Geranium royal: pruning for lush flowering, care and reproduction at home

Geranium, or, as our grandmothers, "kalachik", affectionately called this flower, is in almost every house. Dark green slightly pubescent leaves and magnificent flowers of different shades create a cozy home. There was a time when this flower, along with the ficus, was called philistine, but fortunately, these times have sunk into oblivion, and the geranium continues to please us with its flowering.

Among the numerous family of geraniums, there are plants that are very unpretentious in their care, and a beginner in floriculture will cope with their cultivation. But perhaps not everyone knows that among these plants there is a variety that is given the title of royal. This flower can hardly be called simply geranium, many inexperienced growers and will not find a similarity between it and their sweet and more modest flower on the windowsill. And of course, it is unlikely that someone will call him "kalachikom."

The heroine of our article will be a luxurious geranium royal room. The plant is not easy, requiring constant attention and careful care. But we assure you, your works will be more than rewarded when you see the flowering of the royal geranium.

Description

The royal geranium, or royal pelargonium, is the representative of the numerous Pelargonium species , which numbers more than 250 species. This is a magnificent indoor flower, which, with proper care, pleases owners with huge (15 cm), extraordinary beauty flowers of various colors.

It is a native of the humid and hot climate of South America. She feels great in conditions of high humidity and does not tolerate direct sunlight. At home, the royal pelargonium grows to 60-80 cm. The taller plant does not make sense to grow, since the buds are only at the apex points of growth. At a height of 100 centimeters, the plant completely loses its decorative properties.

Today, many florists are interested in royal geraniums. Care at home for such a magnificent plant has many pitfalls that need to be circumvented so that the capricious beauty is pleased with its flowering. It must be remembered that even with full compliance with all the rules of agricultural technology, you can not extend the flowering period of the royal geranium. It is much shorter than that of normal species.

The royal geranium does not bloom: what should I do?

This issue is of concern to many growers. There can be several reasons for this. To understand them, it is necessary to understand what the royal geranium needs . Care at home for this plant involves the right choice of capacity for planting, the correct soil, timely watering and pruning, providing a winter rest period, a transplant if necessary.

Let us consider in more detail the reasons why the geranium refuses to bloom. In the case when the plant is planted in a too large pot, pelargonium begins to actively build up the green mass and expand. In this situation, the plant simply does not have enough strength to bloom, as its energy goes to the growth of the root system and planting. Transplant the flower into a smaller vase.

Another reason is that the flower has roots damaged. You should know that the royal geranium is susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections of the root system. Immediately determine the disease is not easy. This becomes evident when the disease strikes stems and leaves. Geranium suffers from a lack of nutrients. In this case, the plant is treated with antiseptics, which are sold in all flower shops. However, if the disease is started, it is rare to save the plant. Flower growers should be aware that any disease and pests (aphids, weevils, mites, etc.) cause the plant to spend all its energy on fighting them. About flowering in such a situation is out of the question.

Another fairly common reason is the absence of a resting phase. What should I do in this case? Reduce watering in the autumn-winter period, do not feed the flower. Transfer the plant to a cooler place (for example, on a loggia). Heat in the winter time is detrimental to the royal geranium. Watering also affects the flowering of the plant, although not as much as the above reasons. What watering requires geraniums and why it is very important for it to be cleared pruning, we will tell below.

Watering

Probably, having looked at the photos presented in our article, many will really like the royal geranium. Care at home for this beauty has its own characteristics. In particular, this concerns irrigation. This procedure is best done through a pallet. The plant itself adjusts the necessary amount of moisture. Water for irrigation should be constant, room temperature, you can use boiled chilled water.

Before flowering, the leaves should be sprayed from time to time. Dry crust appeared on the top layer of the soil, is a signal to watering. Excessive moisture can provoke plant diseases, and its deficiency leads to the absence of flowers.

Geranium royal: pruning for lush flowering

Fairly often, flower growers make a very common mistake in the care of this plant - pruning is done in the spring. It would seem that this is the most suitable time, but in this case the royal geranium can cease to blossom. Pruning for lush flowering should be done in autumn and winter.

Often, incorrect pruning leads to the fact that the plant grows too long stems and it loses its decorative appeal. To form a beautiful crown, you must strictly follow simple rules:

1. When pruning, it is necessary to take into account the genetic characteristics of the plant. Royal geranium must be low and bushy.
2. Pruning is carried out with a sharp disinfected knife or pruner at the level of the leaf node.
3. Pinching is carried out with clean hands.
4. Places slices processed crushed powder of cinnamon or charcoal.
5. The stems facing the interior of the plant are removed completely.

Autumn Trimming

Experienced growers know that the royal geranium is very responsive to the competent formation of the bush. Pruning for lush flowering is most often done immediately after pelargonium fades. Usually this happens at the end of August. This procedure should be carried out in two stages with an interval of 1.5 months. This is necessary in order to avoid the strong stress of the plant.

With such early autumn pruning new shoots, the royal geranium grows very quickly. Pinching them (over the fourth pair of leaves) stimulates the formation of new young shoots.

Trim order

To pelargoniya pleased you with a magnificent flowering, you must follow a certain order:

• Removal of faded stems and faded inflorescences;
• Removal of dried leaves and those that are prone to wilting;
• Examine the plant and determine which shoots should be cut to form a beautiful crown;
• Nude and long stems are removed completely (at the lower node);
• In geraniums, preparing for wintering, one third of the main stem should be cut off.

Winter pruning

Florists with experience note that in short winter days, in the absence of sunlight, the royal geranium stretches out to the height. Pruning for lush flowering at this time is partially replaced by pinching, and long sprouts appear cut off.

In April, the royal pelargonium begins to blossom, so in mid-March pruning should be stopped. To keep the shape of the bush, you can also hold it in summer, after flowering. Categorically it is not recommended to cut geraniums from December to February, so as not to disturb the rest period. In winter the plant rests. At this time he needs a minimum watering and lighted, cool (temperature no higher than 15 degrees) place.

Reproduction

The royal geranium breeds, like ordinary varieties, by propagation by cuttings. At the end of August, cut cuttings 7-9 cm long, soak them for several hours in the air, then drop them into a peat-sand mixture. Using a plastic bag, create a greenhouse effect and make sure that the soil mixture is always moistened. Then prepare a mixture of sand, turf and foliage and plant the rooted cuttings.

We told you what is required to make you happy with your beauty, the royal geranium. The care and reproduction of this luxurious plant is somewhat different from the usual species. But if you follow all the rules of agricultural technology, this marvelous flower will reward you for the labors of lush bloom, unfortunately, not too long.