What soil is suitable for geraniums. How to transplant a geranium into a new pot. Geranium care after planting

In this article, we will tell you all about room geranium (also called "kalachik"), namely: how to care for this plant, what soil to plant in and how to choose the right pot.

Let's not forget to talk about the methods of reproduction of pelargonium.

Did you know? The geranium family has about 800 species and is widely distributed in nature in southern Africa and Australia.

Features of growing geraniums at home

The word "geranium" comes from the Greek "geranion" or "geranios", and translates as "crane" (the fruits of this plant really resemble the beak of a crane).

The plant itself is a semi-shrub, the height of which can reach 60 cm. There are two types: flowering or fragrant. In the second case, when flowering, it may resemble the smell of apples, roses, or even nutmeg.

Domestic geranium is undemanding to care, so it is everywhere accepted into the house of the hostess and enjoy this beautiful flower. Geranium takes root perfectly in homes and you will have to try to make this flower start to hurt.

But, despite the unpretentiousness, there are several features of growing geraniums that should be considered:

1. Light. Geranium loves light very much, so it is often placed on window sills, and you need to take into account which window to put geraniums on (the south side is best).

Important!In the summer, you can not leave the flower in direct sunlight.

2. Temperature. Geranium is not very capricious in terms of heat, but, nevertheless, in winter, the room should not be cold (not lower than +10 ˚С). If you want it to bloom all year round, then you should provide it with light (in winter - a lamp) and put it in a warm place.
3. Watering. You need to water often, but make sure that water does not stagnate in the flowerpot, as the roots of the plant will begin to rot and the geranium will die.

Important! You can not spray geraniums. This flower does not need moist air, and such a procedure will only harm it.

Climatic conditions for geraniums

Since geraniums come from South Africa, you should accordingly create a similar climate in your home. Of course, this does not mean at all that you need to constantly maintain the temperature in the room at 30 ˚С and fill the geranium with water, as in a tropical rain.

It is enough to keep the soil in the pot moist and provide sufficient light to your “kalachik”. The most comfortable temperature for a flower is from +10 to +30 degrees. The need for geraniums in good lighting is due to the fact that in its homeland there is the largest number of sunny days per year.

Important! With a lack of sunlight, an ordinary lamp, which is installed next to the flower, is perfect.

Not worth saving, choosing a geranium pot

When choosing a pot for geraniums, it is worth remembering the information that we reviewed above, namely: "How to water a fenugreek at home." You already know that geraniums need frequent watering, although the water should not stand in the pot. Thus, when choosing a pot, it is worth considering this moment.

If we compare plastic pots and baked clay products, then the latter will be in priority, since the soil dries out faster in them. The pot should not be very large, otherwise you risk growing a tree instead of a small flower. A pot with a diameter of 14-15 cm and a height of at least 10 cm is quite enough for one plant.

What kind of soil is needed for geraniums, top dressing and grafting plants

Now let's tell you about what kind of soil does geranium love. In this matter, again, the knowledge that we have gleaned from the previous paragraphs will help us. It is worth remembering 2 important points:

1. The soil must be loose and unused;
2. The soil must have good drainage properties.

1. We use ordinary black soil, which is sold in flower shops, paired with expanded clay, which is placed on the bottom of the flowerpot;
2. A mixture of black soil with river sand and fine gravel, which is placed at the bottom of the pot.

Important!Despite good drainage, the soil in the pot needs to be loosened periodically to avoid root rot.

Let's move on to choice of fertilizers for geraniums. Normal fertilizers from a flower shop are suitable, which contain phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen and trace elements. They are made no more than 2 times a month.

It is best to feed the kalachik after sunset, or by rearranging the flowerpot in the shade. No need to use liquid fertilizer if the soil is dry. Water the flower first. It is important to remember that fresh organic fertilizers must not be applied otherwise the flower will dry up.

Now let's move on to considering how to plant indoor flowers in kalachi.

geranium grafting – This is a transplant of a piece of shoot from one plant to another. This is done in order to get flowers of different colors / smells on one bush, or to form a decorative crown.

Graft only strong plants not younger than 1 year old. Do this in the spring, when the balls grow at a faster rate. It is important to do everything correctly and exactly according to the instructions that are outlined and shown below.

Important!Do not use a cutting that is larger in diameter than the rootstock.

How to properly water geraniums

Indoor flowers kalachiki should be watered quite often, especially in the warm season, when geranium blooms or its rapid growth occurs. During "rest", in winter, the intensity of watering is reduced, leaving the ground slightly wet.

If you notice gray mold on the leaves or a characteristic putrid smell, this is an excess of moisture in the flowerpot. In this case, you should either wait until the soil dries and do not water the flower, or transplant the geranium into a new dry substrate.

It is worth remembering that too dry soil for a kalachik will not be as terrible as an excess of moisture that stagnates in the soil. In hot weather, pelargonium is watered once a day. At medium temperatures and low evaporation, watering is carried out every two days.

Peculiarities of geranium pruning

Now we will look at how to properly trim the balls.

Geraniums need to be pruned, regardless of their size and age. This is done so that the number of inflorescences can be increased.

First cutting step takes place before winter. This procedure helps the kalachik to save more resources for a successful transition to a state of rest.

We start pruning only after the geranium has completely faded: we cut off half the length of the flower (this allows you to give more light to the basal flowers and reduce the chance of infection with fungi). If the sections begin to blacken over time, they need to be shortened.

re-cutting produced in late February or early March. This is necessary if the pelargonium is very stretched over the winter.

Trim the geranium sharp blade, which before the procedure should be disinfected with an alcohol solution. The cuts are made obliquely, above the leaf node.

Fading flowers and dried shoots are subject to pruning. In this case, you're not just making the bush more attractive and smaller, you're helping the plant cope with possible problems, and reducing the risk of developing fungus on wilted parts.

Geranium breeding methods

So we come to the final stage of the article - reproduction. Geraniums can be propagated in two ways: by seeds and cuttings. And now we will help you evaluate the pros and cons of each method.

seeds

So, you have geranium seeds and you need to get beautiful bushes from them. Let's start with what you need to know before you get started:

• seed planting time;
• Soil option for planting;
• Germination period;
• Transfer moments.

Next, you will need the right substrate for planting. Perfect for this case mix turf + sand + peat (in the ratio 2:1:1). Water will not stagnate in it, and peat will give a kind of top dressing to the sprouted plant.

After choosing the soil, it is worth preparing yourself seeds. To do this, they are treated with epin or zircon, after which they are soaked for 3 hours in water at room temperature.

Seeds and soil are ready - let's move on to the most landing. We spread the soil with a thickness of 0.5 centimeters, put the seeds on top and cover with glass. We place the box with seeds in a bright room with a temperature of +20 degrees.

Geranium or Pelargonium is an incredibly beautiful plant, often grown at home. Pelargonium has a delightful color of lush flowers, it fits perfectly into any interior, and fills the house with comfort and warmth. Geranium belongs to unpretentious indoor plants, but you need to properly care for a flower at home so that it has an excellent appearance. Competent care includes: transplanting, temperature, lighting and watering. Each time you transplant a geranium, you should use the necessary soil composition for growing it.

What kind of soil is needed for indoor geraniums?

Pelargonium is not demanding on the soil, but you need to know some recommendations. Geranium loves well-drained and loose soil. Land for a flower can be bought at a flower shop, any substrate for flowering houseplants will do. Professionals usually use a universal primer, and add the necessary components to it.

Washed river sand, vermiculite and perlite should be added to such a mixture. All ingredients should be mixed, and the soil for planting room pelargonium is ready.
When choosing an all-purpose soil, you need to make sure that it is free of insect mold. Still such a soil should not cake into a lump. The composition of the soil must necessarily include peat, then your plant will develop and grow perfectly. In the store you can buy special soil for geraniums.

Also, the soil for pelargonium can be prepared by yourself at home. For its preparation, the following components should be used:

1. Sod land - 8;
2. Humus - 2;
3. Sand - 1.
   
   
   Transfer

Geranium transplantation at home is carried out when the root system has grown strongly and occupies the entire space of the pot. In other cases, transplantation is performed when the flower is flooded or if the pelargonium does not bloom.

Transplantation of room geraniums is usually carried out in the spring,
before active flower growth begins.

To properly transplant a plant, you should follow some rules:
1. First, at home, you need to prepare: soil, a suitable flowerpot and a watering can. If you do not want to change the pot, then it must be treated with bleach. Pour bleach into a container and leave for a while, and then rinse well with water.
2. It is necessary to take care of high-quality drainage, which is laid out at the bottom of the pot. As a drainage, you can use brick chips, finely chopped polystyrene foam or expanded clay of a fine fraction.
3. Carefully remove the flower from the old tank without damaging the earth ball. If you can’t pull the plant out, you can use a knife and carefully separate the earth from the walls of the flowerpot.
4. After the geranium has been removed, it is recommended to carefully examine the root system for decay and disease. If there are damaged areas, then they must be removed with scissors.
5. The plant must be planted in a new pot, and soil should be added to empty places.
6. The flower needs to be watered and put in a shaded place for 1 week. It is only necessary to water the flower at home correctly so that there is no overflow. After 7 days, the plant must be installed in a place where there is good lighting and heat. Geranium loves bright and diffused light.
7. Top dressing should be applied only two months after transplantation.
The plant can be grown at home in a pot and box. If you use boxes for growing pelargonium, then the distance between the bushes should be at least 20 centimeters. This is an important rule. It is necessary to select the size of the container, depending on how much the roots have grown. If the diameter of the flowerpot is not correctly selected, then in this case it is quite difficult to control the growth.


It is best to purchase small pots, 2 cm larger than the previous one. In such a container, geraniums will feel great and bloom beautifully with bright and beautiful flowers. The height of the tank should be about 12-15 cm. If you correctly transplant indoor geraniums into fresh and nutritious soil, and then create the right care, in this case the flower will bloom beautifully and delight the eyes of your household.

Blooming geraniums on the windowsill in Soviet times was considered philistinism. Modern man rejects such ideas, so you can meet pelargonium in almost every home. It blooms profusely and beautifully throughout almost the entire year, unpretentious, useful - what more could the owner want? The rules for caring for geraniums are simple, but they exist and must be followed. Experienced flower growers share the tricks of growing healthy pelargonium. For harmonious development, it is important to transplant the plant on time and correctly.

Features of growing a flower at home

There is nothing particularly complicated in the rules for caring for geraniums. But it is necessary to highlight the basic requirements for the conditions of growth and flowering of the plant and observe them. The main thing to remember: geranium is a drought-loving plant. After all, pelargonium is a guest originally from Africa. It copes better with a lack of moisture than with its excess.

Watering

You can water geraniums every day, two or three times a week, sometimes one procedure is enough for 7-10 days. It all depends on the air temperature in the room in which pelargonium grows. How to determine what needs to be watered? The answer is simple: dry the top layer of soil in the pot. Obvious signs of waterlogging: sluggish leaves, lack of flowering, mold at the base of the stem and on the ground.

Geranium does not require leaf spraying. It's bad for her. Protect her from such an ordeal.

Air temperature

The ideal temperature ranges from 18 o C to 25 o C. Geranium tolerates strong heat well. 10 o C or slightly higher is optimal during the winter rest period, when the plant does not bloom.

Lighting

Pelargonium loves a lot of sun. In the house, the flower should be placed on the south, southwest or southeast window. Geranium will survive in partial shade, but there will be no rapid and long flowering.

Geranium loves loosening the soil. But this must be done carefully, to a depth of no more than five cm.

top dressing

With the right soil, geraniums at home need to be fed once a month. For flowering and a healthy appearance, it needs potash and phosphorus fertilizers. The flower also needs nitrogen. You can purchase special products for geraniums or use universal preparations for flowering houseplants.

To prolong flowering once a week, feed geraniums with iodine water (a drop of iodine per liter).

Fertilizer is applied after the main watering, after about half an hour. The earth must be moist so as not to burn the roots. In summer, for the time of feeding, it is recommended to remove the plant from the sun and then hold it in partial shade for another 2-3 hours.

pruning

In the spring, all shoots are pruned, leaving no more than 5 growth buds. If time is lost, the procedure can be carried out in early autumn.

Pruning the plant allows you to create a beautiful bush shape and stimulate the formation of more buds.

How to plant geraniums: the choice of capacity, requirements for soil composition and other nuances

Geranium, with proper care, can grow and bloom for 10-12 years, while retaining its decorative effect. How often should it be repotted? It depends on the rate of green mass formation. Fast growth requires an annual plant transplant, slower - every two years. The usual schedule for updating a pelargonium pot is every 10–12 months.

How to choose a pot for geraniums

Geranium does not tolerate a lot of root space. If you plant a pelargonium in a large pot, it may even die. It will definitely not bloom until the roots "master" the entire soil. Therefore, it is better to plant a flower first in a small container, and after a year change it to a large one. For one root, a pot with a diameter of 10–14 cm is suitable, its height should not exceed 15 cm (ideally, 10–12 cm). When changing the container, its diameter is taken into account, the new pot should be 1.5–2 cm larger than the previous one.

The pot should have drainage holes. The appearance of pelargonium roots in them is a signal for transplanting into a large bowl. An unglazed ceramic container is best suited. The bush feels good in it, grows and blooms. But there is one drawback: in earthenware, the soil dries out faster than in plastic. Therefore, frequent watering is required.

Photo gallery: choosing the right pot

A geranium pot must have drainage holes to drain excess water.
For geraniums, it is important that the pot is not “for growth”, in a tight container the plant blooms more abundantly
Each new geranium pot should be 1.5–2 cm larger than the previous one in diameter.
Geranium grows better in ceramic pots - they pass air well, contributing to soil aeration.

Soil for pelargoniums

Geranium is not particularly demanding on the quality of the soil. But for the comfortable development of the bush, loose and well-drained land is needed. The following compositions are optimal:

• a substrate for indoor flowers or a universal soil mixed with the components necessary for geraniums: perlite, vermiculite, river sand (the first two substances can be changed to peat and humus, taken in approximately equal proportions);
• the top layer of soil from the garden (it is better to take it under bushes and trees);
• soddy soil, humus, coarse river sand (8:2:1).

When can you transplant geraniums

Indoor flowers are usually finicky in terms of transplantation. Better and easier plants tolerate such stress in the spring. Geranium in this sense does not make any special claims. Of course, spring transplantation is perceived by pelargonium as a natural process after winter rest and stimulates it to intensively increase green mass and further bloom. This period covers the end of February, the whole of March and the first decade of April. After transplanting at this time, pelargonium will delight with lush flowers until frost.

If the deadlines are missed, you can transplant in the fall, in September-October. But if there are unambiguous signals that the plant needs an appropriate procedure (roots sticking out of the drainage hole, mold on the ground, disease), you can transplant at any time of the year. Nevertheless, it is very undesirable to disturb geraniums in winter and at the time of flowering.

Pelargonium transplant features after purchase

Buying a geranium does not mean instantly transplanting it from a transport store soil. Over the past weeks, the plant has had to hastily adapt several times to changing temperature and lighting, so you need to take pity on it and let it adapt to new living conditions. As a rule, it takes several weeks to get used to (from two to four). Then they act according to the algorithm:

1. We take the pot a little more than the previous one.
2. We prepare a fresh earthen mixture.
3. We transfer the plant to a new container, after moistening the soil a little.
4. We fill up the earth to the edges of the pot (do not tamp).
5. Water carefully.

Before transplanting, carefully inspect the root system of the plant. Healthy roots braid the earthen ball completely. It is necessary to shake off the substrate and wash them only in case of detection of rot, diseases or insects. In other cases, a whole earthen room is moved to a new soil. Young roots will receive all the necessary nutrients from it.

Some flower growers violate the generally accepted rules for transplanting purchased geraniums. They immediately carry out the above procedures with her, believing that there is no need to wait and it is better to immediately subject the plant to all the tests, and not stretch them out for a month.

How to plant geraniums without roots

You can plant a sprig of geranium without roots. The ideal time is spring or early autumn. It's usually done like this:

1. A sprig of geranium 5-7 centimeters long with two to five leaves is cut off at a right angle.
2. Warm settled or boiled water is poured into a transparent glass.
3. A geranium stalk is placed in the water. It needs to be changed every 2-3 days. To speed up the rooting process, succinic acid is dissolved in the liquid (250 ml tablet) or a little biostimulator is added - Epin, Zircon, Kornevin (2–3 ml per liter).

Long-term maintenance of the future pelargonium bush in water can cause rotting of the part lowered there. To prevent this, you can put an activated charcoal tablet in the container.

Most flower growers do not lower the cutting into the water, but immediately root it in a prepared pot with an earthen mixture. After cutting, the cuttings are dried at room temperature for about two hours. Then they are seated in transparent plastic cups filled with universal soil for flowering houseplants or peat chips. The type of geranium affects the method of rooting: zonal geranium gives roots faster in water, fragrant - in the ground, royal also prefers soil, but the process is slow.

Dishes with future bushes are placed in a well-lit place, but not in direct sunlight. Ivy and zonal geraniums are ready to be transplanted into a pot in 10-15 days, the royal one will need a month. Transparent cups are good because the appearance of roots can be quickly noticed - they reach the walls of the dishes in a few days. Another criterion that the procedure was successful is the appearance of a new leaflet.

Is it possible to transplant flowering geraniums

Any plants during flowering spend a lot of energy on the formation of a bud and the ripening of seeds. During such a period, it is better to regret geraniums, increase feeding, and not subject them to additional stress. Otherwise, the flowers will fall first, then the leaves will turn yellow. The plant may even die. It is recommended to wait until the end of flowering and transplant pelargonium in 5–10 days.

If there is an urgent need to transplant geraniums into a new pot at the time of flowering (they dropped or damaged the plant, the bush got sick), then this can still be done. It is necessary to try to transfer the pelargonium into a new container without damaging the roots, without destroying the earthen clod. The flowers will fall, of course, but the geraniums will survive.

Features of plant care after transplantation

A geranium transplanted into a new pot does not need to be fed for the first two to three months. It will take all the nutrients from fresh soil. Therefore, the pelargonium bush requires only timely watering as the soil dries. It is important to ensure optimal temperature performance and proper lighting. After the appearance of new leaves and the growth of a rooted cutting, the pelargonium is pinched so that it does not stretch upwards, but bushes.

Step-by-step instructions for planting and transplanting

Before starting work on transplanting or planting geraniums, you need to prepare everything you need: a pot, scissors, an earth mixture, a watering can with warm water. If you decide to use not a new dish, but one in which another flower grew, it must be soaked for a day in bleach for disinfection or boiled. Then rinse thoroughly in running water and dry. Further actions are carried out according to the algorithm:

1. At the bottom of the pot we lay brick chips, pieces of foam or expanded clay. You can use fragments of broken ceramic dishes, crushed stone and gravel. The thickness of the drainage layer is about 1–2 cm.
2. We water the geranium, wait for the water to be absorbed. Then we take out the plant along with a clod of earth. To do this, turn the pot upside down, holding the pelargonium by the trunk at the base. Grasp the container with the other hand and pull out the plant. You can gently tap the bottom with your palm.
3. We examine the roots of the extracted plant. We cut off the areas affected by rot, other damaged tissues with a sharp disinfected knife or scissors.
4. Carefully place the rhizomes in the prepared pot on the drainage layer. The voids are filled with soil and lightly compacted. Two centimeters of empty space must be left to the top of the container so that when watering, the water does not overflow over the edge.
5. The plant is watered and removed in partial shade for about a week. After seven days, put the geranium in its permanent habitat.

Video: how to transplant geraniums into another pot

How to rejuvenate geraniums with a transplant

Geranium feels good in the same pot for several years. But a three-year-old plant may already need updating. It is better to rejuvenate a pelargonium bush in spring, in March-April. To do this, geraniums are pruned, leaving about five points of growth on each shoot. This procedure helps to give the bush a beautiful shape and increase the number of buds in the future.

The second way to rejuvenate a geranium is to get seeds and grow them into a new plant. It is important to remember that if a variety of pelargonium belongs to the F1 category (selective hybrid), then the desired result may not be achieved - the varietal characteristics of the mother plant will not be passed on to descendants.

The third way is dividing the bush. To do this, the pelargonium is watered abundantly, after a day they take out a clod of earth from the pot and divide the roots into the required number of copies. Then proceed according to the instructions.

Possible transplant problems and solutions

The transplanted geranium is a big sissy. She is exposed to many dangers. All of them come from improper care for the "newborn" flower. It is necessary to water the plant along the edge of the pot, and not under the root. The earth needs to be loosened especially carefully and shallow. The first week after transplantation for geraniums is dangerously active sun, it needs light partial shade.

Sometimes in pelargonium, the leaves change color, lose their tone. Why does geranium turn yellow after transplanting? This is the plant's reaction to the stress experienced. It is necessary to pinch them off and remove the inflorescences. After two to three weeks, pelargonium will return to normal. For prevention, you can pour a solution of Kornevin, Heteroauxin. They stimulate the formation of roots.

Geranium is a favorite of many flower growers. Growing it is no easy task. With proper care, you can breed a whole garden of pelargoniums. They bloom beautifully and profusely, their aroma neutralizes microbes in the room and has a beneficial effect on human vital activity.

For several decades, geranium or pelargonium has been very popular. The plant could be seen on the windows of ordinary people and aristocrats.. Then the popularity of indoor geraniums declined, and many still call it "grandmother's flower."

It appears as a small plant with flowers collected in rounded paniculate inflorescences and leaves that are double and dark green in color. However, selection is moving forward. Recently, many varietal varieties of pelargonium have been bred.. Thanks to this, even the most sophisticated flower growers will be able to find a plant to their liking.

The flower will take not only a place in almost any flower arrangements, but also has healing properties. With the help of geraniums, you can protect nearby crops from aphids.

Among the most common types are:

• Geranium bordered or zonal- the most common species, has about 70,000 varietal varieties. The leaves are dark green with a brownish border, the flowers are double and simple;
• ivy- This is an ampelous variety of pelargonium. The leaves are smooth;
• Angel- another ampelous type of pelargonium. However, the shoots of the Angel are shorter than those of the ivy geranium. Visually, you can find similarities with the viola;
• - less beautiful, like the previous ones, but has a very pleasant aroma, which is of interest to gardeners;
• royal geranium considered the most beautiful variety of plants. Paniculate inflorescences can reach 7 cm in diameter. Flower colors are extremely varied.

How to care for a plant?

This culture is unpretentious. Therefore, even the most inexperienced grower can grow a plant. The probability that in room conditions, geraniums will not be able to take root is very low.

Temperature and lighting

The optimum temperature for pelargonium is room temperature. In winter, the temperature should not exceed 15 degrees. In this regard, it is advisable to put the plant on the coolest window or in the coldest room.

Pelargonium is a photophilous plant. And not afraid of periodic exposure to direct sunlight. The lack of sunlight will cause the leaves to be small and the blooms not as beautiful and plentiful.

Humidity and watering at different times of the year

Culture does not need too humid air. And the plant is completely afraid of spraying. So when spraying nearby crops, it is important to avoid droplets of water on the leaves of pelargonium.

Watering should be of high quality and regular. Under no circumstances should the plant be overwatered. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to provide good drainage. It is enough to control that the soil in which the geranium grows is constantly moistened. In winter, water once a week or every 10 days..

What kind of soil and fertilizer do you need?

The soil must be fertile and rich in nutrients. You can make the soil yourself, or you can purchase ready-made soil in a specialized store. It should be loose and have good drainage. Need one soil composition (in equal parts):

• Sod land;
• Leaf land;
• Humus;
• Sand;
• Peat.

At the beginning of flowering and before it, it is desirable to apply fertilizers with a high content of phosphorus. Geranium does not tolerate organic fertilizing. Standard fertilizer for flowering crops can be applied about twice a month. You can make your own food. It will require:

• 1 drop of iodine;
• 1 liter of water.

flowerpot

The selection of a pot depends on the size of the root system of the seedling. Even for mature plants, a pot is usually required, the diameter of which does not exceed 15 cm.. It is advisable to choose fired clay pots, but they are more expensive than plastic ones. But it will also grow in a plastic pot. The only negative is the quick drying of the soil in a plastic container.

Geranium does not need large flowerpots. This is due to the fact that it begins to bloom only after the root system fills the entire space.

The pot needs good drainage. Its layer should be about 3 cm. And at the bottom of the pot there must be a drain hole.

Reproduction and transplant

Geranium is propagated in two ways:

1. cuttings;
2. Seeds.

There is nothing difficult in seed propagation. Most of the seeds germinate superbly. And here own seeds, which are collected from their pelargoniums, will not give the same effect. This is due to the fact that hybrids lose the properties of mother plants.

How to sow seeds?

• The soil for geraniums should be loose and moist. You can use a mixture of peat, sand and sod land. Seeds are sown in this soil and sprinkled with the same soil on top. The thickness of the layer over the seeds should not exceed 2.5 cm;
• In order to avoid a disease such as black leg, the substrate is recommended pour a weak solution of potassium permanganate;
• After sowing and burying seeds soil should be sprayed from a spray bottle;
• After sowing container should be covered with glass. It is required to periodically moisten and ventilate so that condensation does not form; air temperature for good germination should be around 20 degrees;
• When the first shoots appear the glass needs to be removed, and the temperature should be lowered by a few degrees;
• When at least two leaves appear, seedlings must be planted in pots.

Reproduction by cuttings

The process is also not particularly difficult. It is best to stock up on them in the spring, although you can do this throughout the year. The length of the handle should not exceed 7 cm and be less than 5 cm. It requires at least two sheets. How to plant?

• A fresh cutting is necessary wither for 24 hours, and before planting, treat the cut with crushed coal;
• Cuttings are planted in small pots, in which pour loose soil. Sometimes sand with large granules is used;
• The soil is always must be hydrated;
• shelters cuttings are not required;
• Optimum temperature for rooting about 20 degrees;
• After rooting they need to be replanted permanently.

Geranium does not like the transplant process, and what is the need for it? Is it when the roots begin to crawl out of the drain hole on the days of the pot. Like planting, transplanting must be done in early spring. At this time, the growing season begins.

You should not transplant the plant into a pot that is much larger than the one in which the geranium grew.. It is enough if it is more than a couple of centimeters. Otherwise, flowering will have to wait a long time.

Diseases and pests

The most common disease is considered to be root rot, as well as rot of the neck of the root.. These diseases are caused by excess moisture in the soil. As a result, the plant dies and it is impossible to save it.

Also a fungal disease is common - gray mold on the sheets. Drying the soil can save you from mold. Leaves affected by the disease must be removed, watering should be stopped and the plant should be sprayed with an anti-fungal drug. A geranium must be exposed to the sun.

Among the pests, it should be noted:

• whitefly- looks like a white butterfly. She settles on the underside of the leaves, sucking the juice out of them. The pest must be collected and removed in time before it multiplies and destroys the pelargonium. If the condition is running, then you need to use whitefly preparations;
• Aphid- Against aphids, it is necessary to use an insecticide designed to destroy it.

Medicinal properties and contraindications

Many people call geranium a home doctor for a reason. For example, pelargonium oil is used to relieve muscle fatigue, and also helps to eliminate pain in the spine. Compresses help draw pus out of wounds and also heal sores on the body.

In addition, the oil of this culture treats a runny nose and fights ear pain. Pelargonium oil perfectly helps to cope with depression and just a bad mood..

Leaf decoctions plants help to effectively deal with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastritis. And infusions based on pelargonium roots are an excellent cure for hypertension.

Leaf infusion is also effective. fights insomnia.

However, before using geranium for medicinal purposes, it is imperative to consult a doctor. This is especially true for pregnant women, young children, and the elderly. Also, do not take decoctions from the roots and leaves of the plant for those who suffer from constipation, stomach ulcers and chronic diseases.

Thus, growing a plant such as geranium will not cause much trouble even for beginner gardeners. And her beautiful view will delight with abundant and colorful flowering. But culture has not only its beauty, but also healing properties.

Properly selected soil for pelargonium is the key to its health and lush flowering. And not only pelargoniums, but any plant. And today we will analyze this important topic.

Pelargonium soil. What to plant it in?

Most plants react negatively to the inconsistency of the selected substrate with their needs. Only a few plants are undemanding to the composition of the soil, however, they also have their own preferences.

So, pelargonium loves light neutral soils. It won't work well for roses, but succulent potting soil is pretty good because it contains sand. Sand (quite coarse, not fine) makes the soil more airy, and pelargoniums need this.

Young plants need lighter soil than old ones that have developed strong roots. Peat, sand, perlite, vermiculite will help lighten the soil.
Many experienced flower growers believe that self-prepared soil mixture is better than ready-made. However, this is a rather complicated process: the necessary components must be collected, allowed to age for a year, sieved, sterilized (so as not to bring pathogens and pest larvae with the soil) and mixed in the required proportions. Perhaps you will come to this after a while.
And at the dawn of floriculture, you can take advantage of what stores offer, fortunately, the range of ready-made mixtures is now quite large. Some soils have a convenient name, for example, "for roses", "for succulents", "for pelargoniums". Manufacturers often write a list of plants that this particular soil is suitable for.

If the name of your plant is not on the package, then you need to buy a mixture recommended for plants of the same family or type (for example, Cactus soil is suitable for most succulents). Learn whether the potting soil is used on its own or added to regular soil. For example, the soil "Saintpaulia" is mixed with garden soil or soil for sowing in a ratio of 1: 3, and in the process of growth, the plants are gradually added as fertilizer.

Important indicators of the soil mixture are acidity, fertility, microbial and mechanical composition.

Soil acidity for pelargonium

Acidity is the specific gravity of the acids contained in the soil, it is characterized by the concentration of hydrogen ions and is denoted by pH. In a neutral substrate, pH = 7, in an acidic pH it is less, in an alkaline one it is more. An example of an acidic substrate is peat, an alkaline one is clay-soddy soil, and chernozem soils are considered neutral.
Pelargonium grows well on slightly acidic (pH = 5.5-6.5) or neutral soils. If you doubt the acidity of a particular soil mixture, then you can determine the pH using special kits for determining the acidity of the soil, which are sold in gardening stores. For example, chalk, lime, dolomite flour, wood ash are used to increase the pH. To lower (make more acidic) - add high-moor peat.

Soil fertility for pelargonium

With fertility, i.e. with the content of substances necessary for nutrition, in purchased mixtures, things are usually good.

Microorganisms living in the soil are also necessary for the normal development of plants. Cheap soil mixtures are usually not thermally processed, the microbial composition is preserved, but weed seeds and pathogens may also be present. When the substrate is sterilized, the beneficial microflora is also killed, which, however, is restored over time.
If what is sold in the store is in doubt, sterilize the substrate yourself by placing the soil for 1 hour in an oven at a temperature of + 80C or in a water bath. It is desirable to carry out this procedure 14-16 days before planting the plant, so that the microbial composition is at least partially restored. You can also “revive” the substrate by adding to it a small amount (1 teaspoon per package is enough) of earth taken from a pot with a well-growing healthy plant.

In contrast to fertility, the mechanical composition of the finished mixtures leaves much to be desired. If you do not attach importance to it, then when watering, the soil will be strongly compacted, and when it dries, the lump of earth will lag behind the walls of the pot. Excessive soil compaction disturbs the aeration of the root system, causes stagnant water, which can lead to root rot. The soil turns into a dense clod of earth, which must be loosened and done very carefully so as not to damage the roots.

Determining the mechanical composition is simple. Water the soil until saturation and squeeze a small amount in the palm of your hand. A good mixture crumbles, a bad one forms a dense lump.

So that the soil does not compact, add coarse impurities with a diameter: small pebbles, crushed expanded clay, coarse sand, chopped moss, large brick chips, foam chips, etc. All impurities must be pre-washed from dust and sterilized, i.e. at least scalded with boiling water.

The secrets of choosing the right soil for any plant

The best soil for geraniums does not equal the best soil for roses, azaleas, or orchids. However, if you do not touch on exotics, then almost all soils have characteristics that unite them, the knowledge of which will help you find the right soil among similar ones for your plant.

The main characteristics of the soil are:

• porosity and friability of the soil, which determine the penetration of air (soil aeration)
• ability to pass moisture (moisture permeability)
• ability to retain moisture (moisture capacity)
• nutrient conductivity
• acidity level - pH.

If Gloxinia, Hortensia, Dieffenbachia require a slightly acidic environment (pH 6.0–6.5), then a neutral one (pH 6.5–7.0) is needed for Roses, Cineraria, Chrysanthemums, and a slightly alkaline one is suitable for Adenium and Narcissus. As a rule, pH is indicated on the packaging with soil.

Soil composition

To make the right choice, you should pay attention to the composition of the soil mixture. It depends on him how often watering, transplanting, fertilizing and their quantity are required.

horse peat
High-moor peat (a decomposition product of sphagnum growing on upland bogs) is part of most soils. It is widely used in its pure form for cultivation both in private, indoor culture and in agriculture. High-moor peat is characterized by high moisture capacity, breathability and lightness. It is these properties that have made it a leader among other bases for soils. An additional "bonus" for residents of regions with hard water in the water supply is the acidic environment of peat. It moderately neutralizes salts during watering, although this effect is short-lived.

High-moor peat is poor in nutrients, and dry high-moor peat hardly gains moisture. For pelargoniums, a substrate with high-moor peat is well suited, provided that it is fed and watered in a timely manner. If the soil is dry, then the pot with the plant must be placed on a tray with water so that the high-moor peat is somehow saturated with water. Otherwise, he simply passes water through himself, leaving not a drop for the plant.

lowland peat
Lowland peat (obtained from lowland bogs, wetlands) is rich in nutrients. Therefore, it is used in combination with high-moor peat as part of the most popular soils for indoor plants. In its pure form, lowland peat is not used at all: it is “heavy”, quickly cakes, retains water and has low air permeability. This factor can play a cruel joke, for example, with aroids, whose roots are easily damaged due to stagnant water.

Biohumus
Biohumus (or simply humus) is added to soil mixtures, and as a separate substrate (more often in garden farms). He is surrounded by a mass of myths and bears the title of "super soil for all plants." In fact, the prefix "bio" was added by marketers, and the humus itself is nothing more than rotted plant residues that make up the top nutrient layer of the soil. It is good if the purchased mixture contains humus from a state farm, for example, from a barn. But more often it is very difficult to predict the nutritional value of humus. Impossible.

But even good, nutritious humus in its pure form has disadvantages: it does not pass air well, retains moisture well. It is necessary to water the plants on the "biohumus" less often, and loosen the top layer more often.

sod land
Similarly, the glory of turf land walks among the people. Soddy is the root-inhabited part of the soil. As with humus, sod land is different, which means that it is impossible to talk about a single standard for the quality of such land. Its quality depends on the specific location: if on the territory of abandoned collective farms / state farms the sod land is good, then in the field it is not very good. The main disadvantage of sod land is the need to clean it from the remains of other plants, followed by steaming to remove possible microorganisms.

If you want to "extract" turf land yourself, then it is better to use land from garden farms with fruit trees. “Coniferous land” is very popular - it is light, aerated, has a slightly acidic reaction and is in many ways similar to peat, although it does not dry out so much that you have to soak the pot with the plant for hours. Almost any sod-leaf land is relatively poor in nutrients or releases them slowly.

Additional components in the composition of the soil

Vermiculite - retains water well (up to 200–300% of its own weight) and slowly releases it together with dissolved minerals. It is used as a component of soils, in hydroponic growing of plants, for growing seedlings, in its pure form - when rooting cuttings of Peonies, Roses, Chrysanthemums, Aloe. It is good to use it as part of the soil for rooting cuttings of pelargonium.

Perlite - volcanic glass, which becomes light and porous during processing. Used by almost all growers and therefore often scares customers who think they are insect eggs or part of the mythical "shipping soil". Perlite gives the soil greater friability and breathability. It is added to the substrates and used in its pure form for growing seedlings.

Coconut fiber, coco soil or coconut flakes (or chips). The fiber is the long "strands" of the shell of the coconut. Cocosoil can consist of small chips and the so-called "chips" - parts of a larger fraction. Both are a product of the processing of the middle shell of a coconut.

A large fraction is used by terrariumists to create bedding for amphibians. The fine fraction received the general name "coco-soil". It is an ideal component for creating loose, moderately water-intensive soil for almost any non-aquatic plant. Pure coco soil is used in hydroponics because does not contain nutrients and allows you to create personalized nutrition. Coconut fiber is used for growing orchids, ferns, bromeliads, succulents.

river sand increases moisture permeability and prevents the soil from caking. For bulbous plants, sand can be a "cushion" that protects the bulb from excessive moisture. However, you should be wary of the accumulation of sand in the soil, because. when wet, it does not pass oxygen well.

moss sphagnum with its high hygroscopicity, it is simply indispensable in substrates for epiphytic orchids, Azalea, Saintpaulia, Gloxinia, Anthurium, Aglaonema. In addition, he can help out if you need to leave for a few days. Wet sphagnum, placed in a pot, will gradually give moisture to the plant.

Charcoal - increases the friability of the soil, can absorb excess moisture and slowly release it. Has antifungal and antiseptic action. It prevents the development of fungi and the formation of rot. That is why it must be mixed not only with the soil, but also with the drainage layer. Charcoal is an essential component of soils for orchids, arrowroot, bromeliads, and aroids.

Dolomite crumb or flour - a popular soil deoxidizer. Often used in mixtures with high-moor peat to reduce the acidity of the latter. The soil mixture with peat-based dolomite flour becomes more suitable for plants that prefer a neutral and slightly alkaline reaction: many types of palms, cacti and succulents. In addition, this additive enriches the soil with magnesium, which is especially necessary during the active growing season. In cheap substrates, dolomite flour is replaced by ordinary chalk. It copes well with the main task of reducing acidity, but does not transfer nutrients to the soil.

Hydrogel Recently, hydrogel (otherwise - aqua soil) has been widely used as a moisture-retaining additive to the soil. It is used in the cultivation of seedlings, potted plants. This polymeric ingredient provides maximum soil breathability and reduces the need for watering by 3-6 times. In some cases, the hydrogel itself can act as a primer. In the granules swollen after contact with water, cuttings take root well and cut flowers do not fade for a long time. In addition, in tandem with liquid fertilizers, Dracaena, Cordilina, Gusmania, Chlorophytum, Lily, Fuchsia, Syngonium, Sheffler, Maranta grow with pleasure in such aquatic soil. Hydrogel, unlike the usual soil, can be used without changing for 2 years.

Most domestic soil mixtures are made on the basis of humus soil with the addition of sand. If you add peat and perlite to it, then it will acquire a slightly acidic reaction and become light and breathable.

To increase the pH of the soil in peat (if it is at the base of the soil), you need to add dolomite flour or chalk, and perlite. Neutral and slightly alkaline earth is more suitable for succulents and some deserts.

If it is not possible to buy really high-quality soil or you need a lot of substrate, prepare it yourself. To create the right soil per 10 liters, you will need:

Horse peat - 7 l or 5 l (more peat is necessary for plants that prefer an acidic reaction, as well as in cases where you want to fertilize plants less often. For pelargoniums, it is better to take 7 liters);
Coconut (coconut flakes of fine fraction) - 2 or 4 liters, respectively (the more kokogrunt, the more often you have to fertilize, because coconut flakes do not contain nutrients);
Perlite - 0.7 l;
Vermiculite - 0.3 l (with a high content of cocosoil, add perlite instead of vermiculite).

The mixture can be improved if at the stage of soaking the cocosoil (which is mandatory), use water-soluble fertilizers. Their concentration depends on the need of plants for nutrients. For demanding cultures, the concentration is reduced to 1:2. For undemanding species (Azaleas, Heather, Camellias) - up to 1:4. If the soil is chosen correctly, the root system develops actively, mastering the space of the pot.

When choosing a soil, it is better to choose a substrate for a specific plant (for example, “azalea soil”) than to buy universal potting mixes.
When choosing between Russian soil for a particular plant (“for palm trees”, “for violets”) and German universal soil, it is better to give preference to the latter. They are truly versatile.
The use of additional additives will help you improve the quality of the soil, accelerate the growth and development of the root system.
Hydrogel will help you grow moisture-loving species.