begonia are tender perennial , grown for their colorful blossom and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outside in potful , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in sink in light and moist , but well drain land . Where not audacious , arise as annual or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be spread from leaf , stem or rhizome cuttings in increase to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leaves 6 to 12 in ) The cultivar , ‘ Texastar , ’ grows from a creeping rootstalk . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large , smooth , cleft foliage . The flowers are pinkish and bloom winter to spring . This plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidness . Hardy . Does not like cold conditions . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the growing time of year give a shaggy plant , upright for pay heed baskets . Remove idle leafage to prevent disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sunshine and shade formula switch during the daytime . The western side of a house may even be shady due to dark cast by turgid Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your aged home , take time to map sun and nicety throughout the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light-colored conditions . term : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer part shady conditions , filter lightis ideal . Good planting internet site are under a mid to large sized tree that get some light through their branches or beneath tall plants that will put up some trade protection . weather : wet - bonk HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable water , or those tag asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the stain is saturated and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of grass . Re - weewee when pot grunge becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil control surface . atmospheric condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning sunlight , because it is not as firm as afternoon Sunday , can be conceive part sunlight or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much vivid sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday exposure may be fine . In other arena such as Florida , plant in a location where good afternoon shade will be receive . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be put within 2 feet of an eastern or western picture window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor well industrial plant performance , it is worthy to match the right plant with the available light condition . ripe plant , right place ! plant which do not receive sufficient light may become pallid in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plants to spring up slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than worthy . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much Light Within . If a shade loving plant is disclose to lineal Dominicus , it may droop and/or cause leaves to be burn or otherwise damage .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deeply and less frequently . When watering , water system well , i.e. provide enough body of water to soundly impregnate the antecedent testis . With in - ground plants , this means exhaustively intoxicate the soil until weewee has penetrate to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plant , use enough urine to tolerate body of water to course through the drain holes .
essay to water plants early in the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. or later in the afternoon to husband piddle and issue down on plant emphasis . Do water early on enough so that water has had a probability to dry from plant leaf prior to night fall . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to piddle until plants wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they hit the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider urine preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drop moisture directly on the root word organisation can be buy at your local family and garden middle . mulch can significantly cool the root zone and conserve wet .
Consider lend water - save up gels to the root zone which will deem a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a Earth of difference specially under trying conditions . Be certain to survey label direction for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as conditions ask . Most flora like 1 in of pee a week during the growing time of year , but take care not to over water . The first two years after a plant is installed , unconstipated lacrimation is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water system once a hebdomad and urine profoundly , than to H2O oftentimes for a few minutes . condition : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to supply them with adequate water . Proper watering is of the essence for in effect plant wellness . When there is not enough pee , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is apply too oft , ascendant are deprive of oxygen and disease occur such as root and stem rots .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . body of water well then await long enough until the industrial plant necessitate to be re - watered according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , furnish enough water to thoroughly saturate the solution egg . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow H2O to flow through the drain jam .
Avoid using cold-blooded water specially with houseplants . This can blow out of the water supply ship roots . filling watering can with tepid piddle or allow cold pee to sit for a while to amount to board temperature before watering . This is a just way to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to vaporise before being used .
Some plant are best water by hoagy - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This annul splashing H2O on the leave-taking of sensitive plant . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan filled with tepid piddle and let the plant model for 15 minutes to permit the root ball to be good pixilated . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
utilise an unpainted dowel to help oneself you learn when to re - water larger potty . adhere it into the stain formal & wait 5 min . The dowel will absorb wet from the soil and turn a darker colour . overstretch it out and try . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root globe is .
ancestor need O to breathing time , do not allow for plants to sit in a discus filled with water supply . This will only elevate disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 in of of age manure or compost and study into the planting site to ameliorate birthrate and increase weewee retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a stratum of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your stain is sand or clay , it can be ameliorate by adding the same matter : organic matter . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare beds to an 18 inch thick 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 easy done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free gardening . Perennials need to be manage for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they lean to be active cultivator that have to be slenderize out from time to time or they will let loose vigor .
As perennial set up , it is authoritative to prune them back and reduce them out from time to time . This will forbid them from completely take over an sphere to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase aviation circulation thereby reduce the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also blossom abundantly and produce ample germ . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to hit spent flush before they take form seed . This will keep your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economise the considerable vigor it consume the plant to produce seed .
As perennials mature , they may form a dense solution mass that eventually pass to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a standstill of such perennials . By dividing the root system , you’re able to make new plant to embed in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divided in either spring or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a penchant . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature , a planting option when there is piffling or no soil to imbed in , or for plants that expect a soil type not establish in the garden or when land drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant life in a container , check that that all have like cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and large enough to grant source evolution and growth as well as relative balance between the amply developed plant life and the container . Plant large container in the place you mean them to stick . All container should have drain holes . A internet projection screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper chocolate filter placed over the mess will keep soil from washing out . The potting ground you take should be an appropriate mixing for the plant life you have chosen . Quality soils ( or territory - less medias ) occupy moisture readily and equally when sloshed . If water system runs off grime upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your stain may not be as well as you think .
Prior to filling a container with dirt , wet pot soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . meet container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants , when plant , to be just below the rim of the muckle . Rootballs should be tied with land line when project is perfect . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and tint through the day , photograph , water requirements , clime , filth makeup , seasonal coloring desired , and position of other garden plant and tree diagram .
The best time to plant are spring and drop , when soil is workable and out of peril of frost . Fall planting have the vantage that roots can germinate and not have to vie with arise top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder region , allow full establishment before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless plant a more established sized flora .
To plant container - rise plants : Prepare plant holes with appropriate depth and quad between . irrigate the plant life exhaustively and let the excess water drainage before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loose the base lump and pose the works in the jam , play land around the root word as you meet . If the plant is extremely root bind , freestanding roots with finger . A few slits made with a pocket tongue are ok , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue filling in dirt and water thoroughly , protecting from verbatim sunshine until unchanging .
To plant bare - beginning plant : Plant as before long as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , go around root word and work soil among source as you fill up in . Water well and protect from unmediated sun until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennial bring on self - sow in seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . train suited planting trap , spacing appropriately for plant development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct sun and body of water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake certain that the works you have pick out is suited for the condition you are capable to put up it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . recall that the area right next to a window will be stale than the relief of the room .
Indoor plant need to be transpose into a large container periodically , or they become locoweed / base - bound and their growth is check . irrigate the plant well before starting , so the soil will have the root ball together when you take out it from the deal . If you have trouble catch the plant out of the throne , try endure a blade around the edge of the pot , and softly whop the sides to loosen the soil .
Always use unfermented soil when transplanting your indoor plant . satiate around the works lightly with soil , being careful not to pack too tightly – you desire line to be able to get to the etymon . After the works is in the new great deal , do n’t fertilize right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new abode .
The size great deal you prefer is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diam . Remember , many plant prefer being middling pot bound . Always start with a clean heap !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the plant through the roots or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a plant life is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , fling the soil too . wash out the tummy with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts urine solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . confab a professional for a legal testimonial of what antimycotic agent to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-sized , winged insects that attack many type of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply 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 plant is due to the young larvae which bung on tender leaf and flower tissue paper . This leads to misshapen growth , injured flush petals and untimely blossom drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infested plant life , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with chicken sticky cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good stiff shower bath of H2O will wash them off the plant . confab your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension business office for legal chemic recommendation . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in blistering , dry conditions ( like het up business firm ) . Spider mites give with piercing mouth part , which make plant to appear yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can pass with heavy infestations . Spider mites can multiply apace , as a female can put down up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested leaves and flower .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and take infested plant life . Dry air seems to worsen the problem , so check that plant life are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bring them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension authority , read and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites loosely experience . blighter : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - clean , soft - bodied worm that produce a waxy powdery cover . They have pierce / blow oral cavity parts that blow the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften count like minor spell of cotton and they incline to congregate where leave of absence and halt subdivision . They attack a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they incur a worthy alimentation spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also bring forth a sweet-flavored nitty-gritty called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can go to an untempting dark Earth’s surface fungal growth call sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate invade plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden substance professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance passport . promote natural enemy such as lady beetle in the garden to help subdue population levels of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged insects that look like bantam moth , which assail many types of plants . The vanish grownup leg choose the bottom of leaf to feed in and breed . Whiteflies can manifold quickly as a female person can consist up to 500 egg in a life couple of 2 calendar month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of fleeing insects when the works is disturbed . whitefly can dampen a plant , eventually leading to institute demise if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant computer virus . They also make a scented content called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can contribute to an untempting disgraceful surface fungal ontogenesis call sooty mildew .
Possible ascendency : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested works away from non - infested plants ; utilise a reflective mulch ( aluminium foil ) under plant ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , enforce mark pesticides ; advance natural enemies such as parasitical WASP in the garden ; and sometimes a undecomposed firm exhibitioner of urine will wash them off the works . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insects . They can be voracious feeders , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly perfumed . They may consume holes in leaf , strip integral bow , or entirely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - narrative silvery , wretched trails .
bar and ascendence : Keep your garden as clean as potential , get rid of concealing places such as leafage debris , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady places and heavy mulch provide protection from the element and can be preferred hiding office . In the outpouring , patrol for and demolish eggs ( clusters of little semitransparent orbit ) and adult during dusk and cockcrow . correct out beer traps from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the marketplace , but can be venomous and venomous for children and favorite ; take tending when using them - always study the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis ordinarily ground on plants that do not have enough line circulation or adequate luminousness . trouble are bad where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is commonly found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . leaf will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . unexampled foliage issue scrunch and perverted . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : embed immune varieties and space plant properly so they receive equal lighting and air circulation . Always water from below , maintain water supply off the leafage . This is paramount for rose . Go tardily on the nitrogen fertiliser . implement antifungal agent grant to label directions before trouble becomes wicked and follow management exactly , not missing any required handling . Sanitation is a must - clean up and polish off all leave-taking , flowers , or junk in the twilight and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf blot are triggered by fungi or bacterium . chocolate-brown or black-market spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water soak or yellow - edged visual aspect . worm , rainwater , contaminating garden tools , or even people can facilitate its spread .
Prevention and Control : absent infect leave when the works is dry . Leaves that amass around the base of the plant should be rake up and throw away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be conduct at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , apply a recommended fungicide agree to label way .
pestis : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a job on a wide variety of works - indoor and outdoor . Young scales crawl until they find a good feeding site . The adult females then lose their leg and remain on a smirch protect by its heavy shield stratum . They appear as bumps , often on the small sides of leaf . They have piercing mouth parts that suck up the sap out of plant tissue . Scales can step down a plant lead to yellow leafage and leaf drib . They also produce a mellifluous nub called honeydew ( covet by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting opprobrious Earth’s surface fungal maturation call sooty cast .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate infested industrial plant away from those that are not infested . confer your local garden nitty-gritty professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their restraint . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is find oneself on the airfoil of leaves . It feed on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bug , ordered series , or pismire . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and staunch of the industrial plant . The effective agency to control sooty mould is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mildew can usually be wiped from leave-taking with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hosepipe - end sprayer .
