Geranium flowers– bright and fragrant flowers of a houseplant called geranium, or pelargonium (see photo). The plant is a representative of the Geraniaceae family. Scientists call the African continent the native pelargonium.
Geranium, like other flowers, has a legend dedicated to it. In the East they believed that at first pelargonium was a weed, it was not noticed among other flowers, it did not have any outstanding properties. One day, the prophet Magomed came down from the mountains and threw his cape, wet with sweat, onto a geranium bush. The weed turned toward the sun, and the fabric dried faster. Prophet Magomed covered the weed in gratitude amazing beauty flowers and endowed with many useful properties.
Geranium got its name from Greek word“stork”, there is a version that the fruits of the plant, similar to a long-beaked bird, are to blame. Other peoples gave similar names to the plant. This is how the Germans called the flower “stork’s nose”, the Bulgarians “health resort”, and in England and Russia the name “crane bird” is found. Geranium acquired its familiar appearance thanks to the efforts of the English breeder George Tradescant; in honor of this famous gardener, one of the plants was named “Tradescantia”. The scientist was so keen on breeding pelargonium that he lovingly called each variety “angel” or “butterfly”. The crowning achievement of the gardener was the royal geranium; this flower cured the insomnia of the king of England. Pelargonium became so popular that court beauties began decorating their hats with its flowers, and soon even men began wearing its leaves on their clothes. The plant perfectly protected against lice, which allowed healers to create medicinal ointments based on plant juice and oils. Emperor Peter I even cured lameness and foot pain caused by an ingrown toenail, and all this thanks to small flower. Pelargonium was used to treat burns and various wounds.
Geranium is a natural home first aid kit. The juice from the leaves of the plant can be instilled instead of nasal drops for colds. Just a few procedures - and geranium will cure a runny nose and ear pain. Magicians believed that geranium protected pregnant women from all evil spirits; to do this, they rubbed their bellies with pelargonium oil. The same position was held by the clergy, who considered the flower a “pure” remedy against evil spirits. In the Middle Ages in Europe, geranium oil repelled not only demons, but also mosquitoes and other insects.
Geranium care
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In general, caring for geranium as a house flower is not difficult. The plant is unpretentious, but loves sunlight and warmth. Room temperature Ideal for growing geraniums. If there is a shortage sunlight the flower just won't bloom.
Pelargonium propagates by cuttings or seeds. When grown from seeds, geranium blooms more abundantly than when grown from cuttings. In apartment conditions, it is better to shade the plant a little so that it is not constantly in direct sunlight. Geranium prefers to have a lot of space, so it is better to place the pot with it separately from other plants.
Caring for geraniums consists of regular watering and fertilizing. Pelargonium needs to be watered abundantly, but at the same time be careful not to flood the root system. In winter, geraniums are watered less often. The plant feels good in small pots: this way the geranium flowers will be brighter and more beautiful. It is recommended to loosen the soil periodically so that the roots get more air, which will help prevent rotting.
Beneficial features
The beneficial properties of geranium have long been used to treat colds. The plant has powerful antibacterial effect, pelargonium is so strong that all microbes near it die. The plant perfectly disinfects the air, cleans it of bacteria, and repels insects. Geranium copes excellently with staphylococci, microbes that can cause severe inflammatory processes. To treat colds, geranium leaves can be added to herbal inhalations; a warm decoction of the plant is suitable for gargling a sore throat.
Geranium contains starch, sucrose, vitamins, flavonoids and other biologically active substances. Flowers have a special aroma - warm, invigorating and at the same time bitter. The presence of essential oil gives the plant its characteristic odor. Pelargonium oil can not only lift your spirits, but also help the human body cope with many diseases. The plant takes off headache, depressive states. In order for peace and a favorable atmosphere to reign in the house, it is recommended to place a pot of geraniums on the windowsill. The plant will help prevent nervous breakdowns and relieve the effects of stress.
Traditional healers compare the medicinal properties of pelargonium with the properties of plantain. The leaves of this flower, like plantain, are natural hemostatic agent, they remove pus and help wounds heal faster.
Use in cooking
In cooking, geranium is used to prepare desserts and compotes. In Bulgaria, this plant is added to compotes, and soft drinks are prepared based on this flower. Adding a few drops of geranium oil to the creams gives the cakes a light citrusy-pink aroma. Like other edible flowers, geraniums are candied and served as a separate delicacy or as a decoration for cakes. Candied flowers are suitable for decorating ice cream; they also decorate cottage cheese desserts.
Pelargonium tastes a little bitter, but the fruity mint note and rose aroma leave an overall pleasant impression. The leaves of the housewife's plant are added to various fruit jams. Geranium leaves are also suitable for making syrup, which can be used to make jelly, ice cream, and sweet drinks.
Benefits of geranium flowers and treatment
The benefits of geranium flowers are due to their chemical composition. The most valuable plant species is the blood-red geranium. This species has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, astringent, soothing effect. Geranium has a beneficial effect on the patient’s condition with peptic ulcers and gastritis. A decoction of the plant helps with chronic and acute intestinal inflammation. For these diseases, it will be useful to simply breathe in the smell of the plant.
Fresh leaves indoor flower effective for intestinal problems and dysentery. Pelargonium leaves are also indicated for kidney diseases. Russian healers washed festered eyes with a water infusion of geranium petals and honey. Geranium oil is a well-known remedy for relieving pain in the vertebrae and muscles. Plant relieves spasms what determines its effect in the treatment of neuralgia and headaches. Geranium improves blood circulation, which has a positive effect on diseases associated with poor blood circulation. The plant can be used as effective remedy to stop uterine and pulmonary bleeding.
Some varieties of geranium contain anticoagulants, which are an excellent prevention of thrombophlebitis, as they prevent the formation of blood clots. Infusions from pelargonium leaves act as an astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic. The plant is able to dissolve salt deposits in the body, which has a strong therapeutic effect for diseases such as gout and rheumatism. Geranium infusion will relieve painful sensations for toothache, ear inflammation. Geranium has a positive effect on the patient’s condition with epilepsy, fever, and neuralgia. An infusion of the roots of the blood-red variety reduces blood pressure and stops the growth of tumors.
Harm of geranium flowers and contraindications
Geranium can cause harm to the body due to individual intolerance. The essential oil of the plant can cause allergic reactions that can be mistaken for cold symptoms: swollen throat, runny nose, cough. In case of allergic reactions, you should stop using the oil and consult a doctor. Also geranium has the property of thickening the blood, which can be dangerous with increased blood viscosity. Pelargonium tincture is not recommended for people with low blood pressure. But for hypertensive patients, geranium will help normalize blood pressure: to do this, just apply a fresh leaf of the plant to your wrists.
Growing geranium or is not labor-intensive and even enjoyable.
The flower requires minimal care and maintenance all year round can delight its patrons with a lush cap of inflorescences.
Although there are indoor geraniums that do not bloom, traditionally gardeners choose for their window sills those types of indoor geraniums that bloom from time to time and decorate the windows with their bright color for a long time.
Let's talk about the types and care of this plant in this article.
This plant, originally from Africa, can be seen on window sills, balconies and loggias. It can be herbaceous or semi-shrub.
3. Tulip geranium
The flowers of this plant, even during full bloom, do not open completely, continuing to look like buds. Therefore, this one captured in the photo indoor geranium has this name.
The variety of the flower appeared due to an arbitrary mutation, and the few varieties and hybrids of such geraniums that are found these days, flower growers, when growing and propagating, often try to return them to their original, natural form.
4. Unique
The parents of this hybrid are royal and brilliant geraniums. This group belongs to the oldest varieties. However, it is rare to find the plant in private collections of geranium lovers.
In appearance, unique flowers are similar to royal pelargonium flowers, but they are smaller. The leaves of the plant are often dissected, with folds, and smell pleasant. Thus, in the Paton’s Unique species, the flowers emit a delicate fruity aroma.
5. Angel
These pelargoniums are similar to royal ones, but they are more small flowers. The “angel” varieties were obtained by crossing curly geranium and grandiflora geranium.
This is usually hanging plant, which can be seen in the photo of geraniums, characterized by a lush crown. It is formed by shoots and miniature leaves of the same tone.
6. Fragrant
If your attention has ever been drawn to a smell homemade geranium, know: most likely it was fragrant geranium. In the last century, indoor plants were valued not for the beauty of their inflorescences, but for the aroma of the flowers. They deodorized the premises. These kinds of varieties and hybrids of indoor flowers are still in demand today.
Fragrant geranium does not make a brilliant impression with its bright color or configuration of flowers; to a greater extent it is used to flavor dishes, to saturate rooms with a special aroma. The leaves of the plant are often placed in closets with bedding and outerwear to flavor them.
Leaves scented geranium have the smell of fruits, roses, mint, pine and carrots!
7. Cactus geranium
This type of plant was obtained in the 20th century and is quite rare these days. It is characterized by a rather large size of flowers, the petals of which are so narrowed that they sometimes resemble needles. They give the ratsenia a somewhat disheveled appearance.
8. Ivy geranium
This ampelous variety produces many long shoots - the vine can reach 1 m in length. Therefore, the plant is often planted in hanging bowls and placed quite high from the floor. The leaves of the flower are completely smooth, glossy, and similar in shape to ivy leaves.
Most of the ampelous types of indoor geraniums, as in the photo, form cascading and creeping stems, so they are ideal for vertical gardening and for planting in hanging baskets.
The leaves of geranium ivy are leathery, strong and differ from zoned or bordered leaves in that they are completely smooth.
9. Miniature views
These species, known from the century before last, include, in particular, roseate geranium.
It is distinguished by beautiful double flowers, which look like dwarf flowers English roses. The plant was first mentioned in 1876 in the press of that time for flower growers.
In Russia, rose-flowered geranium is not so popular, and it can only be found in the plant collections of the most enthusiastic gardeners.
10. Royal geranium
The plant appeared through selection and interspecific hybridization. It can be recognized by large flowers with a diameter of up to 7 cm. This variety of indoor geranium differs from others not only in the dimensions of the semi-double corollas.
Its special feature is its multi-colored color. The petals of the plant are covered with spots, specks or veins that contrast in color. This geranium is the most whimsical. Its flowering period is much shorter - up to 4 months. And the flowers bloom only after the geranium has grown for two years.
Disembarkation and care
Planting geraniums
You can buy geranium in seeds, in the form of cuttings or a grown bush. In the latter case, the bush is grown taking into account the characteristics of the plant and the proven recommendations of experienced gardeners.
Growing from seeds
Geranium has fairly large seeds that are easy to plant. When planting, they are placed flat on the ground at intervals of 2 cm, then barely pressed down. After planting the seeds, the soil is thoroughly sprayed with water from a spray bottle so that the seeds remain at the planting site and do not move due to watering.
In order for the flower to bloom in the summer season, it must be planted in the last days of February.
Put on a bowl with planted seeds plastic bag, it is removed to a dark, warm place, after which it is checked every day for germination. It usually takes 5-6 days for geraniums to sprout.
When at least one sprout appears, place the bowl in the light, freeing it from the bag. Grown seedlings with four leaves are planted in separate bowls - they are picked.
Growing geranium cuttings and bushes
Having chosen the soil and a bowl for planting the purchased seedling, it is placed in a container with drainage, sprinkled with soil for indoor geraniums. It can be purchased ready-made or homemade - from light peat, sand, soil (which can be brought from the garden in the fall) and vermiculite.
The soil composition is loose, perfect for pelargonium. The bowl is selected based on the root system of the seedling. A mature bush, and especially a young one, grows well in a small bowl, the diameter of which does not exceed 15 cm.
The best material for a bowl is baked clay, although plastic will also work. The second option will be cheaper. And in case of such a choice, you need to take into account that water after watering in a plastic bowl does not dry out so quickly, which is why the gardener runs the risk of “flooding” the plant.
To prevent the roots of pelargonium from rotting and from being affected by blackleg, you need to form a good two- or three-layer drainage in the bowl. In addition, the bowl must have at least one hole for draining water.
Caring for indoor geraniums at home
Caring for pelargonium, as already noted, is not at all difficult. Geranium is a picky plant, which is why gardeners like it so much. Complete flower care comes down to fulfilling several conditions:
Landing location
Geranium loves good lighting, and the flowering of the plant depends on its quality. Give your pet the best sun rays, if you want to watch its lush flowering for as long as possible. It is preferable to grow geranium on southern windowsills.
Watering
The regularity of watering is determined by the speed at which the outer soil layer dries out. Pelargonium is drought-resistant, but does not tolerate excessive moisture.
A geranium bush may die if it is “flooded”.
As a rule, water the plant three times every week. Do this carefully, avoiding water getting on the leaves of the flower. It is better not to spray geraniums.
Indoor temperature
In summer this factor is not critical, but in winter it is important.
On winter days, it is necessary to maintain the temperature from 10 ° C and protect pelargonium from drafts.
Top dressing
Pelargonium is fertilized during its flowering period and on the eve of it with fertilizers containing phosphorus. It is unacceptable to fertilize geraniums with organic matter; the flower cannot tolerate it.
Bush formation
The process is a rejuvenating pruning of the flower and the formation of young growth. For the purpose of pruning, 5 buds or less are left on the shoots. New branches will soon appear from them.
To form young plants, the tops of pelargonium are pinched with your fingers to make the flower bushier. It is best to form a plant bush when winter ends and spring begins.
Loosening
The procedure ensures better air supply to the roots of the plant and does not allow the earth to petrify. For loosening, you can use not only a special rake. A stick or even an old fork will do the job.
Transfer
Pelargonium is not replanted every year, but at intervals of 2-3 years. When replanting, it is better to leave the plant with a lump of the same soil and do not expose its roots. As a rule, a flower is replanted when indoor geraniums are very behind in development.
No need to choose a huge bowl for transplanting. The one whose diameter is larger than the previous one by the thickness of the index finger is quite suitable.
Bloom
The plant usually blooms about five months after planting as seeds. Geraniums bloom the same year if planted in the last days of February. The cuttings begin to bloom earlier - after 3 months.
But it should be understood that such terms are typical for zonal varieties and hybrids. Royal geraniums and Angel varieties begin to bloom only in the second year.
Propagation by seeds
When collecting seeds yourself, the preservation of the variety is not guaranteed. Collected seeds need to be scarified - you need to remove the outer shell from them by rubbing them against each other or with sandpaper.
Reproductionrenkami
In most cases, a geranium bush is taken from cuttings. Cuttings 6 cm long are placed in water so that they germinate and produce white roots. After their appearance, pelargonium is planted in the ground or germinated in coarse damp sand.
Indoor geranium diseases and pests
Most often, indoor geranium affects fungus or virus.
Fungal diseases of plants– blackleg, rot or leaf rust, which are treated with fungicidal solutions.
Pelargonium does not have many pests, but they are quite annoying. This aphids, caterpillars, whiteflies and mites.
You can notice these pests if you carefully examine the foliage of the flower from the outside and back. They can be eliminated by spraying the plant with the means provided for this purpose. If you cannot identify a specific pest, it is better to use a complex preparation.
The leaves of indoor geranium are turning yellow - what to do?
Beginning flower growers often encounter the fact that the foliage of their geranium plants turns yellow and then falls off, and the bush does not bloom. The cause of the problems is improper care.
- Leaves that turn yellow around the edges are a signal of a lack of water.
- fallen and withered - about flooding the bush,
- flowers falling from below indicate a lack of sunlight.
The latter is also the answer to the question why indoor geraniums do not bloom. Flowering is not observed even when the plant is overfed with nitrogen, which stimulates the flower to gain green mass.
Medicinal properties of indoor geranium
- The ability of pelargonium to qualitatively purify the air from pathogenic microbes. The aroma of the flower acts as an antidepressant and relieves stress.
- The ability to repel pests from yourself and nearby flowers. Geranium repels pests not only from its bush, but also from all other plants nearby. On summer days, it is better to place geraniums in the garden near an apple tree or under a currant bush - this gets rid of aphids.
- Wound healing effect. Pelargonium is widely used in folk medicine- they treat with it various diseases, considering it to be similar in spectrum of action to plantain. Fresh geranium leaves perfectly heal wounds and have a healing effect on ulcers. A decoction of the leaves helps to cope with diseases of the stomach and intestines.
Geranium also finds other uses - it is used to make essential oil, suitable for treatment, which is used for:
- runny nose,
- back and ear pain,
- muscle fatigue.
As can be seen from the description and photo of indoor geranium, it is not only beautiful, but also useful. Be sure to get this flower if it is not already on your windowsill.
And now you know what care is needed for geraniums at home.
Geranium is not at all fussy to care for. But this does not at all exclude the presence of certain growth characteristics at home. In decorative floriculture you can find heat-loving and shade-loving varieties of the geranium family. Shade-tolerant and drought-resistant representatives are also known. Therefore even this unpretentious flower Like geranium, it requires special attention.
Before buying geranium, you should find out what conditions the plant will need for a comfortable existence. Otherwise, you will have to correct mistakes made during care, and this may not always be easy or quick. It is worth understanding that if a shade-loving geranium is placed on the sunny side, then it is quite likely that the flower will be destroyed.
You definitely need to pay attention to the appearance of geraniums. This is the most striking indicator of the health of a flower. For proper growth, faded flowers need to be removed, young shoots need to be pinched to speed up growth and flowering. Geraniums require pruning every year to maintain their decorative appearance.
Location
Most indoor geraniums are light-loving plants. For them, the ideal place for growing would be a sunny window sill. Shade-tolerant representatives of geraniums can be placed in sunny places and in partial shade. Shade-loving geraniums prefer places where shade, moisture and moderate temperatures reign.
How often to water?
There is no need to water geraniums often. The main guideline is upper layer land. If it has dried out, it should be watered. You should only use settled water. It is not advisable to water with chlorinated water. The water temperature should be close to room temperature, this way you can avoid burns to the root system or frostbite. Water should not get on the stem and leaves of the plant.
Important! Water should not stagnate. This can lead to root rot. You should not think that it is necessary to inspect the soil every day; it is enough to check the soil moisture once every three days. This will be quite enough.
Fertilizers
For preventive purposes It is recommended to fertilize with universal fertilizers once every two weeks.. Very often a plant can appearance indicate the need for feeding.
Trimming and pinching
Experienced gardeners advise pruning geraniums every year, preferably in the spring. This must be done so that the plant will be happy every year. abundant flowering and did not lose its decorative effect. It is advisable to pinch the tops of the shoots. They can also be used for further rooting and production of new plants.
Photo
How to properly care for it to bloom?
In order for geranium to bloom, it is necessary to create certain conditions, maintain them and carefully monitor the health of the flower. We present tips for beginners on how to care for a plant at home in a pot so that it blooms?
- Geranium likes to be cramped, so in order for it to produce buds you need to transplant it into a small pot. As soon as the root system fills almost the entire space of the pot, the geranium will be able to devote all its energy to flowering.
- To grow geraniums, you should choose soil suitable for flowering plants.
- Flowering can be achieved with regular fertilizing. Preference should be given to potash fertilizers. It is also sometimes advisable to apply nitrogen fertilizing. It is better not to use organic matter, it can harm the plant.
- Annual pruning has a beneficial effect on the formation of buds. This way you can provide additional strength for flowering.
Possible problems and illnesses
Geranium can be susceptible to a number of diseases and disorders. Let's look at each of them in detail and give advice on how to revive the plant.
The leaves are turning yellow
The most common problem that occurs with this plant is yellowing of the leaves. For most gardeners, this is their worst nightmare because they confuse it with a disease. If there are no other symptoms of the disease, then yellowing of the leaves is considered normal for geraniums. This is due to the fact that the plant sheds old leaves to form new ones.
Yellowed edges of leaves are a sign indicating the need to increase the volume of watering. If, in addition to yellowing, lethargy is observed, then watering should be reduced. If only the lower leaves turn yellow, the plant should be moved to a more illuminated place. Lack of light is considered main reason this problem.
Another reason for yellowing can be considered an incorrectly selected pot. If you choose a narrow container, the root system will not be able to develop properly, therefore, some areas of the geranium will begin to die off. After replanting, the plant's leaves may also turn yellow; there is nothing to worry about. You just need to cut them and the geranium will begin to grow further. You should start worrying when the flower suffers from rust; in this case, it is necessary to urgently treat the infected geranium.
Rust
The name is explained by the appearance of rusty-yellow zones on the leaves after the disease. You can notice pads on the leaf blades, which, when opened, release spore powder. In the later stages of the disease, the plant withers and crumbles. The conclusion is rotting and blackening of the geranium. The affected plant can only be treated initial stages. Recovery consists of several procedures.
- Removing weeds and fallen plant parts from the soil.
- Bottom watering.
- Fungicide treatment.
Doesn't bloom
There may be several reasons why geraniums do not bloom:
- Insufficient lighting.
- The temperature regime is not maintained.
- The pot is not selected correctly.
- A large amount of fertilizers.
- Insufficient amount of nutrients in the substrate.
- No trimming occurs.
Most of the items on this list are primarily due to neglect, therefore, to eliminate them it is only necessary to restore the correct handling of the flower. You can simply provide the plant with a source of additional lighting - a fluorescent lamp. If possible, then simply move it to a more appropriate place. A more difficult question is about the soil; it must be chosen carefully. It was written above about which substrate to choose.
Dries up
There are two options:
- The edges of the leaves dry out - the result of insufficient watering. By normalizing watering, you can revive the flower.
- The flower itself dries. The reason may be fungal disease. To treat geranium, it is necessary to add a solution of Bordeaux composition to the water for irrigation. Plus, you can treat the plant with Fitosporin twice. There should be 14 days between treatments.
Botrytis mushroom
It is quite easy to recognize this disease because its symptoms are very specific. When infected with a fungus, geranium becomes covered with spots gray and rest in peace. The plant looks lifeless and lethargic. On the stems you can find areas Brown. The first stage of the disease begins with rotting of the stem. Next, the fungus spreads to the leaves, which will cause them to fall off.
Only a plant with weak immunity susceptible to infection. It is weakened by simple waterlogging.
Rehabilitation of infected geranium consists of several stages.
- Clearing the soil of weeds and fallen plant parts.
- Loosening the soil to improve absorption and drying processes.
- Removing infected parts of geranium.
- Chemical treatment of flowers with fungicides.
It is advisable to water before 11 am to improve soil absorption and drying.
Root rot
The main cause of root rot is fungal infection. A symptom of the disease is yellowing of the foliage. After the first signs appear, after some time you can observe a change yellow color in brown, black. Moreover, geranium is covered with a light film, similar to a cobweb.
To eliminate the disease it is necessary:
- Loosen the soil.
- Remove infected areas of the plant.
- Treat with fungicides for wet soils.
Fertilizers should not be used with high content nitrogen.
Bacterial disease
The cause of the disease is the appearance of microbes. Symptoms of infection are easy to recognize. Brown spots in the shape of a triangle appear on the leaves.
Rehabilitation:
- It is advisable to replant the plant in new soil. If this option is not suitable, then the soil needs to be cleaned.
- Water only in the morning.
- Treat with fungicides.
Viral infections
All symptoms of viral infections vary from each other. The plant may stop growing or circular spots of brownish-purple shades will appear on it. Insects are considered carriers of viral infections. Therefore, treatment should be accompanied by ridding the room where the flower grows of them. The rehabilitation itself is no different from the methods of treating bacterial diseases.
Leaf spot
- Alternaria blight. Symptoms of the disease: the appearance of bubbles and spots on back side leaf plate. Then the leaf turns yellow and falls off.
- Cercospora blight. You can notice pale sunken areas on the plant, which after a while turn gray. The next stage of the disease is characterized by a change in the color of the affected areas from gray to brown. And in the center they rise a little.
- Remove affected areas.
- Thin out the shoots.
- Treat with fungicides.
Edema
When there is swelling on the leaf blades of geranium, you can find light green bubbles filled with liquid. Over time, they acquire a brown color. The reasons for the appearance of edema: excess moisture and low air and soil temperatures. Getting rid of edema is quite simple - you need to create optimal conditions for growing.
Caring for a geranium is quite simple, even if it is sick, treatment is not very difficult, the main thing is to notice the problem in time. And for this you just need to be more attentive to the beautiful geranium. In return, she will bestow beautiful flowers and create a healing atmosphere in the house. Treatment plant can kill many bacteria and treat various diseases, from a common runny nose to purulent wounds.
Geranium is a representative of the Geranium family that has moved into the comfort of home. She delights with the variety of colors and leaf shapes. It came to Europe in the 17th century, along with other plants from Africa. Geranium was liked by local breeders, who created many interesting varieties. Beautiful and hardy indoor plant spread throughout the world.
A perennial that grows in pots, it has round, core-shaped leaves. Their color depends on the variety; it is represented in all shades of green. The stem is erect, the petioles are long, the root is branched.
Reference! The peduncles are long, the flowers are collected in racemes. The range of shades includes red, white, pink, lilac. Each flower consists of 5 petals. After flowering, a capsule fruit is formed. Its shape resembles the beak of a crane.
Several types of geraniums are used for growing in pots:
- ampelous or climbing – used for growing in hanging pots;
- fragrant - a lush bush with small flowers and leaves that emit a pleasant aroma;
- royal - a tall plant with large bright flowers, double or simple;
- zonal - the most common type, its hallmark- multi-colored circles on the leaves.
When getting to know pelargonium, you need to know its preferences. What does this perennial like? In addition to the specifics of watering, choice of location and soil, it is worth noting the need for fresh air.
Geranium growing in a pot with the onset warm season taken out into the street. This could be a balcony, terrace or garden.
In autumn and winter it is necessary to regularly ventilate the room. This is the best prevention of the spread of fungal diseases.
Priming
The soil in the pot should not be too fertile, otherwise the green mass will build up without flowering. You can buy a ready-made substrate created specifically for geraniums. you need loose and moderately dense.
You can prepare it yourself, you will need:
- leaf (turf) soil;
- peat;
- sand.
The components are taken in equal proportions. The result is a light mixture with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction.
Advice. Geranium roots need air so that it receives it in sufficient quantities; loosen the soil after watering.
Choosing the optimal location
Pelargonium needs good lighting all year round. It is better to place the pot with the plant on the south or east side. In winter, artificial lighting will be required. Use fluorescent or phytolamps. Geranium needs coolness; in summer the recommended temperature is 18-25°, in winter – 13-15°. It is not advisable for the temperature to drop below 10°.
The liquid for irrigation should be soft, many salts contained in tap water, can destroy the bush. It is left to stand for 2-3 days or cleaned with a filter. In areas where the environment is favorable, rainwater can be used for irrigation.
Temperature – room, cold water provokes root rot. Moisturizing during the growing season is required once every 2-3 days. Good drainage in the form of a layer of expanded clay at the bottom of the pot will help avoid stagnation of water. Excess liquid that has leaked into the pan is immediately drained.
How often to water? An exact watering schedule is created individually, taking into account the size of the pot and the temperature in the room. The main thing to consider is that the next moistening is done after the top layer of soil has dried. In winter, the volume of watering is reduced (you can find out how to care for home geraniums in winter and whether they can be moved to the basement). Spraying the plant is contraindicated. Feeding pelargonium is required in spring and summer, during the flowering period.
Transfer
Geranium does not require frequent transfers, they are performed in two cases: a cramped pot or soil contamination. The signal for transfer to a new pot is the germination of roots through the drainage holes. The new container should be 2-3 cm larger in diameter. The use of ceramic pots is recommended. A drainage layer of expanded clay or gravel must be poured onto the bottom. During the transplantation process, it becomes possible to inspect the root system. Diseased roots are cut off.
Important! The optimal period for the procedure is early spring. Plants tolerate stress without problems, perceiving transplantation as a stimulation of development.
One of the main features of keeping pelargonium is the need for pruning and pinching the bushes. The procedures are carried out at the end of February. Before the start of active growing season.
Pruning provides several positive benefits:
- allows you to get rid of dead and diseased parts of the plant;
- stimulates the growth of young shoots;
- prevents growth into the middle of the plant, which leads to poor air exchange and lighting.
For pruning, a sharp knife is used; the cut is made above the leaf node with the bud. When removing infected branches, it is necessary to capture at least 5 cm of a healthy area. The sections are treated with a fungicide (Topaz) or crushed charcoal. After the side shoots grow to 3-4 leaf nodes, they are pinched (the top is torn off). New branches will begin to grow from the leaf axils, on which flower stalks will form.
Having completed the formation of the bush, the plant is fertilized. A fertilizing with nitrogen is suitable to stimulate the growth of geraniums. Information. Cut cuttings are used for propagation. In February-March there is the greatest likelihood of shoots rooting.
We talked in detail about how to prune geraniums so that they are fluffy, and from here you will learn how to properly pinch a flower so that it is healthy and blooms beautifully.
Watch a video about the secrets of pruning pelargonium:
Mistakes of novice gardeners
Beginning gardeners often choose a large, spacious pot for the plant. It is not right. In such a container, geranium grows roots without setting buds for a long time. should be small, then flowering will begin faster. Preparations for spring flowering should begin in winter. It is recommended to keep geraniums in a cool place during this period. Plant standing in warm room, often does not bloom for years.
How to care for it to bloom?
Large buds, abundant and long flowering - this is the dream of every geranium lover (read about how to properly care for geraniums at home). It is within our power to help the plant. During the period of geranium bud formation, more nutrients and microelements are required. In addition to special fertilizing with fertilizers, it is recommended to use pharmaceutical iodine (you can find out how to properly use iodine with hydrogen peroxide to fertilize geraniums). A solution is prepared in a dosage of 1 drop of iodine per 1 liter of water. The drug is thoroughly stirred to ensure uniform dissolution. Use 50 ml of the composition at a time. Watering is done along the edge of the pot.
Advice! Timely removal of wilted flower stalks helps to prolong flowering. The application of potassium-phosphorus fertilizers will help stimulate flowering. They dissolve in water for irrigation. performed at intervals of two weeks. In winter, fertilizers are not needed.
Watch a video about using iodine for lush flowering geraniums:
Below are photos of geraniums in a pot:
Diseases that plague pelargonium can be divided into two groups:
- arising as a result of violations of agricultural technology;
- infectious.
Reference! The first group includes deficiency and excess of microelements, freezing, sunburn or drying out from high temperature. These problems are not contagious, they concern one plant. A common problem with pelargonium is the appearance of yellow spots on the leaves.
The causes of the disease are different:
- Only the tips dry out and turn yellow – lack of moisture;
- leaves wither, rot and fall off - soil overflow;
- pallor and yellowness of the leaves, stretching of the shoots - lack of lighting;
- adaptation after transplantation can provoke a painful condition.
Chlorosis is a disorder of photosynthesis due to iron deficiency. The disease is manifested by a change in color and slower growth. The lack of other elements - magnesium, nitrogen, potassium - has a similar effect. The solution is a mineral complex with all the necessary components.
Infectious diseases affect plants with weakened immunity. Pelargonium most often becomes infected with fungi or bacteria through waterlogged soil. At the first signs of rot or other damage, it is recommended to isolate it. Blackleg is common among fungal infections. The disease affects young cuttings, less often adult plants. The cuttings will have to be thrown away, and the top of the geranium will be cut off and rooted.
Gray rot manifests itself as weeping spots on leaves and peduncles. Fungicides are used to treat it. Most dangerous root rot, it is discovered late. In an advanced stage, the plant cannot be saved. The fungus completely eats away the root tissue.
Pests rarely attack geraniums. But on weakened plants you can notice whiteflies, aphids, mealybug. Infected plants are treated with insecticides: Aktara, Fitoverm, Aktellik. The consequence of using insecticides and fungicides can be drying out of everything.
How to resuscitate?
In the event of a fatal state of the plant, some manipulations should be done:
- It is necessary to remove all affected leaves, leaving only the stems.
- Remove the geranium from the pot and inspect the root. If it is ok, the plant can be revived.
- The root is carefully freed from the old soil, which contains a chemical.
- A pot of similar size is prepared, filled with a moist substrate.
- Geraniums are planted in new soil. The pot is placed in a cool, bright place.
- After a few days, the soil is moistened with a solution of Epin, a growth stimulant that helps cope with stress.
- After the first leaves appear, it is recommended to take it out into fresh air or move it to a sunny place.
Geranium is not only a beautiful indoor plant that delights with long flowering. Its aroma has a calming effect and improves sleep. Growing geraniums in a pot will not cause problems if you immediately follow the recommendations for growing conditions.
Useful video
Watch a video about growing pelargonium at home:
Geranium is a fairly popular plant grown both in the garden and in rooms. But few people know that indoor geranium is actually pelargonium, but garden geranium is actually geranium.
Types and varieties
Indoor geraniums can be divided into fragrant – touching their leaves, you feel different smells (lemon, coconut, ginger and others), which depend on the variety. The flowers of such plants are usually small, pink or purple in color.
Angels – the flowers of these geraniums resemble pansies. Their inflorescences form caps and hang down. The bush itself is small - up to 30 cm.
Uniques - these varieties are obtained by crossing shiny geraniums with royal ones. Such plants have very dissected foliage, and the flowers resemble those of royal geraniums.
Succulents - this group is small, there are only 10 species in it, which are distinguished by the curvature of their shoots. Succulent geraniums are popular flowers for bonsai.
Let us separately remember the royal geranium and ivy-leaved geranium.
Royal (English) geranium is the parent material for a huge number of flower varieties. Variegated varieties, as well as terry ones, have been bred from it. The height of the bush is about 50 cm.
Geranium ivy (thyroid) this species is valuable for its long stems, thanks to which it is grown as a hanging plant. It has beautiful flowers that come in single and double varieties.
Types of garden geraniums are also quite diverse:
Forms tall bushes slightly higher than a meter. Flowers are lilac in color.
Balkan distinguished by massive roots. It grows very strongly, although the height of the bush is only 30 cm. The flowers are purple in color.
Bolotnaya medium height species (60 cm) with straight shoots that branch well. Inflorescences are purple.
Growing quickly, reaching half a meter in height. Young flowers have a purple coloring, which becomes brown as they age. This geranium does not propagate by seed.
A species that is easy to grow, since in nature it lives in rather difficult conditions. It may not be replanted even longer than other geraniums. The color of the flowers is purple.
Highly decorative view. It has unusual bluish foliage and dark purple flowers. The bottom of the shoot and lower leaves begin to turn red in the fall.
Geranium care at home
Geranium is quite easy to grow at home, just know some of the features of this plant and everything will be fine.
Geraniums like strong light and like to be in direct sunlight. If you provide the plant with enough light and fertilizer, it will be able to bloom throughout the year.
The soil for geraniums should be chosen fertile; you can use a universal soil mixture.
It is necessary to water the flower moderately, since any excess moisture has a detrimental effect on it. Geranium does not need spraying.
The best temperature for growing is 18-20°C. In winter, it is better to lower the temperature, but the thermometer should not drop below 10°C.
Fertilizer for geraniums
You need to feed the flower once every 15 days, starting at the end of March and ending in November. It is better to use liquid fertilizers. You can buy special fertilizers for geraniums, or you can use an iodine solution.
To prepare it, dilute a drop of iodine per liter of water. Apply 50 ml at a time. Try not to increase the dose so as not to burn the rhizome. You can also fertilize with crushed eggshells.
Do not use organic fertilizers for fertilization - geranium does not like them.
Transplanting geraniums at home
Also, this plant practically does not need transplants, and it does not tolerate them well. This procedure should only be performed if the pot is filled with roots.
Replanting should be done in early spring, before the period of green mass growth. Don't use a pot that's too big because you'll end up with a lot of greenery but no flowering.
Geranium pruning for lush flowering
With the arrival of autumn, geraniums need to be pruned. All stems that grow not from the root, but from the shoot, are removed. Also cut off the foliage, leaving 7 leaves. When large quantity foliage in winter; pruning is also done in spring.
Geranium from seeds at home
It is quite simple to propagate geraniums by seeds; the condition is to use purchased material, since seeds collected from home geraniums, even if they sprout, will most likely lose their varietal characteristics.
You need to sow the seeds in a mixture of peat, sand and turf soil (1:1:2). A couple of centimeters of sand are poured on top. The soil is also slightly moistened. Before planting, do not forget to treat the soil with a manganese solution to avoid the appearance of “black leg”.
Next, the planted seeds are covered with glass and the soil is moistened from time to time. It is better to keep the planted plants at a temperature of about 20°C. With the appearance of a couple of true leaves (this will happen in about one and a half to two months), it will be possible to transplant into a permanent pot. Once five leaves are formed, pinch to make your flower bush better.
Propagation of geraniums by cuttings at home
Geranium can be propagated by cuttings at any time of the year, but spring is best suited for this. You need to prepare seven centimeter cuttings with a pair of leaves.
After cutting, they are left to wither for a day, and then the cut is powdered with coal and planted in sand for rooting. When watering the cuttings, try to ensure that moisture only reaches the substrate. Rooting should be done at 20°C. Once the roots appear, you can safely plant the cuttings in separate pots.
There is no point in trying to propagate geranium with leaves - it will not grow even if roots appear. The cutting must have part of the stem.
Garden geranium perennial planting and care
Planting and caring for perennial garden geraniums (this is actually geranium, not pelargonium) also does not require special skills, you just need to know a couple of features of this plant.
It is better to buy rhizomes for planting in specialized stores at the end of winter. Choose hard material, which will have many additional roots. The growing point should be solid.
The purchased root is placed in slightly damp peat and then in the refrigerator. Every 15 days, slightly moisten the peat until it is time to plant the root.
When buying a flower that has just begun its growing season, plant it in a container the size of which will be the same as the roots of the flower. The container must also have holes for drainage. The plant is kept in a lighted place until planted in the ground.
You can also buy the plant itself, which is immediately planted in the garden or stored in a shaded place until planting, not forgetting to water. Correct fit is one of the most important stages in caring for geraniums.
Choose an area that will be well lit. Next, you need to dig a deep hole, which will be 20 cm deeper than the root. A distance of about 30 cm must be maintained between individuals. Do not put unrotted manure in the hole - it is harmful to geraniums.
Geranium grows quickly and crowds out weeds, so there is no need to weed it, and by mulching the soil, you will save yourself from loosening it.
Pruning geraniums for the winter
In the fall, after flowering ends, some geraniums require pruning, but keep in mind that most of These flowers overwinter with green leaves, so no pruning is necessary.
This plant tolerates winter cold well and does not need shelter for the winter.
Geranium from seeds
The seed method of propagating geraniums is quite complex and with it varietal characteristics are lost. Collecting seeds is also difficult - the fruit cracks and the seeds are lost.
If you want to try it, you can sow the seeds immediately after harvesting. Perhaps next year they will bloom.
Propagation of geraniums by dividing the bush
The best way to propagate garden geraniums is to divide the bush, which is done in the spring. Compost and peat fertilizers are added to the soil and part of the rhizomes are planted.
At first, water generously. Fertilization can begin 30 days after planting.
Diseases and pests
At improper care A number of problems can arise with geraniums.
- If your pelargonium grows in a dark container, it is exposed to drafts, or it is waterlogged in winter, then its leaves begin to turn yellow. Yellowing can also be caused by lack of drainage, dryness and excess nitrogen in the soil.
- If the plant does not bloom, the reason for this may be that the pot is too large, which is why the flower will devote all its energy to growing roots.
- Also, delays in flowering occur due to pinching. Royal geranium you need to pinch less often than others, as it may not bloom at all.
- Warm wintering and excess nitrogen fertilizers also cause this effect.
- If geranium leaves turn yellow and dry out, the culprit is a spider mite, which can be recognized by the thin webs on the foliage.
- White coating on the leaves indicates powdery mildew.
- Geranium foliage curls when there is a lack of nitrogen, light, or moisture. This may also be to blame spider mites or viral diseases. The latter, in addition to leaf curling, appear in crooked colors.
- If your geranium is not growing, it may be that it is not getting enough light or the room is too hot and dry. Another reason is poor soil or its depletion.
- Small leaves appear without pruning. They may also indicate the aging of the plant.
- Limp stems and leaves indicate excess moisture, resulting in rotting of the roots, which often leads to the death of the flower; or about its lack.
- When there is little light, geranium leaves begin to fall.
- Blackening of stems and leaves occurs due to various rots or “black leg”.
