Geranium care at home. Easy care for geraniums at home

indoor geranium There are two types: ampelous and compact bush. Curly and squat varieties are grown on window sills in ordinary pots. House plants have large and bright flowers, oblong fruits and a pleasant aroma that repels insect pests. The most popular species is the zonal geranium, but gardeners grow both the fragrant and the royal variety. The flower belongs to the group undemanding plants but even he needs proper care.

Ultraviolet

Ornamental geranium bushes, also called pelargonium and crail, live on southern windowsills in winter. A plant devoid of ultraviolet light is stretched, and its leaves and inflorescences become small and faded. In spring, the indoor flower moves to the southeast window. Here it is until late autumn.

In summer, geraniums tan in direct sunlight. Pelargonium is not afraid of burns, it actively absorbs ultraviolet radiation and turns it into energy. Geraniums are not recommended to be placed in the shade, otherwise the bush will become lethargic and weak, and will not be able to resist fungus and insects. The main thing is to turn the pot daily so that the light falls on all sides of the crail.

Pelargonium does not like only the midday summer sun. The liquid from the leaves and petals evaporates under the influence of non-scattered ultraviolet radiation, and burns remain on the surface. From 12 noon to 2-3 pm, the geranium pot is removed from the windowsill and placed on a shelf or stand next to the window so that subdued sunlight falls on the bush.

In winter, pelargonium must be illuminated with phytolamps. Special equipment, which is sold in garden shops and department stores, compensates for the lack of natural UV light. Lamps increase the length of daylight hours and provide geraniums with artificial sunlight necessary for photosynthesis. The leaves of a pelargonium devoid of ultraviolet light turn pale and fall off, and new ones grow small and inconspicuous.

Watering

Ornamental shrub refers to drought-resistant plants. In the root system, which is constantly flooded, a fungus appears. Mold provokes rotting of the flower, leads to its death. With a lack of water, the stems and leaves become pale green, and the inflorescences become small and deformed.

In winter, the substrate in a pot of geraniums is moistened three times a month. In spring, the frequency of watering is increased by 2–2.5 times. In summer, water is added after the topsoil has dried. In the hot months, the flower is watered every 2-3 days.

Pelargonium root system reacts negatively to impurities heavy metals. Harmful additives reduce the quality of the substrate and slow down metabolic processes geraniums. The soil is moistened with melted or distilled water. The liquid from the tap is defended for at least 3-4 days. Drain only upper layer, in which a minimum of harmful additives. Rainwater is collected in summer and autumn.

Geranium can not be sprayed from a spray bottle. It tolerates low humidity and dry air well, but can get sick due to water droplets left on the leaves and stem. Water heated to room temperature, poured directly on the root. use plastic bottles or special watering cans with a thin spout.

Watering is reduced by 2-3 times if:

• leaves become sluggish;
• a white or gray coating appeared on the bush;
• the substrate exudes an unpleasant putrefactive odor;
• the stalk of the geranium turned black;
• leaves or roots rot.

A flower infected with mold will only be saved by an emergency transplant into a new pot with a dry substrate.

Pelargonium leaves should not be washed or wiped with a damp cloth. Dust is removed with dry sponges. In a pot designed for an ornamental bush, there should be drainage holes. The geranium root system accumulates as much water as the flower needs for normal development. The excess flows into trays. The remaining moisture is poured out. Mold thrives in stagnant water.

Temperature regime and top dressing

Geranium at +12 and below sheds leaves. Bare bushes defenseless and weak, with sub-zero temperatures they die. In winter, pelargonium rests at + 13–15. The plant hibernates and recovers. In spring and summer, in the room in which the pot of geraniums is located, the temperature is maintained from +18 to +24–25. Capacity helps to reduce degrees cold water or pieces of ice, which are placed next to the plant. The liquid gradually evaporates, increasing the humidity of the air and protecting root system decorative bush from drying out.

Top dressing in winter is applied once every 1.5–2 months. A flower that is in the hibernation stage does not need recharge. Large dose mineral fertilizers starts the vegetation, which weakens the pelargonium. The frequency of top dressing increases from early spring to 1 time per week. Feeds are added to the substrate, which contain micro- and macroelements:

• nitrogen;
• zinc;
• potassium;
• manganese;
• phosphorus;
• calcium;
• iron;
• copper.

Mineral fertilizers provide violent flowering and stimulate the growth of the root system. They use complex recharges, for example, the "Merry Flower Girl". At home, preparations are made from nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, mixed in equal proportions. But homemade options do not give the plant all the necessary components.

Organic fertilizers are contraindicated. Feeds are diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 4. Too concentrated products burn the root system of the flower. Fertilizers are applied after abundant watering so that they are better absorbed. Stimulants are not used during the heat. High temperatures combined with mineral nutrition are stressful for pelargonium.

Top dressing is introduced into the new land 3–3.5 months after transplantation. An ornamental bush is fertilized in the morning so that it has time to absorb useful components during the day.

Shaping and trimming

At the end of November, the pelargonium, which has shed its last petal, is prepared for winter. Remove the upper part of the bush to provide air access to the lower sheets and protect the plant from the fungus. late autumn also cut crossed branches that interfere with each other and slow down the development of geraniums. The indoor flower is cleaned of diseased, dry and rotting parts.

Removal of dead zones and tops is carried out with a sharp pruner or knife. The blade is wiped with antiseptics or pure alcohol before cutting. A bowl of crushed activated charcoal is placed next to the pot. Sorbent is sprinkled on the places of cuts so that microbes and fungus do not get into the open wounds of the plant. Disinfectant powder is also prepared from charcoal.

5 cm recede from the rotting or infected area. The diseased area is removed along with a piece of a healthy branch. Pinch green shoots with clean fingers. The procedure is carried out when 4 leaf nodes are formed on a young branch. After 12 weeks, flower stalks form from them.

Cut and branches directed to the outside. The upper part of the shoots is removed with sharp scissors, leaving only leaf nodules with buds. The procedure does not allow geranium branches to grow inside the bush. If there are too many shoots, they will close the substrate and root system from the sun, creating favorable conditions for mold growth.

Planned pruning for the formation of pelargonium is carried out in the fall. Parts of the plant that are too stretched or deformed can be removed in the spring. In summer and winter, they refrain from the procedure so as not to injure the geranium. The exception is branches and shoots affected by fungus or rot. They are removed immediately to prevent the spread of infection.

Storing geraniums in winter

Pots with cut geraniums are cleaned in a warm room with low humidity. Protect bushes from pests, fungus and drafts. The room is periodically ventilated. Plants need fresh air for recovery and normal development. The soil is loosened and checked to see how much water is in it. The substrate should be slightly damp, but not wet, otherwise the root system will begin to rot.

Indoor geraniums are stored in a dry way:

1. After the buds wither, the ornamental bush is removed from the pot. They don't cut.
2. Several geraniums are tied together and hung from the ceiling.
3. In the room intended for storing pelargoniums, the temperature is maintained from +3 to +8.
4. Humidity should be at least 75%. Flowers are periodically dipped in water at room temperature so that the root system does not dry out.
5. At the beginning of spring, more than half of the ornamental bush is cut. An indoor flower is planted in a pot with a prepared substrate, watered and fertilized.

Subject to all the rules, geraniums will have new shoots and peduncles with large quantity large and bright buds.

Substrate and pot

Pelargonium takes root in wooden boxes, plastic and ceramic pots. But the parameters of the flowerpots must correspond to the size of the root system of the plant. Young geraniums are planted in small pots, and perennial old bushes in large boxes. The main thing is that the roots occupy the entire container. Mold often grows in empty ground, and insects breed.

Ornamental bushes are transplanted into a loose substrate that allows air to pass through. The soil for geraniums is prepared at home from four components:

• leaf and sod land;
• peat;
• coarse sand.

Coconut fibers, bark and other components do not need to be added. Sometimes leaf ground replaced with manure. Then they take 4 kg of soil, 1 kg of peat and a second fertilizer, as well as 500–600 g river sand. The soil brought from the garden or vegetable garden is calcined in an oven or in a double boiler. The sand is washed hot water. A mixture of all components is disinfected with a cool solution of manganese.

When choosing a pot, preference is given to clay options with drainage holes. Plastic varieties retain water in the substrate, so mold often appears in such flowerpots. Crushed brick, expanded clay or grated polystyrene must be poured at the bottom of the geranium container. The drainage layer protects against fluid stagnation and fungus.

The soil is loosened with special spatulas before watering to saturate the substrate with oxygen and check the moisture level.

Geranium is transplanted in two cases:

• When she has outgrown the pot, and the root system looks out from under the ground.
• A fungus started up in the soil due to abundant watering.

Transshipment is carried out in spring or autumn. The pot is doused with boiling water before the procedure. During the adaptation period, the plant is not watered or fertilized.

In summer, a pot of pelargonium is taken out to a balcony or loggia, left in the garden under the trees. Flower loves Fresh air, but even from a small draft it can die.

Geranium at proper care pleases every year bright inflorescences. On some peduncles, up to 30 buds are formed. Pelargonium is one of the best options for beginners and forgetful gardeners, because it endures drought, direct sunlight and even heat. The main thing is to feed and cut the decorative bush in a timely manner, periodically water and loosen the substrate.

Video: proper care for geraniums

Geranium - wonderful indoor plant, which has a lot of advantages and has not only luxurious and colorful flowers, but also a lot of healing properties and qualities.

She may be like garden plant, and indoor flower decorating the windowsill and home interior.

Geranium has a lot of varieties and a sufficient number of varieties so that any grower, and just a lover and connoisseur of beauty, can create the desired flower arrangement for himself.

Geranium will find a worthy place for itself on the windowsill among other flowers and protect them from a possible invasion of indoor flower pests - which literally cannot tolerate this plant and are afraid of it.

Features of growing geraniums

Geranium is unpretentious and will not require any special conditions for growing and caring for it from its owner. But still, there are some features and rules for breeding and keeping this plant.

For good flowering Geraniums need proper watering, acceptable lighting and warmth. AT winter period geraniums can be kept in the house, and closer to summer they can be planted in open ground in a garden or vegetable garden.

This flower can be grown both from seeds and cuttings. The plant easily perceives the bright rays of the sun, so that in hot weather it can only be slightly darkened.

pledge successful cultivation geranium is the proper drainage of the soil, as well as the selection of medium - moist and slightly acidic saturated soil.

It is also necessary to feed and fertilize geraniums, especially if it grows in pots.

Geraniums need to be watered, but moderately, and during the growth period, weed the soil of the plant from weeds.

Geraniums need to be cut on time and correctly, otherwise it may die, especially in winter.

Geranium: home care - reproduction

Geranium propagation can be carried out in two ways - cuttings and reproduction of seed planting material.

cuttings- most popular and easy way reproduction of geranium, which has been used by flower growers since ancient times. There are almost no failures here.

1st cutting method.

Cuttings are cut from the mother plant at the end summer season, well, or at the beginning of autumn. The stalk is removed from the very top of the plant, while at least 4 leaves must remain on the stalk. After this procedure, the stalk can be placed in a container with some water and wait for the roots to form. After the appearance of the root system, the plant must be planted in a pot with soil prepared in advance for this.

2nd cutting method.

The stalk, as described above, is cut from the plant and then placed in the shade until it wilts. Then the stalk is dipped in a stimulant called "Kornevin" or juice taken from aloe, then in charcoal powder, and at the end of the whole process it is planted in a prepared pot.

At the same time, it is important for cuttings to properly prepare the soil - garden soil or greenhouse mixed with sand in a ratio of 1/1.

Therefore, in both cases, you need to show a little care and attention and your pet will delight you with luxurious abundant flowering and exuberant health.

seed method of reproduction- this is not such a popular way to reproduce planting material, such as, for example, geranium cuttings. But for breeding new varieties of geraniums, this method is the most acceptable method, all the more so if a grower or just a lover wants to experiment and get seedlings from a certain variety of seeds that are different from the original material - in color, shape and dimensions.

In general, in order to avoid any failures associated with growing geraniums from seed planting material, it is necessary to start planting geranium seeds and experimenting with inexpensive varieties of this plant.

The soil for planting geranium seeds should be well loosened and, in addition, the main soil should consist of sand and humus. At the beginning spring period you can start sowing.

Before you start planting seeds, the soil under the geranium must be thoroughly shed with a solution of manganese (to protect the plant from a disease such as black leg). After the seeds need to be poured into the ground with some kind of container and lightly sprinkled with a layer of soil, but so that they are not visually detected on the surface.

Then, for the planted seeds, it is advisable to create a kind of greenhouse in the form of a film, with which they will be covered, and then remove the planted material in a warm place.

Geranium: home care - soil, lighting, conditions for flowering

The soil

Geranium soil should be rich and nutritious, but not light. It is advisable to add a little clay base to the soil, as well as sand.

For independent mixing of the components, it is necessary to take part of the humus (leaf or sod), the same amount of peat, sand and the same amount clay soil from the river bank.

Such a soil holds moisture quite well, and therefore the soil does not lend itself to acidification. In addition, it is recommended to loosen the soil under the geranium regularly for better health of the flower.

Lighting

AT summer period when the daylight is long and saturated with the rays of the sun - the geranium, located on the windowsill, feels great from any side of the room.

However, the best location for geraniums is still considered to be the south side, near the window, on some kind of flower stand, because it is this plant that is most directly related to light-loving specimens of flowers, which even on hot days cannot bring any direct rays of the sun. or harm.

But, despite all of the above, on hot days, you need to protect the geranium from the sun's rays with the help of papyrus paper in order to avoid the appearance of burn spots on the plant.

The room where the geranium grows needs to be ventilated, but without creating drafts. And in order for the geranium to grow strong, fragrant and delight the eye with its luxurious and bright colors- it must be protected from being kept in the shade and taken out to fresh air and sunlight as often as possible.

Conditions for flowering

In order for geranium to delight its household with the beauty of its flowers all year round, it is necessary to create favorable conditions for it and proper care.

The abundance of flowers in the summer will directly depend on how the plant spent its wintering.

Geraniums just need to spend the winter somewhere in cool places as far as possible from fireplaces and heaters, with temperature regime no higher than 13 degrees. At this time, the plant absolutely does not need top dressing and abundant watering.

Subject to all the rules of wintering, not only will the plant not get sick with any diseases, but from spring until late autumn it will delight everyone with the abundance of its flowers and their beauty.

You also need to remember and know the fact that geraniums really need to break off faded inflorescences. And if everything is done correctly, then this plant will extend the flowering period from May until October.

pruning

For this process, you must use a knife with a sharp and long blade. They need to cut off the withered and yellowed leaves so that the petiole remains on the geranium. You need to start cutting geraniums, leaving shoots with several knots in the fall. All cut points in without fail must be pre-lubricated activated carbon.

But when cutting a geranium, one must take into account the factor that after such a painful operation for the plant, it will not bloom soon. So you need to be patient and continue caring for your favorite plant.

Geranium: home care - feeding and watering

Watering

The main requirement that must be observed when caring for geraniums is regular watering. You don't have to worry too much about air humidity or spraying the plant; you don't need this geranium. It will even be better if spraying is carried out only on neighboring flowers and plants, in which case you can easily avoid such a nuisance as water getting on geranium leaves.

But it is also not necessary to fill the geranium, as this can provoke the appearance of mold and lead to decay of the root system, especially in winter.

It is necessary to be aware that with a constant lack of water, the flowering of the plant will be weak, and the flowers will be crushed.

So that prerequisite proper care for geraniums will be drainage at the bottom of the flower pot and moderately moist soil.

top dressing

Geraniums will feel great and bloom constantly if they are fertilized once every 30 days in autumn and winter and twice a month in summer and spring.

Phosphorus top dressing favors the abundant and long flowering of geraniums. Before you start fertilizing a flower, you need to water it well so that top dressing does not burn the geranium root system.

It is also useful to make such top dressings that have nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus components in equal proportions.

And also in the composition of these top dressings, various microelements necessary for the good life of the flower must be included without fail.

Geranium: home care - why is she dying?

Proper care of geraniums guarantees her a life without diseases and life problems. However, all the same, troubles in the form of diseases of leaves, flowers and the root system can arise, and you need to be prepared for such a turn of events.

The main reasons for the death of geraniums are - lack of sunlight, excessive humidity, excessive watering and, as a result, the appearance of fungal diseases, such as:

Gray rot- formed on the leaves of a plant in the form of a cobweb or plaque, manifested on the stem by a dark substrate.

leaf rust- appearing in the form of damage sheet plate small yellow spots.

powdery mildew - enveloping the stalks and leaves of geraniums with a powdery coating.

Also a dangerous phenomenon that can destroy the root system of geraniums is nematode damage, which manifests itself in the form of nodes on the roots of the plant.

Another geranium can be attacked by such pests, leading to the possible death of the plant, such as:

Aphids, due to which geranium leaves wither and small spots appear on them. Below, on the leaf plate, insects of a gray-green color are announced, which multiply rapidly and draw all the juices from the geranium leaves.

The whitefly is also a very dangerous pest that feeds on the juices of the plant and gradually, if not taken care of, leads to the death of the plant.

These and other pests can be destroyed by spraying the plant by special means, harmless to the geranium itself.

Geranium, or pelargonium, is rightfully considered one of the most popular flower plants. You can grow it not only at home, but also in the open field, as the culture is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and endurance. In addition, a variety of geranium varieties allows you to choose a flower to your own taste.

Caring for geraniums at home is not difficult. But at the same time, for the successful cultivation of a flower, some nuances should be taken into account. It is these details that this article is devoted to.

Description of the flower Geranium

In nature, there are about 400 species that are found almost all over the world. AT vivo pelargonium can be both annual and perennial culture. Its leaves are quite large (up to 60 cm in length) and soft to the touch, and their salient feature- in the presence of small hairs over the entire surface of the leaf (Figure 1).

Picture 1. External Features geraniums

Pelargonium flowers are quite large, and are collected in small inflorescences. Their shade depends on the variety, and can be white, red, purple or even blue.

Geranium flower varieties

The diversity of varieties concerns not only wild species, but also varieties that are intended for growing at home. To make it easier for you to decide on the choice of flower, we give descriptions of the main varieties of geraniums with a photo.

Royal

Unlike other varieties of pelargonium, which do not require special care and attention, the royal geranium is very capricious. If you don't provide her optimal conditions cultivation, flowering will not work (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Royal variety of culture

This type naturally found in tropical forests South America, therefore, at home, she needs to create similar conditions: maintain optimal level moisture and keep out of direct sunlight.

dwarf

This species includes not one variety, but a whole complex of plants that outwardly resemble small compact shrubs (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Representatives of dwarf varieties

This flower is small, so it is grown in small pots. Wherein compact dimensions pelargonium does not affect its flowering at all. In addition, despite the high decorativeness of the culture, it does not differ in exacting care. The only condition is that the plant cannot be waterlogged, since moisture stagnation at the roots can provoke their rapid decay.

ivy

This variety is often used for planting in hanging planters or pots, as the flexible shoots of ivy geranium are an excellent decoration for open terraces and balconies (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Ivy plant species

Despite the high decorative culture, it is surprisingly unpretentious. In addition, the plant quickly increases its green mass, and the flowering period lasts throughout the warm season.

Angel

Pelargonium Angel is a whole group of plants that differ from other species in unusual inflorescences. Unlike other species, the Angel variety has small and very numerous inflorescences (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Representatives of the Angel variety

Outwardly, the flowers resemble pansies, but are presented in a wider variety of colors, and the color of the petals directly depends on the subspecies of pelargonium.

Unique

Pelargonium Unicum is also separated into a separate group, since according to its external characteristics it does not fit into any other variety. This species was bred by breeders back in the 19th century, and now it is already difficult to establish which geranium became the basis for creating a hybrid (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Representatives of the Unicum species

This is a fairly tall shrub, the shoots of which become covered with bark with age. The flowers are predominantly red, and the petals are covered with dark spots and stripes. There are also hybrids with pink, salmon and white flowers. It is worth noting that this is one of the oldest hybrids, but it has not lost its popularity in modern world, mainly due to its unpretentiousness and ability to quickly adapt to new growing conditions.

Fragrant

It is this species that can most often be found in houses and city apartments. This plant is unpretentious, and its leaves and inflorescences have a very specific smell (Figure 7).

Figure 7. External features of fragrant geranium

The leaves are carved and covered with villi, when touched, the plant emits an aroma. The flowers are white-pink and rather inconspicuous, but this does not affect the popularity of the culture at all. The fact is that the characteristic smell fragrant pelargonium perfectly repels insects, and according to other sources - has antiviral and bactericidal action, and the ability to purify the air in the room.

Geranium - home care

Most varieties of pelargonium are of high decorative value. At the same time, the culture is completely unpretentious, and it can be grown both at home and in open ground.

Despite the fact that even a beginner can cope with the cultivation of pelargonium, there are certain features of caring for this plant, which will be described below.

Watering

Geranium loves abundant and regular watering, as in natural conditions it is accustomed to high level soil moisture. But it should be borne in mind that stagnation of moisture at the roots can provoke root rot and the flower may die. This condition is especially relevant for dwarf varieties.

Therefore, watering should be private, but at the same time, excess water should not linger in the ground for a long time. To do this, the pot must have holes, and at its bottom - a layer of drainage material. So excess moisture will drain into the pan, and the roots will not be affected.

Location selection

You can put a flower in almost any corner of the apartment. This culture is absolutely unpretentious in terms of location. In addition, if necessary, the pot with the plant can be rearranged (for example, closer or further from the light source).

If all the windows of your apartment face south, do not despair: pelargonium reacts quite tolerably even to direct sunlight, and only in very hot summer days it will need to be shaded to avoid burning the leaves.

Temperature

The usual temperature at home is quite suitable for culture, although in the cold season it is advisable to slightly lower the indicators, since during this period the plant begins a period of vegetative dormancy. To do this, you can put a flower pot on the windowsill or take it to the coolest room in the house.

In addition, you need to regularly ventilate the room: geranium, like other indoor cultures needs fresh air. At the same time, the culture reacts quite normally to a short stay in a draft.

top dressing

The most important condition that should be taken into account when growing is the fact that this crop does not tolerate organic fertilizers at all.

At the same time, pelargonium will still need top dressing. For this purpose, you can use the usual top dressing for flowering crops. It does not make sense to make them too often: during the period active growth will be enough to contribute useful material twice a month.

How to form a crown

Most indoor varieties It is not necessary to specially form the crown, but it is still worth doing light pruning. The procedure is carried out in the fall, when the flowering period has already ended and the plant will not experience serious stress from removing excess shoots.

Note: In winter, transplantation is not carried out. An exception can only be cases of plant damage by diseases or pests.

When pruning pelargonium, there are several things to consider. important nuances. Firstly, you can only remove branches growing from the leaf axils, and not their roots. Secondly, it is imperative to leave shoots with 6-7 leaves. In addition, you can pinch the shoots to make the bush more lush.

Cut branches and leaves can be used as cuttings to grow new plant specimens.

Transfer

Pelargonium does not respond well to frequent transplants, so it is recommended to move it to a new pot no more than once every one to two years (Figure 8).

Note: To understand that a geranium needs a transplant, you can appearance plants. For example, if the roots began to protrude from the ground or filled all inner space pot. In addition, a transplant is required if the pelargonium has ceased to bloom and develop.

As a rule, transplantation is carried out from February to April, but if the need for the procedure arose at another time of the year, then it cannot be postponed. In fact, transplantation can be carried out in winter, but in this case, the plant will take root in a new pot longer.

Geranium transplantation is carried out as follows:

1. A layer of drainage is laid at the bottom of the new pot (pieces of foam, broken brick or small stones).
2. Pelargonium is watered abundantly and carefully removed from the old pot. In order not to damage the roots, you need to lightly tap on the walls and bottom of the container.
3. The root system of the plant must be inspected, and, if necessary, rotten parts should be removed, and all cuts should be treated with crushed coal.
4. The plant is moved to a new pot and sprinkled with soil. Next, the soil needs to be watered, slightly compacted and filled with the missing layer of earth.

Figure 8. The main stages of transplanting geraniums

The transplanted plant should be placed in a dark place for a week, and then transferred to permanent place. Top dressing in this case can be carried out no earlier than two months later.

Reproduction of Geranium

The culture can be propagated by both cuttings and seeds. In the first case, you will receive a copy of an already existing plant, and when using the seed method - completely the new kind. In addition, they practice reproduction by dividing the rhizome, but in this case, special skills will be required, therefore, without special experience this method better not to use.

cuttings

Spring - the best time for cuttings of pelargonium, although in fact, cuttings can be prepared all year round, for example, during pruning (Figure 9).

Cuttings should be up to 7 cm long and 2-3 leaves each. It is important to slightly dry the planting material during the first day, and then sprinkle all the cut points with crushed coal for disinfection. Next, the cuttings are planted in separate small pots with loose soil for rooting.

Figure 9. Plant cuttings

In some cases, cuttings can be rooted in coarse sand, but it is important to ensure that the soil is always wet. Shelter is not required for sprouts, but during watering it is necessary to ensure that water does not fall on the leaves and stems. In the room where the cuttings are located, they maintain a stable temperature level (about + 20 + 22 degrees). When the roots appear on the seedlings, they are transplanted into permanent pots.

seeds

Despite the fact that the propagation of pelargonium by seeds at home is rarely practiced, this method is also considered quite simple and effective.

For growing geraniums from seeds, it is better to buy planting material in a store, as seeds collected from an existing plant may not retain the characteristics of the species, especially if you grow hybrid varieties.

It is recommended to sow seeds in moist, loose soil. planting material evenly distributed over the surface and sprinkled on top with a layer of soil, 2.5 cm thick. Next, the ground must be sprayed with water and covered with glass so that it is supported inside optimal humidity. Seeds germinate at a temperature of +18+22 degrees.

After the appearance of the first shoots, the shelter is removed, and the container with seedlings is transferred to a well-lit place and kept at a lower temperature (about + 16 + 20 degrees). After one and a half to two months, the first leaves will appear on the sprouts, and they can be planted in separate containers. As the seedlings grow, pinching is carried out to stimulate tillering.

Bloom

Geranium bloom is one of key points for which this culture is grown at home. It is important that during this period the plant spends a lot of energy and nutrients so he definitely needs support.

Firstly, it is not recommended to transplant pelargonium during flowering. This can cause a lot of stress and the plant will drop leaves or buds. Secondly, during flowering, potassium-phosphorus fertilizers should be periodically applied to the soil, which will saturate the plant with essential nutrients and prolong flowering.

When the flowering period is over, it is advisable to feed the culture nitrogen fertilizers, and it is recommended to make them weekly.

Diseases and pests of Geranium

The specific aroma of geranium repels most pests. In addition, this culture rarely gets sick, and most diseases are most often triggered by improper care.

Most often, various rots are found on pelargonium. In young specimens, this may be the so-called black leg. It is useless to treat such a plant, so it should be destroyed along with the soil. Root and gray rot occur if the culture is watered too much.

Of the pests, geraniums can be affected spider mite, whiteflies and aphids. In this case, the plant must be washed with a tobacco solution, left for one and a half to two hours, and then rinsed again with clean water. At the final stage, it is recommended to treat with insecticides.

You can find more information about the proper care of geraniums at home in the video.

Geranium is a very beautiful and unpretentious flower that has always been popular. Even before the revolution, pots of geraniums could be seen on the windowsills in almost every peasant, bourgeois and aristocratic house. People have long known about healing properties plants. Geranium is used in medicine, and being taken out into the garden in the summer, it saves its green neighbors from aphids. In a word, geranium (pelargonium) has been a good companion of people for many years. How to care for geraniums?

Geranium - growing features

Geranium will take root in every apartment, you just need to provide it with minimal comfort - sufficient, but not excessive watering, good lighting, the air temperature is above + 12 C. Since geranium came to us from southern countries, it does not tolerate frosts, except garden variety, which in middle lane The Russian can even overwinter in the open ground.

In summer, the geranium will be grateful to you if you take it out into the open air - to the balcony, or take it with you to the country. However, the plant is best left in a pot, not planted in the ground. It does not tolerate re-transplantation and may die in winter. In autumn, you will be surprised how lush and elegant the flower will become, what a bright color its leaves will acquire.

Types and varieties of plants

Most often, flower lovers grow zonal pelargonium. This group, in turn, is divided into subgroups that differ in the shape of flowers, plant height, and leaf color.

So, according to the shape of a geranium flower, there are:

1. Non-terry.
2. Terry.
3. Rosaceae.
4. Star-shaped.
5. Cactus.
6. Tulip-shaped.
7. Bird eggs.
8. Speckled.
9. Clove.
10. Phlox-like.

Based on the size, geraniums are distinguished:

• standard - from 30 to 50 cm;
• dwarf - up to 25 cm;
• miniature - up to 15 cm.

Pelargonium leaves may have green color or be colorful when they are beautifully combined with each other various shades– from bright green to deep purple.

Geranium - a representative of the Geranium family, moved to a comfortable home environment. She admires the variety of colors and leaf shapes. It came to Europe in the 17th century, along with other plants from Africa. Geranium was liked by local breeders who created many interesting varieties. A beautiful and hardy houseplant has spread throughout the world.

Perennial, growing in pots, has leaves of a rounded core shape. Their color depends on the variety, it is represented by all shades of green. The stem is erect, the petioles are long, the root is branched.

Reference! Peduncles are long, flowers are collected in brushes. The range of shades includes red, white, pink, lilac. Each flower has 5 petals. After flowering, a fruit-box is formed. In shape, it resembles the beak of a crane.

For cultivation in pots, several types of geraniums are used:

• ampelous or curly - used for growing in hanging pots;
• fragrant - a lush bush with small flowers and leaves that emit a pleasant aroma;
• royal - tall plant with large bright flowers, terry or simple;
• zonal - the most common type, its hallmark- multi-colored circles on the leaves.

When meeting with pelargonium, you need to know her addictions. What does this perennial love? In addition to the specifics of watering, the choice of location and soil, it is worth noting the need for fresh air.

Geranium growing in a pot is taken outside with the onset of the warm season. It can be a balcony, terrace or garden.

In autumn and winter, it is necessary to regularly ventilate the room. This is the best prevention of the spread of fungal diseases.

Priming

The soil in the pot should not be too fertile, otherwise the green mass will grow without flowering. You can buy a ready-made substrate created specifically for geraniums. need loose and moderately dense.

You can cook it yourself, you will need:

• sheet (turf) land;
• peat;
• sand.

The components are taken in equal proportions. It turns out a light mixture with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction.

Advice. Geranium roots need air to get enough of it, loosen the ground after watering.

Choosing the best location

Pelargonium needs good lighting all year round. A pot with a plant is best placed on the south or east side. In winter, artificial lighting is required. Use fluorescent or phytolamps. Geranium needs coolness, in summer the recommended temperature is 18-25 °, in winter - 13-15 °. It is not desirable to drop the temperature below 10 °.

Irrigation liquid should be soft, a lot of salts contained in tap water, can destroy the shrub. It is defended for 2-3 days or cleaned with a filter. In areas where the environment is favorable, rainwater can be used for irrigation.

Temperature - room temperature cold water causes root rot. Moisturizing during the growing season is required every 2-3 days. good drainage in the form of a layer of expanded clay at the bottom of the pot will help to avoid stagnant water. excess liquid, which has leaked into the pan, is immediately drained.

How often to water? The exact watering schedule is created individually, taking into account the size of the pot and the temperature in the room. The main thing to take into account is the rule that the next moistening is done after the topsoil has dried. In winter, the volume of watering decreases (you can find out how to care for homemade geraniums in winter and whether it can be moved to the basement). Spraying the plant is contraindicated. Top dressing of pelargonium is required in spring and summer, during the flowering period.

Transfer

Geranium does not require frequent transplants, they are performed in two cases: a tight pot or soil contamination. The signal to transfer to a new pot is the germination of the roots through the drainage holes. The new container should be 2-3 cm larger in diameter. The use of ceramic pots is recommended. A drainage layer of expanded clay or gravel must be poured at the bottom. In the process of transplantation, it becomes possible to inspect the root system. Sick roots are cut off.

Important! The optimal period for the procedure is early spring. Plants tolerate stress without problems, perceiving the transplant as a development stimulation.

One of the main features of the maintenance of pelargonium is the need for pruning and pinching the bushes. Procedures are carried out at the end of February. Before the active growing season.

Pruning provides several benefits:

1. allows you to get rid of dead and diseased parts of the plant;
2. stimulates the growth of young shoots;
3. prevents growth in the middle of the plant, which leads to a deterioration in air exchange and lighting.

Used for cutting sharp knife, the cut is made above the leaf node with the bud. When removing infected branches, it is necessary to capture at least 5 cm of a healthy area. Sections are treated with fungicide ("Topaz") ​​or crushed charcoal. After the lateral shoots grow by 3-4 leaf nodes, they are pinched (the top is torn off). From the leaf axils, new branches will begin to grow, on which flower stalks are formed.

After completing the formation of the bush, the plant is fertilized. Suitable top dressing with nitrogen, stimulating the growth of geraniums. Information. Cut cuttings are used for propagation. In February-March, the highest probability of rooting of shoots.

We talked in detail about how to cut a geranium so that it is fluffy, and from you you will learn how to properly pinch a flower so that it is healthy and blooms beautifully.

Watch a video about the secrets of pruning pelargonium:

Mistakes of beginner gardeners

Novice flower growers often choose a large, spacious pot for a plant. It is not right. In such a container, geranium grows roots, without tying buds for a long time. should be small, then flowering will begin faster. Preparation for spring flowering should begin in winter. It is recommended to keep geraniums in a cool place during this period. plant standing in warm room, often do not bloom for years.

How to care for it to bloom?

Large buds, abundant and long flowering- this is the dream of every geranium lover (read how to properly care for geraniums at home). Help the plant in our power. During the period of laying geranium buds, more nutrients and trace elements are required. In addition to special fertilizing with fertilizers, the use of pharmacy iodine is recommended (you can find out how to properly use iodine with hydrogen peroxide to feed geraniums). A solution is prepared at a dosage of 1 drop of iodine per 1 liter of water. The drug is thoroughly stirred for uniform dissolution. At one time use 50 ml of the composition. Watering is done along the edge of the pot.

Advice! Timely removal of wilted peduncles helps to prolong flowering. Potassium-phosphorus fertilizers will help stimulate flowering. They dissolve in water for irrigation. carried out at intervals of two weeks. In winter, fertilizers are not needed.

Watch a video about the use of iodine for lush flowering geraniums:

Below are photos of geraniums in a pot:

Diseases pursuing pelargonium can be divided into two groups:

• arising from violations of agricultural technology;
• infectious.

Reference! The first group includes deficiency and excess of trace elements, freezing, sunburn or drying from high temperature. These problems are not contagious, they concern one plant. A common misfortune of pelargonium is the appearance yellow spots on the leaves.

The causes of the disease are different:

• only the tips dry and turn yellow - lack of moisture;
• leaves wither, rot and fall off - soil overflow;
• pallor and yellowness of leaves, stretching of shoots - lack of lighting;
• adaptation after transplantation can provoke a painful condition.

Chlorosis is a violation of photosynthesis due to iron deficiency. The disease is manifested by a change in color and growth retardation. Similarly affects the lack of other elements - magnesium, nitrogen, potassium. Decision - mineral complex with all necessary components.

Infectious diseases affect plants with a weakened immune system. Pelargonium is most often infected with fungi or bacteria through waterlogged soil. At the first manifestations of rot or other damage, it is recommended to isolate it. Among fungal infections, blackleg is common. The disease affects young cuttings, less often adult plants. The stalk will have to be thrown away, and the top of the geranium is cut off and rooted.

Gray rot is manifested by weeping spots on leaves and peduncles. Fungicides are used to treat it. The most dangerous root rot She shows up late. In the advanced stage, the plant cannot be saved. The fungus completely corrodes the tissues of the roots.

Pests rarely attack geraniums. But on weakened plants, you can see the whitefly, aphids, mealybugs. Infected plants are treated with insecticides: Aktara, Fitoverm, Aktellik. The consequence of the use of insecticides and fungicides can be the drying of all.

How to revive?

In the event of a fatal state of the plant, some manipulations should be done:

1. It is necessary to remove all affected leaves, leaving only the stems.
2. Remove the geranium from the pot and inspect the root. If he is in order, the plant can be revived.
3. The root is carefully released from the old soil, in which the chemical preparation is present.
4. A pot of a similar size is prepared, filled with a moist substrate.
5. Geranium planted in new ground. The pot is placed in a bright, cool place.
6. A few days later, the earth is moistened with a solution of Epin, a growth stimulant that helps to cope with stress.
7. After the appearance of the first leaves, it is recommended to take it out to fresh air or rearrange it in a sunny place.

Geranium is not only a beautiful indoor plant, pleasing with long flowering. Its aroma has a calming effect, improves sleep. Growing geraniums in a pot will not cause problems if you immediately follow the recommendations for keeping conditions.

Useful video

Watch a video about growing pelargonium at home: