Geranium is a hardy plant to grow indoors. The bush blooms with beautiful bright flowers from early spring until the coldest weather. In addition to the indoor plant, geranium can be of another type that grows in open soil. Since the plant is highly resistant to frost, it can grow in swamps, forests or garden plots. This type has become the favorite among flower growers, as it does not take much time to care for.
Homeland of origin of geranium
The country of origin of geranium is South Africa, in this country the climate is varied, as a result of which the plant has an unusual variegated color. Many unusual plants were transported from this country on various arriving ships.
During a long voyage, ships moored at the Cape of Good Hope, and sailors who noticed bright geranium flowers took them home. Gradually, the plant adapted to the conditions in other countries, and thus spread throughout the world.
You could first hear about geranium in European countries in the 17th century, and in Russia it became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. This plant was grown in every aristocratic home. Some species of this plant have remained in the wild, growing in meadows, forests or swamps, they are not afraid of the harsh climate. And some types of geranium remain heat-loving, so they are grown indoors, for example, pelargonium. Despite the same species, wild and indoor geraniums have a strong difference.
With the help of breeders, a large number of varieties of geranium have been produced, which differ in color and flower shape. In nature, there are about 400 species of this plant, which are distributed throughout all countries. Today, many types of geranium are found in its homeland, that is, in Africa, it looks like an ordinary indoor pelargonium.
The home species is divided into two varieties, the bush form has lush and low bushes. The hanging plant has long shoots that spread like vines.
The bush species blooms brightly and has a pleasant aroma; their leaves are valued for this. There are geraniums with large flowers, as well as with a pronounced border along the edge of the petals.
Proper care
Since the plant’s homeland is South Africa, it loves warmth and light, so the flower is grown indoors. After many centuries, the plant has become accustomed to our climate, but it needs to be provided with good lighting and warmth. When growing geraniums, they are placed in the brightest places, it is better if these are windows on the south side.
In summer, the flower can be taken out into the air, placed on the balcony, veranda or in the garden. The bush loves bright sun and blooms actively, but if the heat is too strong, then it is shaded a little.
It is very important to maintain the correct temperature; the room should be between 20 and 25 degrees. And in winter, it is better to move the plant to a room with cool air from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Water the bush once every two days, without flooding the plant. To create favorable conditions for the development of the bush, a drainage expanded clay layer is laid at the bottom of the container. This is done to prevent moisture from stagnating, which can cause the roots of the plant to rot. In winter, the plant almost does not need watering; the procedure is carried out extremely rarely.
It is prohibited to apply fresh organic matter as fertilizer. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium agents are used for feeding. To ensure active flowering, potassium is usually added. For fertilizer, you can purchase ready-made mixtures in special flower shops. Usually the compositions “For geraniums” or “for flowering plants” are used. In extreme heat, it is better to avoid adding bait to avoid stressing the plant. Before performing the procedure, the plant is moved to a shady place. If the soil is dry, then liquid fertilizer is not used. In order not to burn the root system, first water the bush, and then begin to introduce fertilizer. These actions are performed about twice a month in spring and summer.
Soil for geraniums
The question arises, what kind of soil should I use to grow such a plant? Typically, geranium is not picky about the soil composition, but some conditions must be observed. The soil should be loose, with drainage, this is the basic rule.
The composition can be purchased ready-made in special flower stores; any mixture for flowering plants is suitable for this. Professional gardeners take regular universal soil and add vermiculite or perlite to it. When using such a substrate, it is necessary to carefully inspect it for the presence of mold, and various bugs, if they are absent, you can begin planting. In order for the plant to actively develop, peat must be present in the soil.
If it is not possible to purchase a special composition in the store, then you can prepare the soil with your own hands, for this you take two parts of humus, one part of sand, and eight parts of turf soil.
The plant should not be replanted just like that; the procedure is performed when its roots peek out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the container. You can use the most ordinary soil, from the garden.
Geraniums should not grow tall, otherwise there will be few flowers on it, so they are periodically pruned. After this action, the bush becomes lush, and there are a lot of flowers on it.
If these conditions are met, the plant will delight the eye with bright colors from the beginning of spring until the very late autumn.
It is not difficult to propagate bushes indoors; a small branch is cut from the top, on which a few leaves remain, and placed in a container with water. After the roots appear, the plant is planted in a container with soil.
What benefits does geranium bring?
It has long been noted that geranium has medicinal benefits. The plant is able to heal wounds and remove abscesses; for this purpose, compresses are made from the leaves. That is, the plant has anti-inflammatory properties.
In its homeland, this plant was used as a disinfectant for wounds and protection against infectious bacteria. The plant is also used for runny nose and headaches. The smell of this plant acts as a sedative and improves not only the mood, but also the well-being of a person. According to signs, the plant brought prosperity and good luck to the house, which is why it was so important to grow the flower at home.
If all conditions for caring for the plant are met, it will delight you with abundant beautiful flowering. It must be remembered that the bush loves the sun and warmth, so its origin is from the warm country of Africa.
Article date: 06/25/2007
Family: Geraniums (Geraniaceae).
Common name: Geranium.
Homeland: mainly in South Africa.
Bloom: depending on the species from spring to autumn.
Height: fast.
Light: bright. The plant tolerates direct sunlight.
Temperature: in summer - indoor. In winter, pelargoniums are kept as cool as possible, at a temperature of 8-12?.
Watering: moderate, since pelargoniums do not like waterlogging. In winter, plants are watered very sparingly.
Air humidity: does not play a significant role. On hot days you can spray.
Feeding: 2-3 months after transplantation, pelargonium is fed with superphosphate, which stimulates flowering. Plants do not tolerate fresh organic fertilizers well.
Trimming: yellowed and drying leaves must be cut off, leaving the lower part of the petiole on the stem.
Rest period: from November to February. The plant is kept in a cool (8-12°C) place, watered extremely carefully.
Transfer: young ones are replanted annually, adults - as needed.
Reproduction: seeds, cuttings.
Pelargonium ( Pelargonium L'Her) is one of the most common and beloved indoor and balcony plants, often incorrectly called geranium. Natural species of pelargonium, and there are from 280 to 350 plants of the geranium family, are distributed mainly in South Africa.
These are herbaceous plants and subshrubs, less often shrubs, sometimes succulents, with leaves of various shapes - whole, lobed or deeply dissected. The flowers are collected in umbrella-shaped inflorescences.
Unlike true geranium (genus Geranium ),
in which the flowers are absolutely regular (i.e. with several planes of symmetry), pelargonium flowers are bilaterally symmetrical (have one plane of symmetry).
The fruit, a long narrow capsule that becomes thinner towards the top, resembles the shape of a stork’s beak, which is where the name of the genus comes from (from the Greek pelargos – stork).
Many species are widespread ornamental plants and are represented in the collections of botanical gardens; some are valuable raw materials for extracting essential oils used in the perfume and soap industries. A number of species are suitable for growing indoors.
Some people (precisely some - a number of people suffer from the smell of pelargonium, it all depends on the characteristics of the body) who inhale the smell of the plant calm down and their insomnia goes away. Pelargonium helps with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. It also has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes, the secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract, the endocrine system and sexual potency. In folk medicine, a decoction of pelargonium leaves is used to treat headaches. Pelargonium preparations relieve headaches and normalize sleep. An infusion of the herb is drunk for dysentery, acute and chronic enterocolitis, and water decoctions are used for pulmonary hemorrhages, tonsillitis, they wash festering wounds, and relieve aching joints.
Pelargonium essential oil, obtained by steam distillation, contains substances that have a detrimental effect on some pathogens (therefore it is used to treat infectious diseases). Essential oil refreshes the air and cleanses it of harmful impurities.
Compresses with crushed pelargonium leaves are made for patients with radiculitis or osteochondrosis.
During the hot summer months, pelargoniums repel flies.
Plants that shed leaves during dormancy:
Pelargonium fluffy-leaved (Pelargonium crithmifolium Sm.)- photo. The plant is native to South and South-West Africa. Succulents, fork-branched, shrubs, with creeping shoots up to 1.5 cm thick. The leaves are pinnately lobed, 5-8 cm long, slightly pubescent or smooth, bluish. Flowers of 4-6 are collected in umbels, white, with red spots on the throat; pedicels 1-2.5 cm long. Grows well in moderately warm rooms. Propagated by cuttings and seeds.
Pelargonium quadrangular (Pelargonium tetragonum(L. f.) L'Her.). Homeland - South Africa.a Bushy plant 30-70 cm high, with stems branched at the base, erect or lodging, consisting of three-tetrahedral segments 6-8 mm wide of various colors - from light green to green-gray. The leaves are alternate, on long petioles, slightly pubescent, 2-5 cm wide, and usually dry out and fall off in winter. The leaf blade is heart-shaped with a red-brown edge. In spring or summer, flowers appear on the plant, resembling a butterfly in shape, with a color ranging from white-cream to pale pink, with 3 large upper petals and 2 small lower ones. Grows well in a lighted and ventilated room with a temperature of at least 10°C. Watering in the spring-summer period is plentiful, in the autumn-winter period - limited. The soil is nutritious with good drainage. Propagated in spring and summer, by cuttings from the central part of the stems, rooted in a sandy, almost dry substrate.
Evergreen shrubs and subshrubs:
Pelargonium angularis (Pelargonium angulosum Mill.). It is found in the southwestern part of the Cape Province (South Africa). Plants up to 1 m tall. The leaves are oval, 3–5-angled, lobed, broadly wedge-shaped, pointed at the base. The petiole is short. The inflorescence is a multi-flowered umbrella. The flowers are bright red. Blooms in August-October. As part of parental pairs, it was used in work on breeding garden pelargoniums (as a result of crossings with P. grandiflorum).
Pelargonium capitata (Pelargonium capitatum(L.) L'Her.)- photo. Inhabits wet soils on coastal dunes in the Cape Province (South Africa). Evergreens, subshrubs 0.5–0.6 m tall, densely pubescent; shoots are straight, widely spread. Leaves 3–5 obtuse, serrated; stipules broadly heart-shaped, dense. The inflorescence is a multi-flowered umbrella. The flowers are sessile, purple-pink - photo. Blooms in July-August. Leaves with a pleasant aroma; An essential oil is extracted from them, which smells like rose oil. It is an indoor plant.
Pelargonium curly (Pelargonium crispum(P. J. Bergius) L'Her.). It grows in the southwestern part of the Cape Province (South Africa). Evergreen plants, shrubs 0.3–0.6 m tall, highly branched. The leaves are arranged in two rows, small, almost heart-shaped, 3-lobed, curly at the edges, unevenly toothed, hard, with a pleasant lemon aroma. Flowers are collected in groups of 2–3, on short stalks - photo. Blooms in July–August. It is an indoor plant.
Pelargonium capulata (Pelargonium cucullatum(L.) L'Her.)- photo. The plant's homeland is the Cape Province (South Africa). Strongly branched shrubs, shoots densely pubescent. The leaves are kidney-shaped, densely pubescent. Umbrellas multi-flowered. The flowers are purple-red. Blooms in August–September. Form Flora pleno has double flowers. As part of parental pairs, it was used in the breeding of garden varieties of pelargonium.
Pelargonium grandiflora (Pelargonium grandiflorum(Andrews) Willd.). The plant's homeland is South-West Africa, Cape Province (South Africa). Evergreens, branched subshrubs up to 90 cm tall. Leaves are kidney-shaped, rounded, more or less 5-7 lobed or dissected, glabrous or slightly silky-hairy, coarsely toothed at the edges; stipules free, ovate. Peduncle with 2–3 flowers. The flowers are 2.5–3.5 cm in diameter, white, with reddish veins. Blooms in April–June. As part of parental pairs, it was used in work on breeding large-flowered garden pelargoniums.
Pelargonium fragrant (Pelargonium graveolens L'Her.). Grows in the southern and southwestern parts of the Cape Province (South Africa). The shrubs are highly branched, up to 1 m tall, with short glandular hairs. Leaves are 5–7 lobed; the lobes are deeply notched (almost pinnately notched), pubescent on both sides, with a pleasant strong aroma. Flowers collected in multi-flowered umbels, pink, dark pink. Blooms profusely in summer.
Pelargonium staining (Pelargonium inquinans(L.) L'Her.)- photo. The homeland of the plant is Natal (South Africa). Shrubs up to 1.5 m tall; young shoots are more or less fleshy and pubescent. The leaves are rounded-reniform (sometimes finely lobed), glandular-pubescent; stipules broadly heart-shaped. The flowers are collected in umbels, on short stalks, scarlet-red. It blooms from May to autumn, sometimes in winter. It is one of the parent forms of garden zonal pelargoniums.
Pelargonium fragrant (Pelargonium odoratissimum(L.) L'Her.)- photo. The plant's homeland is the Cape Province (South Africa). Shrubs with a short, 15–22 cm tall, branched trunk; branches are short, herbaceous; crown is rounded. The leaves are heart-shaped, rounded, 2.5–5 cm wide, bluntly toothed at the edges, softly silky pubescent, with a strong pleasant aroma; stipules triangular, small. Flowers of 5–10 are collected in umbels, white to pink. Blooms in summer. Widely distributed in culture, suitable for growing indoors.
Pelargonium corymbose (Pelargonium peltatum(L.) L'Her.). Homeland - Southeast Africa. Shrubs; branches are branched, drooping, bare or covered with small hairs, slightly ribbed. The leaves are thyroid-shaped, 7–10 cm wide, 5-lobed, entire, glossy green, glabrous, sometimes finely pubescent, fleshy. Flowers of 5–8 are collected in umbels, pink-red, white. Blooms from spring to autumn. There are many forms. As part of parental pairs, it was used in the breeding of garden pelargoniums. Often used as an hanging plant, it grows well in rooms.
Pelargonium pink (Pelargonium radens H. E. Moore ( P. radula(Cavend.) L'Her.))- photo. It grows on mountain slopes, along river banks on sandy soils in the southern and southwestern parts of the Cape Province (South Africa). Branched shrubs, up to 1.5 m tall, with hard short hairs. The leaves are deeply divided; the lobes are linear, densely covered with hairs above and softer hairs below, with curved edges, with a strong pleasant aroma. Inflorescence of 4–5 small flowers. The peduncle is densely pubescent. The flowers are pale purple, with dark veins - photo. Blooms in summer.
Pelargonium zonal (Pelargonium zonale(L.) L'Her.). Synonym: Geranium zonal (Geranium zonale L.). It is found in shrubby semi-savanna in the south-eastern and southern parts of the Cape Province (South Africa). Evergreen subshrubs 0.8–1 (1.5) m tall; shoots are fleshy, pubescent. The leaves are heart-shaped-rounded, entire or weakly lobed, glabrous or (only a few) softly hairy, with a brown or dark brown stripe on top - a girdle. Stipules are wide, oblong-heart-shaped. The inflorescence is multi-flowered. The flowers are sessile, carmine-red. It blooms for a long time - from May to September (October). It is one of the main parent forms of garden hybrid zonal pelargoniums, propagated vegetatively.
Pelargoniums, widespread in indoor floriculture:
Hybrids and varieties have become widespread in culture Pelargonium grandiflorum hybridum hort., Pelargonium peltatum hybridum hort., Pelargonium zonale hybridum hort. They have found application as potted plants and are also used ( P. zonale hybridura hort.) in floral design.
Pelargonium grandiflora hybrid, or P. english (Pelargonium grandifiorum hybridum hort. ( Pelargonium domesticam Bailey P. grandiflorum hort.)). Shrubs and subshrubs with rapidly woody shoots, mostly single-shoot. Leaves without a brown girdle on the upper surface, not dissected or only slightly lobed, serrated at the edges, with a faint aroma when torn. The flowers are collected in umbels on long peduncles, simple, large, 5 cm in diameter, red, pink or white, with dark spots on the petals.
Some of the varieties:
Enzette Anna Melle- flowers are bright red;
Enzette Perle- flowers are light carmine pink;
Autumn Haze- orange and salmon flowers;
Destiny- white flowers;
Geranimo- flowers are bright red;
Mont Blanc- flowers are white, with dark purple spots;
Perle von Clemstal- flowers are white, with a pinkish tint, with red spots;
Symphonic– the flowers are pink, with a lilac tint and with black spots.
Pelargonium zonal garden (Pelargonium zonale hort.). Plants with thick shoots that become woody with age, especially at the bottom. The leaves are rounded to kidney-shaped, slightly lobed at the edges, pubescent, with a more or less prominent reddish or fawn rim. The flowers are collected in umbels, red, pink, white, sometimes lilac, simple, semi-double and double.
In ornamental horticulture, the species is represented by numerous hybrids and varieties. It is the main industrial crop and is used in floral decoration in all countries.
From varieties P. zonale hort. The following have become widespread:
Dresdener Rubin- scarlet flowers, semi-double; used for
casings and as potting;
Enzett Richards Schrader- salmon-pink, double flowers; early-blooming variety;
Westfalenstar- flowers are ruby-red, semi-double.
Radio- scarlet flowers, semi-double;
Salmon Irene- salmon flowers, large, slightly double;
Erfolg- salmon flowers, double, densely leafy; used for lining, as potting and for decorating balconies;
Meteor- flowers scarlet-red, double, etc.
In culture there are hybrids between - Pelargonium zonale
And Pelargonium peltatum
.
Varieties Pelargonium zonale hort. valued for their variegated foliage, abundant and long flowering throughout the growing season in open ground; They are widely used for planting on borders, edges and flower beds; they are also grown as potted plants for rooms.
Pelargonium thyroid garden ( Pelargonium peltatum hort.). Shoots hanging or creeping. The leaves are thick, smooth, glossy, sometimes finely pubescent, almost round, 5-lobed or 5-angled, entire, more or less ciliated, green, sometimes with a brown zone. The flowers are simple, semi-double and double, red, lilac, pink, white.
Widely used for decorating balconies and as a potted plant.
Common varieties:
Amethyst- lilac flowers;
Lachskonigin- salmon pink flowers;
Ville de Paris- salmon pink flowers;
Holstein- pink flowers;
Galilee- salmon-pink flowers; and etc.
Plant care:
The plants are photophilous and tolerate direct sunlight; it is best to keep them on a south-facing window close to the glass. Plants tolerate both northern and eastern windows, but with a lack of light in winter they stretch out. In winter, pelargonium can be illuminated with fluorescent lamps. The room with pelargonium must be ventilated.
In summer, plants are recommended to be placed outdoors. When taking plants outdoors, they should not be knocked out of their pots in order to dig them into the ground, but rather buried in the soil in the area with the pot so that they do not grow too wildly to the detriment of flowering. In September - October, when frost approaches, the plants are moved indoors.
The temperature in summer is room temperature. In winter, pelargoniums are kept as cool as possible, at a temperature of 8-12?. The winter period and the period until April are decisive for subsequent flowering, since the formation of flower buds occurs at a relatively low temperature (11 - 13?) for 2.5–3 months. This period is characterized by short days, which is also significant, since pelargoniums are short-day plants.
Watering is moderate, since pelargoniums do not like waterlogging. Watering should be done two to three days after the top layer of the substrate has dried. In winter, plants are watered very moderately to restrain growth during the winter lack of light and prevent them from stretching. In addition, overwatering of plants in winter when kept cool often leads to wilting of leaves and rotting of the root collar and roots.
Pelargonium does not require constant spraying; the plant tolerates dry air well. On hot summer days, periodic spraying of the plant will be beneficial.
2-3 months after transplantation, pelargonium is fed with superphosphate, which stimulates flowering. Plants do not tolerate fresh organic fertilizers well.
Yellowed and drying leaves must be cut off, leaving the lower part of the petiole on the stem. If they are torn off, rotting may begin on the exposed tissues. The rotten parts are immediately cut off to living tissue, and the sections are sprinkled with charcoal powder.
Every year in March, young plants are transplanted into fresh soil mixture. At the same time, they are heavily pruned, leaving 2-5 buds on each shoot, in order to subsequently obtain low, lush, abundantly flowering specimens. Overgrown pelargoniums are replanted only if necessary (when the pot becomes cramped). The substrate selected is neutral or slightly acidic (pH about 6), lightweight, and highly permeable to air and water. It may consist of equal parts of turf, leaf soil, peat, humus and sand with a small addition of charcoal. Good drainage is a must.
Pelargoniums can be propagated by seeds. When propagated by seeds, the parental characteristics are split, so sowing with seeds is used for breeding purposes.
Seeds are sown in spring in boxes or bowls in a substrate composed of turf, peat soil and sand in equal volumes. At a temperature of 20–22? Shoots appear after 12 days. Seedlings dive into 5-centimeter pots, and after weaving a clod of earth, they are transferred to 9-centimeter ones. Seedlings bloom within a year, but more often after 14 months.
Pelargonium is most often propagated by apical cuttings with 3-5 leaves, in spring (February–March) and summer (July–August). Cuttings are cut from apical and lateral shoots with 3-4 nodes, making an oblique cut under the bud. The cut cuttings are slightly withered for several hours, the sections are dipped in charcoal powder (one crushed heteroauxin tablet is mixed per 100-150 g of powder), and then several are planted in a pot or bowl, placing them along the edge of the dish.
To form a lush bush, the apical bud is pinched. The planted cuttings are placed in a well-lit place (without direct sunlight) and at first (before rooting) they are moistened carefully, only by spraying. Cuttings take root in 2-3 weeks.
Rooted cuttings are planted in pots one at a time, without pruning, so that they bloom faster. The smaller the pot, the more abundant the flowering will be. Plants grown from cuttings taken in August bloom already in April, and with spring cuttings, flowering occurs only in mid-summer.
Some hobbyists take cuttings of zonal pelargonium in September. Cuttings with 2-3 nodes are cut from shoots that do not have buds, so as not to reduce the decorativeness of the plant, wither, and then all large leaves are removed. The lower cut of the cuttings is sprinkled with charcoal powder. The cuttings are planted in a box filled with a mixture of peat (or greenhouse) soil (1 part) and sand (2 parts). During the rooting period, the cuttings are watered moderately, and the room is regularly ventilated.
After the formation of 4-5 normal leaves, the cuttings are transplanted into 7-centimeter pots or paper cups. The earth mixture is made up of turf soil (8 parts), humus (2 parts), sand (one part) and a little flower mixture with microfertilizers is added. The seedlings are watered with warm water.
In early February, the plants are pinched, after which young shoots quickly grow and buds appear. By the end of April - beginning of May, the plants begin to bloom.
Pelargonium thyroid cuttings, cut with 1-2 leaves, take root well in coarse sand in good light. In the first 2-3 days they are not watered, and then watered moderately. Plants cannot be sprayed.
They take root in 2-3 weeks. Rooted cuttings are planted one or two at a time in 7-centimeter pots, then transferred to 11-centimeter ones. The nutrient mixture is prepared in the same way as for cuttings of zonal pelargonium.
Plants of zonal and shield pelargonium, grown from spring cuttings, bloom in July - August. Two- and three-year-old plants bloom well. Pelargonium grandiflora blooms in the second or third year. Without pruning it blooms more profusely than when pruned. Plants grown from cuttings rooted in August bloom earlier in the rooms. Rooted cuttings are left unplanted for the winter. In the spring, they are planted in separate small pots and, so that they bloom faster, do not pinch.
Precautionary measures:
all parts of plants of some types of pelargonium are slightly poisonous: they can cause contact dermatitis.
Possible difficulties:
Due to a lack of light, the lower leaves may fall off, the stem becomes stretched and exposed; the plant blooms poorly.
Lack of flowering in pelargonium.
May be caused by a warm winter, provided the plant is healthy.
The lower leaves turn yellow and their edges dry out.
The reason is lack of moisture.
Due to lack of moisture, the edges of the lower leaves turn yellow and dry out.
The lower leaves turn yellow, and they wither or rot.
The reason is excess moisture in the soil. Remove rotting leaves and sprinkle them with crushed charcoal. Watering should be done two to three days after the top layer of the substrate has dried.
Blackening of the stem at the base indicates the “blackleg” disease, which destroys the plant. Cut off the healthy part and root it. In the future, follow the watering schedule. If the plant is severely damaged by the disease, then the plant can no longer be saved and the soil is thrown away. The pot after a diseased plant should be thoroughly disinfected.
Due to waterlogging of the soil, small swellings on the leaves may occur - watery soft pads (edema). Follow the watering schedule.
Due to waterlogging of the soil, gray rot may occur on the plant.
Materials used in the article:
Saakov S.G. Greenhouse and indoor plants and their care. - L.: Nauka, 1985. - 621 p.
Indoor floriculture / R. Milevskaya, Y. Vies. - Mn.: Book House, 2005. - 608 p., ill.
Cacti and other succulents: Directory / D. Beffa; Per. from Italian I.V. Artyushina; Phot. K. Dani. - M.: AST Publishing House LLC: Astrel Publishing House LLC, 2003. -335, p.: ill.
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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. So geranium began to spread to different parts of the world, adapting to the varied climates it encountered. 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, and they tolerated cold weather calmly. 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.
This beautiful and useful flower, which came to our country from Europe back in the 17th century, very quickly gained unprecedented popularity. However, the birthplace of the geranium plant is hot South Africa and spice-scented India. Most botanists agree that this flower was distributed on the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, which united India, Australia and Africa.
It was not until the late 16th century that geraniums were brought to Britain from South Africa. It should be noted that it was at this time that Europe became a center for the selection and cultivation of rare species of edible and ornamental plants. This was facilitated by the exploration of new exotic lands in Africa and India by English and Spanish sailors. The homeland we know and grow today is Great Britain. In those distant times, it was popular to bring interesting representatives of flora and fauna to expand the catalogs of royal gardens and menageries, as well as to satisfy the needs of wealthy breeders.
The huge Geranium family includes two genera of plants. The first representative is pelargonium, which can be found on the windowsills of many in our country. The second genus is the geranium itself. This flower is suitable both for growing at home and for planting in the front garden in open ground. Many novice and experienced gardeners often confuse pelargonium and geranium: the plant’s homeland, appearance and maintenance conditions are almost identical, but still not the same. The first genus has about 280 species, and the second - more than 430, but every year new representatives of this home beauty appear thanks to the tireless work of breeders from all over the world. To distinguish one plant from another, you need to carefully examine the flowers: in geranium they will be radially symmetrical, collected in small semi-umbrellas and almost regular in shape. But the inflorescences of pelargonium are bilaterally symmetrical
Popular types
The birthplace of the geranium plant is India, the most popular varieties come from there. It is also found in Africa. Let us dwell in more detail on several common plant species, which are the most beautiful representatives of this family.
Geranium quadrangular is a bush 30-70 cm high. Flowers appear in spring and summer (depending on the planting date) and look like a butterfly. South Africa is the birthplace of the geranium quadrangular plant. The color of the flowers can range from soft cream to light pink. The plant prefers well-lit window sills and temperatures not lower than +10 o C. In spring and summer, geranium is watered abundantly, and in the cool season - moderately. Nutritious soil with good drainage is suitable as soil.
Curly geranium is an excellent variety for growing at home. This shrub reaches a height of 30-60 cm and has a very branched leaf system. The birthplace of the curly geranium plant is South Africa (Cape Province). The flowers are brightly colored from pink to deep purple, and have fairly short stems. The first buds appear in July, and complete wilting and ripening of microseeds occurs at the end of August.
Any selected variety of pelargonium or geranium requires high-quality watering and a bright, well-ventilated place in the house or area. Despite the plant’s resistance to various diseases, the roots should not be allowed to rot.
Pelargonium or geranium? The plant that many of us grow on our windowsills is mistakenly called geranium. The confusion with the names - pelargonium or geranium - occurred because when in the 18th century the Dutch botanist Johannes Burman wanted to classify these two plants into different genera, it turned out that the famous scientist of that time, Carl Linnaeus, had already drawn up his own classification and mistakenly combined them into a common group. Popular in those days, flowering pelargonium was actively used in Victorian gardens. And both plants began to be called “geranium”.
For a long time, pelargonium was considered an aristocratic plant. It was bred in the greenhouses of wealthy owners of mansions and villas. In the USA and Western European countries, this plant has been popular for hundreds of years.
Unfortunately, in our country there was a period of not only the heyday of the popularity of this flower, but also an incomprehensible oblivion. Probably, many remember the years when pelargonium received the terrible nickname “bourgeois flower” and for some time became unfashionable.
Fortunately, flower growers remembered these luxurious flowers, and clubs for pelargonium lovers began to appear in our country.
Pelargoniums are indispensable in garden design and in indoor floriculture. As a result of the work of breeders, many varieties and varieties of pelargonium have appeared, which are gaining increasing popularity in ornamental gardening.
Pelargonium and geranium - similarities and differences
Both plants belong to the same Geranium family. The family includes 5 genera and 800 species of other plants. Geranium belongs to the most numerous genus, and pelargonium is the most popular. One of the signs by which Carl Linnaeus united them was the similarity of the fruit capsule. After fertilization, the elongated pistil slightly resembles the beak of a crane, which explains the name of the plants. Translated from Greek, "Pelargos" means stork, and "Geranium" means crane.
Both pelargonium and geranium have erect stems with alternately growing leaves. The next similarity is that both plants have slightly pubescent leaves (covered with small hairs). Also, many geraniums have a special aroma.
Both pelargonium and geranium are easy to propagate and are considered unpretentious plants.
The differences are visible, perhaps, only to specialists. Geranium and pelargonium cannot be crossed. You just won't get any seeds. This is due to differences in genetic characteristics.
The birthplace of pelargonium considered South Africa. The birthplace of geranium is the Northern Hemisphere. That is why southern pelargonium can only overwinter indoors, while geranium is more cold-resistant and can bloom even at 12 degrees Celsius.
In summer, pelargonium often decorates flower beds, verandas and balconies. But with the onset of winter, it must be put away in a warm room.
Geranium feels comfortable in gardens and even survives wintering, with the exception of the most northern regions. Therefore, it is customary to consider geranium as a garden plant, and pelargonium as an indoor plant.
Is there some more external signs, by which you can distinguish geranium and pelargonium.
- Geranium flowers consist of 5 or 8 petals. Typically, these are single flowers, which are occasionally collected in inflorescences. In domestic pelargonium, the corolla of the flower has an irregular shape, namely the two upper petals are slightly larger, the three lower petals are smaller. Pelargonium flowers are grouped into large inflorescences resembling umbrellas.
- Geranium, among the huge variety of its shades, does not have scarlet. Pelargonium does not have blue flowers.
Growing and care
In general, pelargonium can be characterized as an unpretentious plant that grows quickly and reproduces easily. With good care, pelargonium can bloom all year round. There are various ways that even the most capricious specimens can do. The leaves exude a pleasant spicy aroma, from which geranium essential oil is industrially extracted.
Growing pelargonium is not particularly difficult. By following simple rules and creating favorable conditions, you will achieve lush and bright flowering. One plant can have up to 20 or even more inflorescences per season. These can be buds, fully opened inflorescences and already losing their decorative effect. Fading inflorescences should be removed immediately so that the plant does not lose vigor and continues to bloom.
If pelargonium growing in the garden, then under favorable weather conditions its flowering can continue until late autumn. This distinguishes it favorably from other ornamental crops.
By the way, it has been noticed that there are no aphids on flowers growing next to pelargonium.
Lighting
Pelargonium is a light-loving plant that can tolerate direct sun. Only a few of them are considered picky and prefer places (for example, terraces or balconies) protected from direct sunlight, wind and rain. On a windowsill in bright sun, pelargonium can overheat. Therefore, it requires good ventilation and protection from hot midday sun rays.
With a lack of light, the leaves begin to turn yellow, the lower leaves die and expose the stem. Flowering weakens or may stop altogether.
Soil and fertilizing
Pelargonium loves fertile and well-drained loose soil. You can either purchase the soil mixture or prepare it yourself by mixing equal proportions of garden soil, peat, medium-grained sand and a little humus.
Since pelargonium does not like stagnant water and requires good aeration, a good drainage layer should be placed at the bottom of the pot.
In order for the plant to delight you with lush and long-lasting flowering, care should include regular feeding (once every 2 weeks). Some gardeners do this: in the hot season, when watering is done every day, the weekly feeding rate is divided into 7 parts and fertilizing is introduced with each watering. If a lump of earth is dry, you need to first spill it with water.
Any liquid universal composition for flowering indoor plants is suitable for fertilizer.
In winter, when the plant is resting, fertilizing should be canceled. With the onset of spring (March-April), pelargonium begins to be fed with fertilizer with a high potassium content.
You should refrain from fertilizing after transplanting the plant and give it time to acclimatize - about a month.
Watering
Pelargonium is considered a drought-resistant plant. It is recommended to water the flower only when the top layer of soil in the pot dries out. However, the earthen clod should not be allowed to dry out too much.
Excessive watering causes rotting of the leaves and stems, and can lead to the death of the plant. Watering should be moderate. One of the signs that the earthen ball has begun to dry out is that if you touch the earth, it will not remain on your fingers. This means it's time to water. The frequency of watering may depend on individual conditions and air temperature - on average 1-2 days. In winter, watering should be reduced.
There is no need to spray pelargonium. Excessive dampness and poor ventilation can provoke.
By the way, these plants prefer dry air in our winter apartments more than high humidity. For this reason, pelargonium can be considered that rare flower that prefers a room to a greenhouse. Therefore, it should not be placed next to plants that require a humidifier.
Temperature
Comfortable temperature for pelargonium is 20-25 degrees. If the plant is on a balcony or terrace, it is better to protect it from gusts of wind and drafts.
In winter, if possible, you can create special conditions for this southern beauty - place it in a glazed, frost-free greenhouse or loggia, where the night temperature does not fall below +6 degrees, and the daytime temperature reaches +12-15 degrees. On particularly sunny days, to avoid overheating, the greenhouse must be ventilated. However, there are varieties of pelargonium that are best kept at higher temperatures.
Good air circulation is one of the main conditions for a successful winter. Therefore, there is no need to place pelargoniums too closely. These flowers do not like to hide in the shadows of their neighbors, but prefer to show off. Plants with very dense crowns can be thinned out slightly. Otherwise, with thickening and poor aeration, there is a risk of fungal diseases.
Trimming and pinching
Correct and regular pruning contributes to:
- Formation of a neat compact crown of the plant
- The appearance of side shoots and inflorescence primordia
- More luxuriant flowering
- Obtaining high-quality planting material
Since among indoor pelargoniums there are a wide variety of varieties - with erect and lodging stems, dwarf, ampelous and tall species, pruning should be approached individually in each case.
Depending on the variety, the formation of the flower crown may vary. However, there is a general rule - pruning should be regular. Do not neglect the appearance of the plant.
Pelargonium pruning technique
The cut is best done at a sharp angle with a blade, a sharp stationery knife or a thin kitchen knife. Scissors are not recommended for this purpose, as they pinch the shoot at the cut site. The cut is made above the leaf node facing outwards. Then the new shoots will not interfere with each other and thicken the crown.
In order to protect the flower from rotting and pest damage, the cut area must be sprinkled with crushed charcoal.
If you need to remove a young shoot, you can simply pinch it carefully, being careful not to damage the main stem.
In addition, seasonal pruning should be carried out.
Autumn pruning is carried out after flowering has completed for two purposes - to form a beautiful crown and improve the health of the plant. To do this, remove all dried leaves, stems and flowers. Weak, bare and elongated stems are also shortened. Autumn pruning helps the plant to better withstand the winter cold and maintain strength until spring. In this case, almost the entire ground part is cut off (approximately at the level of 5-6 cm) leaving 2-3 eyes, with the exception of royal pelargonium.
There is no need to be afraid of large pruning, since over the winter, if the pelargonium is properly maintained, the plant will make up for everything and produce young shoots.
Autumn pruning and pinching can be done until the onset of winter. And only with the onset of December should the flower be left alone. Some gardeners insist on an earlier dormant period. The difference in approach is explained by different conditions in which the plant is kept. It’s one thing if you have the opportunity to arrange a real winter apartment with a cool temperature for your flower. It's another matter if your pelargonium is in a warm living room.
However, the general rule is the following: the plant should rest (in a cool room until January). Then the pelargonium is brought into a warm place and waited for it to grow. As soon as the flower begins to grow, it is pinched again for splendor.
Spring pruning of pelargonium carried out in cases where the bush has grown greatly over the winter or develops asymmetrically. It is best to do this as spring approaches (late February - early March).
When pruning in spring, the flower can be fed with nitrogen-containing fertilizer to accelerate the formation of shoots and green mass.
Reproduction
Pelargonium is propagated by cuttings or by planting seeds.
Cuttings
Pelargonium reproduces well using cuttings. This method preserves all varietal characteristics of the plant.
Cuttings can be harvested from early spring to autumn. Flowering time occurs after 16-20 weeks depending on the variety. It is not recommended to take cuttings from dormant plants (until the end of January).
For propagation, shoots 6-7 cm long with three leaves are prepared and the cut is air-dried for several hours. For dwarf varieties, cuttings 2.5-3 cm long are suitable. To do this, make a small cut at an acute angle, and remove the lower leaves. In order for pelargonium to take root well, you can use root-stimulating preparations, with which you need to lightly powder the cut and plant it in prepared pots.
There is no need to cover the cuttings. At a temperature of 20-22 degrees and regular watering, young pelargoniums will soon begin to grow. Typically, the rooting process takes from two weeks to a month, depending on the variety. When watering, you should try to prevent water from getting on the leaves and stem to avoid diseases. As soon as the cuttings begin to grow, they will need to be transplanted into separate pots with a special soil mixture recommended for pelargoniums.
Propagation by seeds
The recommended time for sowing seeds is the end of January - February. Some gardeners plant earlier. But in this case, additional lighting is required, since natural daylight hours are still too short, and the seedlings can become very elongated.
The seeds are sown in a container with moistened soil and sprinkled with a thin layer (approximately 2-3mm) of soil mixture. The optimal temperature for seedlings is 20-22 degrees.
Pelargonium seeds You can also sow in individual plastic or peat cups, 1-2 pcs. In this case, picking is not required. The container with the seeds should be placed in a warm, bright place. Shoots appear in 5-10 days.
All this time you need to monitor the soil moisture and prevent it from drying out and forming a crust. It is better to moisten the soil by spraying. As soon as the seedlings appear, water carefully, trying not to get moisture on the leaves. After germination, the temperature can be slightly reduced to 18-20 degrees.
To prevent the seedlings from stretching out, it is better to provide additional lighting. Phytolamps have proven themselves very well, thanks to which they produce strong, strong seedlings. Pinching above the fifth leaf is done in order to obtain a compact and lush pelargonium bush. For the same reason, it is recommended to pinch the flower every 2-3 months. If the seeds were sown in a common container, picking is done after the first true leaf appears.
When propagated by seeds, the flowering period begins after about six months.
Photo of pelargonium
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