Geranium in winter: care at home, places to store geraniums, features

Geranium or pelargonium is a common houseplant that feels great outdoors in the summer. In winter, the plant needs a period of rest, which the grower must provide at home.

The plant does not overwinter in open ground; pelargonium can only tolerate light frost; significant cold is destructive for it. Preserving geraniums in an apartment in winter is quite difficult; due to temperature changes outside after autumn, the plant often gets sick and can lose most of its green mass. You can cope with the main problems in growing if preparation for winter in the apartment is ensured, that’s right.

Description of the plant

Geranium belongs to the Geraniaceae genus. Under natural conditions, the plant grows in South Africa. Now the genus has more than 250 species, and new varieties developed by breeders are added to them every year. Their flowering differs in many ways from the usual “ball”; the bushes form on their own and do not stretch out due to lack of light, but ordinary geraniums can also be pruned, ensuring the formation of a beautiful bush.

Plants of this genus can be divided into two groups:

• blooming - valued for their lush flowering, which pleases the gardener almost all year round;
• fragrant - this plant also blooms, but in comparison with previous species it is imperceptible, valued for the aroma exuding from the leaves; they can smell of lemon, mint, spruce and even Coca-Cola.

The root system of the plant is branched. The stem is erect or creeping in some species. The leaves have the appearance of a dissected blade and are covered with small hairs. Flowers are presented in the form of an inflorescence - a brush; it can have more than 40 buds.

The plant blooms all year round provided the temperature conditions, day length and regular application of mineral fertilizers to the soil are provided. After the inflorescence ripens, a fruit-box is formed, which contains small seeds.

How to feed geraniums when transplanting

Geranium does not like transplanting. If proper nutrition is provided, it is necessary to replant only when the flower has grown greatly. Be sure to lay a drainage layer at the bottom of the container. There are no special requirements for the substrate, but it must be loose, fertile, and rich in nutrients. Most often, a universal substrate is used for flowering crops. You can add perlite, peat, top nutrient layer of garden soil, sand and humus to it.

There is no need to feed for 2-3 months after transplantation, since excess nutrients will negatively affect the rooting and further development of the plant.

So, in order to achieve long-term lush flowering of geraniums, you should feed them periodically. In most cases, the nutrient solution is applied at the root, some are sprayed on the leaf. You can feed with ready-made complex mineral fertilizers or prepare fertilizers yourself - the latter is not difficult and inexpensive. Also, during flowering, water with water with iodine. You should pay a little attention and the plant will delight you with its cheerful appearance and gorgeous flowering.

Today, many people are growing indoor plants. Pelargonium, which is commonly called geranium, is of great interest. It is worth noting that although pelargonium belongs to the geranium family, it still remains a separate species. We will take a closer look at how you can feed pelargonium at home, but since many people call this plant geranium, we will also stick to this familiar name.

Periods of growth and rest

The plant has a short dormant period and enters the dormant phase in December. A new vegetative cycle begins in late February - early March. The dormant period of the plant is characterized by slower growth and lack of flowering. If sufficient daylight is provided, the plant can gain color, but it is recommended to remove the buds because the geranium needs to rest. Lack of rest will not have the best effect on summer flowering - the caps will be less lush. The growth period begins in March and lasts until the end of September. At this time, the plant needs to be fed with fertilizer with a moderate content of nitrogen and phosphates.

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To form a beautiful crown and maximum splendor, it is recommended to pinch the flower during the growth period. It is better to do this after flowering, then after pruning the flower will again delight the owner with thick greenery and massive flowering. It is recommended to simply pinch zonal pelargonium for better branching. Ivy-leaved or ampelous geraniums need to be pruned on each branch after the formation of the seventh leaf.

Care for geraniums at home

Geranium is a light-loving plant that feels great on an eastern or southern windowsill. Its leaves are delicate, so it is necessary to provide shading from the hot, midday sun, otherwise the foliage will begin to turn yellow and crumble.

Important!

If there is a lack of sunlight, it is better to organize additional illumination with a phytolamp. If there is not enough light, the shoots will stretch out, the leaves will become shredded, and you won’t have to wait for flowering.

If the bush is formed incorrectly, it can be corrected by extending daylight hours. The result will be noticeable in the first month, the shoots will become smoother and thicker. If geranium is kept in a room in winter, it needs to be kept cool - the optimal room temperature is 12-16 degrees. The plant responds well to fresh air, so the room needs to be ventilated, heating radiators dry the air, so it is better to purchase a humidifier.

Temperature and lighting in summer and winter

Plants need a break from summer flowering in order to re-decorate the front garden with bright caps next year. The optimal temperature in summer when kept indoors is 22-26 degrees; for winter it is recommended to lower it to 12-18. A flowerpot with geraniums must be protected from drafts at any time of the year, because the plant has a fragile root system.

Kalachik is demanding on the length of daylight hours and lighting. Without sunny color, the plant stretches out and loses its decorative qualities, the stem partially sheds its leaves and becomes bare. In summer, geranium can be kept in the garden by placing the pot outside or even planting the plant from the pot into open ground. It should be placed in a partially shaded area. The flower needs the soft rays of the morning sun, but the midday heat can destroy it.

How often to water in an apartment

It is impossible to say that pelargonium is a moisture-loving plant; it does not tolerate flooding, therefore excessive soil moisture is destructive for it. It needs to be watered at home after the earthen clod has partially dried out; the plant tolerates temporary drought better than flooding. In winter, the plant is watered once every 10-14 days, and in summer - once every 2-5 days.

Choosing a substrate and fertilizing: how to fertilize correctly

When maintaining a plant, you need to remember that it needs proper care at home and an annual transplant, which involves a complete replacement of the earthen clod. You can plant the plant in any nutrient mixture with the addition of perlite and vermiculite. A sufficient layer of drainage should be placed at the bottom of the flowerpot. The plant loves spacious flowerpots and grows quickly in them, but for rapid flowering, the size of the pot must correspond to the root system. Planting in a large pot will cause the plant to build up its underground root mass, forgetting about flowering.

It grows quickly if the soil is regularly fertilized from the beginning of March to the end of September. For lush flowering, compositions with a high potassium content are used, which should be used 2 times a month in the volumes regulated by the instructions. If a fertilizer is classified as complex, you need to pay attention to the nitrogen content in it, because high doses of the component will lead to a rapid increase in green mass and failure to flower.

Trimming

Pruning is one of the difficult stages in caring for any plant, but flower growers who want to get a neat geranium bush and enjoy its flowering cannot do without such manipulation.

The growth rate depends on the variety and quality of pruning. As they develop, the stems always stretch out and become bare. In this case, the top of the stem is cut off and re-rooted, and the remaining bare stem with roots can be tried to be revived. The pot needs to be provided with complete care and good lighting, then young rudiments of future branches will appear on the bare stump.

To prevent the formation of a bare stem, it is recommended to prune the plant every year after the completion of the vegetative cycle. The plant is cut as much as possible to awaken dormant buds. Since geranium does not stop growing completely, it becomes necessary to re-form after increasing daylight hours - in March.

Attention!

Formation allows you to obtain a mass of planting material. Cuttings obtained in spring or autumn, with proper care and successful rooting, will bloom next summer. This method of propagation is better than sowing seeds - all plants will have the varietal characteristics of the parent. When propagating by seed, there is a risk of cross-pollination.

Preparation for wintering: winter storage

In autumn, the plant is pruned as much as possible, leaving no more than 7 leaves on the stem. Be sure to remove the stepsons growing from the lateral axils, because they will suck out from the mother plant all the nutrients necessary for successful wintering. To get abundant flowering, wintering pelargoniums should be cool; you can save the plants on a windowsill or in the basement.

The process of preparing for wintering includes reducing watering, eliminating fertilizing with various fertilizers, and pruning with the obligatory removal of flower stalks.

When storing in the basement, you need to take into account that each plant is cut and removed from the ground, placed in an airtight container, which will have to be ventilated at least once every 2 weeks. The storage basement must be dry, the temperature in it should not fall below 10 degrees - otherwise the plant will die.

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How to prune geraniums for winter

Closer to mid-October, it is recommended to carry out a thorough cutting of the pelargonium bush; in this case, it is necessary to cut off only half, leaving the upper part of the plant. This procedure is carried out so that there is excellent air exchange inside the flower, which will have a positive effect on the lower row of foliage of the plant - the light will be good on these leaves and fungal infections will be minimized in winter.

In the cold season, you only need to look at the cuts; if they turn black, then you should trim the sprouts a little more.

Geranium constantly needs decorative pruning. Without shortening the stems it is impossible to get a beautiful bush. Moreover, a free-growing bush blooms less often and is more susceptible to diseases.

However, it should be borne in mind that the formation of a flower bud occurs within 3 months and therefore the pruning procedure must be planned and carried out in a timely manner, using only sterile instruments.

By the way, at this moment you can share the plant with friends and relatives, since geranium is propagated by cuttings that will remain after the bush formation procedure.

How to replant geraniums in winter

Homemade geranium cannot be replanted only in winter, but is allowed in other seasons. In the cold season, it is recommended to replant only garden pelargonium, because at sub-zero temperatures the plant may die.

Wintering sites for pelargoniums

The following conditions are suitable for wintering:

• glazed balcony or loggia, provided that the temperature does not drop below 8-10 degrees;
• window sill at a room temperature of no more than 17 degrees;
• cellar or basement - plants in flowerpots are placed in the most illuminated place; if it is impossible to provide natural light, the method is not used;
• refrigerator - without soil and roots, leaving only the above-ground part in the form of a stem, you need to regularly check the condition of the plant.

In order for adult plants to successfully overwinter, they must retire healthy. At the end of August, plants planted in open ground should be inspected for pests.

Reproduction and transplantation

To propagate the ball, 2 methods are used: cuttings and sowing seeds. The first method has one drawback - it is important to select suitable seed material. Cuttings affected by pests or diseases will not be able to take root. With the seed method, the difficulty lies in caring for the planting. It is important not to overwater young plants and to ventilate the organized greenhouse in a timely manner.

Seeds: how to care

Kalachik reproduces well with the help of seeds; you can collect them yourself from a flowering bush or purchase them in a store. Store-bought seeds need to be checked by expiration date; if they are collected recently, germination rate will be high.

The seeds are planted in loose soil, slightly moistened and previously disinfected with a solution of potassium manganese, and planted to a depth of 2 cm. The pot with fresh seeds is covered with glass or plastic film and kept at a temperature of 18-22 degrees. The glass is removed after germination. The sprout is pinched after the formation of 5 leaves. Spray with a spray bottle, being careful not to touch the seedlings.

Interesting to know!

A plant grown from seeds can bloom in 6 months, so it is better to sow it in February.

They are transplanted into a separate pot after the formation of large bushes with 2-4 pairs of true leaves.

Growing by cuttings

Growing a full-fledged plant from a cutting is quite simple. To do this, use the remains after autumn or spring pruning. It is better to choose cuttings with a lignified trunk. There are several popular rooting methods:

1. Water. Add an activated carbon tablet to a small container of water and place the cutting in it. Place the glass on a well-lit windowsill and wait for the roots. The process of their appearance in the spring takes about a week, and in the fall more than a month. The main risk when using this method is rot.
2. Perlite or vermiculite. The cuttings are rooted in moistened perlite or vermiculite, placing the sprout at a slight angle - this way the young plant will spend less energy on its own support. The plant is placed in a consecrated place or under a phytolamp.
3. Peat. It is convenient to use a peat tablet. It needs to be soaked in water before use. After opening it to the volume of the glass, a stalk with an oblique cut is placed in the center. The advantage of this method is the ability to subsequently transship instead of transplanting. This method has the advantage that the peat in tablets is disinfected, therefore the risk of death of the cutting is minimal.
4. Priming. The plant takes root in the soil, as in a peat tablet, only the substrate must first be prepared. It is coughed out in the oven or doused with manganese to disinfect it.

The cuttings are transplanted into a permanent pot after noticeable growth and the formation of new leaves. It is better to wait until the roots have entwined the entire existing earthen ball.

Landing

The plant must be replanted carefully due to the fact that its root system is delicate. The new flowerpot should be two centimeters larger in diameter than the previous one. It is not worth using a large pot, because the plant will not bloom. It is recommended to plant geraniums rooted from cuttings or a bush after wintering in April - during the period of growth and development.

Transfer

Before replanting, the ball needs to be watered with water. So, it will be easier to remove the earth ball from the flowerpot. Transplantation is carried out in spring or autumn, after flowering has ended. After transplanting into new soil, the plant is not fed with fertilizers for 4 months. The substrate contains all the nutrients necessary for growth and development.

Sometimes you need to change the soil completely

For rapid flowering, fertile soil enriched with nutrients is required. But even despite regular and proper fertilization, the soil can still become depleted. The main signs of this problem: active proliferation of harmful fungi and bacteria, changes in the structure of the soil: it becomes too hard, cracks, and quickly dries out after watering.

When grown indoors, geraniums must be replanted once every 2-3 years. It is recommended to do this only in spring and summer.

If the plant in this soil is already beginning to wither, then you can do this in September.

The day before replanting the flower, it must be watered abundantly. This is necessary so that the root ball of earth comes out of the old pot without problems and does not damage the root system.

To help geranium recover faster, it is recommended to use stimulants.

The new soil should consist of two parts turf soil for geraniums, two parts rotted humus and one part coarse sand. If it is not possible to prepare the soil mixture yourself, then you can purchase a universal soil for flowering crops.

Possible problems

When growing geraniums at home, gardeners face the following problems:

• leaves turn yellow;
• pests attack;
• leaves fall;
• the stem turns black or rots;
• spots appear on the leaves.

The appearance of these symptoms in any case indicates a pest attack or improper care.

Why do indoor geraniums die?

The main reasons for the death of an indoor flower:

• unregulated watering;
• excessive dry air;
• high room temperature;
• exposure to sunlight;
• damage to the root system during transplantation.

There are many reasons; to find out the true reason, you need to carefully think about what changes the flower has suffered. Often the problem is solved by changing the soil.

Diseases and pests: how to keep a ball

Geranium is rarely attacked by pests, so most often the plant dies when the owner does not follow the basic rules. The death of old leaves located at the bottom of the stem is a natural process. You need to look for the cause if the young buds wither or fall off, and rust forms on the back side.

1. If the edges of the leaves turn yellow, you need to increase watering.
2. Loss of turgor indicates excess moisture.
3. Leaf fall - lack of sunlight.

Important!

“Black leg” is a common problem from which there is no escape for pelargoniums. The only way to preserve the variety is to quickly re-root the apical cutting. After planting, the pot must be treated with a fungicide, and the soil must be thrown away.

A little history and cultivation features

Indoor geranium came to European countries almost 300 years ago from southwest Africa. Over the past centuries, new varieties of geranium have been developed with a variety of bud shapes, leaf colors and inflorescences. They readily decorate not only houses, but also flower beds and flower beds. Geranium can be used to decorate balconies in hanging pots and boxes. The plant has become one of the most popular and beloved.

Of the more than thousands of known varieties of geranium, almost all grow optimally on balconies and loggias. The main thing is to create the conditions necessary for growth and flowering for the plant. Pelargonium is a light-loving plant. It loves the sun, but not its direct hot exposure, but being in partial shade. Tolerates dry air and does not require spraying. The plant feels good at low temperatures. Most suitable conditions: cool nights and warm days. At the same time, the plant gains strength, does not stretch out and always blooms.

To achieve constant flowering, it is important to know one nuance when growing geraniums. The plant stops blooming when it has enough space in the pot. Therefore, it will not require much land. If the roots are tightly and quickly woven into the soil, then the plant will bloom quickly and abundantly. A small pot size is one of the conditions for bright flowering. In large containers, it may not please you with bright inflorescences for a long time and you will have to wait for the roots to fill the voids. Therefore, plant several cuttings at once in large boxes and pots.

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As the geranium grows, the lower leaves may turn yellow. Wait for a couple of new leaves to appear and remove any yellowed leaves. To form a symmetrical and lush bush, you need to pinch the top on the eighth leaf, the shoots can be pinched on the sixth leaf. If the geranium has not yet bloomed, then turn the pot on different sides to the sun so that the shoots grow evenly. When flowering, you should not turn the bush so that it does not stop blooming. Water sparingly as the soil dries out.

Medicinal properties and benefits of the flower

The leaves of zonal pelargonium release essential oils into the air and destroy viruses and bacteria floating in the room. The plant is recommended to be kept in the children's room because it calms and improves sleep. The leaves of the plant are used for otitis, rhinitis and rheumatism. An infusion is made from them to treat diseases of the gums and throat.

According to popular belief, the flowering of red geranium in an apartment indicates love and mutual understanding in the family. The plant normalizes the aura and makes the psycho-emotional environment more comfortable for life.

What is the difficulty of keeping it in winter?

The difficulty of maintaining a plant during the winter season lies in the following factors:

• insufficient lighting due to reduced daylight hours;
• entering a state of rest;
• the need to reduce the rate of watering and fertilizing.

Due to the combination of the above nuances, care for geraniums in the cold season must be changed.

Did you know? There are more than 400 species of geraniums, some of which grow in the tropics.