It is believed that pelargonium, like a grandmother's flower, relieves headaches. In the spring, after the threat of frost, it was first placed in the garden.
Thanks to a large selection work, the plant has become very popular. Unusual buds of various colors are compared with the queen of flowers - a rose. Growing unusual types of geraniums can turn into a good family business.
Description of geraniums for home
Perennial herb with straight or creeping stems. The shape of the leaves is different:
- simple;
- finger-shaped;
- dissected.
Umbrella inflorescences of various shades. The fruit is a box with preserved sepals. Photophilous geranium easily tolerates moisture deficiency. Propagated by seeds, cuttings. Caring for a plant is very easy.
Types of room geranium
Pelargonium is a perennial flower. Belong to the geranium family. Over 4 hundred varieties are ubiquitous. Geranium owes its name to the inhabitants of Greece for the shape of fruits similar to the beak of a crane. The Germans call the flower "the nose of a stork."
Geraniums came to European countries from Africa 4 centuries ago. Due to its peculiar aroma and decorative appearance, the plant became very popular among aristocrats. Later, the flower adorned the windowsills of people of other classes.
Breeding developments allowed to obtain numerous hybrids that are different in shape, shades of leaves, inflorescences. Pelargonium is divided into species.
Zonal
The most famous. This species got its name for the coloring of leaves. It has strictly delimited areas of various shades. The marginal strip is scarlet, snow-white, blue, and burgundy. The central share of all kinds of tones. In the coloring they meet black, silver, gold. There are instances with 3-color foliage.
Its varieties are distinguished by lush, bright flowering. The plant has a straight stem with pubescent leaves with a peculiar smell. Pelargoniums of this species are distinguished by the shape of the flowers:
- tulip;
- roseboots;
- cactus-like (twisted petals resemble chrysanthemum);
- intelligence
- cloves;
- dicons (small flowers are concentrated in bright buds).
Varieties are striking in the variety of color of the petals. Zone pelargonium blooms throughout the summer months. In winter, some gardeners do not put the plant into a state of sleep. Geranium continues to delight with a magnificent color fragrance.
Royal
Large flowers of terry or regular shape. They are equipped with corrugated petals with constant dark stripes or spots. The top two are larger, more velvety than the rest. This feature is characteristic of this species.
The plant reaches a height of 15 cm. Rough, jagged leaves along the edges look like maple leaves. They are plain or bright. This hybrid is the most demanding care at home. Flowering period - 120 days. It occurs after 2 years of growth.
Fragrant
Acquisition of gardeners acquired for a diverse aroma. Lightly touching a leaf of geranium of this variety, you feel a strawberry, ginger, vanilla, citrus, mint smell. There are hybrids with the aroma of apple, lilac, needles, almonds.
The flowers of this houseplant are small, of various shapes. Terry foliage is added to tea, desserts.
Fragrant geraniums make fragrant sugar. The process is not difficult. In a container layered leaves with sugar.
Stand in the sun for 2 weeks. After removing the plant residues, the aroma-soaked sugar is added to the culinary dishes.
Ivy
Ampelic view. Fragile shoots reach a length of 1 m. Shiny green leaves, like an asterisk, resemble ivy.
An excellent option for landscaping balconies. In hanging pots are placed several varieties.
The ivy pelargonium pleases with simple or double flowers from June to September. Buds attract with their shades: from snow-white to blue-black.
Pelargonium hybrid groups
There are geraniums obtained by crossing different types of flower. They are displayed in separate groups. This is a combination of curly hybrids (a species of fragrant) and royal pelargonium.
Angel
Viola buds are similar in appearance to Pansies. It grows to 35 cm. If subjected to constant pruning of geranium, it takes on an elegant shape. The lush bloom of the fragrance on the branches all summer months.
Pelargonium Unicum
Dissected leaves have an airy spicy aroma. Multiple small flowers are provided with dark spots, veins. Their design resembles a feather of a firebird. Unique people are mostly tall plants, if they are not pruned. A great option for growing outdoors in the summer.
Succulent pelargonium
A very original species native to South Africa. The intricate forms of the plant resemble all kinds of fantastic objects. Stems stiff from below are bent in an unusual way. Dry air, slight watering leads to leaf fall.
The sunniest place is reserved for succulent pelargonium: this is how the shape is kept intricate. With a lack of light, pets grow quickly, losing their originality. In the resting season for pots, a slightly shaded place is acceptable. The temperature in the apartment does not exceed +15 ° C.
The branches of the plant are in some cases covered with thorns. Succulent geraniums are chosen for exotic room decor. Original compositions are created for them - bonsai, miniature rock garden, rockery.
Lemon Pelargonium
Widespread fame for this species brought leaves of complex configuration: highly dissected, pubescent. The bush reaches a height of 1.5 m. When you touch the leaves exudes a sparkling smell of yellow citrus.
It blooms not often. The charm of the plant in elegant greenery, delicate fragrance. With sufficient care, it gives light green or white flowers that are rarely located.
Exotic geraniums are used as a natural freshener, a folk healer. It fills the room with a citrus aroma. The leaves of lemon pelargonium relieve symptoms of otitis media, influenza, and eliminate headaches.
Room Geranium Care
Factor | Conditions | |
Summer | Winter | |
Location | Sun-drenched window sill. | The lack of light is filled with lamps. Choose a place protected from drafts. |
Temperature | + 20 ... +25 ° С | + 10 ... +14 ° С |
Watering | Frequent, plentiful. Avoid getting water on the leaves. | The plant is at rest. Reduce by 2 times. |
Humidity | Moderate. | High contraindicated. |
Top dressing | Pelargonium is not demanding on nutritional supplements. In March, September, make mineral fertilizer. The high effect of the use of special growth stimulants for geraniums. Make in the soil, sprayed every 2 weeks. | Do not use. |
Pruning | Remove the upper, lateral shoots, forming an attractive bush. | Dry leaves, flowers are removed. Do not cut. |
Transfer
Pelargonium care is not difficult for beginner growers. Given the characteristic features of the plant, the probability of the original design of the room is high. Geranium reacts poorly to transplantation: soil, pots are changed no more often 1-2 times a year.
Key factors for this process:
- proliferation of the root system;
- wilting of flowers due to stagnation of moisture;
- poor plant development;
- lack of flowering;
- exposing the roots - in this case, you can simply add nutrient soil.
Pelargonium is transplanted, mainly in the spring. The fundamental condition is not. Some do this process in the winter. In this case, fixes a longer engraftment of the bush.
It is not advised to disturb the transplanted plant in bloom. This will cause death. Transplantation is replaced by updating the soil layer. If necessary, add fresh soil.
Some flower lovers place geraniums in a street flowerbed in spring. With the advent of autumn frosts, the flower is brought into the house. Such an additional measure of care heals the plant, along the way allows you to separate the roots for breeding.
Instructions for transplanting geraniums:
- prepare tools, nutrient soil;
- treat with a disinfecting solution;
- place a drainage layer at the bottom - small stones, expanded clay, bleaching powder, fragments of brick, foam balls;
- moisten the soil in a pot of geraniums;
- gently get the plant without damaging the roots;
- inspect the flower - if rotten places, signs of illness, insects are found, pruning, removing, sanitizing;
- place the plant in a new container;
- fill the voids with prepared soil, moisten, slightly compact, pour the soil.
Transplanted pelargonium for 7 days put in a place devoid of light. This time is enough for survival. Then transferred to a selected permanent location. After 8 weeks, make specialized fertilizer.
Propagation of geraniums
Pelargonium is bred by 3 methods: seeds, cuttings, rhizomes. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.
At home, they are grown from seeds purchased at the store. The newly emerged flower has differences from the parent plant. A significant disadvantage of reproduction is the duration.
Simple rules for germination:
- remove the top layer from the seeds with sandpaper;
- withstand 6-12 hours in a growth stimulator;
- Pour a mixture of leafy soil, peat, fine-grained sand into the container. The ratio is 2: 1: 1;
- spread the treated seeds over the surface of the substrate, sprinkle with river sand in a layer of 0.5 cm, moisten;
- cover the container with a film, put it in a warm place.
When sprouts appear, water the seedlings with an unsaturated solution of potassium permanganate. After 2 weeks, the seedlings dive. After 45 days, the plant is planted in a pot. With the advent of the 6th leaf, pinch geraniums, forming a compact bush. Propagation by cuttings produced in the fall, at the end of flowering. Let's say the process is in early spring. Healthy, intact cuttings 10 cm long are cut with a secateurs. Extra leaves are removed to form roots.
Planting material is kept in a stimulator for 5 minutes, and dried thoroughly. In a peat pot with a nutrient substrate, a depression is made where the stalk is placed. Watering thoroughly, wait for rooting for 14 days. Then planted in a permanent pot.
It happens that in geraniums sprouts form from the roots. Their use gives a new bush. The plant is extracted from the earth. The root is divided into children. The bushes are seated on containers.
Problems growing room geraniums
The plant does not require special care, time. However, there are some features to be aware of.
Problem | Cause | Elimination |
The appearance of a yellow border on the leaves fall off. | Lack of moisture. | Arrange regular watering. |
Withering, falling leaves. | Soil moisture is above normal. | Do not allow fluid to stagnate in the pot. |
The lack of peduncles. | Overdose of nitrogen fertilizers. | Cancel top dressing to build green mass. |
The death of a newly acquired plant. | Infection with root rot. | Treat with chemical fungicides - Vitaros, Maxim. Feed blooming geranium with a biological product. An excellent choice is Phytosporin Resuscitator. Repeat if necessary. |
Properly organized care for geraniums will ensure its development, growth, flowering without problems.
Mr. Summer resident recommends: the benefits and harms of geraniums
Unpretentious flower in popularity is not inferior to vines, cacti, orchids, palm trees. The benefits and harms in the house of geraniums are due to its properties, magical power.
Pelargonium is characterized by powerful energy. It serves as a natural air freshener. In hot weather, the tart smell discourages annoying flies, blood-sucking insects. The healing properties of geranium are noted:
- eliminates the symptoms of migraine, insomnia, depression;
- aromatic oil from the leaves is used in the treatment of the digestive, nervous, cardiovascular system.
The plant protects the home from malice, expels envy. The magical keeper of the hearth creates a healthy aura, improves the financial situation.
Geranium in the house is contraindicated in case of allergy to the plant. In the absence of reaction, a magnificent indoor flower is recommended to anyone who wants to fill their home with a riot of colors, fragrant fragrance, positive energy.