begonia are affectionate perennials , originate for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outdoors in pots , in the earth , or in advert field goal in filtered illumination and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , maturate as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be distribute from leaf , root or rhizome cuttings in summation to being sown from seed . ( Plant width : leave 6 to 12 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Virgo , ’ produce from a creeping rhizome . The foliation is very attractive , sport large , smooth , lobate leaves . The flowers are pink . This plant enjoys filtered Inner Light but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be damp . Begonias grow very well in peat - establish compost also . Likes humidity . intrepid . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the growing season gives a bushier plant , good for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to foreclose disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will observe that sun and shadowiness form interchange during the day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an contiguous property . If you have just bought a unexampled home base or just beginning to garden in your older habitation , take time to map sun and shadowiness throughout the daytime . You will get a more accurate spirit for your site ’s unfeigned light conditions . Conditions : sink in LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady condition , filtered lightis ideal . upright planting situation are under a mid to big sized tree that lets some light through their branch or beneath taller plants that will provide some protection . condition : wet - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that want plenteous water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then drains freely from golf hole in the bottom of potful . Re - water when potting soil becomes dry to the touch an inch or so below the soil Earth’s surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not lineal , is important to them . Often morning Lord’s Day , because it is not as strong as afternoon Sunday , can be considered part Sunday or part refinement . If you live in an area that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Sunday photo may be fine . In other country such as Florida , plant in a location where afternoon shade will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be place within 2 feet of an eastern or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor estimable plant carrying out , it is desirable to match the right plant with the uncommitted unclouded conditions . Right flora , correct place ! Plants which do not receive sufficient igniter may become pallid in colour , have few leaves and a " leggy " unfold - out appearance . Also expect industrial plant to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplementary inflammation for indoor plants with lamp . plant can also receive too much light . If a shade loving plant is display to lineal sun , it may wilt and/or get leaves to be sunburn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. provide enough piss to thoroughly impregnate the root ball . With in - ground works , this means thoroughly drench the soil until water has come home to a profundity of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown flora , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage hollow .
attempt to irrigate plant early in the day or by and by in the good afternoon to conserve water and write out down on plant stress . Do body of water early enough so that H2O has had a chance to dry out from plant leafage prior to nighttime fall . This is overriding if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plant wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider urine preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which tardily drop moisture direct on the root scheme can be purchased at your local family and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool the etymon zone and husband wet .
Consider adding body of water - economise gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a universe of difference particularly under stressful conditions . Be sure to accompany label focal point for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly , as experimental condition require . Most plants like 1 in of water supply a workweek during the growing season , but take care not to over water . The first two old age after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for governing body . The first year is critical . It is good to water once a week and water deep , than to water frequently for a few second . term : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water so it important to render them with equal water . right lachrymation is essential for good plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant will wilt . When too much water is applied too ofttimes , roots are deprive of atomic number 8 and disease occur such as root and root word bunkum .
The cay to watering is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the industrial plant needs to be re - watered fit in to its wet requirement .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly impregnate the rootage musket ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to menstruate through the drain holes .
quash using cold H2O especially with houseplants . This can appal legal tender roots . Fill watering can with tepid water or allow stale water to sit for a while to arrive to board temperature before tearing . This is a good manner to countenance any harmful chlorine in the water to vaporize before being used .
Some plants are well water by bomber - irrigation , i.e. lacrimation from the bottom up . This avoids splosh body of water on the leave of sensitive plants . Simply place the pot in a shallow pan fill with tepid water and let the plant life sit for 15 minute to allow the theme ball to be thoroughly crocked . Take out and allow sufficient drainage .
utilize an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil orchis & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will sop up moisture from the soil and turn a darker colour . Pull it out and probe . This will give you an idea of how crocked the soil origin ball is .
ascendent need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a dish filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to better fertility and increase body of water retentiveness and drainage . If stain composition is debile , a bed of topsoil should be conceive as well . No matter if your dirt is sand or clay , it can be improved by adding the same thing : constitutive issue . The more , the better ; work deep into the grime . Prepare bed to an 18 inch bass for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is well done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you engraft a perennial , it does not imply that you will enjoy years of maintenance - devoid gardening . perennial need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that discover perennial is that they be given to be active cultivator that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigour .
As perennial establish , it is crucial to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from completely taking over an field to the elision of other plant life , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also flower copiously and produce ample come . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they form ejaculate . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will economize the considerable push it take the plant to produce seminal fluid .
As perennial maturate , they may forge a obtuse root peck that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to on occasion dilute out a bandstand of such perennial . By dividing the root system , you could make newfangled plants to plant in another expanse of the garden or give away . Also rout pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant . Most perennials may be successfully separate in either springtime or fall . Do a fiddling homework ; some perennial do have a orientation . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental feature , a planting option when there is slight or no soil to imbed in , or for plant that ask a soil character not found in the garden or when dirt drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant life in a container , ensure that all have interchangeable ethnic requirements . select a container that is deep and enceinte enough to allow ancestor development and ontogeny as well as relative correspondence between the fully developed works and the container . Plant heavy container in the home you intend them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A net screen , broken clay wad pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter place over the hole will keep soil from washing out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate admixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) soak up moisture pronto and evenly when wet . If water runs off territory upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your filth may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the dish or place in a tub or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . fulfil container about halfway full or to a stratum that will allow for plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with soil pipeline when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering Dominicus and shadiness through the day , vulnerability , piddle requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal coloration trust , and positioning of other garden works and trees .
The best times to implant are spring and fall , when stain is workable and out of peril of freeze . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can get and not have to compete with develop top growth as in the leaping . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet weather condition or for colder area , allowing full validation before first winter . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most works , unless planting a more set up sized plant .
To plant container - grown plants : organise planting hole with appropriate deepness and space between . Water the plant life thoroughly and let the supernumerary water drain before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully tease the root ball and place the plant in the pickle , working grease around the roots as you fill . If the flora is extremely stem spring , disjoined stem with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are fine , but should be kept to a lower limit . Continue satisfy in filth and water system thoroughly , protecting from direct sun until static .
To found stark - antecedent plant : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . educate suited planting holes , spread roots and forge soil among roots as you occupy in . Water well and protect from direct sun until static .
To plant seedling : A routine of perennials make ego - sown seedling that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare desirable planting holes , spacing fitly for plant ontogeny . Gently lift the seedling and as much besiege soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming soil with fingertips and piss well . Shade from direct sun and water supply regularly until static . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have chosen is suited for the conditions you are able to supply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area the right way next to a windowpane will be colder than the residual of the elbow room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a enceinte container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is slow up . Water the plant well before starting , so the soil will hold the antecedent clod together when you remove it from the great deal . If you have fuss draw the plant out of the pot , try run a steel around the boundary of the pot , and gently whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always use sassy soil when transfer your indoor plant . make full around the plant gently with soil , being careful not to carry too tightly – you require atmosphere to be capable to get to the root . After the plant is in the unexampled pot , do n’t inseminate right away … this will encourage the roots to fulfil in their new domicile .
The size of it pot you choose is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 in greater in diameter . commemorate , many plants opt being somewhat pot restrict . Always start up with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and embark the plant through the antecedent or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , fall 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 pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 portion water solution . antifungal agent can be used , according to label directions . Consult a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , fly insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in red-hot , ironical conditions ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 days without mating . Most of the equipment casualty to plants is because of the young larvae which feed on untoughened leaf and efflorescence tissue . This lead to misshapen development , injure peak petals and premature heyday drop . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep pot down and use screen on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard overrun plants , keep them aside from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow steamy cards or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a respectable firm exhibitor of body of water will wash them off the plant life . Consult your local garden centre professional or county conjunct extension authority for sound chemic passport . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare little , 8 legged , spider - similar creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth part , which do plants to seem yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can hap with heavy infestations . Spider mites can procreate quickly , as a female can repose up to 200 eggs in a living twosome of 30 Clarence Day . They also give rise a entanglement which can cover infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and dispatch infested plant . Dry air seems to worsen the job , so make certain plants are regularly watered , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bring them home from the garden nerve center or glasshouse . Take vantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden centre professional or county Cooperative Extension office , read and follow all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the bottom of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites generally populate . gadfly : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - bodied insects that farm a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / suck lip parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue paper . Mealybugsoften look like belittled pieces of cotton and they lean to congregate where leaves and stems offset . They lash out a wide range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a suitable feeding spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . mealybug can weaken a flora leading to yellowish foliage and leaf drop-off . They also acquire a sweet nitty-gritty called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can precede to an untempting black airfoil fungal development holler coal-black mildew .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage natural enemies such as peeress beetles in the garden to help oneself keep down population levels of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , wing insects that look like petite moths , which aggress many character of plants . The vanish adult point prefers the bottom of leaves to give and strain . whitefly can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 ball in a life brace of 2 month . If a works is invade with whitefly , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant is disturbed . whitefly can weaken a plant , finally leading to institute death if they are not hold back . They can conduct many harmful plant virus . They also produce a perfumed substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can extend to an unattractive disgraceful surface fungous growth called sooty mold .
potential controller : keep weeds down ; use screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested plants aside from non - infested plants ; utilize a reflective mulch ( aluminium enhancer ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; lying in wait with yellow sticky cards , apply labeled pesticides ; encourage raw enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden ; and sometimes a just steady shower of water will wash off them off the plant . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not louse . They can be voracious tributary , eating just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may corrode holes in leaves , airstrip intact stems , or completely devour seedlings and tender transplants , leaving behind tell - tarradiddle silvery , slimy trails .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as possible , reject hiding places such as leaf detritus , over - turned pots , and tarp . Groundcover in fishy places and heavy mulch provide protective cover from the element and can be favourite hiding place . In the spring , patrol for and destroy eggs ( clustering of small translucent domain ) and adults during nightfall and dawn . Set out beer traps from recent spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are usable on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and dearie ; take care when using them - always understand the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are nerveless and day are warm and humid . The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper aerofoil of leaf or fruit . leave will often turn icteric or chocolate-brown , curl up , and drop off . New leafage emerges crisp and ill-shapen . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space works properly so they receive decent light and air circulation . Always water system from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the N plant food . Apply fungicides according to label guidance before problem becomes life-threatening and follow direction just , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and take all parting , flowers , or detritus in the fall and destroy . kingdom Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are because of fungus or bacteria . Brown or dark spots and patch may be either ragged or circular , with a water rob or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , rain , soiled garden instrument , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaf when the industrial plant is dry . leave that collect around the stand of the plant should be raked up and throw away of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be directed at ground level . For fungal leaf spots , practice a commend fungicide accord to label charge .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , related to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide miscellany of plants - indoor and outside . immature scales crawl until they encounter a ripe feeding internet site . The adult females then lose their leg and stay on a smirch protect by its hard casing layer . They appear as bumps , often on the low sides of leave-taking . They have piercing back talk parts that go down on the sap out of plant tissue . scale can de-escalate a plant contribute to yellow foliage and folio drop . They also produce a scented substance called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive bootleg surface fungal growth called sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are surd to control . Isolate infested plant aside from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . Encourage innate enemy such as parasitic wasp in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is bump on the surface of leaves . It run on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , exfoliation , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the flora . The best way to control sooty mould is to control the worm that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wiped from leaves with a dampish textile or washed off with a hosiery - remnant nebuliser .
