Geranium is considered the most popular and famous plant in indoor floriculture. Beginning hobbyists appreciate it for its unpretentiousness and ease of reproduction. There are a huge number of different varieties. Geranium is an annual or perennial, reaching a height of fifty centimeters. The highlight of the plant is the leaves of a rich green hue, reminiscent of the color of young grass, and large bright flowers collected in inflorescences. The leaves emit a pleasant aroma of lemon and mint. In this article we will talk about the homeland of the plant, find out its scientific name and differences from another species - pelargonium.
Where are you from?
First, let's figure out where this houseplant comes from. Found in the wild in New Zealand, Australia, California and Madagascar. The plant is native to India and South Africa. It was from these regions that the plant came to European countries. One day, sailors who found themselves in South Africa became interested in an interesting plant with bright inflorescences. The British brought the plant to Great Britain, where breeders began to develop new varieties.
They began to decorate houses and gardens with it as soon as it arrived in Europe. Basically, this plant could be seen in the homes of nobles. Ladies of those times fell in love with the beauty and decorated their outfits with her, decorating headdresses and the neckline of luxurious dresses.
When did it come to Russia?
Rustenia arrived in Russia in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and immediately gained wide popularity among aristocrats. They began to decorate their luxurious houses with an unusual flower. Some species were never domesticated by humans; they spread into the wild, settling in meadows, swampy areas, and forest areas, persistently fighting unfavorable weather conditions.
Problems when growing a flower
- yellowing and falling of the lower leaves. Reason: lack of lighting, improper watering. Lack of sunlight causes leaves to turn pale. Drought causes the tips of the leaves to dry out, and excessive moisture causes them to rot. If this happens, the conditions of detention are adjusted: the plant is given additional light or watering is adjusted;
- redness of the leaf margins. Reason: frozen. Solution: move to a warmer room;
- lack of flowering. Reason: insufficient lighting or low temperatures. Solution: adjustment of conditions of detention;
- disease damage (gray rot, root rot) or exposure to pest attacks: nematodes, aphids, whiteflies and mites. To avoid the development of diseases, it is necessary to ensure the correct conditions of detention.
Useful properties of geranium
It not only decorates the apartment, but also has many useful properties. It contains flavonoids, essential oils, tannins, carotene, starch, fructose, pectin, manganese, iron and other substances. People have been interested in the properties of the miracle geranium since ancient times; it attracted the attention of healers, sorcerers and priests. With its help they fought evil and protected pregnant women.
It was used to eliminate headaches, stress and pain in the spine. It is able to fight bacteria and viruses, stop bleeding, relieve pain and swelling, heal wounds, and have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract and heart.
When you have a runny nose, drop juice from the leaves into your nose; when you have a cough, drink an infusion from the leaves and gargle. Ear diseases are treated by placing a fresh leaf in the ear canal. There are a large number of recipes for its use for medicinal purposes.
Signs and beliefs
Geranium can have a positive effect on the surrounding area and people. For many, it is associated with old grandmothers and Soviet times, when the flower adorned every windowsill. Our grandmothers believed that the plant has truly unique properties. However, even now it does not lose its popularity.
The plant saves families from scandals and quarrels, creating a harmonious atmosphere in the house. A specific aroma helps to cope with a stressful situation and relieves excessive irritability. The nervous system comes into order under the influence of a miraculous plant, thanks to which a person no longer has bad dreams, and insomnia goes away. Many believe that it is an excellent amulet that protects against the evil eye and damage.
A variety of beliefs are associated with geranium, in which our ancestors especially strongly believed. Previously, girls carried dried flowers with them, sewn into a bag, so that the guy who liked them would pay attention to them. The girls believed that they helped the birth of reverent love. It is believed that the plant has a positive effect on the family budget.
Flowering geranium close-up The proximity of geraniums to azaleas is especially beneficial - together they attract calm and tranquility into the house. Promote the development of creative abilities in children.
White geraniums symbolize purity, innocence and sincerity. They protect family happiness from misfortunes and failures. Married couples who want to have a child should immediately purchase white geranium: she will help you become parents.
Red symbolizes passionate love. Single girls who dream of meeting their soulmate should make friends with them. Red geranium will help preserve beauty and youth. Pink plants are presented to girls who cannot get married for a long time.
Another scientific name for geranium
In Latin the name is “geranium”. It comes from the word "geranion" or "geranios", which means "crane". The name was given to the plant for a reason: the fruits that grow on it look very similar to the beak of a crane. The British and Americans call geranium “cranesbill” - “crane bird”.
What is the difference between geranium and pelargonium?
There is a lot of confusion in the floriculture industry regarding geraniums and pelargoniums.. Some people think that they are the same plant, others believe that "pelargonium" is the scientific name of the plant. This is a big misconception. In fact, geranium and pelargonium are two completely different flowers with significant differences.
They belong to the same family, this is the greatest similarity. The family has five genera and eight hundred plant species. The most numerous is geranium, and the most common is pelargonium. They have similarities in external features. They have very similar fruits that resemble the beak of a crane or stork."Pelargos" is translated from Latin as "stork", hence the name "pelargonium".
The stems of both plants stand straight, and the leaves, dotted with small hairs, are arranged alternately. Geraniums emit a pleasant smell and do not require special care - they are unpretentious.
Plants are characterized by having different genetic properties, so they cannot be crossed. Pelargonium is native to the southern regions, and geranium came to us from the northern latitudes. This difference is significantly reflected in flowering: geranium blooms flowers even at twelve degrees Celsius, while pelargonium requires greenhouse conditions for this. Pelargonium grows well at home, in flower beds and on balconies, and can exist in gardens where it does not need to be covered during the winter months.
Difference in care
Geranium and pelargonium do not require super-skills and extensive experience from the gardener; they are quite unpretentious. Both plants can grow well in loose, fertile soil; pelargonium prefers a neutral or acidic substrate.
Species that naturally grow on rocks love light sandy soil, while species that live in meadows develop well in heavy soil with clay.
Pelargonium close-up Geraniums and pelargoniums grow well indoors with partial shade., although they like good lighting, but without direct rays of the sun. Caring for them is basically the same. The only difference is that pelargonium is cared for in an apartment, and geranium is cared for in a garden.
Pelargonium is placed on the windowsill, providing it with a comfortable temperature. She came to apartments from hot places, so she requires greenhouse conditions. If the plant does not have enough light, it stops blooming or blooms small flowers. Water the pelargonium as the top layer of soil dries. It is impossible to over-moisten, otherwise it will lead to rotting of the root system. For pelargonium, a small pot filled with nutritious soil and equipped with high-quality drainage is enough.
Geraniums are most often grown in the garden. She is unpretentious, so she is very popular. You don’t have to fertilize it or weed the weeds around it: they don’t bother it.
It is watered infrequently; special attention is paid to it if the summer turns out to be poor in rain. Despite the fact that the flower will develop without fertilizer or weeding, it is still worth paying a little attention to these aspects of care. Minimal fertilizing and weeding will help the flower become more lush and healthy. They plant it in sunny places and do not cover it for the winter, because it tolerates frost well. This is the fundamental difference between the two types.
How to distinguish two flowers?
A geranium flower has five or eight petals. Most often, single flowers bloom, but in some varieties they are collected in inflorescences. Pelargonium growing at home has an unusual corolla structure: the upper petals are larger than the three lower petals, resulting in an irregular shape of this part of the flower. Pelargonium flowers produce large inflorescences. Geranium has a wide palette of shades in which flowers can be painted, except for scarlet, and pelargonium flowers never bear colors with blue notes.
On the left is a pelargonium flower, on the right is a geranium Geranium is considered a garden plant that has gained great popularity among gardeners.
The most common varieties are “Georgian”, “Oxford”, “magnificent”. Pelargonium is loved by home gardeners; it blooms flowers throughout the year. In the summer, it can be placed on a balcony or veranda, but in winter it should be returned indoors.
Flowers are often confused, believing that they are the same plant. However, these two flowers are completely different plants with fundamental differences, so you need to be able to distinguish them from each other.
We know geranium as an unpretentious indoor plant that delights with its numerous bright flowers from spring until the snow. Not everyone knows that there is another type of geranium that grows quietly in open ground. The frost-resistant “sister” can be found in the garden, forest or swamp. Botanists divided them into two varieties, one of which is called “geranium”, and the other was given the name “pelargonium”. It is she who has become the pet of almost everyone who breeds flowers. Both genera belong to the same Geranium family and have the same origin.
The geranium plant is native to South Africa. In different parts of the Republic of South Africa there are several types of climate: Mediterranean, tropical, subtropical and temperate. As a result, the flora turned out to be very diverse and variegated. Unusual representatives of the plant world have been transported from here since the 16th century. Trade ships from the Old World began to land on the shores of Africa.
Sailors often stopped at the Cape of Good Hope during long journeys. At that time, Europeans were interested not only in the culture of the local population and trade with them, but also in the flora and fauna of the mainland. Naturalists immediately noticed the bright and varied flowers growing freely underfoot, and took specimens home for further breeding. Among the plants was geranium. Breeders became interested in the unusual and beautiful flower and began to actively adapt it to new living conditions. Gradually it spread throughout the world, perfectly adapting to the climate in which it found itself. That is why today it is so unusual for us to hear that the birthplace of the geranium plant was a hot country. The first mentions of geranium appeared in Europe around the 17th century. It appeared in Russia at the beginning of the 18th century, and in the 19th century. became a house plant in every aristocratic house. Certain types of geranium remained “wild”, grew in forests, meadows, and swamps, calmly tolerating harsh climatic conditions. Others “turned” into indoor heat-loving beauties. This is how a type of domestic geranium emerged, which was called pelargonium. Over time, he became completely different from his meadow “sister”. Today the two flowers are very different from each other, despite their shared ancestry. Breeders have developed many varieties of geranium. They differ in color and flower shape. There are about 400 species of this plant on earth. In nature, it can be found in New Zealand, Turkey, Madagascar, other species grow in Russia. Currently, many varieties of geranium can be seen in the plant’s homeland, Africa. There it looks like our usual indoor pelargonium. We will tell you about it in more detail. Homemade pelargonium is divided into two main types: Among bush pelargoniums there are flowering varieties with bright lush inflorescences and fragrant ones, which are valued for their fragrant leaves. The most popular among gardeners are bush geraniums: The geranium plant is native to South Africa. Many indoor crops, such as chlorophytums, clivias, sansevierias and others, originated from there. Being thermophilic and light-loving, finding themselves in Europe and then in Russia, they could only survive at home. Over several centuries, geranium has adapted well to our changeable climate, but just like its southern relatives, it loves the sun and warmth. Therefore, if you decide to grow this flower, find the brightest place for it in the apartment. Windows should face south or southwest. In the summer, pelargonium can be used to decorate a balcony or. This plant loves direct sunlight and will delight you with a large number of flowers. In extreme heat, it is advisable to cover it a little. Indoor geranium grows well at 20 - 25°, but in winter it is better to place it in a cooler place. She will feel great at 10 - 15°. Pelargonium loves moisture, although it should not be flooded. The optimal frequency of watering is once every two days. For favorable growth, the flower requires drainage from expanded clay or pebbles. It will absorb excess moisture, which means that the roots of the plant will not rot or become sick. In winter, geranium is almost not watered; at this time it “sleeps” until spring. This plant does not like to be disturbed unnecessarily, so replanting can be done only when roots emerge from the drainage hole. Regular garden soil can be used for planting. Do not let geraniums grow high, as this will reduce the number of flowers. It needs to be pruned periodically, then the bushes will be lush, and many inflorescences will appear on them.
Temperature
Watering
Do I need to replant geraniums?
We know geranium as an unpretentious indoor plant that delights with its numerous bright flowers from spring until the snow. Not everyone knows that there is another type of geranium that grows quietly in open ground. The frost-resistant “sister” can be found in the garden, forest or swamp. Botanists divided them into two varieties, one of which is called “geranium”, and the other was given the name “pelargonium”. It is she who has become the pet of almost everyone who breeds flowers. Both genera belong to the same Geranium family and have the same origin.
The geranium plant is native to South Africa. In different parts of the Republic of South Africa there are several types of climate: Mediterranean, tropical, subtropical and temperate. As a result, the flora turned out to be very diverse and variegated. Unusual representatives of the plant world have been transported from here since the 16th century. Trade ships from the Old World began to land on the shores of Africa.
Sailors often stopped at the Cape of Good Hope during long journeys. At that time, Europeans were interested not only in the culture of the local population and trade with them, but also in the flora and fauna of the mainland. Naturalists immediately noticed the bright and varied flowers growing freely underfoot, and took specimens home for further breeding. Among the plants was geranium. Breeders became interested in the unusual and beautiful flower and began to actively adapt it to new living conditions. Gradually it spread throughout the world, perfectly adapting to the climate in which it found itself. That is why today it is so unusual for us to hear that the birthplace of the geranium plant was a hot country.
The first mentions of geranium appeared in Europe around the 17th century. It appeared in Russia at the beginning of the 18th century, and in the 19th century. became a house plant in every aristocratic house. Certain types of geranium remained “wild”, grew in forests, meadows, and swamps, calmly tolerating harsh climatic conditions. Others “turned” into indoor heat-loving beauties. This is how a type of domestic geranium emerged, which was called pelargonium. Over time, he became completely different from his meadow “sister”. Today the two flowers are very different from each other, despite their shared ancestry.
Breeders have developed many varieties of geranium. They differ in color and flower shape. There are about 400 species of this plant on earth. In nature, it can be found in New Zealand, Turkey, Madagascar, other species grow in Russia.
Currently, many varieties of geranium can be seen in the plant’s homeland, Africa. There it looks like our usual indoor pelargonium.
We will tell you about it in more detail. Homemade pelargonium is divided into two main types:
bush (these are lush, low plants);
ampelous (ivy-leaved pelargonium with long shoots creeping like a grapevine).
Among bush pelargoniums there are flowering varieties with bright lush inflorescences and fragrant ones, which are valued for their fragrant leaves.
The most popular among gardeners are bush geraniums:
zonal (with a border around the edge of the flower);
royal (with large flowers).
Geranium care
The geranium plant is native to South Africa. Many indoor crops, such as chlorophytums, clivias, sansevierias and others, originated from there. Being thermophilic and light-loving, finding themselves in Europe and then in Russia, they could only survive at home.
Over several centuries, geranium has adapted well to our changeable climate, but just like its southern relatives, it loves the sun and warmth. Therefore, if you decide to grow this flower, find the brightest place for it in the apartment. Windows should face south or southwest.
In the summer, you can decorate your balcony or veranda with pelargonium. This plant loves direct sunlight and will delight you with a large number of flowers. In extreme heat, it is advisable to cover it a little.
Temperature
Indoor geranium grows well at 20 - 25°, but in winter it is better to place it in a cooler place. She will feel great at 10 - 15°.
Watering
Pelargonium loves moisture, although it should not be flooded. The optimal frequency of watering is once every two days. For favorable growth, the flower requires drainage from expanded clay or pebbles. It will absorb excess moisture, which means that the roots of the plant will not rot or become sick.
In winter, geranium is almost not watered; at this time it “sleeps” until spring.
Do I need to replant geraniums?
This plant does not like to be disturbed unnecessarily, so replanting can be done only when roots emerge from the drainage hole. Regular garden soil can be used for planting. Do not let geraniums grow high, as this will reduce the number of flowers. It needs to be pruned periodically, then the bushes will be lush, and many inflorescences will appear on them.
If all these conditions are met, your geranium will bloom from spring until late autumn. Propagating the plant at home is very simple: just cut off a small branch with a few leaves from the top in the spring and place it in a glass of water. When roots appear, it can be planted in a small pot.
Benefits of geranium
Centuries ago, people discovered that geranium has medicinal properties. Using a compress from its leaves, abscesses were removed and wounds healed. It turned out that it has an anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect.
It was for the treatment of patients that geranium was used in its homeland. She disinfected wounds and protected against infection. It was often used as a folk remedy for runny nose and headaches.
It has been noted that fragrant geranium can calm the nervous system and improve a person’s mood. It’s not for nothing that this flower was grown in almost every home. There was an opinion that this plant brings peace and well-being to the family. Pelargonium was cherished not only as a home decoration, but also as a talisman.
ttp://koffkindom.ru/geran-rodina-rasteniya.htm
Geranium is a wonderful houseplant. But it is also planted in parks and gardens, as it looks beautiful not only on the windowsill, but also on lawns. In nature, geranium can grow in forests and meadows. Many people grow this plant at home, unaware of its real place of origin.
Geranium is also called crane grass. People are often mistaken when they call this plant pelargonium. Despite the fact that there are many similarities, some differences can still be identified. Today there are about 400 varieties of geranium. They grow all over the world and the plant can be a shrub or a grass. Geranium grows up to 60 cm. The leaves are covered with delicate hairs, and the inflorescence comes in different colors. But where is the homeland of indoor geranium?
Back in the 17th century, geranium was brought to our region from Great Britain. Some people began to believe that this country is the birthplace of this amazing flower, but this is a wrong opinion. Geranium is a southern plant, and came to Europe from South Africa and India. It was brought by the British. In Great Britain, other varieties of this plant began to be developed, which many people still grow at home today. Geraniums are decorated with window sills and planted in the garden.
Most geraniums are plants that have adapted to dry weather, so they have learned to accumulate huge amounts of moisture in their thick stems.
In the homeland of this plant there are harsh weather conditions. The scorching sun shines there most days of the year. Drought is often replaced by heavy, long rains that flood the ground for several days.
About 10% of all geranium species grow in other areas.
- In Madagascar
- In Australia
- In California
- In New Zealand
As soon as geranium was brought to Europe, it began to be used as decoration in houses, on windows, and this could especially often be seen among nobles.
In ancient times, ladies used inflorescences to decorate necklines and headdresses. After some time, the plant gained popularity, so ordinary people began to grow it.
As already mentioned, geranium originally grew in South Africa. But, often, sailors who visited various places were interested not only in culture, infrastructure, but also in the plants that appear in a particular area. Therefore, a flower like geranium could not go unnoticed. Naturalists drew attention to the amazing inflorescence that they contemplated in such a warm climate. After this, they had a desire to adapt the plant to new living conditions. This is how geranium began to spread to different parts of the world, adapting to the varied climates in which it found itself. Because of this, people are now surprised by the fact that the birthplace of geranium is a country where the weather is hot almost all year round.
The flower reached Russia somewhere in the 18th-19th century. Some types of geraniums were left to grow in the wild, while they tolerated cold weather. But many varieties of plants began to decorate people's rooms.
As a result, geranium was developed by breeders who began to breed different varieties. Each plant has a difference in color and shape. But even in its homeland, geranium continues to please the eye; it looks the same as a houseplant.
Caring for this home plant is directly related to the homeland of geranium. Its fellow countrymen are chlorophytums, sansevierias and other plants. Geranium loves warmth and light, so it could only survive at home. Many years have passed since the plant was first brought to Europe, so during this period it was able to adapt to new conditions. But, nevertheless, people who decide to grow geranium at home should choose a place for it that is well lit. The windows should be south facing.
In summer, geraniums can easily be placed on balconies. The plant will delight you with its beauty if it is placed where there will be direct rays of the sun. But don't overdo it. In extreme heat, it is better to hide the flower in the shade.
The soil of geraniums should be moist, but, again, you need to remember in moderation. The flower should be watered once every 2 days. In order for the plant to grow well, you should make drainage from pebbles. With its help, excess moisture will be removed, so the roots will be safe and will not rot.
But in winter you can do without abundant watering, since the plant is dormant until spring.
Geranium does not require frequent replanting; it should be done only when roots emerge from the hole. The plant does not require special soil; it is enough to use ordinary soil. The number of flowers may decrease if the geranium grows tall. Because of this, it is recommended to systematically prune branches. From this, the bush will become lush and there will be many inflorescences.
If you follow all these rules, geranium will delight you with its beautiful flowers for a long time. But propagation of the plant is generally simple. To do this, the torn twig is placed in a container of water. It can be planted when the first roots are visible.
But geranium is not only a beautiful, but also a useful plant. Substances are released from its leaves; they purify and disinfect the air. The smell that comes from the plant has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. It is believed that geranium can give good and sound sleep. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in bedrooms.
Geranium contains tannin, flavonoids, essential oils, etc. Even in ancient times, priests, sorcerers, and healers were interested in this plant. This flower drove away evil and protected a woman during pregnancy.
Geranium is endowed with medicinal properties. It is often compared to plantain, which is often used in medical practice. If a person is injured, it is recommended that he apply the sheet to the affected area. As a result, the bleeding will stop, the wound will not rot, and will heal quickly.
In addition, geranium has other properties. It was used to eliminate poisons, relieve stress, and relieve headaches. An oil is extracted from this plant, which is valued by doctors. With its help, back in ancient times in their homeland, plants strengthened muscles and relieved pain in the spine. They also made a compress based on oil; it was applied to the wound so that it would heal faster, and in this way the pus was drawn out. For a runny nose and pain in the ears, oil was dripped. They also mixed it with whiskey, this drink was drunk, after which the headache went away. This even lifted my mood and made my depression disappear.
An infusion was made from the inflorescence or leaves. Honey was added to it, after which a medicine was obtained, which was used to wash the eyes, which had festered. A decoction of the leaves of the plant has great benefits. It was used to treat stomach diseases. This drink will be especially valuable for gastritis and diarrhea.
To prepare a decoction, you first need to grind the leaves of the plant. They will need to take one tablespoon, add a glass of boiling water to it. The mixture should be heated in a water bath for five minutes. After this, the decoction is considered ready. It should be consumed 3 times a day, a spoonful half an hour before meals.
Even geranium roots have medicinal properties. They are used to prepare an infusion that raises blood pressure. To prepare it, you need to grind the root. It is poured with boiling water. The mixture should stand for about 8 hours. The strained infusion is drunk before meals throughout the day.
An infusion of the leaves can help relieve poor sleep as it has a calming effect. The geranium leaves themselves relieve inflammation and restore cells.
Even in ancient times, in the homeland of geranium, it was used for medicinal purposes. But today this flower is grown in different countries, so every person who has this amazing plant in their home can take advantage of its healing properties.
In addition, geranium is also used as a talisman. The plant is also believed to have magical properties. But this is just a theory. One thing is certain, geranium is able to purify the air, which is important in the current course of life.
Indoor geranium is a perennial shrub or herbaceous plant. from the geranium family. There are more than 400, growing all over the world, including in tropical areas. The flower got its name from the Greek word for “crane”, because of the shape of the fruits - in geraniums they resemble a crane’s beak.
In the 17th century, pelargonium was brought to Europe from Africa. A beautiful plant with bright flowers and a unique smell quickly gained popularity among aristocrats, and over time the plant began to spread among other classes. Pelargonium appeared in Russia in the 18th century and was also loved by gardeners.
What does it look like and when does it bloom?
Most varieties of indoor pelargonium are branched subshrubs j. It has a developed root system adapted to dry conditions.
The leaves are round in shape, usually green in color with a pronounced reddish circle. Some other varieties may have other color options, for example, the leaf has a white border or the entire surface of the green mass is purple.
Geranium inflorescences are in the form of an umbrella; the flowers can be simple, dissected or double. The inflorescence reaches 15 cm in diameter, in some varieties - up to 20 cm. The flowers are regular in shape, five-leaved, the color can be very diverse. Most often there are varieties with flowers in red tones, from burgundy to light pink. Various shades of blue and purple are also available.
The fruits of geranium are a box that looks like the beak of a crane or stork, inside which the seeds of the plant are stored.
Among all the varieties of indoor geraniums, the most popular are the following:
- Miniature varieties. These include plants whose height reaches no more than 25 cm. The most popular of these are “Francis Parrett”, “Jane Eyre”, “Pensby”.
- Medicinal geranium cannot boast the same spectacular appearance as decorative geranium. When growing, the main emphasis is on increasing the green mass.
- Pelargonium blue. Varieties with such original coloring include “Johnsons Blue”, “Himalayan” (read about the Himalayan “Plenum”).
You will learn more about the varieties of indoor and garden geraniums in.
Below you can see photos of indoor geranium flowers, including low-growing, blue and medicinal. 
How to plant correctly?
Pelargonium is grown in two ways: from seeds and from cuttings.
Rules for sowing seeds
Planting indoor geranium seeds is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Typically, experienced gardeners resort to this planting method exclusively to grow a new plant variety. Due to the fact that beginners often fail to grow a flower from seeds, it is recommended to start using seeds of inexpensive varieties.
- To germinate seeds, soil of a loose consistency is required; to achieve this, you need to add humus and sand to the soil.
- Seeds are planted in early March or earlier, provided the sprouts are provided with plenty of light. In winter, the sprouts are illuminated with special phytolamps.
- Before planting, the soil is watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate - this is necessary to disinfect the soil in order to avoid root diseases in the future sprout. After this, the seeds are sown in the ground, slightly deepened, but not sprinkled with soil on top.
- Next, you need to cover the pot with film and send the future seedlings to a warm place to create a greenhouse effect. This will have a beneficial effect on seed germination.
Planting cuttings is a simple procedure, which even a novice florist can handle.
- Before planting, cuttings must be prepared for planting in the ground. To do this, freshly cut cuttings are placed in water to form roots. It is important to maintain a high temperature in the room where the cuttings are germinated.
- When the cuttings have roots, they remove it from the water and give a little time for the moisture from the surface of the sprout to evaporate.
- The cuttings are planted in soil treated with manganese. As soon as the first signs of growth are noticeable, it is necessary to pinch off the top of the sprout.
Choosing a seat in the room
The main guarantee of good growth and flowering of a houseplant is sufficient lighting. Geranium needs a lot of sunlight, so it is recommended to place a pot with this flower near a south-facing window.
Important! In case of excessively bright sunlight, for example, on a summer afternoon, pelargonium still needs to be shaded, otherwise the leaves of the plant may burn.
In the warm season, a flower pot can be sent to the balcony or veranda; fresh air is extremely beneficial for plants. In this case, the plant must be protected from wind and draft.
What kind of soil is needed?
When planting or during replanting, the most important point is to prepare the right soil for the plant. Good drainage is very important for geraniums., expanded clay or pebbles can serve as it.
Pelargonium does not require frequent replanting. It is necessary to change the pot only if the root system has grown too much and the previous container has become cramped. If the flower is accidentally flooded with water, it is also recommended to replant the geranium.
Universal soil from a specialized store can be used as soil for pelargonium. You can also prepare the soil yourself by mixing turf soil, humus and sand in a ratio of 8:2:1.
All about diseases and pests
Geranium is resistant to adverse conditions, as well as most diseases and pests, but sometimes this flower suffers from some ailments.
- Gray rot- a disease that affects the leaves of a plant with brown spots. To stop the spread, you must immediately remove all affected leaves and stop watering, then thoroughly treat the flower with an antifungal agent.
- Root rot- develops as a result of excess moisture in the soil. The reason is too much and frequent watering, as a result of which the earthen ball remains wet. If you accidentally flood a geranium with water, it is recommended to immediately replant the flower; if the roots are already damaged, it will not be possible to save the plant.
- Aphid- one of the few pests resistant to the specific smell of pelargonium. It can be found on the lower surface of the leaves. The best remedy against aphids remains spraying with insecticides for indoor plants.
Reproduction
At home, pelargonium is propagated by cuttings. In order to properly prepare cuttings, you must follow several rules:
- cuttings are prepared in spring;
- the top or side shoots are cut off;
- the length of the cut shoot should be about 5 cm in length, there should be 2-3 leaves on the shoot;
- After cutting, the cutting must be left in the air so that the cut area dries, and then begin the planting procedure.
Caring for indoor pelargonium does not require much experience. This plant is perfect for novice gardeners or people who do not have the opportunity to devote a lot of time to caring for flowers. A number of beneficial properties of geranium will be a pleasant addition to its pleasant appearance.
Useful video
The video below explains how to grow geraniums at home.
If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.