What should I do if I over or underwater my Fern begonia?
Careful observation of the plant will tell you if you have watering issues. If you overwater your plant you’ll notice: a. The leaves of the plant can appear yellow and are prone to yellow-brown patches at the tips of the leaves. b. If the situation is serious, severe drooping and curling of the leaves may be observed. This is due to the fact that overwatering can cause root rot and the plant is already having a hard time absorbing more water. If your Fern begonia is planted indoor, overwatering is all too easy to do with the plant as it cannot tolerate any standing water. The earlier you notice the overwatering the better. If you see standing water or some leaf change, stop watering! Allow the soil to air out over the course of 3-5 days. If you’re noticing signs of root rot, you’ll need to act fast. You’ll have to remove the plant from the pot or ground and then wash off the roots. Remove any dead or decaying roots while trying to keep as much intact as possible. Throw out all the old soil and clean out the pot then add in new soil. If you’re planting in your garden, remove the old soil and replant it in a new location. While overwatering is an issue, so is underwatering. The Fern begonia is very sensitive to drought conditions and will quickly decline if they don’t receive consistent watering. Signs of underwatering include: -Curled, pendulous, lifeless leaves; -Some leaves will gradually turn yellow from the bottom; -The edges of the leaves will turn brown. Underwatering tends to be easier to fix than overwatering. Simply increase how often you water the plant. If your plant is drying out quickly, the air might be too dry. Consider increasing the humidity so the soil stays moist for longer. You might also think about moving the plant to a different location if you notice it is getting too much sunlight or the spot is too hot in order to prevent extra evaporation.
How often should I water my Fern begonia?
Generally speaking, you should water the plant around once per week during spring. However, compared to spring you should increase the watering frequency during the summer but decrease that in winter. However, the timing might change based on a variety of factors such as humidity, temperature, soil type, and so on. To further determine the appropriate watering frequency for your Fern begonia, you should use your finger or Soil Moisture Meter more often to check the soil condition, remember to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water after the top 1.5-2 inches or so of soil has dried out and build the watering schedule for your Fern begonia by continually testing. Potted plants are more prone to being overwatered than their outdoor counterparts since it's easier for the water to become contained. Make sure you use a pot with proper drainage holes and well-draining soil. Make sure there’s no excess water in the plant tray before watering. If your Fern begonia is planted in the ground, rain will allow it to grow better. The Fern begonia usually needs about 1 inch of rain per week to maintain growth. If rainfall is low, you may need to do additional watering once a week to ensure proper plant growth. Humidity also plays a role in keeping the plants properly watered. Plant can grow in normal room humidity, but it prefers higher humidity if possible - generally around 40 to 60 percent. More humidity means the soil will stay wetter for longer. With indoor plants, you can increase the humidity by placing a small humidifier next to the plant. For outdoor plants, you can mist the plant throughout the day.
How can I water my Fern begonia properly?
There are plenty of viable ways to supply your Fern begonia with water. If you grow your plant in an indoor pot, for the Fern begonia in small pots, you can bring your potted plant to your kitchen sink. Then, use the faucet to add water to the container. By holding the pot in your hands, you should easily notice when the water begins to run through the pot’s drainage holes, at which point you can stop watering. The cold temperature will hurt the plants' root system, so please don't do this during winter or in cold climates. Most of the time, watering via your faucet is permissible for the Fern begonia. However, if the local tap water contains a high proportion of fluorine, chlorine or salts, you should consider using rainwater or lake water. Also, since the Fern begonia can respond well to overhead watering and watering directly into the soil, you can use a watering can, hose, or just about any tool you’d like to water it. For Fern begoniaed in the ground, when there is not enough rain, aim the hose at the root system and open the spout for more than 10 minutes to fully water. Tips: The Fern begonia is quite sensitive to the water you use. They are used to soft, acidic water found naturally. If you live in an area with hard water you can use an at-home water filter to remove any minerals and salts. To get rid of chemicals, you can let your tap water sit out for around 24 hours so that they dissipate. You can also purchase filtered water for your plants. Fern begonia likes water with 6.5 pH the best. Rainwater is a better choice than tap water, so you can store some rainwater when it's raining for your Fern begonia.
When should I water my Fern begonia?
Fern begonia needs the humid conditions tend to keep the plants moist. They do not dry out completely between waterings. However, if soggy is retained, it will tend to make its root system rotten. So people will always water after the top 1.5-2 inches or so of soil has dried out. The depth of testing is often related to the depth of the soil. When the soil depth is around 5 inches, it is recommended to test about 1.5 inches or so (about one-third of the soil depth), and more for larger pots. If you have a Soil Moisture Meter, then watering becomes easy by inserting the same position and when the soil meter is found to be around 3, then watering can be done. If it is still greater than 3 then you will need to wait a little longer until it dries out. Keeping it this way will allow you to avoid overwatering your plants.
Is pruning necessary for my Fern begonia?
Before your Fern begonia hedge begins taking over the sidewalk, or your hanging basket Fern begonias start to look scraggly, it is a good idea to think about pruning. Without proper maintenance, Fern begonia may grow rapidly and uncontrollably, crowding out other plants. If you decide to include Fern begonia in your garden or landscaping plan, you should monitor its growth carefully and have a plan for pruning. Pruning is as important for the Fern begonia as it is for any other ornamental plant species that you may choose to grow in your garden. If you prune this plant properly, you can enhance its overall health while preserving its most showy ornamental features. With that said, you cannot expect to reap those benefits if you don’t know when and how to prune this species. In fact, improper pruning can cause you to remove the season’s blooms, detracting significantly from the Fern begonia’s beauty. Even if you live in a cooler area or only plan to grow Fern begonia in pots or hanging baskets, regular pruning can encourage blooming and keep your plants healthy and vigorous.
When is the best time to prune my Fern begonia?
As Fern begonia blooms earlier than normal plants, pruning should also be earlier. What you should do instead is wait until the late spring or early summer to prune if you want to prune your Fern begonia on a large scale. The ideal time for pruning takes place at the end or just after this plant’s bloom period. Also, you should avoid pruning late in summer and into fall, pruning at this time may affect the flowering of plants the following year. Additionally, you may want to trim the plants throughout the growing season to encourage blooming. You can also prune at any time if there is any yellowing or diseased foliage.
How can I prune my Fern begonia?
For your major pruning, use sharp pruning sheers that will make clean cuts to avoid damaging your plants. Make each cut at a 45° angle to encourage healthy new growth. Remove any dead or decayed stems first, cutting them off just above the damaged section or cutting them completely to the ground. Next, consider the desired height and shape of your Fern begonia, and then prune accordingly. To control the size of your Fern begonia, you can cut back as much as one third of its height and girth, and it is best done by pruning immediately after flowering Finally, you may prefer to just trim off dead or damaged portions of the plant, including deadheading spent flowers, to keep it looking its best. This can be done at any time of year. Diseased or damaged stems should be cut right at the soil line and removed completely. Blooms should be cut off just below the flower head.
What should I do after pruning my Fern begonia?
Fern begonia is generally tolerant of limited water and may become mildewy with too much water. Right after pruning is a good time to water and fertilizer though, to encourage new growth and blooming. However, care needs to be taken to avoid wounded areas when watering to avoid fungal infestation of the plant through fresh wounds. When you are ready to dispose of sections of the plant that you removed during pruning, there are two important things to keep in mind. Fern begonia leaves or branches found to be diseased need to be trimmed off and destroyed away from the plant. Do not used as compost material. Wherever you dispose of the trimmings, remember that Fern begonia roots and spreads easily. Be careful that your trimmings do not inadvertently produce new, unwanted Fern begonia.
What are some tips for pruning my Fern begonia?
From hedges to containers, in any landscape or garden, annual pruning and regular trims can encourage Fern begonia produce beautiful blooms and remain healthy for many years. For your major pruning, use sharp pruning sheers that will make clean cuts to avoid damaging your plants. Make each cut at a 45° angle to encourage healthy new growth. As you are pruning your Fern begonia, step back occasionally to check the appearance of the plant to make sure it has the shape you want and that you are pruning it symmetrically. Try not to prune heavily at flowering time, just the dried flowers need to be pruned back as this will affect flowering. A useful approach is to remove only the longer branches and sucker shoots, leaving the blooms closer to the primary stems intact. Finally, as you prune, be on the lookout for mold or mildew. Fern begonia is susceptible to fungal or bacterial and you will want to address this problem, removing molded or fungal(bacterial) sections to avoid further damage to your Fern begonia.
How many hours of sunlight does Fern begonia need to grow?
Fern begonia requires about 3-6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. However, it also needs some shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent sun damage. Morning sunlight is ideal for Fern begonia, but it can also tolerate some afternoon sun if the temperature is not too hot. To provide the perfect balance of sunlight, try planting Fern begonia in an area that gets partial sun, such as under a tree or on the east side of a building.
What will happen if Fern begonia doesn’t get enough sunlight?
If Fern begonia is exposed to too much direct sunlight, its leaves may turn yellow, dry out, or even burn. You may also notice that the plant wilts or becomes stunted. To prevent sun damage, make sure to give Fern begonia some shade during the hottest parts of the day. You can use a shade cloth or plant Fern begonia near taller plants that can provide some natural shade.
What will happen if Fern begonia gets too much sunlight?
If Fern begonia doesn't get enough sunlight, it may grow tall and lanky, with sparse foliage. The leaves may also turn yellow or pale green, indicating that the plant is not producing enough chlorophyll due to lack of sunlight. To remedy this, try moving Fern begonia to a sunnier spot, or prune nearby foliage to allow more light to reach the plant.
Why do I need to fertilize my Fern begonia?
You need to fertilize a Fern begonia for a few important reasons. The most obvious of these reasons is that fertilizer will help your Fern begonia produce lovely blooms. Fertilizing in early spring is one of the best ways to ensure that your Fern begonia has excellent flowers during that season. Fertilizer also gives your Fern begonia plenty of energy that it can store in the ground during its dormant growth phases. Giving your Fern begonia some extra nutrients during the fall planting process or during the late spring will help your Fern begonia hold more energy to use once active growth resumes.
When is the best time to fertilize my Fern begonia?
Timing is crucial when it comes to fertilizing Fern begonia. If you use fertilizer too early while the Fern begonia is still dormant at this time. This fertilizer cannot be used effectively and will be washed away by rainwater, causing waste and pollution. The first application of fertilizer should be applied in the early spring. Continue fertilizing once a month until early summer.
When should I avoid fertilizing my Fern begonia?
Avoid giving Fern begonia a fertilizer with too much nitrogen, since this can lead to development of plenty of leaves but not many blooms. Look for fertilizer with a lower level of nitrogen compared to other nutrients. Do not fertilize after the early autumn, which can cause too much growth just before winter. Also, Fern begonia should not be fertilized during hot and dry times of year, since dry soil does not deliver fertilizer as effectively as moist soil. Fertilizing at this time can also stimulate growth which in turn needs more water that may not be available. It is best to keep fertilizer for earlier in the season when temperatures are cooler. Finally, remember that Fern begonia can absorb fertilizer that has been applied to nearby plants or lawns, so be cautious about inadvertently giving tree/shurb a double-dose of fertilizer.
What type of fertilizer does my Fern begonia need?
The ideal fertilizer for a Fern begonia is one that has a relatively balanced mix of the three main plant nutrients, with slightly higher amounts of phosphorus. Alternatively, some gardeners choose to improve their Fern begonia 's soil by adding organic materials such as compost, worm castings, and manure. Some experienced gardeners will supplement 1-2 times with water-soluble fertilizers containing phosphorus when the flower buds start to appear. This will help the flowers develop better and allow them to grow larger and bloom longer. Fertilizers can come in many forms, and most of these forms will work well for your Fern begonia. However, some of the best fertilizers for Fern begonia come in either a liquid or a powdered form. Regardless of which you use, you should ensure that you dilute your fertilizer and apply it while watering your Fern begonia.
How do I fertilize my Fern begonia?
Always follow directions for the specific type of fertilizer and do research on how to use it for the Fern begonia you are growing. It is important not to over-fertilize your Fern begonia, so determining the correct amount to use is crucial. The usual rule of thumb is to use the age of the tree (if known) or the diameter of the trunk to understand how much fertilizer should be used. Estimate a one-tenth of a pound of fertilizer per year or per inch of trunk, with a maximum of one pound. Granular fertilizers and organic fertilizers such as blood meal are applied by sprinkling the substance around the base of the tree all the way to the drip line (the space below the farthest-reaching branches) but do not let fertilizer come in contact with the trunk. Over time, the granules break down and filter into the soil to be absorbed into the roots. After fertilizing, spread an inch-deep layer of compost around the base of the tree and water thoroughly.
What happens if I fertilize my Fern begonia too much?
It is far better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize, since you can always add more but you cannot easily take away excess fertilizer. Over-fertilizing your Fern begonia may cause brown leaf tips and edges, yellowing, wilting leaves, and possibly a visible crust of fertilizer salts on the surface of the soil around the tree. This condition is called fertilizer burn and results from too many accumulated salts in the plant’s cells. If excess nitrogen is the issue, the Fern begonia will produce a lot of leaves but won’t grow much flowers since nitrogen supports foliage growth. If you have overfertilized, you could try removing the top layer of soil under the Fern begonia to remove the most concentrated area of fertilizer. Then flush the area by watering heavily to try to get rid of fertilizer around the roots.
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