Royal geranium - home care, photo, pruning
Proper care of royal geraniums at home
Pelargonium royal differs from other species requirements and aristocratic and royal appearance.
She is a capricious plant, which blooms less than other varieties, does not tolerate being on outdoors and is difficult to reproduce.
Despite all the difficulties, the royal flower has many admirers. They are ready to make any sacrifice to see the noble pelargonium bloom.
Royal pelargonium (large-flowered geranium): home care
Location and lighting
Royal pelargonium high illumination required. It is placed on window sills of western or eastern orientation.
You can also place the flower near the south window, then you will definitely need shading with curtains: the flower does not tolerate exposure to direct sunlight leaving burns on the leaves.
In warm weather, the flower pot can be moved to the balcony, loggia or veranda. Here she will receive a sufficient amount of sunlight, and in the afternoon she will be covered with light partial shade.
Pelargonium afraid of precipitation, therefore, when placed on a balcony or veranda, it is protected from rain.
Tips for caring for royal pelarony:
Royal pelargonium is not planted in a flower garden in open ground. It cannot stand even a slight breath of wind and is difficult to respond to transplantation, so frequent transfer from one place to another can destroy the plant.
IN winter time the flower will need additional lighting organized with the help of a phytolamp. If this recommendation is neglected, during the winter months the plant will stretch out, will not set buds and will not bloom in the next season.
During the rest period, that is in winter, geraniums are placed in a cool place. There should be no batteries near the plant central heating drying the air.
It is not recommended to place the plant next to an opening window: it afraid of exposure to drafts.
The plant requires a lot of light, is afraid of precipitation and drafts, direct sunlight
Temperature
In spring and summer in the room where the plant is kept, the temperature should be at twenty-four degrees.
In winter, the plant is provided with a period of rest and are kept at temperatures of ten to fourteen degrees.
Only if such a temperature is maintained in the room where the plant is kept will it lay buds for subsequent flowering. Elevated temperature causes growth and development to stop.
Watering and humidity
The frequency of watering royal pelargonium depends on the temperature in the room where it is located. In spring and summer, when the flower is actively developing and blooming, it is watered regularly and moderately.
The plant loves water very much, so in the summer months it is recommended to water it twice a day - in the morning and in the evening after sunset. In winter, watering is reduced to once a day.
Between waterings upper layer the soil must be allowed to dry out: Make sure of this before you wet the soil again. Excess liquid provokes rotting of the root system and the occurrence of infectious diseases.
The earthen clod should not be allowed to dry out., this negatively affects subsequent flowering. On mature plant spend about fifty milliliters at a time, this amount will be just enough to moisten the earthen mixture.
Hybrids of this species require more water because they are kept at higher temperatures.
In summer, the plant is watered twice a day, in winter - once.
For watering use soft, settled, boiled or rainwater room temperature.
Some gardeners recommend not watering from above, but pouring water into a tray, because the flower reacts heavily to the strong compaction of the soil in the pot. This method allows the root system to take as much moisture from the pan as it needs.
If the air in the room is not too dry, the spraying procedure is not resorted to, because geranium does not easily tolerate water on leaves and flowers. Swimming under warm shower also harms the plant.
Top dressing
Royal pelargonium is periodically fed. During the period of growth and flowering, that is, in spring and summer, fertilize the flower once a week using mineral fertilizers.
Additional nutrition is especially necessary for a young plant that is just getting accustomed to new soil. At this time it is usually used complex fertilizer, intended for young specimens.
Before flowering(the very first and subsequent ones) pelargonium is fed with food containing potassium and phosphorus. This fertilizer begins to be used two to three months before the first flowers appear, that is, at the end of March.
The use of organic fertilizers is prohibited, especially fresh.
Pelargonium is fed with food containing potassium and phosphorus in spring and summer.
Trimming
It is important to learn how to prune royal pelargonium correctly. Some gardeners resort to this procedure in the spring, not knowing that pruning done during this period will affect flowering and delay it for a year.
The bush is formed after the end of flowering, around the end of the summer months or the beginning of autumn.
Pruning includes two procedures, which are performed at intervals of one and a half months in order to injure the pelargonium less.
In autumn, the plant actively develops new shoots that pinch off after the formation of the fourth or fifth pair of leaves. Pinching causes new young shoots to appear.
Professional flower growers who prepare their pelargoniums for exhibitions resort to pinching about three to four times. This helps the plant form into a compact bush and bloom profusely in the new season.
The last pinching must be carried out no later than the end of January.. Pelargonium can become very elongated during wintering, then instead of pinching the shoots are pruned.
The secret to forming a lush bush:
Choosing a pot, soil and replanting
For each transplant, use a pot that is two centimeters larger in diameter than the previous one.
You cannot plant a young plant immediately in a large container., this can lead to acidification of the soil, which the root system will not have time to develop.
Soil for royal pelargonium can be purchased at a specialized store or prepared independently by mixing humus, leaf and turf soil, sand and peat in equal parts.
The plant does well in neutral soil or slightly alkaline soil. To reduce acidity, add ash to the pot, which is also an excellent fertilizer.
Definitely in the potty lay high-quality drainage from pebbles or expanded clay.
Royal pelargonium replanted once every two to three years, because the plant has a hard time moving into a new container. Frequent transplantation slows down flowering.
The most suitable time for this procedure is the spring months. The plant is replanted when the roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes.
The plant is replanted once every 2-3 years, in the spring; with each replantation, a pot is used that is 2 cm larger in diameter than the previous one.
Flower propagation
Cuttings
The easiest way to propagate royal pelargonium is resort to the cutting method. A short cutting is separated from the mother plant by cutting it below the internode at an angle of forty-five degrees.
The cutting areas are sprinkled with charcoal and the cuttings are left to dry for four to five hours.
After that cuttings are planted in a specially prepared mixture of peat, which is mixed with sand or perlite. Also suitable for this purpose peat tablets, sold in a flower shop.
Each cutting is planted in a separate container, and after the roots appear, it is moved into the earthen mixture necessary for royal pelargonium.
Reproduction by cuttings:
How to care
After replanting, manipulations are carried out to stimulate active branching and flowering: the young plant is pinched above the third leaves. The following pinchings are carried out as necessary.
During the growth period, pelargonium is fed with fertilizers that contain no more than eleven percent nitrogen. An increased nitrogen content will provoke an increase in green mass, rather than the appearance of buds.
Flowering stimulating agents are used only nine to ten months after the roots appear on the cuttings.
Can it be propagated by seeds?
It is also possible to propagate pelargonium using seeds, but this is much more difficult. As a result of this method, more viable specimens grow with an extended flowering period.
Small elongated seeds are purchased in the store. In mid-February, they are planted in a container with peat and sand, deepened by half a centimeter.
A month later, sprouts appear, which are planted in separate pots after a pair of true leaves appear.
When grown from seeds, you can get more viable plants with an extended flowering period
Diseases and pests
Whitefly. The insect resembles a white butterfly, only one to two millimeters in size. Symptoms of attack: the appearance of yellow spots on the leaves.
Fighting methods: the plant is removed from the room with dry warm air. A heavily infected specimen is shed with Aktara three times with an interval of six to seven days.
If the pest has just begun its destructive activity, it can be washed off with water by washing the leaves laundry soap. Then the royal pelargonium is covered with a bag for half an hour.
Blackleg. Reason: excess moisture, low temperatures, dense soil, large capacity. Symptoms: tissue softening. It is not possible to save the flower, so the plant is destroyed.
Aphid. Symptoms: curling leaves, falling buds, presence of shavings white. Get rid of pests by washing the back of the leaves with chamomile infusion or green soap.
Rust. Symptoms: the appearance of red-brown spots on the leaves, drying out and falling off. Treatment: cutting out damaged parts of the plant, using fungicides: “Topaz”, “Fitosporin-M”.
Diseases and pests of pelargonium: whitefly and aphids, rust and black leg
Why doesn't it bloom? What to do to ensure flowering?
It often happens that royal pelargonium (geranium) refuses to bloom at home. This is due to errors in the content. You should always follow the instructions on how to properly care for your flower as closely as possible.
Why doesn't large-flowered pelargonium bloom? Flowers may not appear above showy green foliage due to insufficient lighting or unsuitable temperatures.
Pot size affects flowering: A plant placed in a container that is too large will not bloom. Fertilizers with the wrong composition also stop flowering.
Pelargonium also refuses to bloom due to the transplant not being completed on time and improper care: incorrect pruning or its complete absence.
Trying to make pelargonium bloom, flower growers resort to the method of grafting onto other plant species. Fragrant pelargonium and a variety called “unique” are suitable for this purpose.
Vaccination is carried out as follows: prepare a twig with two leaves, make a one-centimeter long cut on it.
An identical cut is made on the second plant, after which a branch is attached, combining the two cuts and tying them with woolen thread. The procedure is carried out in virtually sterile conditions.
For royal pelargonium to bloom, it can be grafted onto fragrant geranium
Pelargonium does not bloom if it is not given rest in winter. Lush and abundant flowering will please the gardener only if in winter all maintenance conditions have been met to ensure rest for the plant.
Pelargonium royal fully lives up to its name. She looks like a truly royal person, blooming flowers of stunning beauty and demanding increased attention to herself.
Source: http://proklumbu.com/komnatnue/geran/pelargonija-korolevskaja.html
Royal geranium care at home: planting, propagation, diseases and pests
Royal geranium is completely different from typical representatives of the geranium family. She has a truly royal and aristocratic appearance.
Royal pelargonium blooms much less often than other varieties and is particularly capricious in care. In order for the plant to grow well and bloom often, it is necessary to follow certain recommendations.
In this article we will talk about how to care for royal geraniums.
How to care for royal geraniums
Despite the high whimsicality to conditions environment This type of geranium is very popular among gardeners. Plant care has many features that must be carefully observed. You should know that the flowering of geraniums cannot be prolonged in any way.
Where to place the flower
Pelargonium royale - this light- and heat-loving plant is placed in places with good lighting. For example, on window sills with east and west orientation.
If the apartment windows face south, then for normal development, the plant needs to be slightly shaded using curtains or other available means. Royal pelargonium does not respond well to direct sunlight.
Bright sunlight can cause burns on the leaves.
How to place indoor flowers on a window
Royal pelargonium grows well in light air spaces. Therefore, some gardeners do not limit themselves to growing plants on the windowsill.
It can be used to decorate balconies, terraces and loggias. If necessary, geranium can be planted in the garden.
For normal development, geraniums must be protected from bright sunlight and precipitation on the leaves.
Geranium is not recommended to be planted in open ground. This is due to the fact that pelargonium does not tolerate gusts of wind and constant replanting. Frequent replanting and flower transfer to different places can quickly destroy geraniums.
Some gardeners are surprised why pelargonium does not bloom when seemingly all conditions are met. Very often the reason for the lack of flowering is non-compliance with the dormant period and active growth. In addition, in the cold season the plant may suffer from insufficient lighting.
You can make up for the lack of ultraviolet rays using a photo lamp. Neglecting this recommendation can lead to the pelargonium stretching out, disrupting the process of planting buds, and most likely the geranium will not be able to bloom next season. Pelargonium does not tolerate dry air well.
In winter, the plant must be installed away from central heating radiators.
Temperature
During the period of active growth, the plant should be in a room where the air temperature is in the range from 20 to 25ºС. During the cold season, geranium remains dormant. Optimal temperature in the winter months it should be between 10 and 15ºС.
Maintaining the optimal temperature regime will allow pelargonium to correctly lay buds for subsequent flowering. If in the summer the air temperature in the room exceeds the optimal permissible values, then the plant develops poorly and eventually stops growing.
How to water a plant correctly
The frequency of watering depends on the air temperature in which the royal geranium flower is located. In the spring and summer, regular moderate watering is recommended for pelargonium. How to determine how much water is needed for irrigation, you ask? It is very easy to determine; you need to look at the top layer of soil.
If it is dry, then the plant needs to be watered, and if not, postpone watering. Geranium does not need abundant watering. Excess moisture in the soil coma can provoke the occurrence of diseases of the root system. Insufficient watering, as well as excess watering, are very dangerous for royal pelargonium.
Overdrying of the plant substrate negatively affects flowering.
The average plant uses about 50 ml of water per day per day. This does not mean at all that royal pelargonium needs to be watered with that much water per day. This volume is not enough to wet the top layer of the earthen clod.
Hybrid varieties, unlike classic ones, need more water. This is due to the characteristics of care. Optimal temperature regime for content hybrid varieties pelargonium is in the higher range. For irrigation use soft and settled water. The plant can be watered with boiled, rain or melt water.
Unlike others indoor plants Pelargonium does not need spraying, since it does not tolerate water on the leaves very well. Washing under warm water can cause irreparable harm to geraniums.
Top dressing
Pelargonium, like any other plant, needs periodic feeding. During the growing season, geraniums must be fertilized with mineral fertilizers once every 7 days. After transplantation, the plant needs new soil and a special complex fertilizer, which is intended for these purposes.
Geranium especially needs feeding during the flowering period. The plant is fed mineral fertilizers which contain calcium and phosphorus. This type of feeding begins to be used 90 days before the flowers appear, in other words, at the beginning of spring.
It is forbidden to feed pelargonium with organic fertilizers.
How to choose the right pot and substrate
When replanting a plant, you need to pay attention to its volume. The new container for pelargonium should be 2 cm larger than the previous one.
Instead of a ruler, you can use two fingers (index and middle). Thus, the new pot should be 2 fingers larger in diameter than the old one.
If you neglect the above rule, this leads to a slowdown in the process of adaptation of the root system and acidification of the soil.
Neutral soil is ideal for the plant. You can buy a substrate for a flower in a store or prepare it yourself. You can reduce acidity with ash.
A drainage of small pebbles must be placed at the bottom of the flower container. It is recommended to replant the plant no more than once every 3 years.
A flower is transplanted when the roots of the pelargonium completely entwine the soil ball. The best time It is spring for this event.
How to propagate geraniums
Pelargonium can be propagated in several ways. The most common method is cuttings. For this they take mother plant and cut the cuttings at an angle of 45º.
Many people wonder how to root royal geranium? Everything is very simple, the cut cuttings are processed and dried. Then the cuttings are planted in a mixture of sand, peat, and poured.
As soon as the roots appear, the plant is transplanted into an earthen mixture.
Propagation of geraniums by cuttings
Propagating indoor plants is an amazing activity
Propagation of pelargonium by seeds is less popular. This is because this method is much more complicated. But hard labour worth it. As a result of propagation by seeds, a more viable plant grows with long term flowering.
Royal pelargonium seeds can be purchased at a garden store. The plant is planted in a special substrate, which consists of peat and sand. The ideal time to plant the plant is the end of winter. About a month after planting, the first shoots should appear, ready for transplanting.
"Royal geranium propagation"
What diseases and pests affect pelargonium
Pests of indoor plants and ways to combat them
How to prune pelargonium correctly
Many gardeners make a huge mistake by pruning geraniums during the active growth period. Such ignorance leads to the fact that royal geraniums do not bloom.
Pruning of the plant is carried out at the end of August and beginning of September. This procedure is performed in several stages, maintaining an interval of 1.5 months.
This period of time allows you to avoid traumatization of pelargonium.
Pinching plants promotes the appearance of new shoots. It is carried out after the fifth pair of geranium leaves. The last procedure should be done in the middle of winter. If during wintering the plants become very elongated, they are pruned.
"Royal geranium: pruning and care"
If you follow all the rules of care, royal pelargonium will delight you with its lush beauty and require increased attention to its person.
Source: http://CvetnikInfo.ru/komnatnye-tsvety/geran-korolevskaya.html
Pelargonium Royal geranium
Pelargonium is very popular among gardeners and all lovers of indoor plants. This type of flower is popularly called geranium; the Royal geranium variety is considered the brightest and most beautiful. It is distinguished by its extraordinary splendor of flowering, its size and exceptional variety of color palette.
Pelargonium is very popular among gardeners and all lovers of indoor plants.
Royal geranium is one of the most large varieties, its beauty leaves no one indifferent; it grows as a large, wide shrub, which during flowering seems to be strewn with flowers, often reaching up to 15 cm in diameter. Flowers may have different colors depending on the variety, characteristic difference This species has a dark blotch on the upper part of the petals; in appearance, many compare them with pansies.
So, it’s worth finding out in more detail what kind of care this beauty needs and how difficult it is to grow it.
Rules of care
The fact that this pelargonium is called Royal gives some definition to its species. Indeed, this variety is quite capricious and requires special care at home. His appearance True to its name, it differs from other varieties in its size and shape. Larger flowers among this genus are difficult to find - perhaps this is its main difference.
Its leaves also have characteristic features: they seem to be covered with small hairs, which is why they become rough to the touch, and are quite large, their edges have a jagged shape.
It is worth noting that the Royal geranium does not emit a scent. Experts are working hard on new varieties of this species, surprising each time with the unusual color and size of the flowers.
The place where the Royal geranium is placed should be well lit; many experts recommend providing it with additional lighting; these are ideal for this. fluorescent lamps. The plant does not like drafts and cold, so it is worth positioning it in such a way that the room can be ventilated without creating drafts.
Royal geranium is one of the largest varieties; its beauty leaves no one indifferent
The optimal place for this flower will be the south side, namely the windows or loggia. In summer, the plant must be protected from direct sunlight to avoid burns of the foliage. If you do not move the flower pot from the windowsill, you can use blinds to regulate the light supply. The temperature in the room where the Royal geranium is located should not be lower than +10ºС and not higher than +30ºС.
Also read: The best flowers for decorating garden and city flower beds
It blooms mostly for a short time, but when proper care and regular fertilizing, Royal geranium can bloom from April to August. To form a bush, you need to periodically pinch out the branches, as well as carry out sanitary cleaning, removing faded flowers and dried leaves.
The geranium bush should be trimmed regularly, this will significantly increase the number of flowers on it. Trimming is performed for lush flowering, since the plant redirects all its forces not to greening the branches, but to the density of flowers. Pruning is carried out several times a year. The first time it is performed before the winter period, as soon as the plant has faded.
Remove half a branch with flowers, this reduces the risk of developing diseases and makes it possible to successfully enter a state of hibernation. The main thing is not to immediately apply fertilizer, otherwise the flower, on the contrary, will actively begin to grow and restore the cuttings, and the root system in this case will become stressed and exhausted.
The second time pruning is done at the end of winter or beginning of spring. If the bush has grown significantly, it can be trimmed a little and shaped. The cut must be made obliquely and with an exceptionally sharp instrument, which is disinfected before starting work.
The easiest way to purchase soil for Royal Pelargonium is in a flower salon or store; you can prepare the substrate yourself, using the following in equal proportions:
- black soil from a greenhouse;
- coarse river sand.
It is worth keeping in mind that purchased substrates have more nutrients than ordinary black soil. The soil should be fertile, fairly loose, not light. When planting, be sure to line the bottom of the pot with a drainage layer; expanded clay or small crushed stone is ideal for this.
Royal geranium likes to be watered regularly. For humidification, use only settled water at room temperature.
You need to water as the top layer of soil dries, but do not wait until soil crusts and cracks form.
Excess moisture is also undesirable for a southern beauty; stagnation of moisture in a flowerpot leads to disease of the root system and death of the flower. In winter, if the room has enough humidity and low temperature, reduce watering.
Royal geranium loves fertilizing; it needs to be applied regularly. In winter and autumn period You can fertilize once every 2 months, and in summer and spring - 1-2 times a month.
Also read: Variety of species and varieties of creeping tenacious
Flower growers often keep a special diary, in which the Royal geranium is noted every day. After all, it is important to know when the flowers were fertilized and with what preparations. This helps not to get confused and fertilize according to the scheme. The optimal fertilizers for the roll are considered to be preparations that include:
- phosphorus;
- nitrogen;
- potassium;
- minerals.
Fertilizers can be applied only after the plant has been watered; moistened soil will avoid possible burns to the root system.
Not used for feeding organic fertilizers, decorative look geraniums may even die from such substances.
If you feed the ball correctly, this will allow it to bloom longer and more luxuriantly.
Gallery: Royal geranium (25 photos)
Royal pelargonium (video)
Grafting of Pelargonium Tsarskaya
One of the most important points In caring for this type of plant is the implementation of the so-called grafting. It is performed in order to obtain a new color on an adult bush and to form a crown.
The process itself is the transplantation of a young shoot or shoot from one plant to another.
Young plants that are not yet 1 year old, as well as depleted and sick specimens, are not subject to grafting.
So, the first stage is separating a piece of a young sprout from the cutting. For this, it is better to use a regular blade; it is thinner and can be used to make a figured cut.
The upper part of the sprout, 2-3 cm long, is cut out V- figurative form point down. For replanting, choose a cutting of the same width so that at least one side of the grafting material matches.
Insert the scion into the rootstock and fix it if desired.
The optimal place for this flower will be the south side, namely the windows or loggia
Propagation of pelargonium by seeds
This decorative type of geranium can be propagated in 2 ways:
Both methods are actively used by flower growers.
So, sowing seeds:
- The best time for sowing is winter or spring period. A substrate enriched with useful minerals is placed in a special container. You can buy ready-made soil or mix the following components yourself: 2 parts turf soil, 1 part river sand and 1 part peat.
- Next is to prepare the seeds themselves. Initially, they must be treated in solutions such as Zircon or Epin; this should be done strictly according to the instructions. After processing, they need to be soaked in water at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours.
- Since the seeds are quite small, they are not buried individually in the ground. Planting proceeds as follows: seeds are carefully placed in a container with soil and lightly sprinkled with substrate on top. After this, the container must be covered with glass. In the future, it is necessary to ventilate every day by opening the glass lid and removing condensation. The container is placed in a warm and well-ventilated room with an air temperature of + 20ºС.
- After 14 days, young shoots will appear. As soon as 2-3 leaves sprout on each of them, you can transplant them into an individual pot. Its size should be small, no more than 10-15 cm, depending on the seedlings.
Of course, this method of reproduction is quite long and labor-intensive, and not always everything will work out the first time.
How to root cuttings of royal pelargonium (video)
Propagation by cuttings
This variety can be propagated by cuttings; to do this, you need to cut off young cuttings with branches at the top from the main branches. Length planting material should be at least 5-8 cm, the cut area must be treated with crushed coal, and when working, use a sterile and fairly sharp instrument.
The young cuttings are planted in a separate pot with the same substrate as for sowing seeds. Sometimes gardeners temporarily use peat pots until the sprout takes root, and after the roots appear and it begins to grow, it can be planted on permanent place. IN further care it is cared for in the same way as an adult plant.
Regarding transplantation, it is worth saying that pelargonium needs it in as a last resort when the roots in the old pot are already cramped and they are visible from the holes for water drainage. For replanting, it is important to purchase pots that are not too large, but only 2-3 fingers higher and wider than the previous one. This is enough so that the roots can move freely and have a small space for development.
Diseases and pests
Like all types of plants, this variety of pelargonium is at risk of disease, but most often this occurs due to improper care and non-compliance with growing rules.
The most common problem and factor causing the risk of disease is excess or stagnation of moisture in the soil.
This leads to damage to the roots and death of the plant; the soil in this case is disposed of, and the pot must be disinfected.
Pests such as aphids, mites and whiteflies are quite common on pelargonium. You need to fight these insects with the help of special preparations and soap solutions.
Perhaps this is the most basic information that will help to properly care for and reproduce the royal roll. Although this variety is considered quite whimsical and demanding, if desired and with a sufficiently competent approach, this may not even be noticed.
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Pelargonium is a flower known and loved by many. It gained its popularity for the beauty of its lush inflorescences, the colors of which delight the eyes and soul in spring and summer. She is not at all picky - caring for flowers with “bright hats” is not that difficult. Another reason for its wide distribution is that it can grow not only in room conditions, but also to decorate balconies, loggias, as well as garden and park flower beds in the summer.
The historical homeland of the plant is South Africa. In the 16th century, it was first noticed on the vastness of the mainland by flora and fauna researchers from Europe. They brought with them several specimens of flowers and began to breed them in their greenhouses. Pelargoniums became especially popular in England during the reign of Queen Victoria. This fashion spread to other countries, including Russia, where in every noble house one could find several blooming representatives of the southern flower.
Such a general fascination with the plant led to the fact that breeders began to breed more and more new species. Their ancestor was zonal pelargonium, which was one of the first to be brought from the African continent. It was a fairly tall bush, about a meter high, with bright, red flowers. But its main feature was the presence of dark crescent-shaped zones on the leaves, hence the appearance of part scientific name- zonal. The color of the leaves resembled the famous bakery product, so people began to call the flowers kalach. There is another name that can often be heard when it comes to a beautiful, bright and cheerful flower - geranium. But the fact is that geranium and pelargonium are two different plants.
Pelargonium and geranium - two sisters from the same family
Both flowers belong to the same family - Geraniaceae. Outwardly, they are really similar, especially in the seed capsule, which is tied after the plant has flowered. Outwardly, it resembles the beak of a bird. Actually, thanks to this feature they got their names Greek: pelargos - stork, geranium - crane. What is the difference between them?
Variety of pelargonium species
For many years after the discovery of the flower, numerous species of pelargonium appeared, which later united into entire groups. Depending on their characteristic features, they are divided into pelargoniums: zonal, ivy-leaved, unique, fragrant, angelic and royal.
Zonal pelargoniums: main types
A very large group, including such a huge number of varieties that this “community” is divided into subspecies. All of them are collected according to the characteristics of the “design” of the flower.
Ivy-leaved (ampeloid) pelargoniums
Ivy-leaved (ampeloid) pelargoniums have long occupied their niche among numerous species and varieties. Their peculiarity is that their stems are not erect, but long and hanging (their height can vary from 30 to 100 cm). The hard leaves are not much different in shape from ivy. And in terms of color and structure, the plants can please any, even the most demanding, gardener: simple, double, pink, almost all the colors of the rainbow. Such pelargoniums appeared quite a long time ago; the first mentions of them date back to the beginning of the 18th century. The most beautiful representative of the ivy species is the white pelargonium Ice Rose. Its rather large, double flowers of snow-white color fascinate with their beauty, and the jagged small leaves emphasize the amazing tenderness and purity of the “ice rose”.
Uniques - a characteristic of ancient culture
Unicum is the “elder” among pelargoniums. In the second half of the 18th century, this specimen with carved leaves, beautiful flowers and a fragrant scent was bred. The species became especially widespread in the Victorian era, when almost no garden of the nobility could do without several representatives of this variety.
Fragrant pelargoniums: varieties
Not everyone will like the smell of pelargonium that it emits if you accidentally touch its leaves. But there are varieties that simply smell fragrant, filling the house with a variety of wonderful aromas. At first glance, these are completely inconspicuous plants, with rare, modest flowers. But this group is valued not for its beauty, but for its ability to refresh and flavor the air. If you want to smell spruce or pine, you can put a pot of Orsett, Clorinda, Fernleaf, Fair Ellen in the room. Mabel Gray, Orange Fizz (lemon), p. will fill the air with fruity notes. Moliconum (pineapple), p. Odoratissimum (apple), Fruity (fruit tones), p. Grossularioides (coconut). Perfumery connoisseurs may like the varieties Brilliante, Candy Dancer, Fragran. Gemstone and Lady Plymouth exude minty freshness.
Royal Pelargonium - the queen of the Geranium family
Perhaps the most beautiful of the entire Geranium family is royal pelargonium, endowed with royally large flowers of various shades and lush leaves similar to maple.
It was bred by hybridizing several types of flowers. In Germany it is called Pelargonia grandiflorum, and there are several other names - regale or large-flowered. Royal at home is the same as zonal, but has a more “capricious character” and requires more care. Another difference is not in favor of the “royal person” - its simple relatives are capable of blooming with proper care all year round, and she blooms buds within 3-4 months. Pelargonium is especially whimsical in winter: at this time of year it needs to create a temperature regime within 10-12 °C. If this is not done, the plant will not set buds for the next flowering. But such troubles are compensated by the noble and luxurious beauty of the flower. A distinctive feature of the species is that the flowers are almost never monochromatic. The petals must have some spots, lines, borders, lines and other “decorative elements”.
Such large, truly royal inflorescences cannot be produced by any other species: 5-7 cm in diameter is the usual size of one flower. The corrugated edge of the petals enhances the impression. This feature creates the effect of airy clouds of white, lilac, purple and burgundy colors accidentally caught on the jagged, carved leaves.
Varietal diversity of the crop
Today, numerous varieties of royal pelargoniums allow you to choose a flower to suit every taste. The most famous of them: Ann Hoystead, Black Prince, Bredon, Bushfire, Carisbrooke, Funchal, Margaret Soley, Lavander GeandSlam. Today, about a thousand varieties have already been bred, and the work to obtain more and more beautiful flowers from this series does not stop for a second.
The southern beauty of royal blood can boast of not only varieties. On its basis, breeders even bred the new kind– Angel Pelargonium, obtained by crossing large-flowered and curly varieties. In appearance, angel flowers are very similar to royal ones, so they are often confused. But there are still differences between the species. Angels have smaller flowers, and the structure of their stems is ampelous with small leaves. If we draw parallels with other flowers, Pelargonia grandiflorum resembles petunias, and Angel Pelargonium resembles pansies.
The most beloved varieties of angel-like flowers include: Deerwood Angel Eyes, Charmy Electro, Ansbrock Beauty, Quantock May, Tip Top Duet, Wayward Angel, Margaret Soley, Lord Bute, Morwenna.
Features of caring for royal pelargonium
According to some parameters, care royal pelargonium differs from the simple-minded care of ordinary “rolls”. To grow royal pelargonium successfully, you need to follow some rules. What special requirements does the South African beauty have?
Lighting. Due to its origin, the flower likes to grow in a well-lit place. For it, you should choose areas filled with sunlight. Of course, during extreme heat it is better to remove them from the windowsills so that the leaves do not get burned. And the rest of the time the plant should not suffer from lack of light. If you break this rule, an immediate reaction from the “queen” will follow - shedding of buds, excessive stretching and “balding” of the stems. In addition, the flowering of pelargonium noticeably deteriorates: the quality and quantity of flowers decreases.
Protection from drafts. Unlike geranium and other, less demanding varieties of pelargonium, the queen flower will not bloom in gardens and parks. It is designed exclusively for indoor growing. Moreover, even at home, it is very capricious to drafts and gusts of cool wind. It grows best in glassed loggias, balconies, and also on window sills.
Water. Watering is the basis of the life of any plant, including pelargonium. She does not like over-dried soil, nor does she like over-watered soil. In the hot season, it is necessary to water it more often, depending on how quickly the soil dries out. It is advisable that the soil does not remain long time unmoistened.
Humidity. Regarding air humidity, Regale pelargonium is not very demanding, but in dry, hot weather it should still be sprayed with warm water. Until the moisture on the leaves and petals dries, you cannot place the pots with the plant under straight Sun rays. Such carelessness can lead to the appearance of yellow spots.
Feeding. This flower does not put forward any special “ultimatums” to the soil. But during abundant flowering in warm weather, it needs feeding. Without them, the plant will not reveal all the potential inherent in nature and scientists. The inflorescences will remain half empty.
It is best to buy ready-made fertilizers specifically designed for this flower.
Trimming. Quite an important stage in plant care. Without the formation of a bush, one should not expect beautiful and lush inflorescences. Here the question arises: when is it better to prune pelargonium - in spring or autumn? It is most effective to prune stems in autumn or winter. If pelargonium is pruned in the spring, it stops flowering. It is necessary to remove excess stems in two stages: immediately after flowering (in the last days of August), and then again after 45 days. It must be remembered that pruning of royal pelargonium is carried out with a disinfected tool (scissors, pruning shears), dry and “bare” stems are cut out, and the main stem is also cut by a third. The bush itself is formed compactly and symmetrically.
Reproduction of pelargoniums - features
The cut parts of the central stem will help propagate royal pelargonium if there are three or four pairs of leaves left on them. Royal pelargonium cuttings are not pre-germinated in water. Propagation by cuttings of royal pelargonium does not require any special work - they are planted in small pots, after pre-treating the cuts with charcoal and drying them a little (for 2-7 hours). Before rooting royal pelargonium, soil for the containers is prepared and moistened. The soil is prepared on the basis of sand and peat, which are taken in equal proportions. Cuttings of royal pelargonium can be considered completed 1.5 - 2 months after transplantation, when the seedlings have finally taken root. It is better not to carry out cuttings of pelargonium in the spring, since cutting the stems can negatively affect the flowering of the plant.
The second answer to the question: how to propagate royal pelargonium is the use of seeds. But this is a rather labor-intensive process, and the seeds of royal pelargonium sometimes give not quite the expected result, especially if they were collected from hybrids, which, as is known, belong to the first generation crops.
Problems with the “royal flower”: how to solve them?
Even if all the rules listed above are followed, over time some problems may arise with this species of the Geraniaceae family. A lot of information has been written about how to care for royal pelargonium. All sources repeat the same nuance related to the contents of the flower - the shape and size of the container for planting it. Having planted a plant in a pot that is too large, you should not be surprised that the royal pelargonium does not bloom, and the leaves and shoots no longer fit on the windowsill. This is the direct proportion of the species - the larger the flowerpot, the fewer flowers and more greenery. The flower in large containers will devote all its energy to “greening the bush”, and not to the development of beautiful inflorescences, which is what flower growers so expect from it.
Yellow leaves - causes and how to eliminate them?
Most often, many connoisseurs of this flower They are faced with the fact that the leaves of pelargonium turn yellow and significantly worsen its appearance. They need to be torn off to improve the attractiveness of the plant and rid it of unnecessary, outdated leaves. The constant drying of the leaves leads to the fact that the stem eventually becomes completely “bald”. Dying of foliage - natural process, but if it turns into a large-scale “disaster”, then you need to look for the cause and take action. The main reasons behind the problem are as follows:
Or in another way, the domestic one was bred by English breeders. The progenitors were the large-flowered and glomerular varieties. Royal pelargonium is not a variety, but a variety that has a huge number of varieties.
The main difference between this noble beauty is its large flowers, collected in an umbrella, 5-7 cm in diameter. Some varieties have fringed edges of the petals. The color is very diverse from white and soft pink to burgundy and purple. The color variety lacks only blue-blue and yellow shades.
- Temperature very important and has various requirements in different time of the year. In winter, the plant needs lower temperatures from 12 to 15 degrees. Keeping them in such conditions makes it possible to remain in a state of rest to recuperate. In the warm season, when pelargonium is in the active stage, a normal room temperature of 18 to 22 degrees is suitable for it. A very hot atmosphere can have a detrimental effect on geraniums. And, of course, the absence of drafts is important.
- Air humidity– a factor no less important. Dry air near radiators, as well as very high humidity, can cause various diseases. Average values from 40 to 60% are optimal for the normal life of royal pelargonium.
- Lighting in winter, due to natural reasons, it becomes less intense, which is what is required for this beauty. She needs little daylight with soft, diffused lighting. Bright, prolonged lighting can disrupt the flower’s biorhythms and interfere with the dormant period. During the period of growth and flowering, pelargonium loves sunlight very much; it feels great on the most illuminated windowsills. Lack of light during this period leads to elongation of shoots and faded color of leaves.
- Priming For pelargoniums, fertile, loose, with a slightly acidic or neutral reaction is suitable. Loamy and clayey soils and soil with an acidic reaction are strictly unsuitable. At the bottom of the pot there must be a drainage layer of brick chips, expanded clay or small stones.
IMPORTANT: It is necessary to monitor the temperature of the soil in the pot in cold weather; it may differ from the air temperature by several degrees. This often happens on cold windowsills. Put a piece thermal insulation material under the potty to correct the situation.
- Pot must correspond to the size of the plant's root system. It is important to replant pelargonium in time when it is crowded and the roots have already entwined the entire earthen ball. In this case, the plant will not have enough nutrition, and there is also a risk of root rotting. A pot that is too big will also not bring you happiness. A flower planted in a large pot may not bloom for a long time, because it directs all its energy to the development of space by its roots. When replanting, you need to choose a container 2-3 cm larger in diameter.
In addition to providing all the maintenance conditions described above, the flower must be properly cared for. Let's look at how.
Watch a video about proper care of royal pelargonium:
Reasons for the lack of flowers?
The reasons may be as follows:
- The flower lacks nutrition.
- The container selected for planting is too large.
- Roots are damaged. It could be like mechanical damage, and rotting or infection.
- Damage to pelargonium by pests. These can be whiteflies or aphids, less often other insects.
- The plant is sick. The most common disease of pelargonium is gray mold.
- Due to non-compliance with the conditions, there is no rest period.
- Failure to follow the rules of care, especially improper watering.
Of course, first of all you need to ensure everything the necessary conditions content. If the plant has rested over the winter, all measures have been taken for this, but spring is ending and there are no flowers, you should proceed as follows:
Conclusion
Our capricious queen does not tolerate neglect and demands special attention. Therefore, it must be taken care of with pedantic precision, fully observing all the rules. I think that flower lovers will agree with me that it is worth it, because it was not for nothing that it was called. I wish you lush blooms!
A flower that requires special care and approach to propagation. This article is devoted to the issue of propagating pelargonium using. This process is quite simple, but it has a number of features and a certain amount of free time. There is a possibility that the procedure will not bring a positive result the first time, but do not despair, since even experienced gardeners have failures from time to time.
Cutting and preparing cuttings
Important! The soil should be pressed tightly around the shoots - if this is not done, air bubbles that form around the stem can adversely affect the process of formation of the root system.
In order to provide the young shoots with a sufficient level of moisture, the pot is covered with a transparent plastic bag. Next, you should produce and place the container in a well-lit place, but avoid direct sunlight. As the soil dries out, additional watering is carried out. 
The second method involves using a special one, and is suitable if you intend to grow the flower in large quantities. There are simple greenhouses, and there are those equipped with a heating system.
They are quite easy to use. The tray is filled, then it is moistened, and it is planted on top. After this, everything is covered with a lid and watered from time to time until the sprouts take root. 
The third method is the least expensive. It will only require plastic bags. It is relatively young; its distinctive feature is that cellophane does not allow moisture to evaporate.
Before planting the cuttings, you should fill any bag with light soil, water it thoroughly and tightly wrap the edge of the bag with rope. Then holes are made in its upper part with a knife and cuttings are planted in them. The number of cuttings planted directly depends on the size of the package.
Royal pelargonium is the most beautiful plant, which attracts attention with its charming flowers and incredibly beautiful blooms. People also call this geranium royal, English grandiflora, domestic and noble. This type of pelargonium is unpretentious in care, but requires attention and special conditions cultivation, which is important to observe if you want to grow truly lush beauty on your windowsill.
Description of the flower
Pelargonium grandiflora is bush about 60 cm high, which is distinguished by herbaceous erect stems, rich green leaves and large inflorescences with a diameter of up to 25 cm. Royal pelargonium flowers can reach 7 cm in diameter. They consist of petals, which, depending on the variety, have a variety of colors and shapes. Simple or double buds have smooth or wavy edges. Their color can be monochromatic or bicolor, when there are contrasting inclusions inside the flower.
At good care With royal geranium, you can achieve continuous flowering for three to four months. Blooming flowers of the plant have many shades– from white to dark purple. Depending on the variety, the leaves can be large or small, but they all have the same shape. Each rough leaf has small serrations.
Caring for royal geraniums
A flowering plant loves light, so best place there will be a stand for it near the south window. You can place a flower pot directly on the windowsill, but only on east or west windows. Direct sunlight will not harm geraniums, but on too hot days, burns may form on the leaves.
On northern window sills and in the shade, royal pelargonium will not be enough Sveta. In case of insufficient lighting, the leaves on the bush become small, and the buds may not appear at all, which, in fact, will be the answer to the question of why the royal geranium does not bloom.
The room where the flower grows must be regularly ventilated, but so that there are no drafts. In the warm season, a pot with a bush can be placed on open balcony or to the garden.
