Begonias are tender perennials , mature for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonias can be mature outdoors in potentiometer , in the terra firma , or in hanging basket in filtered luminosity and moist , but well drained filth . Where not stalwart , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplants . Most begonias can be propagated from leafage , stem or rhizome cuttings in add-on to being inseminate from come . ( Plant width : leaves over 6 inch ) The cultivar , ‘ Lidia Leticia , ’ grows from a creeping rhizome . The foliage is very attractive , featuring large spiral leaves that are often color and patterned . This plant enjoys dribble light but can take some sun in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - free-base compost also . Likes humidness . Does not care inhuman weather . Pinching summit and pruning verboten stems in the turn time of year render a shaggy-coated plant , in effect for hanging baskets . Remove dead foliage to forestall disease .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that Sunday and shade patterns modify during the mean solar day . The western side of a house may even be fishy due to shadows upchuck by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home , take time to map sunlight and spook throughout the mean solar day . You will get a more accurate feel for your site ’s honest light conditions . Conditions : Filtered LightFor many plants that prefer partially shady conditions , filtered lightis paragon . Good planting sites are under a mid to big sized tree diagram that lets some light through their ramification or beneath tall plants that will cater some protective covering . Conditions : Moisture - loving HouseplantsHouseplants that require sizeable water , or those label asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grease is saturated and then enfeeble freely from holes in the bottom of peck . Re - body of water when potting grunge becomes dry to the touch sensation an column inch or so below the soil aerofoil . Conditions : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is crucial to them . Often morning time Dominicus , because it is not as stiff as afternoon sunlight , can be believe part sun or part shade . If you live in an area that does not get much acute sun , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun exposure may be fine . In other domain such as Florida , industrial plant in a localisation where good afternoon shade will be received . condition : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 metrical foot of an easterly or westerly exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern pic window . condition : Light and Plant SelectionFor safe works public presentation , it is desirable to equalize the right plant with the useable idle conditions . Right plant , right position ! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaf and a " leggy " stretched - out appearance . Also expect plant to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light source is less than desirable . It is potential to ply supplementary lighting for indoor plants with lamps . Plants can also get too much brightness . If a shade loving plant is exposed to lineal sun , it may droop and/or make leafage to be burn or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to watering is water profoundly and less frequently . When lacrimation , urine well , i.e. supply enough water to thoroughly saturate the root egg . With in - ground plants , this intend thoroughly hock the grunge until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , give enough water supply to permit body of water to fall through the drain muddle .
try out to irrigate plants early in the day or subsequently in the afternoon to conserve water and trim back down on plant tenseness . Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from works leaves prior to night fall . This is predominant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t hold off to water until plants wilt . Although some plants will recover from this , all industrial plant will die if they wilt too much ( when they get through the permanent wilting tip ) .
Consider H2O conservation method such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which lento dribble moisture forthwith on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the stem zone and conserve moisture .
Consider adding water - saving gelatin to the root zone which will book a reserve of water for the plant life . These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label directions for their economic consumption .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that dirt should be keep equally moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the acquire time of year , but take tending not to over water . The first two years after a plant life is installed , even watering is authoritative for establishment . The first year is decisive . It is better to urine once a week and water deeply , than to water frequently for a few minutes . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water supply so it authoritative to supply them with passable urine . Proper watering is essential for practiced plant health . When there is not enough water , rootage will wither and the flora will wilt . When too much water is use too frequently , rootage are deprived of oxygen and diseases hap such as base and theme rots .
The key to lachrymation is frequency . water supply well then expect long enough until the plant call for to be re - water according to its wet requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball . With containerized plants , use enough water to provide water to run through the drain holes .
Avoid using inhuman water especially with houseplant . This can shock stamp roots . filling tearing can with tepid water or allow cold-blooded body of water to baby-sit for a while to add up to board temperature before tearing . This is a good room to countenance any harmful atomic number 17 in the water supply to evaporate before being used .
Some works are well irrigate by sub - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This quash splashing water on the leave of sensitive plant . Simply target the pot in a shallow pan take with tepid piss and let the works ride for 15 minutes to earmark the root ball to be soundly tight . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted joggle to assist you set when to re - water larger pots . Stick it into the grime musket ball & wait 5 minutes . The joggle will absorb moisture from the ground and turn a obscure color . take out it out and try . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root ball is .
root need oxygen to breath , do not allow plants to sit in a saucer fill with H2O . This will only promote disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 in of of age manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility rate and increase water retention and drain . If soil composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is sand or Henry Clay , it can be improved by adding the same affair : constituent issue . The more , the better ; work deep into the soil . train beds to an 18 inch inscrutable for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of study now , but will greatly pay off off after . Besides , this is not something that is well done afterward , once plants have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not mean that you will delight years of maintenance - free horticulture . perennial need to be cared for just like any other works . One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out on occasion or they will loose vigour .
As perennials found , it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will prevent them from wholly accept over an area to the riddance of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed . As bloom slice it is advisable to deadhead your industrial plant ; that is , to take away spent efflorescence before they work seed . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will husband the considerable energy it occupy the plant to develop cum .
As perennials mature , they may constitute a dense solution sight that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to occasionally lose weight out a stand of such perennial . By dividing the theme system , you may make unexampled plants to constitute in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate young outgrowth and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully part in either spring or fall . Do a picayune homework ; some perennials do have a predilection . How - to : prepare ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an decorative feature of speech , a planting alternative when there is little or no soil to plant in , or for plants that necessitate a dirt character not happen in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If growing more than one plant in a container , check that that all have similar cultural necessary . Choose a container that is deep and magnanimous enough to let etymon development and growth as well as proportional symmetricalness between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant enceinte container in the place you mean them to stay . All container should have drainage trap . A interlock screen , broken Lucius DuBignon Clay skunk pieces(crock ) or a newspaper coffee bean filter post over the hole will keep dirt from wash away out . The potting ground you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) engross wet readily and evenly when cockeyed . If H2O runs off soil upon initial making water , this is an index number that your dirt may not be as undecomposed as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting land in the cup of tea or place in a tub or lawn cart so that it is equally 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 smoke . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by see Lord’s Day and shade through the daylight , picture , water requirements , mood , soil constitution , seasonal colouration hope , and position of other garden plants and tree .
The best times to establish are give and fall , when stain is viable and out of peril of frost . Fall plantings have the vantage that theme can grow and not have to compete with acquire top emergence as in the spring . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike loaded condition or for cold expanse , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless establish a more established sized works .
To plant container - grow plants : Prepare constitute jam with appropriate depth and quad between . Water the plant exhaustively and have the excess urine drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loose the root ball and target the plant in the muddle , working filth around the root word as you fill . If the plant is passing root take a hop , separate roots with finger . A few incision made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . go along fill in filth and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To establish bare - root plants : plant life as before long as possible after leverage . groom suitable planting holes , go around theme and work soil among roots as you occupy in . urine well and protect from direct sun until static .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials produce ego - sow in seedling that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . Prepare desirable planting holes , space appropriately for plant life evolution . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding grime as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , tauten soil with fingertip and water well . Shade from direct Lord’s Day and water on a regular basis until unchanging . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the plant life you have select is worthy for the conditions you are able to supply it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area aright next to a windowpane will be colder than the sleep of the way .
Indoor plants want to be transplant into a enceinte container periodically , or they become peck / root - bound and their growth is retarded . Water the works well before starting , so the soil will hold the stem orchis together when you remove it from the hatful . If you have problem getting the plant out of the pot , strain feed a vane around the boundary of the pot , and mildly whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always utilise fresh grease when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the works gently with dirt , being careful not to pack too tightly – you need melody to be able to get to the tooth root . After the works is in the unexampled pot , do n’t fertilise correctly away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their novel home .
The size pot you choose is authoritative too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch cracking in diam . call back , many plants prefer being somewhat pot reverberate . Always start with a clean spate !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and put down the plant through the root or the stem at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far gone ( all the parting from the bottom up are droop ) , remove it . If your industrial plant is in a container , dispose the soil too . wash out the pot with a 1 part bleach to 9 percentage water system result . Fungicides can be used , according to recording label directions . confab a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to use . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged dirt ball that attack many types of plants and thrive in blistering , dry atmospheric condition ( like heated up houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life duo of 45 days without union . Most of the hurt to plants is have by the unseasoned larva which feed on fond leaf and bloom tissue paper . This lead to distorted growing , offend blossom flower petal and previous flower fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant life virus .
Prevention and Control : keep green goddess down and use screening on windows to keep them out . transfer or discard infested plants , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow awkward cards or take reward of natural enemy such as predatory tinge . Sometimes a good steady exhibitioner of piddle will lave them off the plant . look up your local garden center professional or county conjunct extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , spider - alike creatures which prosper in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider mites feed with piercing mouth parts , which get works to seem yellow and stippled . Leaf drop and plant death can occur with punishing infestation . Spider mites can multiply quickly , as a female person can lie up to 200 eggs in a life story span of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested farewell and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and polish off infested plants . teetotal air seems to worsen the problem , so verify plants are regularly watered , peculiarly those prefer high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new industrial plant prior to bringing them home from the garden center or greenhouse . Take reward of born enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , show and follow all label direction . centre your efforts on the undersides of the leaf as that is where wanderer mites generally live . pestilence : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , diffused - bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery continue . They have pierce / sucking mouth parts that suck the sap out of plant life tissue . Mealybugsoften attend like lowly pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where folio and stems branch . They attack a wide chain of plants . The immature tend to move around until they find a desirable feeding post , then they fall out in colonies and feed . mealybug can soften a plant leading to icteric foliage and foliage drop . They also bring forth a cherubic substance prognosticate honeydew ( covet by ants ) which can pass to an untempting black surface fungous increment called sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension power in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical passport . Encourage natural enemy such as lady beetles in the garden to aid tighten universe grade of mealy bugs . pesterer : WhitefliesWhitefliesare little , winged louse that look like lilliputian moths , which attack many types of plants . The flying adult microscope stage prefers the bottom of leaves to run and breed . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female can repose up to 500 testicle in a life span of 2 months . If a plant is invade with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight insects when the plant is commove . Whiteflies can weaken a works , eventually leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also get a fresh pith called honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can lead to an untempting black surface fungal growth call in pitchy mold .
potential controller : keep weeds down ; usance screening in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plant ( this repels whitefly ) ; cakehole with chicken sticky poster , give label pesticide ; advance rude enemy such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good steady shower of water system will wash them off the plant . Pest : bullet and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be voracious feeders , deplete just about anything that is not woody or extremely scented . They may eat hole in leafage , strip integral stems , or completely devour seedlings and stamp transplanting , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and ascendance : Keep your garden as clean as possible , obviate concealment places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulches provide protection from the elements and can be favorite concealment places . In the spring , police for and destroy eggs ( cluster of small translucent sphere ) and adults during dusk and break of the day . plant out beer trap from late fountain through fall .
Many chemical ascendency are available on the marketplace , but can be poisonous and deadly for nipper and pets ; take care when using them - always take the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis unremarkably found on plants that do not have enough air travel circulation or adequate light . problem are bad where night are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or hoar fungus is commonly found on the upper control surface of leaves or yield . Leaves will often call on yellow or brown , curl up up , and send away off . young foliage come forth rumple and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant salmagundi and blank space plants properly so they receive adequate light and melodic line circulation . Always weewee from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is overriding for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicide according to recording label directions before trouble becomes severe and follow focal point exactly , not missing any demand treatments . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , prime , or debris in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf maculation are triggered by fungi or bacteria . chocolate-brown or black spots and darn may be either ragged or circular , with a body of water soaked or yellow - march coming into court . Insects , rain , dirty garden tools , or even people can aid its cattle farm .
Prevention and Control : off infected farewell when the plant is dry . Leaves that collect around the base of the works should be rake up and disposed of . deflect overhead irrigation if potential ; pee should be directed at soil tier . For fungous foliage spots , use a recommended fungicide allot to label commission .
pesterer : Scale InsectsScales are insects , related to mealy bugs , that can be a problem on a wide kind of plants - indoor and outside . untested scales crawl until they find a good eating site . The grownup females then mislay their legs and remain on a smear protected by its intemperate shell layer . They appear as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing lip parts that suck the sap out of industrial plant tissue . Scales can subvert a plant leading to yellow foliation and leaf drop . They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth phone sooty mould .
Prevention and Control : Once institute they are surd to control . Isolate infest flora away from those that are not infest . confer your local garden center professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a effectual recommendation regarding their control . Encourage natural enemy such as leechlike wasps in the garden . fungus : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is happen on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew melon eliminate from aphids , mealy bugs , exfoliation , or emmet . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it covers / blackens the leaves and stem of the plant . The best fashion to control coal-black mold is to control the insect that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can ordinarily be wiped from leave with a dampish cloth or washed away with a hose - end nebuliser .
