Pelargonium: reproduction by cuttings. Pelargonium home: care

It is enough to return to the past for several decades to see how popular the pelargonium (geranium) was once . Now she has lost some of her former greatness. Many growers do not choose it for their home, referring to the smell and some kind of obsolete. And completely in vain, because it is quite unpretentious and very simple in the care of the plant.

Pelargonium blossoms very fluffily, and how many varieties and colors there are! The question of how to multiply pelargonium, too, does not cause special difficulties. This is done by seeds and cuttings. It is quite difficult to grow a flower from seeds, but a strange new pelargonium grows.

Reproduction by cuttings is more simple. In addition, room Pelargonium will provide disinfection in the room, as it has excellent phytoncidal properties. The aphids and its immediate neighbors will not be threatened.

What are the types of pelargonium?

The most popular and numerous is the group of pelargonium zonal. She is loved, above all, for large inflorescences in the form of a ball, collected from many small flowers: white, pink, red, orange or purple. The leaves of the pelargonium zonal are divided into several color zones. The stripes can be dairy, brown, light green, which gives the leaves additional decorative. Beauty takes short-term frosts to -9 degrees, so it can be successfully grown outdoors from early spring until late autumn.

The second common group is the pelargonium ivy. It resembles ivy and is grown as an ampel plant. The leaves of these geraniums are smaller, and the stems hang down and can reach a length of up to one meter. Therefore, they are very popular for horizontal landscaping of yards in southern countries. In our climatic conditions, it is grown as a domestic pelargonium. Care for her is the same as for normal varieties. For many, the undoubted advantage is the absence of odor in the leaves.

Another very beautiful view is the royal pelargonium. It is also called royal or noble, and this is perhaps the most correct description. Pelargonium has many varieties with beautiful double flowers monochrome or variegated colors.

The fourth group is fragrant pelargonium. They have a specific smell, which can resemble a lemon, mint, ginger, camphor. Another distinctive feature is the shape of the leaves - they are pinnate, dissected, making an impression of terryness.

The fifth group consists of very unusual and spectacular violaceous pelargonium. Already from the name it is clear that the flowers of these plants resemble a viola in shape. They are very lush blooms throughout the summer and compact.

Succulent pelargonium has not many species, only about ten. They amaze the look with their bizarre shape. They are very often used to create compositions in the style of bonsai. Pelargonias of this species can even have thorns.

Lighting

Pelargonium must choose a place where it will receive sunlight at least six hours a day. The first signs of a lack of light for the plant will be the pale color of the leaves and very weak bloom. Pelargonium reacts favorably to the bright sun, and for the summer it is best to plant it in the garden or take it out into the street. It is hardly possible to find a more versatile plant than Pelargonium. Reproduction by cuttings is best done in the penumbra, and only when the young specimens get stronger, intensify the illumination.

Priming

Soil geranium prefers rich in organic matter, with a weakly acid reaction or neutral. She needs to provide good drainage from the layer of expanded clay. Now ready-made soils for each plant species are very common, which can be found in any flower shop. Buying them, you need to pay attention to the composition and acidity. Experts recommend using eight parts of a turf ground, two parts of good humus and one part of a large river sand for self-preparation of soil. Such a composition will be almost ideal.

Watering

Water is the source of life, so it is so important that it is of good quality. To ensure proper care for a particular species of pelargonium, it is necessary to study its botanical description. Pelargonium royal, for example, is a rather capricious sight. It requires careful watering and proper water regime. The common features for the whole species include the fact that the soil in between the watering should dry up, since the plant is very sensitive to excess moisture and root rot may occur, which will undoubtedly lead to its death. High humidity also negatively affects pelargonium. The leaves will start to turn yellow, and this will be the first sign of excessive moisture or excess watering. Do not leave water in the pan. After 15-20 minutes after watering, all the necessary moisture will be absorbed, and the extra one needs to be drained.

Fertilizer

Active application of fertilizing is necessary during the most intensive growth. In summer it is necessary to water pelargonium with a fertilizer solution every two weeks. The main components of used fertilizing should be phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. The latter activates growth, increases resistance to cold and various diseases. Phosphorus is needed for good flowering and maturation of seeds, and nitrogen promotes the growth of green mass. Incidentally, excess nitrogen in the soil is the cause of poor flowering, since pelargonium will spend all its energy on growth.

Transfer

Transplantation for indoor plants should be performed as the root system grows (usually in the spring, before the active vegetation begins). You can not choose too large pots for pelargonium, as this will prevent proper development, it will be difficult to provide the desired shape. If the plant is prepared for growing outdoors, in spring it is planted in boxes or in the ground (after there is no threat of frosts). In the autumn, he is dug and transplanted into a pot, and then brought home.

Cold season

In winter, pelargonium, like many other plants, comes a period of rest. At this time watering is minimized, and the air temperature should not exceed fifteen degrees. Keep the pots with pelargonium away from heat sources.

Reproduction by seeds

The question of how to multiply pelargonium with seeds, primarily concerns experienced flower growers. The purpose of this troublesome business is to obtain the most decorative forms and unusual colorings. Therefore, through the Internet or in specialized stores, new species of pelargonium are purchased in seeds. Reproduction in this way is best done in January-February. The soil mixture is formed from sand and peat (only peat can be used). Seeds need to be sown in a moist soil, and then covered with a film to create greenhouse conditions. From planting to the first shoots, there will be three weeks. When the first three leaves appear, then you can seat Pelargonium. The main root must be nipped. This stimulates the development of a stronger root system.

Pelargonium: reproduction by cuttings

The most popular is the reproduction of geranium by cuttings. It is fast, convenient, guarantees almost one hundred percent survival rate. Cuttings of pelargonium can be put into the water before the appearance of roots. Then they must be rooted.

For propagation by cuttings, use only clean tools to prevent germs from entering the fresh cut. The knife should be sharp, first wipe it with alcohol for disinfection. Cuttings of pelargonium can be rooted at once, for this it is necessary to take a mixture of large river sand and peat. Before they are planted in the ground, it is recommended to dry the slice for an hour, then dab it into a growth stimulant and crushed activated carbon.

The root system develops in three to four weeks, after which it is possible to plant the plants in separate pots. Cuttings must be carried out in January and root young specimens at a temperature of twelve degrees. For cuttings, cut off the apical part of the shoot with two or three leaves. In order for the plant to give a beautiful bush and enjoy the flowering, young Pelargonium must be pinched at the level of the fifth or sixth leaflet.

Pests and diseases

Very often geranium is affected by "rust". This disease has a fungal nature, and if the infected specimen is not handled in a timely manner, it will easily spread to other flowers. And the reverse situation: in the collection of houseplants there was this ailment, and if in time not to take measures, before it will not stand and pelargonium. The photo below shows the nature of the rust damage.

Another extremely common disease that has a fungal nature is the "black leg". The cuttings, which are put in water for appearance of rootlets, are most often affected. Infected specimens are best destroyed immediately. If the adult plant has undergone disease, then you can try to save it or cut off the cuttings, so as not to lose this species.

Pelargonium is also affected by whitefly. Small insects are visible to the naked eye. If there are not so many, then you can try to collect manually. But it's best not to start the process and immediately treat the plant with insecticides. Of the folk ways worth noting the infusion of garlic for spraying. The appearance of whiteflies provokes excessive moisture in the soil.

Pelargonium for street gardening

If a beautiful annual is needed for the garden, which will tolerate even the driest air, then this, of course, is pelargonium. Reproduction by cuttings allows you to quickly get strong plants for the summer season and outdoor maintenance. Pelargonium is gaining popularity in garden floriculture, it is due to its high decorative. The beauty is actively used for gardening loggias and balconies as an ampel plant.

Particularly beautiful on the veranda or terrace in the company with bright annuals: verbena, lobelia, petunia, balsam will look like pelargonium. Photo allows you to clearly see the correctness of such a combination of plants.

If the plant is planted with individual shrubs, pruning is simply necessary, it will allow to provide a beautiful shape.