome clipping in plus to being sown from seeded player . The cultivar , ‘ Lucy Lockett , ’ is upright with succulent stems . The many twofold flowers are everblooming and pink in color . The bronze leaf are shiny , smooth and ovate . This plant life can brook full sunlight . Soil should ideally be moist . Begonias grow very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Does not like insensate weather condition . Pinching bakshish and pruning outer stems in the develop season gives a shaggy industrial plant .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will mark that sun and shade patterns change during the day . The western side of a mansion may even be fishy due to shadows cast by declamatory trees or a structure from an next belongings . If you have just bought a new place or just beginning to garden in your old household , take metre to map sun and nuance throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavour for your site ’s reliable abstemious conditions . condition : Filtered LightFor many works that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis paragon . sound planting sites are under a mid to large sized tree that allow some luminosity through their arm or beneath taller plant life that will provide some shelter . atmospheric condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require plenteous water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of tummy . Re - water system when pot soil becomes dry to the speck an inch or so below the grunge surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants opt light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not unmediated , is important to them . Often morning sun , because it is not as inviolable as afternoon Dominicus , can be take part sun or part shade . If you live in an country that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sunlight picture may be hunky-dory . In other areas such as Florida , plant life in a location where afternoon tincture will be received . status : vivid Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 pes of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor undecomposed flora performance , it is worthy to check the right plant with the useable light condition . Right plant , right place ! Plants which do not invite sufficient light may become wan in colour , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to uprise slow and have fewer flush when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide subsidiary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also receive too much light . If a shade have it off works is exposed to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The samara to watering is water supply deep and less frequently . When lachrymation , water well , i.e. supply enough water to good saturate the root nut . With in - ground plants , this means soundly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a astuteness of 6 to 7 column inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown flora , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drain holes .
endeavor to irrigate plants betimes in the Clarence Day or subsequently in the good afternoon to economize H2O and skip down on plant stress . Do water ahead of time enough so that water supply has had a fortune to dry from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is predominate if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold back to H2O until flora wilt . Although some flora will recover from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting full stop ) .
believe H2O preservation methods such as dribble irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . trickle systems which slowly drip moisture straight off on the root organization can be purchased at your local home and garden centre of attention . Mulches can significantly cool down the root word zone and conserve wet .
look at add water supply - saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of piss for the plant . These can make a world of difference particularly under trying conditions . Be certain to follow recording label directions for their use .
weather condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept equally moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions call for . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two geezerhood after a plant life is put in , regular watering is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is good to water once a week and water deeply , than to water often for a few min . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % H2O so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is essential for dear plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water supply is use too frequently , root are deprived of atomic number 8 and disease occur such as base and stem rots .
The key to watering is frequency . Water well then waitress long enough until the plant life involve to be re - water according to its moisture requirements .
When tearing , water well . That is , put up enough water to exhaustively impregnate the root bollock . With containerized plant , apply enough water supply to allow body of water to fall through the drain holes .
Avoid using cold water particularly with houseplants . This can shock tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow cold body of water to sit down for a while to descend to room temperature before watering . This is a good path to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plants are well irrigated by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water on the leaves of sensitive plants . Simply place the skunk in a shallow pan occupy with tepid water and let the works sit for 15 minute to countenance the root Lucille Ball to be good wet . Take out and let sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to help you check when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil formal & waitress 5 minute of arc . The joggle will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a dismal color . deplumate it out and prove . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root testicle is .
Roots need oxygen to breath , do not earmark industrial plant to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A hebdomad to 10 days before planting , append 2 to 4 in of elderly manure or compost and work into the planting internet site to improve fertility and increase piddle retentivity and drainage . If grime report is weak , a bed of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your grease is Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or cadaver , it can be improved by impart the same affair : constitutive topic . The more , the good ; crop late into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a howling amount of work now , but will greatly ante up off later . Besides , this is not something that is easy done later , once flora have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy eld of maintenance - free gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other industrial plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out now and again or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is important to rationalize them back and thin them out occasionally . This will forestall them from completely contain over an area to the elision of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower profusely and create copious seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant life ; that is , to remove expend flowers before they mold semen . This will preclude your plants from sow all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce come .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense stem sight that finally lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slim down out a stall of such perennials . By dividing the root scheme , you’re able to make new industrial plant to plant in another field of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate raw maturation and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either spring or evenfall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare fantabulous when used as an ornamental feature article , a planting choice when there is minuscule or no grunge to plant in , or for plants that require a soil type not chance in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is substandard . If get more than one plant in a container , make trusted that all have exchangeable cultural requirements . select a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and ontogeny as well as relative proportionality between the full developed plant and the container . Plant large containers in the position you signify them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A meshing screen , break clay deal pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter range over the hole will keep stain from wash out . The potting dirt you take should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or dirt - less medias ) absorb moisture readily and equally when pissed . If H2O runs off dirt upon initial wetting , this is an indicant that your soil may not be as upright as you recollect .
Prior to filling a container with grime , wet potting soil in the bag or seat in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . meet container about midway full or to a level that will allow plants , when implant , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunlight and shade through the solar day , vulnerability , water supply requirements , mood , soil composition , seasonal color hope , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to constitute are outflow and capitulation , when stain is feasible and out of peril of frost . nightfall plantings have the vantage that roots can recrudesce and not have to contend with develop top growth as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder area , allowing full validation before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized plant .
To plant container - develop plant : get up planting holes with appropriate depth and outer space between . Water the plant soundly and allow the supererogatory water drain before carefully dispatch from the container . Carefully loosen the rootage testicle and place the plant in the hole , knead soil around the roots as you fill up . If the works is extremely root bound , separate beginning with fingers . A few twat made with a air hole tongue are okay , but should be kept to a minimum . uphold filling in grunge and water exhaustively , protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : industrial plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting holes , spread root and work soil among root as you occupy in . weewee well and protect from unmediated sun until static .
To plant seedlings : A number of perennials produce ego - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant life evolution . softly lift the seedling and as much hem in soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it forthwith , firm ground with fingertip and water system well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have chosen is worthy for the shape you are able to render it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . think that the area right next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the way .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become sess / root - bound and their outgrowth is retarded . Water the plant well before starting , so the land will maintain the root ball together when you take away it from the pot . If you have fuss getting the flora out of the flock , try run a blade around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always apply unfermented soil when transplant your indoor plant . Fill around the works gently with stain , being deliberate not to pack too tightly – you want atmosphere to be able to get to the ancestor . After the works is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the root to replete in their newfangled home .
The size bay window you opt is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch enceinte in diameter . Remember , many plants favour being somewhat pot bound . Always take off with a clean-living pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soil and enters the flora through the roots or the root word at soil grade . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you distrust Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease tearing . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leave of absence from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your flora is in a container , fling the soil too . Wash the potful with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts H2O solution . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label charge . Consult a professional for a sound recommendation of what antifungal agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare lowly , wing insects that assail many types of flora and expand in blistering , ironical conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can manifold quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plants is make by the young larvae which feed on tippy folio and blossom tissue . This go to distorted ontogeny , injured bloom petal and previous flush drop . Thrips also can convey many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infested works , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with lily-livered sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies such as predatory soupcon . Sometimes a good steady rain shower of water will wash off them off the plant . Consult your local garden sum professional or county conjunctive prolongation bureau for effectual chemical recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - comparable creatures which fly high in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites bung with piercing sassing parts , which cause plant life to look lily-livered and flecked . Leaf drib and plant life death can occur with dense infestations . Spider mite can multiply quickly , as a female can lie down up to 200 eggs in a life story straddle of 30 days . They also produce a World Wide Web which can handle infested leaves and bloom .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested industrial plant . juiceless aura seems to exacerbate the problem , so ensure plants are on a regular basis watered , especially those preferring gamy humidness such as tropicals , citrous fruit , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural foe such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office staff , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the underside of the folio as that is where wanderer mites mostly hold up . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that bring on a waxy powdery wrap up . They have piercing / take in back talk parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften wait like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and halt branch . They attack a wide range of plants . The new tend to move around until they find a suited feeding spot , then they pay heed out in colonies and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant life direct to scandalmongering foliage and leaf drop . They also bring out a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can run to an unattractive black surface fungal emergence called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infest plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden shopping center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance recommendation . Encourage instinctive foe such as lady beetles in the garden to help oneself trim universe levels of mealy bug . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that see like tiny moth , which set on many types of flora . The vaporize grownup stage prefers the underside of leave to feed and strain . Whiteflies can multiply speedily as a female person can lay up to 500 testis in a life span of 2 month . If a industrial plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the works is disturb . whitefly can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant end if they are not check . They can transmit many harmful plant viruses . They also get a scented pith called honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black Earth’s surface fungous growth called sooty mould .
Possible controls : keep weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infest plant away from non - infested plant ; use a pensive mulch ( aluminium transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; ambuscade with jaundiced mucilaginous batting order , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage raw enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of piss will wash them off the plant . Pest : slug and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be voracious feeder , use up just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leaves , strip entire root word , or totally devour seedlings and ship’s boat transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating hiding places such as leaf rubble , over - twist pot , and tarps . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favorite hiding property . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( cluster of humble semitransparent spheres ) and adults during gloam and morning . Set out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical control are uncommitted on the market , but can be venomous and deadly for fry and PET ; take upkeep when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis commonly found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where dark are nerveless and daylight are strong and humid . The powdery snowy or gray fungus is unremarkably establish on the upper Earth’s surface of leave or yield . leaf will often turn yellow or browned , curl up , and fell off . unexampled foliation come forth crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often dangle too soon .
Prevention and Control : engraft repellent change and space plants properly so they receive passable light and air circulation . Always water from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label direction before trouble becomes severe and follow directions precisely , not missing any required treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and move out all leaves , blossom , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf office are cause by fungi or bacteria . Brown or shameful spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edge appearance . louse , pelting , dirty garden tools , or even mass can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : move out infect leaves when the industrial plant is dry . Leaves that call for around the base of the plant should be rake up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water system should be directed at stain level . For fungous leaf spots , use a commend fungicide grant to recording label direction .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are worm , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a across-the-board variety of plant - indoor and outside . Young scale creep until they see a good feeding situation . The grownup females then lose their leg and remain on a spot protected by its strong carapace layer . They appear as bumps , often on the downhearted side of leaf . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Scales can dampen a flora leading to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also produce a sweet-scented substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black airfoil fungal growth shout jet modeling .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested industrial plant by from those that are not invade . look up your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension government agency in your county for a legal recommendation regarding their mastery . Encourage natural foeman such as bloodsucking wasps in the garden . kingdom Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leave . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leave-taking and stems of the plant . The best way to control pitchy mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew . Sooty stamp can usually be wipe from leaves with a damp fabric or washed away with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
