What land is suitable for geraniums. Fragrant geranium - how to achieve flowering throughout the year? Temperature and lighting

What soil to choose for pelargoniums? Wantto tell aboutin what substrate we grow pelargoniums.Home geraniums, or pelargoniums, love nutritious soil with good breathability. Therefore, the composition of the soil should contain both small and fairly large particles.

For several years now, we have completely switched toprofessionally th substrate Klasmann. It is made from high-moor "white" peat and is very popular with our plants.

For cuttings, we use recipe 876, for adults 420 (it has more fertilizer and a larger structure). This is a ready-to-use mixture, you do not need to add anything.

But you can.

For a higher moisture capacity at 420, we sometimes add a universal flower primer based on black lowland peat or clay. And when cutting in 876, add perlite. But manufacturers also offer such ready-made recipes - already with clay or perlite.
This substrate is not sold in stores, my youngest daughter Ekaterina helps us to buy it.

If you do not have the opportunity to purchase Klasmann, do not be discouraged - pelargonium is a rather unpretentious plant.

Sharing some recipes which we used before.

The usual universal soil based on low-lying black peat was always taken as the basis. We have a local, fairly good manufacturer, so we didn't chase after foreign brands.

For three parts of this peat, they took one part of the compost, which they themselves obtained from household waste and grass from the garden, and a little crushed clay with sand (also mined nearby). We did not add perlite for adult plants; instead, for friability, sometimes coconut fiber was added.

The proportions often changed, depending on the presence of each component.

About drainage.

In those pots that stand on, we do not use drainage. We just put pieces of used covering material on the bottom, and pour soil for pelargoniums on top. So the soil does not wake up through large holes and does not stain the racks when watering.

In the pots that we water from above (usually we decorate the garden with them in the summer), we must put drainage. Which one does not matter - expanded clay, pieces of foam, screenings from compost, etc.

And now a short video about our assistant - a concrete mixer!

Geranium is a flower that is very popular among flower growers. It is sure to be in the collection of an aristocrat or on the windowsill of an elderly person. Now the interest in it is not the same as before, but still people appreciate it for a lot of advantages.

Reference. Geranium is credited with healing properties. It is able to protect even from insect pests.

It grows well at home or in the garden. They opened numerous varieties and varieties, thereby giving the right to choose to everyone who wants to get a pot with it. She has great potential in medicine.

Why is it impossible to transplant pelargonium into the first substrate that came across on the counter in a flower shop? The fact is that the fate of the plant depends on the composition of the soil whether it will bloom at home or not.

Turf. It is rich in nutrients that are so necessary for the growth of indoor plants: palm, dracaena, monstera, ficus.
Leaf land. It is obtained in a simple way: in the fall, foliage is collected, stacked. In summer, they constantly spill it with water, not forgetting to shovel at least twice. Even after 2-3 years, begonias, cyclamens, camellias, myrtle, etc. are planted in it.
Peat- a mandatory mixture to increase the acidity of the soil. It is collected in a swamp, stacked, shoveled from time to time to eliminate harmful substances.
heather land, it is harvested in heather thickets, and then added to pots with azaleas, orchids, gloxinia, etc.

What soil composition is needed?

Geranium is a plant that is not demanding on the soil. But don't buy any. It is advisable to follow some recommendations when choosing it. So, what kind of soil should this houseplant be planted in?

Often flower growers buy universal soil, adding the necessary components to it. Suitable vermiculite, river sand and perlite. All components are mixed, and then poured into a pot of geraniums. The main thing is to make sure that there is no mold and insects in the ground.

Reference. The flower grows well in loose and drained soil. You can buy special soil in a flower shop or prepare the substrate on your own.

Sometimes peat is added to the universal soil, which promotes the growth and development of the crop.

Preparing the substrate for planting a flower

Before preparing the land, a container is selected. You can use a pot that has been in use. In this case, they wash it the day before the scheduled procedure and disinfect it.
At the next stage, a layer of drainage is placed in the pot. It is sold in the store. In principle, you can not buy it, but use pebbles, polystyrene foam, ceramic fragments or broken bricks for drainage. If in the future they will be watered with hard tap water, pieces of dried pine bark are placed on the bottom. It will acidify the soil and remove excess moisture from it.
1/5-1/4 of the volume of the pot is allocated to the drainage layer. Then the soil is laid. If you prepare it yourself, take the following components: turf, humus, sand (8:2:1). It is advisable to pour it after transshipment of the transplanted plant, trying to remove all voids.
It remains only to pour the geranium with settled water and wait until the excess drains into the pan.

Geranium is a flower that is successfully grown in warm countries right on the beds in the garden. In the southern countries, the climate is favorable, and therefore it is a large sprawling bush with a stiff trunk. In the northern part of Russia, a plant is not planted in open ground. They grow it in a container on the windowsill, but is any suitable for this purpose?

Experienced flower growers do not see the difference between a clay, ceramic or plastic container. You can choose it based on your own preferences. If you take plastic, then only white so that it does not get very hot in the sun and the roots do not rot. A ceramic pot is also suitable for transplanting geraniums. Its volume depends on the variety of pelargonium. A small sprout is grown in a 0.25 mm container, gradually increasing it. By 2-3 years, the plant should "migrate" to a 2-liter pot.

Zonal pelargonium is planted immediately in a 1.5-liter pot. As soon as she grows out of it, it is better to transplant her immediately into a 10-liter.

How to transplant?

with a strong growth of the root system, when pouring a flower and in the absence of buds. It is advisable to transplant in the fall, before the plant is in the dormant stage. If you carry out the procedure in the spring, then only until its active growth.

Before transplanting, prepare a tool (watering can, knife) and a pot. When using an old container, treat it with a chlorine-containing substance with mandatory rinsing with water afterwards.
Prepare high-quality drainage, positioning it so that ¼-1/5 of the pot is occupied by it.
Geraniums are taken out of the previous container, trying not to damage the earthen ball. You can carefully operate with a knife if you need to separate the soil from the walls.
After extracting the geranium, the roots are examined, trying not to miss traces of rot and incomprehensible spots. If they are, remove them with scissors.
Transfer the plant to a new pot, filling all the voids in it with soil.
After watering, pelargonium is removed in the shade for 7 days.
After seven days, they put it on the windowsill, where there will be no bright light, drafts and heat from heating appliances.
Top dressing is applied for the first time 2 months after transplantation.

It is advisable to water the geranium abundantly and regularly. If you pour it, there will be stagnation of water, which will have a detrimental effect on the roots. Good drainage, prepared according to the scheme above, keeps the soil moist without stagnation.

Immediately after transplantation, the plant is not fed.. Two months later, geraniums are fertilized without using fresh organic fertilizers for this. Not blooming with standard top dressing, but with buds - with special fertilizers. The frequency of top dressing is 2 times a month.

Read on for details on how best to feed and when to use fertilizers for geraniums, and from you will learn how to properly use iodine with hydrogen peroxide to feed a plant.

Conclusion

The most unpretentious culture is geranium. Observing simple rules in, she will delight the eye and decorate the window sill in the apartment or the garden in the country.

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Pelargonium, or the more familiar name geranium in Russia, is a plant that is not at all capricious in care and is very easy to propagate. Many generations of flower growers were convinced of this, who even unite in communities of pelargonists. There are many reasons to love pelargonium: it has decorative and fragrant greenery, it blooms beautifully and for a long time, it is healing. But there is one unpleasant feature in the complaisant nature of pelargonium. Indoor geraniums are not very fond of transplanting. The procedure, which is on duty for most plants, can end in failure for it. To prevent this from happening, before transplanting geraniums, read the simple rules of this procedure.

Pelargonium: features of home care

Pelargonium, which is firmly established on the windowsills of our apartments, comes from the South African savannas. And like all Africans, she loves the sun very much, she is warm and negative about too nutritious and too wet soil, because rains in the savannah are rare, and the land is very poor.

In indoor floriculture, three types of pelargoniums are known: zonal, royal and ampelous. It is zonal, or garden geraniums that are planted in flower beds in the spring. They bloom for a very long time and are propagated by cuttings without problems. Royal, or royal pelargoniums are more whimsical. Their flowers are larger and more original than those of the zonal ones, but the flowering time is shorter, it is more difficult to propagate royal pelargonium. Ampelous geraniums are the most delicate and difficult to care for. But in general, pelargoniums are not very demanding on conditions and flowers are grateful for good care.

The features of a southerner must be taken into account when caring for at home. Take pelargonium window sills from the south, east or west side. Plant it in a cramped pot so that it blooms better, give it not very oily soil with a good drainage layer. When the plant grows and blooms, water a lot, but infrequently. In winter, pour less water, only slightly moistening the soil. It is not worth spraying pelargonium; in nature, it is not spoiled by high humidity. Slightly hairy leaves can even become sick if they get dripped. In summer, expose the flower to fresh air or even transplant it into open ground. Geraniums will literally bloom there. In autumn, return the whole plant or its cuttings back home. Organize a cool winter, + 10-15 degrees will be optimal. And light in winter, just like in summer, pelargoniums need plenty. If there is little sun, artificial lighting (phytolamps, fluorescent or LED) will help.

Indoor geraniums are good for pinching and pruning. Be sure to remove wilted flower stalks so that new ones appear.

But do not rush to transplant pelargonium from pot to pot. This plant is not prone to change places. After a seemingly harmless operation, she may turn yellow and mope so that resuscitation is required.

It must be said that pelargonium cuttings (with the exception of some particularly tender varieties) take root very readily in light soil, the survival rate is almost 99%. And for those in the remaining 1 percent, ingenious flower growers have come up with the most incredible rooting methods.

What you need to know to transplant a flower correctly

Houseplants cannot be successfully grown without transplanting. Sooner or later, the pot becomes small, the soil is depleted, the growth of the green pet stops - and then the time for change inevitably comes. A new pot and fresh soil should stimulate flower growth. But sometimes, instead of positive changes, the florist discovers that the newcomer fell ill or even died.. How to act in order to benefit pelargonium, and not harm? First of all, you need to determine if she needs a transplant.

Reasons for transplanting indoor geraniums:

pelargonium roots have entwined all over the earth in a pot and look out of the drainage holes. It is not difficult to make sure of this: take out an earthen ball and inspect it. The roots tightly hold the soil, and there is no room for their development - transplant! Roots are not visible at the edges - return the plant to the old pot;
the plant shows signs of illness (turns yellow, withers), the earth is very wet and does not dry out - you flooded it, and the roots began to rot. So, it is necessary to urgently change the soil;
pelargonium has stopped growing, although it receives top dressing and proper care. Perhaps the matter is in unsuitable soil;
the lower part of the stems was ugly exposed at the geranium bush, which is almost inevitable over time. The flower needs rejuvenation, and a transplant will help it;
in the spring you planted pelargonium in a flower bed, on the eve of frost, you need to return it to your native windowsill.

Unless there is a good reason to repot a geranium, leave it alone. This plant will feel better in the old place of residence. From an unreasonable move there will only be problems.

Choosing a pot

If your pelargonium definitely needs a transplant, choose the right pot for it, in which the plant will feel comfortable and will thank you with bright greenery and flowering.

Let's start with the material. If pelargonium has been living with you for a long time and feels good, do not change the material of the pot, as this will necessarily entail changes in the watering regimen. But if the flower was uncomfortable or a new plant is transplanted, you need to choose which is better: a plastic or ceramic pot. Plastic is cheaper, easier to wash, lighter and does not break. Pelargonium, of course, will grow in such dishes. But she often suffers from waterlogging of the roots. Ceramics is more hygroscopic, the porous walls of the pot are able to absorb excess moisture. In addition, clay takes away harmful salts from the water, which is also beneficial for the plant. Conclusion: if you have a choice, give preference to a pot made of natural ceramics.

A new ceramic pot needs to be prepared for transplanting. Wash it thoroughly and soak for several hours in hot water. If it has already been used, it is necessary not only to wash it, but also to remove the mineral salts absorbed into the walls, sterilize: pour a weak solution of acetic acid into it, and then pour boiling water over it.

Choose the size of the pelargonium pot depending on the size of the plant. The diameter of the new container should exceed the old one by only 3–5 cm. A small pot is better than a large one. Pelargonium will then begin to bloom when the roots become crowded. For a medium-sized plant, a pot with a diameter of about 15 cm and a height of 10 cm or more is sufficient. Several cuttings can be placed in a large container at once. Pelargonium is often, especially in summer, grown in flower boxes. Place the plants in them at intervals of 15–20 cm. For ampelous varieties, you will need hanging planters or baskets.

What kind of soil is needed for planting geraniums

Some admirers of pelargonium believe that soil quality is not the most important factor for this plant. They remember how they used to grow indoor geraniums in heavy, cement-like soil. And they grew and blossomed. Only it was not because of, but in spite of the difficult conditions of existence. Now, when there is a large selection of soil compounds, you should not torment the plant.

Pelargonium prefers moderately nutritious soil. Geranium can react to overly fertilized soil by actively growing foliage at the expense of flowering. But the friability and air capacity of the soil is a prerequisite. Although, as experienced pelargonists assure, heavy loam will not interfere with geraniums.

Soil options:

ready-made store soil for pelargoniums, it is also possible for saintpaulia, with the addition of sand for friability;
10 parts of purchased universal soil plus 1 part of cut sphagnum moss and 0.5 parts of humus;
garden soil, peat and sand, mixed in equal proportions;
on 4 parts of sod land 1 part of humus and 0.5 parts of coarse sand;
equally leafy, soddy, humus soil and river sand;
loam, peat and coarse sand or perlite - all in equal parts.

During sterilization, not only harmful, but also useful inhabitants of the soil die. Special biopreparations EM or home remedies will help to restore the microflora. For example, some flower growers add milk to the water for irrigation.

Pelargonium needs good drainage. In addition to expanded clay, for it you can take large vermiculite or perlite, brick or foam chips.

No matter how good the soil is, over time its top layer will be compacted. And pelargonium loves to let its roots breathe. Give this pleasure to the plant. Be sure to loosen the topsoil between waterings. Pelargonium will appreciate such care and will grow and bloom better.

When is the best time to plant

Young pelargoniums are transplanted every two years in the spring, before active growth begins. Mature plants - if there is a need to change the pot. Otherwise, it is enough to update the top layer of the soil substrate.

Sometimes, when the threat of spring frosts has passed, geraniums are planted in a flower bed. In open ground, the plant can be until the average daily temperature drops to +15. Before the onset of cold weather, usually at the end of September, it is again transplanted into a pot to return home.

Transplanting room pelargonium with the addition of new land

Like any serious business, transplanting a living plant is a responsible operation that requires careful adherence to the rules. This fully applies to geraniums that do not like to change their place of residence.

Step-by-step instruction:

Prepare the container, soil and drainage. Sterilize everything.
At the bottom of the tank, put 2-3 cm of the drainage layer and part of the soil.
Carefully remove the pre-watered pelargonium from the old pot with an earthy clod. If the plant does not give in, lay it on its side and tap on the side of the container, and then turn it upside down, holding the bush.
Examine the roots. Cut off rotten and dried, trying not to hurt healthy roots.
Set the pelargonium with an earthy clod in the center of the new pot.
Gradually add moistened soil between the wall of the pot and the clod of earth, lightly tamping it. Shake the container periodically so that the earth pours down and fills the voids.
Water the pelargonium, put it in partial shade or next to a sunny window, but not in direct rays.
After a week, move the plant to a well-lit place.

How to return geraniums from a flower bed to a pot in autumn

In early September, it's time to move the pelargonium from the "cottage" to the winter apartment:

Water the plant well so that the entire root system is moistened.
Prepare a pot with a drainage layer, put some soil on the bottom.
After waiting for the soil to absorb water, dig up a pelargonium with a root ball of earth.
Remove excess earth from the coma, inspect the roots.
If the roots have grown too large, trim the ends of the side ones. Remove damaged or rotten ones.
Transfer the plant with some garden soil to a pot.
Deepen the upper roots, but the plant should remain in the soil at the same level as it grew in open ground.
Carefully tamping, fill the voids between the roots with soil.
Water the pelargonium.
A plant that spent the summer in the fresh air, after transplanting, do not immediately put it in the sun, hold it for some time in partial shade.
Spend light pruning: the length of the shoots should remain at least 20 cm. Reducing the amount of green mass will help the plant adapt to the pot and home conditions.
At the end of winter, pelargonium will need a new haircut.

If possible, increase the temperature of the content of pelargonium gradually. After the street, let the plant stay for about a week on a warm veranda or loggia, only then move the geranium into the house.

Video: transplanting pelargonium from open ground into a home pot

How to transplant a purchased plant, whether to remove a purchased soil mixture

When buying pelargonium, choose a healthy plant with no signs of disease or wilting. It is better if there are buds on it, and not blooming flowers.

It is not worth rushing to transplant a recently purchased plant. Moving from the store, changing the microclimate, lighting, water quality and irrigation regime, and so serious stress. Let the pelargonium rest and get used to the new place for a couple of weeks or a month. And if the acquisition is made in the fall or early winter, it will take even more time to adapt. Wait until the end of February or March with a transplant.

There is an opinion that the transport soil in which store plants live must be completely changed, supposedly it is harmful. This is not true. In fact, its composition is most often quite high quality. It is loose, absorbs moisture well and dries out. As a rule, it has a lot of peat. The only drawback is that such a soil, in order to limit the growth of plants, is poor in nutrients. If you try to remove the shop soil, for example, by washing the roots, the plant will get sick, and may die.

It is necessary to wash the roots, getting rid of the old substrate, only in special cases, when the plant is clearly sick, the roots rot, and the soil turns sour. Then choose the lesser of two evils: root injury is better than rot. Rinse the roots, you can in a fungicide solution, cut off the rotten areas and plant the pelargonium in fresh, sterilized soil.

If the size of the store pot corresponds to the size of the plant, it is enough to take a container with a diameter of 2-3 cm more and make a transshipment, that is, save a clod of old earth, adding a little new one. This operation is the least traumatic for the roots. Only damaged roots are to be removed.

Post-transplant care requirements

Geraniums are difficult to take root in a new place. Immediately after transplantation, pelargonium needs gentle care. They put it in a warm place. For some time, the light-loving plant is shaded from the direct sun. Water moderately, as unattached roots easily rot. Excess moisture in the soil is the cause of most diseases. The flower is not fertilized; in the right soil, nutrients are enough for at least 2-3 months. No water procedures, spraying - pelargonium does not like this.

Video: how to transplant geraniums at home

How to plant geraniums without roots

Geraniums can be planted without roots. To do this, it is necessary to properly cut the twig-stalk and prepare a light substrate or other material in which rooting will take place without problems. Whatever method of rooting you choose, follow the general rules: cuttings need heat, light and moderate moisture in the substrate. And no bags or cans on top.

Rooting in the ground

Rooting cuttings in the ground is the most common way to propagate pelargonium:

Cut the apical cuttings 7-10 cm long with 4-6 leaves. Make the cut at an angle. Remove the lower leaves and dry the cuttings, leaving them in the air for 2-3 hours. The cut should be tightened with a film.
Prepare small containers (200 ml plastic cups), make drainage holes in them.
Place drainage at the bottom, on top of light soil, consisting of sand, peat and perlite. Moisten the mixture lightly.
Make a hole in the ground with a wooden stick or pencil. Place the cutting there, deepening it by 3-5 cm, and gently tamp the soil around.
Place the container with the seedling in a bright and warm (at least +22) place. It is not necessary to cover the plantings of geraniums, arranging a semblance of a greenhouse.
Water the plantings from below, through the pan.
Rooting occurs in 2-4 weeks.
When the plant has put out real leaves and strengthened, pinch the top bud so that the side buds develop. Then the bush will turn out magnificent.
If pelargonium was rooted at the end of summer or autumn, transfer to a new pot and more nutritious soil in early spring.

Pelargonium lovers assure that cuttings of ordinary non-varietal geranium take root perfectly without treatment with stimulants. But if you have a capricious plant, process the cut before planting, dip it for half a minute in a solution of Epin, Kornevin or other root formers.

Video: transplanting a rooted cutting into a permanent pot

Another option - first germinate in water

Geranium cuttings can also be rooted in water. Most often, the roots appear and grow quickly, it is interesting to observe this process. However, the method has a significant drawback: "water" roots do not always successfully adapt to the soil. Some of the cuttings die after relocation to the soil.

How to root cuttings in water:

When cutting capricious varieties of geranium, for example, royal, spend the day before, for 3 weeks, stimulating the mother plant. Make small cuts under the buds all over the branch you plan to cut. Root tubercles will appear in places of notches. Cut cuttings under them. Then the young roots will appear in 2-3 days.

What else do flower growers like to plant geraniums in?

Pelargonists have come up with original ways to root their favorite plant. Here are some tried and tested options. They are suitable for cuttings of whimsical varieties, weakened or sick plants. Try planting cuttings in moss, vermiculite or padding polyester. According to flower growers, such methods give one hundred percent rooting.

in sphagnum

in vermiculite

Fill a plastic cup halfway with dry vermiculite.
Bury the cutting in it by about 1.5–2 cm.
Gently pour warm water under the future root.
Put in a warm and bright place.
Water sparingly so that the vermiculite is slightly damp. The roots should reach for the water.

Natural vermiculite is a mineral from the group of hydromicas. These are lamellar crystals of a yellowish-brown color. They do not give in to rotting and decomposition, microorganisms do not live in them. In floriculture, vermiculite is used as a drainage material and for rooting cuttings. It can be purchased at flower shops.

In synthetic winterizer

Video: rooting cuttings in peat tablets

Is it possible to transplant flowering geraniums

For those who have just started growing geraniums, a dilemma sometimes arises: whether or not to transplant a flowering plant. Flowering takes away the strength of geraniums, at this time it is more vulnerable. A transplant is a serious stress, and it will be followed by a period of adaptation, which will also require a lot of vital energy. It turns out that by transplanting a flowering bush, you are guaranteed to lose both buds and flowers, and, possibly, destroy the whole plant. He doesn't have the strength to handle both cases.

But sometimes there is simply no other way. For example, you flooded your pelargonium, and rot struck the roots. Then, to save the plant, an urgent transplant is needed, regardless of flowering.

How to rejuvenate geraniums by updating the stems

Over the years, the lower part of the shoots inevitably becomes bare at indoor geraniums, as flower growers say, it “grows”.

Pelargonium can be rejuvenated by transplantation. After moving the plant to a new pot, the roots will get more space and nutrition for development. And the aerial part must be severely cut, in some advanced cases, literally “stumps” with several buds are left. For some time, pelargonium will get used to its new position. When the roots take root, the remaining buds will begin to develop.

The cut top of a geranium can also continue to live and bloom. It will make excellent cuttings. With proper rooting (how to do it, mentioned above), it will be possible to grow several healthy plants.

Transplanting problems: soil composition and others

Pelargonium does not like changing the pot, but nevertheless, in most cases, it successfully adapts to a new place. Of course, it can get sick, according to some observations, the addiction time lasts an average of 2-3 weeks.

Most often, flower growers complain about rotting cuttings or roots. If rooting is carried out in water, the addition of activated charcoal will help. Cuttings do not rot in completely depleted soil or its surrogates - moss, vermiculite, sintepon. When transplanting adult pelargoniums, root rot can occur if the unsterilized soil mixture is infected with a fungus, the soil in the pot is flooded, or the pot itself is too large.

Why does geranium turn yellow

It is normal if, after transplantation, pelargonium loses a few leaves. But sometimes almost all geraniums turn yellow. This is also a natural reaction to a change of place. Do not worry, do not try to put the geranium in a greenhouse, spray it, but just give it time to acclimatize. Most likely, everything will be back to normal.

But just in case, check if the soil is drying out and if you are flooding the plant. It is necessary to water the pelargonium only after the top layer has dried by 2-3 cm. For better adaptation, stimulants (Kornevin or Epin) can be added to the irrigation water.

Knowing how to properly transplant or plant plants is important for a grower. Especially when it comes to flowers that do not tolerate change of place, such as pelargonium. It's easy to learn the simple rules. True, sometimes the grower does everything as expected, and the plant becomes ill after transplantation. And the other breaks the rules, but the flower is cheerful and cheerful. What is the secret? Pelargonium lovers assure that this plant feels the mood and energy of a person very well. Geraniums must be cared for with love and in a good mood. So, in addition to the pot and the soil, prepare a positive attitude before transplanting or cuttings - then everything will work out.

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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:

cuttings;
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.

Pelargonium is an unpretentious plant, but it reacts negatively to the wrong composition of the earth. In the flower shop you can buy universal soil for geraniums.

To choose the perfect soil for geraniums, pay attention to the following characteristics:

Looseness of the soil. Its breathability depends on it.
The ability to pass and retain moisture.
Nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). In order for pelargonium to develop favorably, it is advisable to use moderately nutritious soil. In well-fertilized soil, the plant may begin to grow green mass of leaves.
Soil acidity. For pelargonium, it is recommended to choose slightly acidic or neutral soil.
The mechanical composition of the soil. Squeeze a little damp earth in your hand - a suitable soil will crumble, poor-quality soil will clump into a dense lump.

An important aspect is the composition of the soil. To ensure looseness and moisture permeability, high-moor peat is an indispensable basis.

Note! Its positive properties are beneficial only under the condition of regular watering and feeding.

An environmentally friendly fertilizer, dolomite flour, based on peat, saturates the soil with magnesium and reduces acidity. In inexpensive substrates, dolomite chips are replaced by chalk, but it is not a source of useful substances.
Additional components are vermiculite, perlite, charcoal, sand.

A flower transplant should be carried out annually, because the land for pelargonium must be constantly updated.

Preparing the substrate for planting a flower

Preparing the substrate and planting pelargonium is a simple process if you follow some rules:

Before preparing the substrate, you must select a container for planting. If you reuse the pot, it must be washed and disinfected.
Place a good drainage at the bottom of the container. You can use expanded clay, pebbles, crushed stone, broken bricks, etc. A quarter of the volume of a pot or flowerpot is allocated to the drainage layer.
Next, you need to choose a neutral or slightly acidic soil. Important conditions are breathability and water permeability.
The composition of the substrate should be: turf, leafy soil, peat, sand, charcoal. You can purchase potting mix from a flower shop or make your own.
A couple of weeks before planting a flower, you can sterilize the substrate. To do this, place the soil mixture in an oven at a temperature of 80C or in a water bath.
For planting a flower, it is best to choose moderately fertilized soil. Once every few months, you need to feed the geraniums with liquid fertilizers.
The last step is watering with distilled or boiled settled water.

Drainage

In addition to drainage holes in the pot, geraniums vitally need drainage in the form of a layer of bulk materials. Usually, a layer of 2-3 cm is placed on the bottom of the container. Materials for creating drainage can be as follows:

Note! Geranium does not tolerate stagnant water in a pot or flowerpot. Excessive watering leads to yellowing of the leaves, rotting and death of pelargonium. Therefore, the plant needs a high-quality drainage system.

Clay materials can be reused after transplantation. Be sure to rinse and disinfect them with a manganese solution.

Important! Choose a material that is not susceptible to decay and the spread of pathogenic bacteria.

Primer for geraniums at home

Geranium loves well-drained and loose soil. If it is not possible to buy high-quality soil, you can prepare the soil for pelargonium with your own hands. To do this, you will need: soddy land, leafy humus and river sand (8:2:1). Sand with a coarse-grained structure must be steamed or disinfected with a manganese solution. In order not to disturb the breathability, you need to be wary of excess sand in the soil.