Pelargonium: planting, growing and caring for the plant

Friends, pelargonium and geranium are different plants, although they belong to the same family. These are two daughters from the same Geraniev family - Pelargonium and Geranium. However, they are not similar in appearance, which happens with sisters. Let's figure out which sister lives in our house - pelargonium or geranium - what's the difference. Let's find out what the difference is in care and use, look at the photo. You can distinguish them by flowers, leaves, everything, but their seed pods are very similar. How similar the beaks of a stork and a crane are. After all, the flowers got their names from the Greek words pelargos - stork and geranos - crane.

Plants that bloom with large bright red, white and pink umbrellas on windowsills are not geraniums at all, as many are accustomed to believe. The correct name for indoor flowers is pelargonium. Real geranium is an unpretentious, frost-resistant, cute garden plant that overwinters well in natural conditions. Scientists confused two species of the same family in ancient times, back in the 18th century, and since then the confusion in the names has stuck, without at all spoiling the pleasure of flower gardens. And the difference or differences are important for understanding how to care for your pets.

These lines were written by Boris Pasternak, and it never occurs to anyone to insist on the name pelargonium in these delightfully cozy lines, much less look for differences or figure out what the difference is between pelargonium and geranium. Of course, time puts everything in its place, new varieties of geraniums and pelargonium are developed, and breeders name their creations correctly, often causing confusion among ordinary lovers: “Geranium or pelargonium? Why did the familiar geranium suddenly become pelargonium? Both genera belong to the Geranium family and have many species. However, it will not be possible to cross them with each other, since they are not genetically compatible. They differ in a number of characteristics characteristic of each genus.

How to distinguish pelargonium from geranium

You can tell them apart by their appearance; the sisters are too different.

Pelargonium

This is a southern flower, which in Russian climatic conditions can only exist as an indoor flower. In the summer it feels good on balconies and open verandas, but in the winter it must be brought indoors. Pelargonium (LINK) loves good lighting. If there is not enough of it, it stops blooming. However, direct sunlight of pelargonium, like geraniums, is contraindicated. Moderate watering is necessary; in waterlogged soil, the roots quickly begin to rot.

Pelargonium flowers have an irregular shape: the 2 upper petals are slightly larger than the 3 lower ones. They form large umbrellas of inflorescences. The different species come in many shades from white and pink to deep red. There are two-color varieties. But there are no blue, light blue or purple pelargoniums.

Geranium

The genus has a large number of species. Some, most often with blue and purple inflorescences, are wild and can be found in the forest or meadow. Garden varieties are distinguished by a variety of colors; there are white, pink, crimson and even almost black shades.

Geranium flowers consist of 5 or 8 radially symmetrical petals. They are often solitary or form a semi-umbrella inflorescence. They are very popular among gardeners because they are unpretentious, overwinter without shelter, and many bushes do not need to trim their leaves in the fall. In addition, they are very decorative even outside the flowering period.

Pelargonium diseases

Blackleg

The real scourge of pelargonium is a fungal disease (Pythium), most often caused by flooding of the plant. Also, the cause may be hypothermia, sudden changes in temperature, as well as a pot that is too large, in which moisture stagnates, which the plant is unable to “process.”

Unfortunately, this disease is incurable, and the flower must be destroyed. The soil is also thrown away completely, the pot is washed well with laundry soap and thoroughly disinfected.

You can try to save the variety by rooting the top if it is not damaged, but there is little hope for this. The disease often covers the entire plant, and obvious symptoms - blackening of the trunk at the base - appear when the entire flower is already affected.

The only protection against blackleg is prevention. A small pot according to the size of the root system. Comfortable temperature and protection from drafts and sudden temperature changes. Water at room temperature in the required amount around the edges of the pot.

Gray rot

A disease that also occurs due to excessive watering and stagnation of moisture in the soil. The leaf becomes lethargic, and a wet gray coating appears on its surface.

This is also a fungal disease. Fungicides are used to treat it.

Leaf rust

Another fungal disease caused by improper watering and high humidity. Pronounced rusty-red spots appear on the leaves. Treat with fungicides in accordance with the instructions.

Powdery mildew

White coating on leaves caused by high humidity.

An overabundance of nitrogen fertilizers may also be the cause.

What is the difference in care between geranium and pelargonium

Garden geraniums are perennial plants.

• In winter, they do not need to be dug up or covered; they will overwinter wonderfully. At the end of the season or early spring, you will need to remove the wilted dried geranium greens; this is done once a year.
• Planted in soil with good water permeability. Planted in small groups. Geranium is a ground cover plant; it spreads well, and sometimes even too well, over an area and can cover large areas of land in a short time.
• They do not need fertilizing.
• Willingly settles in shade, partial shade and feels good in dry shade.
• Has a strong branched root system

Pelargonium is a completely different person to care for. This heat-loving child of the south grows outdoors as an annual.

• For the winter, it is either dug up and transferred to boxes for cool winter storage or thrown away. Pelargoniums are stored at a temperature of 5-7 degrees with limited light and sometimes moistening the soil.
• Flowering requires light. Zonal pelargonium grows and blooms well on balconies with a semi-shady location, when there is shade for less than half the day and sun the rest of the time.
• Needs regular feeding and moderate watering.
• It has a small fibrous root.

Pelargonium (Geranium) - growing at home

Growing Pelargonium is quite a responsible task, but very pleasant, and caring for this plant requires certain skills. The first thing you need to know is that Pelargonium is a light-loving plant.

Correct lighting

For the buds of Pelargonium Zonal , a lot of sunny color is needed. She will also be comfortable in a shaded place, but the flowering will not be as abundant.

On the south side in the summer heat, Geranium will bloom beautifully, but at the same time lose its lower leaves. In strong sun, especially if the pot is small, only flowers may remain.

If Pelargonium is placed on a windowsill on the east or west side of the house, then the color and richness of the leaves is preserved.

Geranium is an excellent option for decorating window sills

Pelargonium large-flowered prefers windows to the east and west; it does not tolerate direct sunlight. Fragrant Pelargoniums prefer light partial shade. All varieties of Geranium easily tolerate being periodically moved from place to place or rotated.

Temperature, watering and humidity

Pelargonium feels good at normal room temperature and easily tolerates cold temperatures of up to 1 degree Celsius. Therefore, it can be moved to the balcony in the spring before anyone else. In summer, abundant watering is required; if this condition is not observed, the leaves will begin to wither and fall off. In winter, watering is reduced.

Important! If the pot of Geranium is on the south side, then in summer the plant needs periodic irrigation with warm water from a sprayer.

If Pelargonium is good and comfortable, it blooms profusely all year round

Nutrient feeding and timely pruning

Fertilization is necessary every 2 weeks. For this purpose, mineral complex compositions in the form of solutions are used. Large and heavily grown bushes can be fertilized more often until the flowering period ends.

In the first months of spring before the beginning of the growing season, shoots of Pelargonium are pruned to enhance branching and flowering. The material remaining after pruning can be used to make cuttings.

During wintering, ampelous varieties are stored in a bright and cool room, but despite this they still lose the bulk of their leaves and by the beginning of spring they look ugly, so the shoots are greatly shortened.

Geranium is a favorite of most gardeners

Transplantation and soil selection

Geraniums do not require replanting, since the plant's lifespan is only 2-3 years. With age, the flowers become smaller and then the bush needs to be renewed. Young flowers grown from cuttings must be transplanted into a larger pot before budding.

The mixture for planting and growing Geraniums is made up of leaf and turf soil, peat and sand in a ratio of 2/2/2/1. To prevent excess water from stagnating, high-quality drainage is placed at the bottom of the pot.

Transplanting planting material into a pot

Application difference

The difference in types also leads to different uses.

Geraniums

It is better to plant different types of garden geraniums in different parts of the garden in small groups. Together they create untidiness due to dissected leaves and small flowers. Applicable:

• As a ground cover, unpretentious perennial plant
• As background filling of flower garden voids
• Filling difficult dry areas of the garden in the shade
• For landscaping slopes, thanks to the tenacious, strong root system

Pelargoniums

• Like annuals in the garden
• As indoor plants (with lighting in winter)
• For landscaping open balconies and terraces

Watering pelargonium

Pelargonium tolerates short-term drought well, but it is better to provide the plant with regular watering . Constant drying can lead to drying and falling of the leaves and exposure of the lower part of the plant, which will lead to a decrease in decorativeness.

In pelargonium, the root system consists of an abundance of thin, capillary-like roots. If care is not taken, they are easily damaged and die. Therefore, watering the plant is perhaps the most important moment in care, on which the health of pelargonium depends. Most diseases can also be caused by improper watering.

Watering is required when the top layer of soil dries a couple of centimeters. In the summer, during hot weather, water daily. In winter, twice a week is enough. You should always focus on the condition of the soil. Excess water from the trays is promptly drained.

It is advisable to water the plant so that moisture does not fall on the stem and leaves.

Water the pelargonium with water at room temperature (or slightly higher) and let it sit for at least a day.

! Pelargonium is very sensitive to excess moisture! This can lead to softening and rotting of the stem, and in combination with cold air temperatures, to disease and death of the plant.

Types of geraniums

The magnificent perennial garden geranium actually has a magnificent lilac color and prefers sun and partial shade.

Gorgeous garden geranium

Dark brown geranium (Geranium Phaeum) - partial shade, shade

Geranium dark brown

Oxford geranium - partial shade, shade. Captures space quickly.

Geranium oxford

Blood red geranium - partial shade.

Blood red geranium

Meadow geranium

Rules of care

In order for geraniums growing outside to please you for a long time and bloom well, you need to properly care for it. The secrets of experienced gardeners will help you with this.

1. The plant needs to be watered often, but not too much. If the leaves suddenly begin to droop, this means that the flower needs liquid. Watering too much can cause root rot and even stop flowering. Do not moisten flowers in sunny times. It is better to do this in the morning or after 17-00.
2. Mulching and loosening will help to grow beautiful geraniums. This will allow air and nutrients to reach the roots better.
3. Adding soil. When the bush gradually begins to grow, it will be necessary to renew the soil under it. It is better to do this in the fall, after flowering.
4. Trimming . This has a rejuvenating effect on the plant and prolongs flowering. You need to trim off yellowed dry leaves, broken stems, and dried buds. This way the plant saves energy on shedding diseased or outdated parts.
5. Feeding . Geranium does not require constant fertilization. In the spring you can feed it with nitrogen mixtures, and potassium-phosphorus supplements are needed for more luxuriant flowering and a longer season. Fertilizers are applied to the soil in the form of granules or solution. The flower also loves it if ash is added to the fertilizer.
6. Transplant . Geraniums are perfectly capable of surviving transplantation, but this is often not worth doing. Growing in a permanent plot without transplanting is normal for her.

Types of pelargonium

• Pelargonium zonal
• Pelargonium royal
• Pelargonium angel
• Pelargonium ivy or ampelous
• Pelargonium fragrant

Pelargonium zonalis gets its name because of the colored zones on the leaves. Please note that these colored rings resemble balls. This is exactly what our grandmothers called their pelargoniums or “geraniums”. Colored stripes - zones can be pronounced or less pronounced, I noticed that this depends on the type of flower, light and temperature.

Lighting pelargonium

Pelargonium is a lover of bright light and long daylight hours. The brighter the lighting, the larger, brighter and denser the foliage, and the longer the flowering.

But you need to keep in mind that direct sunlight can dry out the leaves, so the plant is provided with light shading.

In winter, pelargonium requires lighting . With a lack of light, the shoots stretch, the lower leaves fly off, exposing the stem, and new leaves become smaller. The pelargonium bush completely loses its decorative effect. In addition, the lack of light affects the health of the plant, and therefore its summer flowering.

What is geranium?

In Germany, geranium is called Storchschnäbe (stork nose), in England and the USA Cranesbil (crane bird). This plant is widespread in all parts of Europe, Russia and the Caucasus. Geranium was domesticated in England starting in the mid-17th century; it appeared in Russia at the beginning of the 18th century. Then the plant spread widely during the development of the Caucasus at the beginning of the 19th century.

Propagated by seeds and vegetatively (varietal geraniums). There are herbaceous and semi-shrub species.
The soil is preferably loose, well-drained. Grows on acidic, slightly acidic and neutral soils. As a rule, geraniums are shade-tolerant and frost-resistant, adapt well to the vagaries of nature and grow well in open ground. Peduncles with 1–3 flowers, large and beautiful. The flowers are fully open in a plane with 5 evenly distributed petals. The petals are identical, almost round. There are 10 stamens, all developed, with anthers. The color is white, yellow, red, purple, blue and violet in different shades.

Spectacular varieties:

The leaves on the petioles of many species are soft-hairy.

In this case, dissection of geranium leaves:

1. Palmate.
2. Palmate.
3. Pinnate with 3–5 leaflets (rare).

What it is?

Geranium is a perennial (in rare cases annual or biennial) plant of the Geraniaceae family. Garden geranium is often confused with indoor geranium. But pelargonium is a different genus of geranium. This confusion arose due to the fact that Carl Linnaeus made an erroneous description of plants, combining them into one genus.

There are a large number of species of this flower (about 400). The homeland of perennial geranium is England. The regions of the Mediterranean Sea, Belarus, the mountains of the Caucasus and Central Asia, Siberia and the Far East are the places where this flower is found in the wild. Outdoor geranium is undemanding and grows in temperate climates. Due to its unpretentiousness, its cultivation does not cause much trouble. Frosty winters and hot summers are not scary for her. Thanks to all this, street geranium grows in any soil and looks beautiful for a long time.

Garden geranium is a small, lush bush with lacy foliage. The main value of geranium is its leaves. The resulting flowers are characterized by a regular shape and lack of red coloring.

What is pelargonium?

From the Greek Pelargos (stork), it also got its name from the shape of the ripe fruit. It is not for nothing that geranium and pelargonium come from the same geranium family. Unlike geraniums, pelargoniums are native to the hot climate of South Africa. This is a light-loving and drought-resistant plant. It is advisable to give her the brightest place in the apartment, the windows of which face south and southwest.

The flowers are collected in few- or many-flowered umbellate inflorescences. They are divided into bush (lush, low) and ampelous (creeping like a grapevine, ivy-leaved with long shoots). There are pelargoniums with bright lush inflorescences and there are fragrant ones with fragrant leaves.

The most popular bush pelargoniums:

1. Zonal (border around the edge of the flower).
2. Royal (large flowers).

Zonal varieties are the most common (75 thousand varieties) and are divided into:

• 
  Rosaceae;

• tulip-shaped;
• Dianthus;
• stellate;
• cactus-like;
• deacons.

The most unusual type of pelargonium is succulent. They are divided into:

1. Angular pelargonium.
2. Humpbacked.
3. Thick-stemmed.
4. Fluffy-leaved.
5. Meaty.
6. The next one.
7. Cortusifolia.

Pelargonium pests

Parasitic insects avoid pelargonium because of its pungent, specific odor, but weakened plants may be attacked by whiteflies or spider mites. If these pests are detected, the flower is treated with insecticides in accordance with the instructions.

Black leg in pelargonium Gray rot in pelargonium

Pelargonium leaf rust

What is the difference?

These two genera are very often confused and mistakenly called geranium; the most common fragrant plant in our homes with lush inflorescences, which is actually pelargonium. Discrepancies in the name of pelargonium began in the middle of the 18th century (in 1738), when in Holland the botanist Johannes Burman proposed to distinguish pelargonium into a separate genus.

In Sweden, the natural scientist Carl Linnaeus developed his own system of species classification and united both genera into a common group. The similarity between geranium and pelargonium is manifested in the structure of the seed capsule. It has a peculiar shape in the form of a crane's head and an open crane's beak.

Found in meadows, forests and swamps. The soils of the middle zone are suitable for it. Geranium has single flowers, in which there are 5 petals, less often 8. The petals are of the same shape, size, and color, arranged evenly, in the correct order. There are 10 stamens, all with anthers.

Colors in nature are blue and violet; selection: white, soft pink, crimson. Scarlet shades are extremely rare. Pelargonium comes from South Africa and is accustomed to the scorching rays and arid climate of the south. Therefore, pelargonium is more of a heat-loving indoor plant.

It has pronounced decorative properties and lush inflorescences. Does not tolerate wintering in open ground and is sensitive to cold. The flowers are collected in large zonular inflorescences. The petals are arranged asymmetrically, the top two are separate. There are 7 stamens, the rest are underdeveloped. Colors: white, soft pink, red. Two-color varieties have been bred, in which the petals have contrasting spots and strokes (rays).

Landing Features

Geranium is both a decoration and protection for your dacha from weeds and drying out of the soil. It is not difficult to cultivate it outdoors; the main thing is to follow some rules that will help you avoid diseases and create a spectacular flower garden.

Time

The beginning of spring (after the end of the cold weather) and the beginning of autumn are the ideal times to plant beautiful flowers. It is advisable to transplant in the morning or evening to avoid bright sunlight.

Place

Geraniums are planted in fertile soil without stagnant water, as this can lead to a dangerous disease - root rot. If the soil has a high clay content, then drainage should be used when planting.

The planting hole is made quite large due to the length of the rhizomes. The plant prefers bright places, but the scorching sun with direct midday rays is destructive for it. A bright place with slight partial shade during the day is what a generally unpretentious culture needs.

Material

The best option is seedlings. But you can also use seed material and even rhizomes for planting.

Planting pits

For success in breeding, it is important to plant the crop correctly in a permanent place from the beginning. Grown geranium is characterized by elongated rhizomes and peripheral shoots. That is why when planting it is necessary to prepare a hole of sufficient depth.

The drainage must be placed at the bottom of the hole . A mixture of peat soil, compost and screenings is placed on it. When the flower is finally planted, it needs to be watered well and mulched with a lump of earth. Since the plant is characterized by significant and rapid growth, during planting the holes must be placed at a considerable distance from each other.

Photo: what's the difference

In these photos you can see the difference between geranium and pelargonium:

Pelargonium: Signs

Pelargonium and geranium are traditionally considered symbols of prosperity and family happiness. The plant prevents quarrels and promotes a favorable climate in the family. In esotericism, pelargonium is the strongest amulet against evil spirits , witchcraft, damage and the evil eye.

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What are the types and varieties of indoor and outdoor plants: name and description

See what types of geraniums there are:

Types and popular varieties

Previously, gardeners were not very fond of garden geraniums because of their small flowers and heavily lacy leaves. But thanks to its frost resistance, unpretentiousness and how beautiful it looks among other representatives of the flora, it began to be used in landscape landscaping of a personal plot.

As noted above, ordinary perennial geranium has about 400 species. But we will consider only the most common of them.

• Gorgeous. A luxurious bush with solid blue flowers, which has a height of 40–60 cm. In autumn the leaves turn red. Thanks to this, even after flowering ends, this variety looks beautiful and majestic.

• Bolotnaya . A bush about 30–70 cm high with purple flowers. Can be found in wet meadows, forests, and swampy areas. In medicine, it is valued for normalizing heart rhythm and helping to improve hearing. It also helps with rheumatism, urolithiasis, various colics and other diseases.

• Himalayan . Grows in the Himalayas, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Tibet. A beautiful shrub with blue or purple flowers and a height of 60 cm. The leaves turn orange in autumn. The peculiarity of the variety is that it grows slowly.

• Ashy . It is often called glaucous because of the color of the leaves. It is a very compact (no higher than 15 cm) evergreen plant with small pink flowers and petals on which dark veins can be seen.

• Lugovaya . Differs in high growth. A light-loving plant with a large number of large lilac-blue flowers. Honey bees especially love it.

• Lesnaya . A tall bush (about 80 cm) with large-diameter purple-pink flowers. Loves partial shade.

• Georgian . It is not for nothing that it is considered the most beautiful and fragrant variety. It is widespread in the meadows of the Caucasus. A plant with purple flowers can grow up to 70–80 cm in height. In autumn, the leaves change color and turn reddish. You can safely not replant this variety for 10–12 years and enjoy the spectacular decor of a flowerbed or lawn or mixborder.

• Red-Brown . In England, this variety is popularly called “mourning widow”. It has small dark brown-red flowers with a wavy edge and impressive bluish leaves, on which in mid-summer you can see a beautiful pattern of unusual purple veins.

• Bloody Red. All summer long you can enjoy red flowers on a small spherical bush. The British gave it another name - “red stork”. Infusions, decoctions, extracts and extracts from blood-red geranium are widely used in folk medicine to treat various diseases.

• Armenian . A tall (1.20 m) powerful plant with leaves that regularly change color (depending on the season) and medium-sized crimson flowers.

• Balkanka . It has a ball-shaped shape, large green leaves (which retain their green color in the absence of severe cold) and pink flowers with purple or red hues. Grows in any, even the most difficult, climatic conditions. Geranium roots are used in cooking.

Planting pelargonium

Despite the fact that pelargonium is a perennial plant, it freezes in winter in the middle zone, so there are subtleties in its cultivation.

In order for pelargonium to bloom all summer, it needs to create appropriate conditions. Choose soil with a slightly acidic or neutral reaction; its composition must be light; the presence of peat and river sand has a beneficial effect on the plant. In the fall, when you dig up the soil, add humus and mineral fertilizers.

Pelargonium can grow in the garden, but it is better for it to winter at home

Pelargonium takes well to watering, so you need to water it moderately and not allow the soil to dry out. Although it can tolerate drought normally.

But it’s better not to plant it in open sun either: the optimal temperature for growth and development of pelargonium is +15°C, so the semi-sunny side is considered the best, or it will still have to be shaded.

Depending on the species, pelargonium has a number of individual characteristics, but the principles of planting and care are largely the same. To root green cuttings in the garden, you need to plant them in a mixture of peat and river sand. But you can also root at home using perlite.

Reproduction methods

Cultivation is possible by three classical methods: seeds, cuttings and dividing the bush.

Dividing the bush

Typically, dividing a bush is resorted to when it has grown greatly at the same time as pruning or replanting.

The bush is watered abundantly.

About an hour after watering, it is removed from the pot along with a lump of earth.

The soil is partially and carefully removed so that the root is clearly visible.

The rhizome is divided into parts so that each part has growing points.

The above-ground part is cut to 10cm. from the base.

Ready seedlings are planted in new containers and watered well.

The seedlings will be sick for the first 10 days.

It can take up to 4 months for mature plants to form.

Cuttings

To preserve varietal characteristics in daughters, the cutting method is well suited. It is usually held throughout the season. During the dormant period, while the plant is sleeping, cuttings are not recommended.

The cuttings are cut into pieces of about 6 cm (for dwarf ones about 2-3) with two or three leaves. The cut needs to be dried a little. It will not hurt to use special preparations to stimulate root formation. The cuttings are placed in a container - rooting can take up to one month. All this time, the plantings are stored at a temperature of +20 degrees. It is necessary to water carefully, at the root, without allowing drops to fall on the plant itself. No greenhouse effect is required.

Propagation by seeds

Sowing seedlings can begin at the end of January. At this time, the rest period ends.

• A universal soil purchased at a specialized store is suitable for sowing.
• The seed is small, scattered as evenly as possible into a container and sprinkled with a thin (2-3mm) layer of earth on top.
• The soil is moistened from a sprayer.
• Crops are stored at a temperature of about +20 in a well-lit place.
• Be careful not to let the soil dry out. Moisturize as needed.
• Once the first shoots appear, the sprayer is no longer used. It is necessary to water at the root so that water does not fall on the greens.
• Phytolamps are well suited for additional lighting.

Plant diseases

Among the diseases and pests you should be wary of the following misfortunes:

Blackleg is a very unpleasant disease that cannot be cured. It can occur due to high humidity and if the soil has already been contaminated. The plant and soil will have to be thrown away.

If there is excess air humidity, gray mold may occur. The areas affected by the fungus are removed, and everything else is treated with a special antifungal agent.

Spider mite and whitefly. Treatment with an insecticide about 3 times in a certain period will help in the fight, but not every day. An excess of microelements is just as harmful as their lack.

Pelargonium propagation

Pelargonium propagates by seeds and vegetatively (green cuttings).

• Many hobbyists root cuttings directly in winter; to do this, plant the cuttings in sand or perlite and moisten them. Cuttings are taken from mother plants overwintering at home at a temperature not exceeding +12°C. Cuttings are rooted in January at +16°C; already at this temperature the plant begins to take root. Next, the temperature is increased to +20°C, the formation of a full-fledged root system of the cutting occurs in about 3 weeks. When the root system is formed, transplant the young plants into small pots and take them to the greenhouse for hardening and growing. It can also be grown on a window.

Pelargonium cuttings are usually rooted in perlite, but they root well just in water

• Seeds should also be sown in containers in winter, from December to February, the soil mixture should consist of river sand and peat or peat alone. You will have to wait about 3 weeks for germination, during which time the soil must be regularly moistened. It is advisable to cover the top of the container with film. When the seedlings reach the stage of three true leaves, they are planted in separate containers. To make the plant more bushy, pinch it above the 6th leaf.

Features of cultivation

Some types of pelargonium require special care. This mainly applies to royal geraniums. Does not apply to this species:

1. Waterlogging and drying out of the soil. Water with warm, boiled water.
2. Water is poured only into the pan. The roots will take the required amount of moisture.
3. Transplantation should be carried out strictly in spring. The roots should appear in the hole of the pot from the bottom.
4. Fertilize regularly, once a month.
5. The temperature in winter should be about 15 o C. Watering should be reduced.
6. When forming a bud, pinching and pruning are necessary.
7. Propagation can only be done using cuttings. Absolutely cannot be placed in water.

To increase the flowering period, it is necessary to vaccinate the plant. To do this, you need to cut off the top of the head. The cut should be split into a V shape. A royal geranium scion should be inserted into it. The connection point must be wrapped with electrical tape. This plant needs support. The buds formed on the trunks must be removed. This is necessary so that the plant spends its energy only on growth.

The favorable month for planting is August. You cannot use nitrogenous fertilizers as fertilizers.

There are several rules for pruning. It is necessary for the formation of a bush. This stimulates the formation of new shoots. Formation should begin from the moment of planting.

The plant tends to grow upward. Without pruning, it may not produce new shoots. When the growth of the apex is blocked, the buds begin to grow. Cut with a sharp knife or blade. Scissors should not be used, as by pressing against the walls they can damage the fabric itself. Such manipulations lead to plant diseases.

Pruning is carried out to improve the health of the plant. All dried branches must be removed. The work can be done before the onset of winter (it lasts from December to March). At this time, plant growth slows down. In spring, it is necessary to remove all weakened branches. Leave only three strong buds, which will give flowering.

Types of pelargonium

The pelargonium genus has about 250 species that grow in South Africa. In our country, the most common ones, which have given rise to many varieties and hybrids, are the zonal plant and the ivy leaf plant.

Our market will help you choose pelargonium seeds and seedlings - an illustrated catalog of products from various online stores.

Pelargonium zonale

The contoured, patterned leaves of this perennial pelargonium can be light or dark green. A number of well-known sources say that this species is annual, but I would say that it simply does not overwinter in open ground. I dig it up and replant it in a pot, so even in winter my pelargonium blooms.

Pelargonium zonal

In winter, queen cells are stored at temperatures up to +23°C. When the plant fades, the shoots are cut to 10 cm and the container is moved to a bright, cool room with a temperature no higher than +15°C. By the way, this species tolerates drought well and has many new interesting varieties and hybrids. Bright colors (white, red, dark red, crimson, pink) and spherical umbrella-shaped inflorescences with simple or double flowers are why gardeners love this pelargonium so much. Zonal pelargonium can decorate not only a window sill, but also hanging baskets, tubs and containers, flower beds, borders or borders.

Pelargonium of this species does not tolerate excess moisture, can withstand temperatures down to -6°C, and at temperatures below +9°C the leaves turn yellow. Varieties and hybrids affect the height of the plant: for example, the 'Meteor' is short, so it is used for borders. And in the 'Rocky Mountain' you can find vigorous-growing varieties, and also in unusual shades. Medium-sized unusual varieties

• 'Rumba Fire' - fiery, I would say, bordering on the "poisonous" saturation of the red color, attracts attention from any point of view.

Pelargonium zonal

• 'Bravo Pastel' - petals are white, gradually turning into pink, with a delicate crimson eye

Pelargonium zonalis 'Bravo Pastel'

How to care for geraniums in winter

After abundant flowering, the plant needs a good rest. For geraniums, “vacation” occurs in the second half of autumn and winter. This time is very important for her, as she gains strength. It is necessary to provide pelargonium with careful care.

The ideal wintering of the crop takes place at a temperature reduced to 10-15 degrees.

If the house has central heating and is very hot, a suitable temperature regime is achieved through ventilation. For example, you can keep geraniums on the windowsill and set the plastic window to the appropriate mode.

Watering during this period is significantly reduced; fertilizers are not introduced. But there should be enough lighting. If there is a lack of it, it is advisable to use a lamp or place the pot on the brightest window.

If it is not possible to move the geranium to a cool room for the winter, then at the beginning of spring it needs to be trimmed thoroughly, removing all elongated shoots and bare stems.

When to sow pelargonium seeds

From the emergence of seedlings to the flowering of geraniums you will have to wait about 5-6 months. Therefore, in order to get flowering at the beginning of summer, it is necessary to plant pelargonium seedlings already in January, February or early March.

Pelargonium grown from seedlings will bloom magnificently and beautifully all summer until frost.

If, when sowing seeds for seedlings, you focus on the phases of the Moon, please note that favorable days in 2022 according to the Lunar calendar:

• in January: 1, 5, 6, 8 and 9, 28 and 29;
• in February: 2, 3, 6 and 7, 24 and 25;
• in March: 2, 3, 27 and 28, 30 and 31.

Features of reproduction

Robert's geranium propagates by seed . At the end of flowering, the seeds ripen in a box, which then self-spray throughout the entire area and produce abundant annual flowering. In some situations, it is difficult to get rid of such a plant if desired; it reproduces so widely and quickly that it sometimes turns into annoying weeds.

This variety of geranium is very resistant to bad weather, especially severe frosts, which makes it practically “indestructible”.

Robert's geranium has the ability to grow quickly, which subsequently prevents the growth of weeds.

Reproduction

Dividing a bush, cuttings, seeds and self-sowing are four ways in which you can increase the number of plantings of your favorite plant in the country. It is worth familiarizing yourself with them in more detail.

1. Self-seeding - the seeds of the plant scatter from the independently opened geranium fruits. Wind and ants help disperse seeds over long distances. The only negative is that due to self-seeding, the plot will not acquire the design that you wanted. Interestingly, geranium seeds look like the nose of a crane.
2. Cuttings are the most popular method. You need to cut off the upper shoots, place them in a container with water and wait for the roots to appear. To speed up the process, you can use a growth activator. The treated cuttings can be planted in the ground immediately, while cuttings without treatment can take at least two weeks.
3. Geranium seeds To collect them efficiently, you need to find buds that are fading and wrap them in thick cloth or paper. After planting in the ground, the first shoots will appear in two weeks.
4. Dividing the bush. It is good to spend in the first ten days of autumn. You need to take a small part of the plant, plant it in the ground, water it and cover it. This method of propagation has a rejuvenating effect on the plant.

Pelargonium care features

Pelargonium is one of the most unpretentious flowers. Without much difficulty, you can grow lush seedlings and provide them with abundant flowering. But, if you try and pay a little more attention to geranium plants, you can achieve flowering throughout the year.

This is interesting: a characteristic feature of many types of pelargonium is resistance to drought and high vitality. There is a known case when dried pelargonium, which had been in a herbarium for more than six months, formed roots in a humid environment and began to grow.

The rules for proper maintenance of pelargonium are simple. They include:

• watering;
• control of external factors;
• pruning;
• feeding;
• protection from diseases and pests.

Watering

Like absolutely all plants, geranium needs water. You don’t have to spray the bushes or monitor air humidity, but the flow of moisture to the roots should be constant. The main thing in the matter of watering is to observe the chain of command and not to overwater the plant. Geranium simply will not survive life in an overly humid environment, since its root system is quickly affected by mold and other dangerous fungal diseases, especially in winter. In general, geraniums can be classified as drought-resistant crops, but this does not mean that geraniums can be kept under constant stress due to lack of water. It is worth understanding that the less water the plant gets, the weaker its flowering will be, and the flowers will be crushed. Based on all that has been said, the watering regime is built according to the scheme - once every 4-5 days.

Fact: if rot begins to spread on the plant, then, unfortunately, it will no longer be possible to save the plant.

External factors

Geranium is an ideal indoor flower. The plant feels great at room temperature +20-25 degrees, and in winter it can live even in cooler conditions. The only condition is less drafts.

During the winter months, being dormant, the plant feels comfortable at temperatures below 14 degrees. It is best to place a tired plant in a room where the temperature is only 6-8 degrees. And if a flowering geranium is kept at a minimum temperature for several days, it will stop blooming.

Fact: geranium experiences discomfort near a radiator and other heat sources.

You don’t have to be an experienced gardener to know: all flowers are light-loving. Pelargonium is no exception. It is best to arrange a flower garden on a windowsill, so that the flowers are constantly illuminated. But the lack of light will quickly affect the quality of flowering: the buds will form small and dull. And in case of critical lack of light, pelargonium can shed its leaves.

The abundance of light saturates the leaves with juice and color. The plant looks (and grows) healthy, blooms profusely and exudes the strong aroma characteristic of this flower.

Advice: many gardeners are confident that you can safely keep pelargonium in the sun without fear of consequences. And there really won't be any. The main thing is to regularly turn the pot so that the plant is formed on all sides.

You need to take a small pot. Geraniums don’t need a lot of soil. The faster the roots entwine a clod of earth, the faster the plant will bloom, and the smaller the pot, the more abundant the flowering will be. In large pots, the plant may not bloom at all, it doesn’t need it - life is already good, why bother? You can even plant several cuttings in one pot.

Trimming

After flowering, the plant is pruned. First of all, cuttings are cut from the bush for subsequent propagation, and all faded areas are removed. The branches must be trimmed mercilessly, leaving stumps 5-7 centimeters long. Soon they will begin to grow thickly with young shoots. The shorter the pruning, the lower the crown of the bush and good branching will be formed.

Please note: fresh cuts must be treated with a fungicide and sprinkled with charcoal to prevent the plant from being affected by the fungus.

In order to form a low-growing lush bush, it is better to prune in the spring, after wintering, while the plant is still dormant. During this period, stronger and healthier shoots are formed. Pruning in spring involves removing weak branches and shortening those that are too elongated. You cannot cut everything aimlessly: several buds should remain on the trimmed branches.

Tip: pinch the stem after the sixth leaf appears and you will get a lush compact bush.

Pest and disease control

If geraniums are properly cared for, the flower can live a long life without disease. However, sometimes the leaves and roots can be affected by illnesses, so you should know the action plan if suddenly a problem occurs and the geranium is on the verge of death.

Like the vast majority of plants, pelargonium gets sick when it is in constant shade, the soil in which it grows is too waterlogged. As a result, humidity and elevated temperature do their job - the flower is affected by the fungus. The main diseases of pelargonium: gray rot, leaf rust, powdery mildew, nematode.

The plant is most often affected by gray rot in winter, when it is easiest to flood the flower and cool it on the windowsill. To avoid this insidious disease, you should properly water and ventilate, because a lack of fresh air leads to oxygen starvation of the roots and, in general, the entire structural system of the flower.

Often yellow small spots appear on flower leaves. Such damage to the leaf blade indicates the development of another insidious disease - leaf rust. This disease develops due to improper care of the plant.

To prevent fungal diseases from becoming constant companions of the flower, the plant is regularly treated with fungicides (for example, Topaz, Topsin, Skor) and the basic rules of caring for a delicate flower are followed.

Various small insects often settle on geraniums, which spoil the appearance of the plant and gradually suck out all the vital juices and the geranium withers. The main pests of pelargonium:

• Whitefly - feeds on plant juices and is localized at the bottom of the stem;
• Aphid - attacks leaves, multiplies quickly;
• Thrips, mites, mealyworms - appear on all parts of the plant.

It is important to regularly inspect the bushes for the presence of parasites. If they appear, only treating the flower with an insecticidal preparation can save the situation.

Feeding rules

Fertilizers for pelargonium are needed only in the spring and summer, during the flowering period. In winter, all feeding is excluded, as the plant is resting. Fertilizing is applied 2 times a month, combining them with watering.

Tip: Do not apply fertilizer to the flower if it is in direct sunlight. First, shade it and water it. And only then start feeding.

For a full life of pelargonium, four main elements are needed:

• nitrogen;
• potassium;
• phosphorus;
• iodine.

All these elements can be added as a single component, but it is best to create cocktails from several microelements at once.

To grow a lush green crown - stem, leaves, roots - the bush initially needs nitrogen. It is brought into the ground in the first months of spring. If the plant does not have enough nitrogen, it will grow very slowly, and the green color will become faded.

Nitrogen is contained in organic compounds, which are applied to pelargonium with extreme caution, as it can harm the plant. For flowering, it is good to water the geranium with a solution of bird droppings or cow manure (you can only use old manure).

Advice: if you choose between chicken manure and mullein, it is better to give preference to the second option - its composition is less aggressive.

When the buds open, it is the turn of another element - potassium. Now he is the main builder of pelargonium, or rather the creator of flowers. And phosphorus will stimulate the strength of leaves and stems.

A plant spends a colossal amount of energy on flowering. To replenish it, the tired flower system needs to be nourished with multivitamins, which include various minerals, such as iron, sulfur, manganese, boron, magnesium, copper, zinc, calcium. If you provide the geranium with everything it needs, then all the plant systems will work properly for several months and delight the owner with the buds opening again and again.

Important! Iodine is one of the most necessary elements for the lush flowering of pelargonium.

Gardeners often add a solution of iodine and hydrogen peroxide to the soil to stimulate the formation of many flowers. It is very simple to prepare this fertilizer, and the effect can be noticed after 2-3 procedures.

Technique for applying iodine supplement:

1. The soil is well moistened.
2. Make a solution of 1 drop of iodine, 1 liter of water and 1 milliliter of hydrogen peroxide.
3. Water the soil near the walls of the pot with the solution, avoiding liquid getting on the leaves or trunk.
4. Fertilizer consumption – 50 grams at a time.
5. After 3-4 weeks the procedure can be repeated.
6. Carry out the procedure before abundant flowering begins.
7. It is not recommended to use this fertilizer frequently, as the concentrate can burn the roots of the flower.

By the way, for a lush color, you can add B vitamins to the fertilizing composition - B1, B6, B12, which can be bought at the pharmacy.

Feeding from natural products

There is always a suitable means for feeding geraniums in the household. For example, milk. It contains calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, amino acids and fatty acids. In general, everything that is necessary for the growth and flowering of our plant.

Pelargonium responds very well to milk fertilizer. The solution is prepared from 1 liter of water and 100 milliliters of milk. Water the ground under the bush with the prepared mixture, alternating with regular watering.

And, of course, the well-known yeast method of feeding, which many plants, including pelargonium, readily “eat”. Typically, a solution of water (1 liter) and yeast (100 grams) is used during the period of cutting propagation (for rooting cut branches) or as a root feeding, adding a little sugar to the mixture.

What else can be used as fertilizer for geraniums:

• Sugar. For abundant flowering, apply root feeding with a sugar solution. To increase efficiency, EM preparations should be added (for example, “Baikal EM-1”).
• Ash. It contains a large amount of potassium, which is necessary for multi-colored plants.
• Eggshell. An excellent source of calcium. Often the shell is used as drainage or an infusion is prepared from it.

There are a lot of ways to feed. You can use traditional fertilizers, store-bought ones, or turn to folk wisdom and feed your flowers with homemade products. However, it is worth remembering that there must be moderation in everything. It is important to know when to feed your plants and when to leave them alone.

Tips for gardeners:

• liquid fertilizing should always be combined with watering;
• after applying fertilizers, the soil needs to be loosened;
• geranium should not be fed before transplantation and immediately after it;
• It is not possible to save sick pelargoniums with the help of fertilizers.

Recommendations for breeding pelargoniums:

• Young plants have more flower stalks, but if you want to preserve old plants, then in the fall they need to be transplanted into smaller pots with light soil and heavily pruned.
• Before the buds appear, you need to pinch the top of the plant - for more abundant color.
• Geranium loves potassium fertilizers, but the flower has a bad attitude towards organic matter.
• Small pots are selected for the flower bush. If the container is many times larger than the plant, the excess soil will quickly compact and water will accumulate on the surface. As a result, there is a high risk of rotting of weak roots. You should know that the roots must completely entwine the soil in the pot. And the faster this happens, the faster flowering will come.

Fact: You can even plant several cuttings in one pot.

• Plants grow well in both alkaline and acidic soil, but do better if the pH is 7.
• Continuous flowering can be achieved by breaking off faded flower stalks.
• Pelargonium can live at any temperature, and in hot summers it blooms well in the sun, but it still gravitates more towards cool weather. In autumn, at 10-12 degrees, she feels more comfortable.

Why do people die from blackleg?

Unlike hardy adult plants, pelargonium seedlings are prone to rotting and extremely dislike waterlogging.

Watering should be moderate and regular. Be sure to add expanded clay to the bottom of the container. The soil mixture should be loose. Any ready-made neutral soil with the addition of perlite will do.

It is important to choose the right pot size:

• if it is too large, the soil often turns sour,
• in cramped conditions the flower will not develop properly,
• use pots with a diameter of 10-12 cm.

To prevent the development of the disease, 2-3 times during the growing period, geranium is watered with a solution of Fitosporin or a pink solution of potassium permanganate. It is useful to dust the surface of the soil with fly ash or sprinkle it with calcined sand after watering.