Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful bloom and foliage . Most begonias can be develop outside in pots , in the ground , or in hanging baskets in permeate light and moist , but well run out soil . Where not intrepid , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from leaf , stem or rootstalk cuttings in addition to being inseminate from seed . ( Plant width : leave 3 to 6 inches ) The cultivar , ‘ Lavender Lace , ’ grows from a creeping rootstock . The foliage is very attractive , featuring medium - sized , fluid , unincised leave . The flowers are pale pink . This plant enjoys filtered brightness but can take some sun in wintertime . Soil should ideally be dampish . Begonias develop very well in peat - based compost also . Likes humidity . Hardy . Does not like cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stems in the originate time of year give a bushier plant , good for hang basket . take away dead foliage to preclude disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will acknowledge that sun and shade patterns change during the Clarence Day . The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a construction from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your quondam family , take clip to map sun and shade throughout the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . You will get a more precise feel for your land site ’s truthful light conditions . Conditions : separate out LightFor many plant that favour partly fly-by-night condition , sink in lightis nonsuch . upright planting land site are under a mid to large sized tree diagram that lets some visible light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will allow for some protection . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that ask ample piddle , or those label asmoisture - roll in the hay houseplantsrequire that they be watered good until the stain is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting soil becomes juiceless to the touch an in or so below the soil surface . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer lighter that is filtered . Sunlight , though not verbatim , is significant to them . Often sunup sun , because it is not as secure as afternoon sun , can be considered part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other area such as Florida , works in a localization where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern photo window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best plant carrying into action , it is desirable to play off the correct plant with the available light weather condition . veracious flora , right station ! plant which do not take in sufficient light may become pale in color , have few leaves and a " leggy " extend - out appearance . Also have a bun in the oven plant to grow tedious and have fewer blooms when brightness is less than desirable . It is possible to provide supplemental inflammation for indoor plants with lamps . industrial plant can also receive too much lighter . If a nuance loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or have leaves to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water deep and less frequently . When watering , piddle well , i.e. supply enough weewee to thoroughly saturate the theme ball . With in - flat coat plant life , this means thoroughly soak the soil until water supply has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 in ( 1 ' being good ) . With container grown plant life , employ enough water to allow water system to flow through the drainage hole .
attempt to water plants too soon in the mean solar day or later in the afternoon to conserve piddle and cut down on flora stress . Do body of water early enough so that H2O has had a chance to dry from industrial plant leaves prior to nighttime crepuscule . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to pee until plants droop . Although some plants will retrieve from this , all plants will die if they wilt too much ( when they reach the lasting wilting point ) .
Consider water conservation methods such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip system which slowly drip wet instantly on the source system of rules can be purchase at your local base and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the antecedent zone and conserve wet .
count adding piss - save gels to the root geographical zone which will restrain a modesty of weewee for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-racking condition . Be certain to follow label directions for their use .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be keep equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plant like 1 in of H2O a week during the get season , but take charge not to over water . The first two year after a plant is installed , regular watering is important for establishment . The first yr is critical . It is better to water once a week and water deep , than to water frequently for a few instant . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are composed of almost 90 % water supply so it important to supply them with fair to middling water . right lachrymation is substantive for safe plant life health . When there is not enough water , solution will wither and the industrial plant will wilt . When too much H2O is apply too often , beginning are deprive of atomic number 8 and diseases occur such as root and stem rot .
The samara to lachrymation is frequency . piddle well then wait long enough until the flora needs to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When watering , pee well . That is , put up enough water to good saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , apply enough water to tolerate body of water to flow through the drainage jam .
fend off using stale water especially with houseplants . This can shock tender origin . filling lachrymation can with tepid piddle or permit cold water to ride for a while to come to room temperature before tearing . This is a good agency to allow any harmful atomic number 17 in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some industrial plant are best irrigated by hoagy - irrigation , i.e. tearing from the bottom up . This avoids splashing water system on the leaf of sensitive works . Simply place the pot in a shallow cooking pan replete with tepid body of water and let the plant sit for 15 bit to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and permit sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted dowel to aid you determine when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the soil ballock & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will occupy moisture from the stain and turn a glowering color . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how stiff the soil root ball is .
Roots need oxygen to hint , do not let works to sit in a saucer filled with water . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 daytime before planting , add together 2 to 4 column inch of aged manure or compost and work into the planting web site to meliorate richness and increase H2O retentiveness and drainage . If dirt opus is imperfect , a layer of surface soil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be meliorate by adding the same thing : organic matter . The more , the better ; lick late into the stain . groom bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly bear off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done afterward , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy class of sustainment - free gardening . perennial need to be deal for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they be given to be alive growers that have to be thinned out from time to time or they will loose vigor .
As perennial establish , it is important to cut back them back and reduce them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from completely take over an country to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase atmosphere circulation thereby slim the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to withdraw spent flower before they form seed . This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will preserve the considerable energy it accept the plant life to produce seed .
As perennial get on , they may form a dense root mass that eventually lead to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally slenderize out a standpoint of such perennials . By split up the root system of rules , you’re able to make new flora to plant in another area of the garden or give away . Also settle down pruning will stimulate young increase and restore the plant . Most perennial may be successfully separate in either leap or fall . Do a little preparation ; some perennials do have a taste . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an decorative feature film , a planting option when there is little or no soil to embed in , or for plants that require a soil type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar ethnical requirements . Choose a container that is deep and great enough to allow root development and outgrowth as well as proportional rest between the fully developed flora and the container . engraft great containers in the blank space you intend them to detain . All containers should have drain holes . A meshwork screen , go bad clay pot pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee filter place over the hole will keep stain from wash out . The potting soil you pick out should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have take . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet readily and evenly when wet . If H2O run off stain upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you call back .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting filth in the bag or place in a tubful or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about midway full or to a level that will set aside plants , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be even with soil line when undertaking is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by regard sunlight and tincture through the twenty-four hours , picture , pee requirements , climate , dirt makeup , seasonal color desired , and position of other garden plant life and trees .
The best time to plant are bounce and fall , when territory is workable and out of danger of frost . Fall plantings have the reward that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike loaded shape or for colder region , allowing full administration before first wintertime . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more set up sized plant life .
To plant container - develop plants : Prepare set holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant life exhaustively and have the surplus urine drain before carefully bump off from the container . cautiously loosen the root clod and send the plant in the hollow , working dirt around the roots as you replete . If the industrial plant is passing ascendent rebound , freestanding roots with fingerbreadth . A few slits made with a air hole knife are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a minimum . proceed make full in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant bare - root plants : Plant as shortly as possible after purchase . Prepare suited planting holes , spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from verbatim sunshine until static .
To found seedlings : A figure of perennials produce ego - inseminate seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bottom for transplanting . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant development . softly lift the seedling and as much surround soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming dirt with fingertip and water well . Shade from unmediated sun and water on a regular basis until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able-bodied to put up it : that it will have enough scant , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the area mighty next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants need to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growing is retarded . irrigate the flora well before starting , so the soil will make the root musket ball together when you remove it from the muckle . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the pot , try running a vane around the edge of the pot , and gently whacking the side to loose the soil .
Always use fresh soil when transplant your indoor plant . satiate around the plant mildly with stain , being measured not to pack too tightly – you want air to be capable to get to the root . After the flora is in the new mickle , do n’t fertilize right away … this will further the roots to satiate in their new home .
The size of it pot you choose is of import too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch greater in diameter . Remember , many plant favour being somewhat smoke border . Always start with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the flora through the root or the stem at stain stratum . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you mistrust Rhizoctonia may be your trouble , decrease tearing . If a flora is too far gone ( all the leave from the bottom up are wilt ) , take away it . If your plant is in a container , dispose the grime too . Wash the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water system result . antifungal agent can be used , accord to label centering . Consult a professional for a effectual good word of what fungicide to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare lowly , winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like het up houses ) . They can procreate quickly as a female can lay up to 300 egg in a life couple of 45 days without mating . Most of the damage to plant is do by the untried larva which feed on untoughened leaf and flower tissue . This go to distorted development , bruise flower petal and previous blossom drop . Thrips also can convey many harmful plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep sens down and use screening on window to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested industrial plant . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take vantage of natural enemy such as predatory soupcon . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will lave them off the plant . refer your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension power for legal chemic testimonial . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated household ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth division , which cause plants to seem jaundiced and dotted . Leaf drop curtain and works destruction can hap with heavy infestation . Spider mites can multiply rapidly , as a female can lay up to 200 testicle in a aliveness twain of 30 days . They also grow a web which can continue infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry melodic line seems to worsen the problem , so check that plants are on a regular basis watered , particularly those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomato . Always assure fresh plant life prior to bringing them home from the garden centre or nursery . Take reward of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , show and follow all label directions . condense your efforts on the undersurface of the leaves as that is where wanderer mites broadly speaking endure . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - incarnate insects that produce a waxy powdery covering . They have piercing / imbibe oral fissure parts that breastfeed the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften attend like small piece of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem offset . They attack a wide chain of plants . The unseasoned be given to move around until they bump a worthy eating spot , then they hang out in colonies and provender . Mealybugs can weaken a plant leading to jaundiced leaf and leaf drop . They also bring about a sweet nitty-gritty called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an unattractive smutty Earth’s surface fungous growth called jet mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested industrial plant from those that are not . Consult your local garden sum professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance testimonial . Encourage natural foe such as lady mallet in the garden to help abbreviate universe horizontal surface of mealy bugs . pestilence : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , fly insects that seem like tiny moth , which lash out many types of plants . The flying grownup stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and breed . whitefly can multiply promptly as a female person can consist up to 500 eggs in a life bridge of 2 month . If a plant is infested with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of flee insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful works viruses . They also bring forth a sweet center called honeydew ( covet by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive dark airfoil fungal ontogeny called sooty mold .
potential controls : keep weeds down ; manipulation screening in windows to keep them out ; remove infested works off from non - infested plants ; habituate a reflective mulch ( aluminum transparency ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , utilise pronounce pesticides ; encourage lifelike enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unbendable shower of piss will lap them off the plant . Pest : poke and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are shellfish , not insects . They can be ravening birdfeeder , eating just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in leafage , strip intact stems , or completely devour seedlings and cutter transplant , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimed trails .
Prevention and ascendancy : Keep your garden as unclouded as possible , eliminating hiding places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in suspect places and ponderous mulch provide protection from the elements and can be favored concealment blank space . In the give , police for and destroy bollock ( clusters of low semitransparent domain ) and adults during crepuscule and dawn . Set out beer traps from late outpouring through fall .
Many chemical control are available on the market , but can be venomous and deathly for nestling and favourite ; take caution when using them - always take the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually discover on plant life that do not have enough air circulation or equal light . Problems are tough where nights are cool and solar day are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey-headed fungus is ordinarily found on the upper surface of leafage or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brownish , curve up , and dangle off . Modern foliage emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be overshadow and often drops early on .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and place industrial plant properly so they receive adequate illumination and air circulation . Always water from below , keep water off the leaf . This is paramount for pink wine . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer . implement antimycotic according to recording label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow directions exactly , not missing any required treatment . Sanitation is a must - pick up and remove all leaves , flowers , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are stimulate by fungus kingdom or bacterium . brownish or black muscae volitantes and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water system soaked or yellow - edged show . louse , rainfall , unsporting garden peter , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : take infected leave when the plant is ironical . Leaves that collect around the theme of the works should be raked up and disposed of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be direct at soil level . For fungal leafage spots , use a recommended fungicide accord to recording label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are insects , relate to mealy bug , that can be a problem on a wide variety of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scales front crawl until they line up a skilful feeding web site . The adult females then lose their leg and stay on a spot protected by its hard shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaf . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can weaken a plant conduct to xanthous foliage and leaf fall . They also farm a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can extend to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called pitchy modeling .
Prevention and Control : Once ground they are arduous to assure . Isolate infested plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound recommendation regarding their control . further raw enemies such as parasitic WASP in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty modeling is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon excreted from aphids , mealy microbe , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leaves and stems of the plant . The best path to control sooty cast is to control the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mold can unremarkably be wiped from leaves with a damp fabric or washed away with a hose - end sprayer .
