What does room geranium love. Geranium care in winter

For beginner gardeners, geranium is a very convenient flower, because it is extremely unpretentious. The rules for caring for him are quite simple, and it is not difficult to follow them.

Garden geraniums should grow in a small pot, since the plant begins to bloom only after its roots completely fill the entire volume of the pot. The soil should be crumbly, loose, enriched with mineral top dressing. You can buy ready-made soil in the store or mix turf, humus, peat and sand yourself.

Most often, geraniums are propagated by cuttings, but even if seeds are sown, after six months the plant will grow and begin to bloom. Let's take a closer look at how to care for geraniums.

The plant is quite tolerant of lighting conditions and even on the north side it will grow well, although it will still stretch a little. A flower growing on a south window will be lush and sprawling.

Watering the plant is also easy. It is not necessary to spray it regularly at all, you should even avoid it by spraying neighboring flowers, and you need to water it only after the earth in the pot has dried. It is better to avoid excess moisture so that the roots do not rot, and the geranium will cope with the lack of water, so if you leave it without watering for several days, nothing bad will happen, and if a couple of leaves turn yellow, they can be removed and continue growing.

The air temperature should not be lower than 20 ° C, and even with temperature changes, the plant will feel good and accelerate its growth. But the air will be wet or dry, for geraniums it is virtually indifferent.

How to care for geraniums throughout the year

With all the undemanding nature of geraniums, you should know what care at home will ensure its year-round flowering:

• Spring - best time for transplanting geraniums or planting them, since at this time buds are formed and active growth begins. Geranium does not like transplantation, so it can only be done once every two years.
• Summer is a period of active feeding. Geraniums especially need nitrogen fertilizers, without this element it will not bloom. But an excess of nitrogen is also bad - the leaves will grow actively, but there will not be enough strength for the flowers. The best fertilizer is one that contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in equal proportions. You should not keep the plant in direct sunlight, although they will not cause much harm.
• Winter is a period of cold regime. Geranium care in winter is to create a temperature of 10-13 ° C, but if your room is not so cold, just put the flower away from the heaters and closer to the window glass - this coolness will be enough for him. Geraniums growing on the north side can be artificially highlighted. In winter, geraniums are pruned.

In order for perennial geraniums to bloom for a long time, flowering inflorescences must be broken off without leaving them on the plant. Correct fit and care guarantee a healthy and long flowering plant that will act as a natural air freshener, because the leaves can have a very different scent depending on the geranium variety.

Geranium diseases

Due to the pungent smell of geranium, almost no insects are dangerous. Moreover, she also drives pests away from her neighbors on the windowsill. But diseases associated with the action of harmful microbes and fungi may appear, especially if the plant does not have enough light, and the air is too humid:

• gray rot, in which a plaque appears on the leaves, and the stems darken;
• leaf rust - yellow spots on leaves;
• powdery mildew, when the stems and leaves are enveloped in a characteristic coating.

You can fight the manifestations of these diseases by spraying geranium leaves with special preparations.

home geranium care

Geranium is a well-known indoor plant that has several varieties. In floriculture, it is also known as pelargonium. In the people it is sometimes called "kalachiki". Consider home care and how winter goes in the apartment.

Flowering directly depends on compliance with the rules of care

Temperature and lighting in summer and winter

AT summer time tolerates any temperature. That is why some types of geraniums are planted outdoors. In winter, it is desirable that the temperature does not fall below 10 degrees. During the dormant period, the most optimal temperature is from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.

Pelargonium lighting requires bright. It belongs to light-loving plant species. Tolerates direct sun well. If there is little light, then the geranium will not give abundant flowering, and the shoots will grow weak.

Therefore, the more sun, the better. On particularly bright days at noon you can shade a little so that the leaves do not burn out too much.

How often to water in the apartment

Pelargonium does not need high humidity. Moreover, spraying the flower is not recommended because of its fluffy leaves, which can leave spots. Geranium prefers fresh air, so in summer it feels great on balconies and verandas.

Watering requires regular and plentiful, but there should be no stagnation of water. The earth needs to be evenly moist, at the bottom of the pot a drainage layer must be made.

Expanded clay and perlite are often used as drainage

In winter, when the dormant period sets in, watering is done more rarely, paying attention to sufficient drying of the soil.

The choice of substrate and top dressing: how to fertilize correctly

Many people ask the question: what kind of top dressing does the "kalachik" need? The following land is suitable for pelargonium: a mixture of soddy land, humus and sand in a ratio of 8: 2: 1. You can also use garden soil for it, having previously processed it from pests.

The store sells universal primer, which is also suitable for this flower. In general, she is unpretentious.

From March they begin to fertilize. You can feed twice a month.

Organics are not suitable for her, only mineral top dressing. A good helper for the development of buds will be special fertilizers for flowering plants.

Preparation for wintering: winter storage

autumn geranium should be cut. 6-7 leaves are left on the stem. Also remove shoots growing from the sinuses, they only draw out nutrients. Pruning from December to January is not recommended.

Wintering should take place at a temperature of 10-15 degrees, so that flowering is abundant next season.

Plants can be kept on the windowsill. There is a fairly cool temperature and a lot of light.

Miniature and variegated varieties more demanding on the conditions of detention and usually do not need pruning. Storage in winter: on special shelving with lighting, the temperature is suitable for them up to 25 degrees.

Since the apartment is usually warm in winter, basements are most convenient for these purposes. Daylight at artificial lighting should be 10-12 hours.

Ivy varieties leave lashes 40-50 cm long. If at the same time pruning was not done on time, then it is better to wait for the end of the winter period - the beginning of spring, since any intervention can weaken the plant.

To put pelargonium into rest mode, in the fall they begin to gradually reduce watering and stop feeding.

Reproduction and transplant

Reproduction is available in several ways.

Pelargonium can be propagated by seeds and cuttings.

Seeds: how to care

Growing from seeds is fairly easy. Seeds are best purchased at the store, in which case they will give greater germination than collected on their own.

drop them off in loose soil to a depth of 2 cm. Moisten with water from above, it is better to do this from a spray bottle so as not to wash out the ground. The soil must first be disinfected, for which it is spilled with a light solution of potassium permanganate.

The seed pot is covered with glass to create uniform humidity. For seed germination, the most favorable temperature is 18-22 degrees. After the emergence of seedlings, the glass is removed, and the temperature is lowered to 16-22 degrees.

After about 1.5-2 months, when 3 true leaves appear, the pelargonium is transplanted to a permanent place. When she grows 5-6 leaves, pinch the plant for better branching.

blooms with this method of reproduction about six months later.

Growing by cuttings

This breeding method is not difficult. Geranium cuttings can be cut at any time of the year, but the best period is still spring. The stalk is taken in the size of 5-7 cm. So that the cut does not rot, it is sprinkled with crushed charcoal.

Then they are planted in a loose substrate or wet sand. They don't need top cover. When roots appear, pelargonium transplanted to a permanent place. Flowering is possible in three months.

Landing

This plant does not particularly like transplants, and there is no need for them. This should be done only if the roots begin to sprout from the drainage hole. Capacity for planting is taken 2 cm more than the previous one. Geranium does not like too spacious pots and blooms worse in them, but it gives a lot of shoots.

Young shoots that have reached 7 cm, pinch to branch. Pruning is also done in autumn, leaving a stem with 6-7 leaves. Periodically, excess shoots that grow from the sinuses, and not from the root, should be removed.

If the pelargonium has grown strongly during the winter period, it can be cut off in the spring, so flowering will be better. Periodically, shoots should be pinched at a height of 4-5 leaves.

Transfer

It is only necessary if the pelargonium has become too crowded. This is done in autumn or spring, avoiding the flowering period.

Potassium permanganate helps to disinfect the soil

• Pre preparing a new container, a couple of centimeters larger than the previous one. If the pot is clay and new, it must be soaked in water for several hours so that it is saturated with moisture.
• The soil is being prepared. If the earth was taken from the garden, it should be disinfected by spilling potassium permanganate or holding it for several minutes in a hot oven.
• During transplanting, the soil should be slightly damp, so it will be easier to remove the plant from the pot.
• With one hand, hold the geranium, turn the pot over and, gently tapping, remove the plant. It's better not to disturb the roots, slightly remove the top layer, place the whole lump in a new pot and add fresh earth.

A geranium transplant is done every two to three years and only if the pelargonium has grown greatly.

Possible problems

Sometimes the plant becomes ill due to the appearance of pests, insects or exposure to microorganisms.

Symptoms

At the plant may appear:

• Yellowing of leaves.
• The appearance of spots on them.
• Falling leaves.
• Leg rot.
• The appearance of pests.

PICTURE Yellowing of foliage, Spots on leaves

Why indoor geranium dies

Why does a plant die? This is observed in a variety of cases. The most common reason is improper care. If you forget to water the plant in time, then not only its upper parts, but also the root system begin to die off.

More more dangerous systematic bay and stagnation in poorly permeable soil.

The death of a plant is often observed when attacked by pests. The deterioration is gradual. At first, the leaves may begin to turn yellow, dry and curl. Then they die in turn, and the plant is depleted and dies.

In some cases, an incorrect transplant can damage pelargonium if the root system was severely disturbed in the process.

Diseases and pests: how to save a kalachik

From time to time, yellowing of the leaves can be observed. In small quantities, this is normal for geraniums. The old lower leaves die off. You should be concerned if yellowing is profuse and young leaves are lost.

Blackleg

The loss of a certain amount of green mass is observed when pelargonium is returned from the street to the premises after the summer period.

Other reasons:

• If lethargy is observed along with yellowing, then the cause is excessive watering.
• Yellowing of leaf edges- lack of moisture.
• If the lower leaves fall abundantly, then the plant does not have enough light.

Geranium often suffers from fungal diseases. She may have leaf rust, "black leg". For their treatment, they are treated with fungicidal preparations. If the trunk began to rot, then most often the only way to save the geranium is to grow it again from cuttings.

Of the pests, pelargonium is attacked by: whitefly, aphid, spider mite, mealybug, caterpillars. To get rid of them use special tools. The most common are Fitoverm, Aktellik.

Refuse to bloom may be for the following reasons:

• Lack of light.
• Too low air temperature.
• Too fertile soil, therefore, geranium gives an increase in green mass and does not bloom.
• A very spacious pot, which also causes rapid growth of foliage and shoots.
• Untimely trimming or its absence.
• rare and irregular fertilization.

If there is an excess of nitrogenous fertilizers in the soil, then the plant will produce a green mass, and flowering will not occur or will be weak.

general information

In the rooms they like to grow varieties:

• Zonal
• ivy
• Fragrant
• dwarf species

We described in a separate article. As well as the Fragrant section

A variety of colors and shapes allows you to collect beautiful collections, use pelargonium for gardening at home, balconies and gardens.

Medicinal properties and benefits of the flower

Pelargonium has mass useful properties, not without reason our grandmothers kept it in their homes. The plant releases substances into the air that have a detrimental effect on bacteria and viruses.

Used with benefit and folk medicine- from the leaves make an infusion for gargling. The leaves are applied to the back for rheumatism.

The smell of geranium relieves stress. This plant is useful for people suffering from insomnia, nervous and heart diseases.

According to some beliefs, geranium normalizes the aura and the atmosphere in the house, removing negative influences.

Pelargonium is a great plant for the home. It is easy to care for her even for beginners, she has an abundant and varied flowering. The most important thing is the watering regime, cut the shoots in time and put the geranium in the brightest place. Subject to these conditions flowering will continue for a long time.

How to properly care for geraniums so that Pelargonium blooms all year round, or, as everyone used to call it, geraniums, can be found in almost every home. This plant is valued for its unpretentious care and ease of reproduction. There are a huge number of types of pelargonium. Sometimes, in order to give the flower sophistication, housewives grow several types of geraniums in one pot at once - when flowering, multi-colored bouquets are obtained. The flowers of this plant are quite large sizes and are rich in color. Geranium care at home is very simple and does not require much time. But even such an unpretentious and hardy plant requires proper care. This article contains basic information on how to properly care for geraniums so that they delight you with their beauty all year round. Care and reproduction "We provide growing conditions Before you buy a flower, you should figure out how to care for geraniums. An individual approach is very important when growing any home plant. Very often, what suits one flower can harm another. First of all, you need to figure out what kind of home care is suitable for geraniums. The plant loves good lighting very much, and unlike other flowers, it is not at all afraid of direct sunlight. But it is recommended to remove geraniums from direct rays at the very peak of sun activity (noon) to avoid getting burns. The first sign by which it can be determined that there is not enough light is that the leaves lose their rich color and fade; in this case, you can forget about flowering. It is best to place a pot of pelargonium on a south sunny windowsill. If you put geraniums outside in the summer, then pick up a closed place for her, as she really does not like wind and drafts. Geranium loves heat, it would be ideal if the temperature falls in the range of + 18- + 20 degrees. In winter, it is possible to slightly lower the temperature, but make sure that it does not fall below +10 degrees. All flower growers claim that it is not at all demanding on air humidity. It is equally easy to tolerate both dry and wet. Spraying the leaves of pelargonium is also not worth it, it will only bring harm. Just keep an eye on the soil moisture, and this will be enough. Repotting is often not required, it can be once every 2-3 years, it all depends on the activity of the growth of the root system. The rules for transplanting pelargonium are simple. Initially, you must choose a suitable flower pot. In this case, the principle “the larger the pot, the better the plant feels in it” does not work. Geranium roots will grow until they completely fill the container you have chosen, but there will be no flowers on it. In small containers, geraniums feel most comfortable, bloom very intensively, and the flowers look very healthy and strong. Therefore, it is better to choose a medium-sized pot. The ideal would be a diameter of 12-15 cm and 12 cm - height. You can place several plant bushes in one flowerpot at once. Then you will not need to worry that the roots may rot due to the wrong watering schedule, and the pelargonium itself will bloom with beautiful and bright colors. The choice of pot material should be taken very carefully. The variety is huge, both in material and price. But experts advise not to save on this and choose a pot made from natural materials. A fired clay pot works well. A more economical option is plastic pots. They can also be used, but in this case, you need to take care of the geraniums more carefully, especially carefully monitor the watering, as the soil dries out much more slowly in them, and this can lead to root rot. At different times, home geraniums require different care. From the beginning of spring to the end of summer, when watering, you need to add a little phosphorus-based fertilizer to the water, it has a positive effect on flowering. Please note that the fertilizer must have a minimum percentage of nitrogen, otherwise the pelargonium may stop blooming. In the warm season, experts advise, if possible, to take geraniums outside for a whole day. The flower requires good lighting. Sometimes, after staying in the sun, geranium leaves change their shade a little and become light pink; There is nothing wrong with that, it is a natural reaction to the sun's rays. Slight fluctuations in air temperature are suitable for the plant - this even contributes to the growth of geraniums. In order for geraniums to delight you with their beauty all year round, proper winter care is very important. The plant can be safely removed from the windowsills and placed in a dark place, as far as possible from heating appliances. The main thing is that the air temperature should not be below 12 degrees. It is not necessary to fertilize the land in winter. Almost always, geraniums shed their flowers for the winter, this is normal. If the plant successfully survived the winter, and the care for the geranium was correct, then from March until August the flower will bloom intensively. A very important role in the question "How to care for geraniums?" plays the choice of soil. It is best to purchase a ready-made substrate in a specialized store, it will initially contain all the useful substances for your pet. But if this is not possible, then you can cook yourself. The main thing is that the mixture has enough nutritional inclusions. A mixture of peat, sand and garden or garden soil is very suitable. When transplanting a flower, do not forget to place good drainage at the bottom of the pot, for example, from expanded clay. It is good at preventing root rot. A couple of times a month, the earth in a pot needs to be loosened so that fresh air enters the roots. Remember that the right soil is the main component in the care of geraniums. Care As already mentioned, care for geraniums is very simple and does not require much time at all. You just need to know a few rules proper care, and subject to their observance, the plant will delight you all year round. Pelargonium is a drought-loving plant. Drought is more comfortable for her than excessive moisture, due to which the roots rot. But if you allow a strong drying of the soil, then the flowers may disappear. If the room is warm, then watering can be done every day, but make sure that the topsoil dries well. If it does not have time to dry out, reduce watering to 2-3 times a week. Signs of overwatering will be immediately visible: limp, lifeless leaves, which sometimes become moldy. If you do not pay attention to this in time, you can lose the geranium. At the beginning of spring, care for geraniums should be more thorough than at other times of the year. At this time, the plant wakes up after wintering and the pruning procedure is very important. To do this, remove dead leaves, leave no more than 5 buds on each shoot. If new shoots grow from the leaf axils, and not from the root, then they need to be removed. Pruning should be only in the spring. If you decide to do this procedure in winter, then this may adversely affect your flower. If in the spring you missed the time, and pruning is necessary, then you can do it in early autumn. Remember that pruning helps to make your plant look beautiful, and in return it will please you with even more abundant flowering. Never forget about such an aspect of care as feeding your flower. Geranium is very fond of various mineral and organic supplements. When the geranium is in the active flowering stage, it is necessary to add fertilizers based on phosphorus and potassium to the water. Thanks to these additives, your flower will always look healthy and well-groomed. Iodine water can also be considered a very good top dressing (1 drop of iodine per 1 liter of water). If you properly care for geraniums, they, in turn, will please your eye with beautiful flowers, and your sense of smell with a pleasant smell.

Not too demanding for care, blooming for several months in a row and so bright - pelargonium or indoor geranium. This plant has about 400 species, and its homeland is South Africa. Only at the end of the 15th century did representatives of the Geranev family appear in Europe. Since then, this flower has never ceased to delight us with its variegated colors and variety of forms. In this article, you will learn everything about growing, propagating, transplanting, why geranium leaves turn yellow and dry, and much more about caring for this beautiful flower.

Home care for beginners

It will not be difficult for even a novice florist to care for pelargonium, since this flower does not require special treatment and is unpretentious in conditions. In addition, the plant has healing properties, and saves other plants on the windowsill from pests such as aphids.

Lighting

The more light, the better, because pelargonium is a light-loving indoor plant. The best place for a handsome flower, the Southern sunny window sill will become, although it can also feel good in partial shade. But under the constant influence of the summer rays of the sun, the leaves of the flower will begin to turn yellow and dry out, which indicates a burn. Therefore, it is better to save it, and remove it from the windowsill at lunchtime.

Temperature

The most acceptable for pelargonium is room temperature. At a mark below + 12ºC, the leaves begin to wilt and fall off. But along with this, winter period the plant should not be kept in too warm conditions, otherwise it will not bloom later.

Humidity

Experienced flower growers say that home care for ampelous geranium, ivy, royal and other varieties does not require special compliance with air humidity indicators. The plant tolerates both wet and dry conditions well. Only spraying, perhaps, should be abandoned. This motley flower simply loves fresh air, so in summer it is recommended to take it outside, or put it on the balcony.

Watering the plant

The stems that curl the ampelous pelargonium look very beautiful in hanging baskets, and the royal variety impresses with its colorful huge inflorescences up to 7 centimeters in diameter. And the pink-shaped pelargonium pleases us with double flowers, reminiscent of miniature rosebuds. It doesn’t matter what kind of geranium grows on the windowsill, the main thing is to know how to water it properly.

• In summer, you need to water the flower abundantly and regularly, but be sure to ensure that there is no stagnation of moisture in the pot. Sluggish, with gray mold leaves of the plant, blackened stem - indicates an excess of moisture. Indoor pelargonium loves moist soil, but not spraying with water. To avoid stagnant water, you should ensure good drainage in the flowerpot.
• In winter, the plant requires less frequent watering. Monitor the condition of the soil in the pot, and water only as it dries out. Although pelargonium is classified as a drought-resistant plant, you should not keep it near a hot battery.

Suitable soil

This flower is not particularly whimsical to the soil in which it grows. Suitable for him, as well as garden soil, and a universal mixture from a flower shop. Experienced growers are advised to prepare the soil for pelargonium according to this recipe:

• Take 8 pieces of ground with turf
• 2 parts humus
• 1 part sand

Just like any other plant, pelargonium needs periodic feeding.

fertilizers

It should be said right away that fresh fertilizers of organic origin should be excluded. The plant simply does not tolerate them, it is better to take top dressing containing potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus in equal dosages. Potassium is especially useful for the violent flowering of geraniums. She also needs micronutrients, such as:

• Calcium
• Iron
• Copper, etc.

For this plant, you can purchase universal fertilizers for flowering plants in a flower shop. indoor plants. Only if the soil in the pot is dry, liquid top dressing cannot be used immediately, it burns the roots, after which they will begin to dry, and the plant will die. You need to water the flower first.

Pruning for lush blooms

In autumn, the time comes for the formation of the pelargonium crown, so that it is thicker and blooms profusely. When pruning, leave a stalk with about 6-7 leaves. Remove shoots that have grown not from the roots, but from the leaf axils. If the plant has grown again during the winter, you can cut it back somewhere at the end of February or at the beginning of March.

At the same time, the cut shoots can be used as cuttings that propagate pelargonium. But how to propagate geraniums at home, you will learn from our article below.

In the future, to improve flowering, and the beautiful shape of the pelargonium crown, its shoots are needed after the appearance of 4-5 leaves. Only now, from December to January, it is better not to touch the plant, because it has a dormant period.

Propagation of geraniums at home with cuttings and seeds

Care and propagation of ivy geraniums, royal, ampelous and other varieties, involves growing a new plant by cuttings or planting seeds. Reproduction by seeds results in a compact plant with a huge number of peduncles. But this method is rather troublesome, and only experienced flower growers are engaged in such a process.

More in a simple way breeding pelargonium is planting cuttings. At the same time, planting material can be stocked up throughout the year, but it is still better to do this in the spring. The cutting should have 2-3 leaves and a length of about 5-7 centimeters. And the whole process goes like this:

• Cut off a cutting or several;
• Let him wilt during the day;
• Then pour crushed coal into the place of the cut;
• Plant the "baby" in a small flower pot, with loosened soil.

You can root the stalk in wet coarse sand, and constantly maintain moisture in it. Only when watering, do not get on the leaves of the plant and stems. Planted cuttings do not need to cover and feed anything. After the appearance of the roots, pelargonium is planted in a permanent place of "residence". Optimum temperature for the formation of strong roots, 20-22 ºC is considered.

How does geranium propagate by seeds:

• It is necessary to sow pelargonium seeds in loose soil, which consists of peat, sand and soddy soil in a ratio of 1: 1: 2.
• From above they cover with the same soil an thickness of 2.5 centimeters, and sprinkle with water from a spray bottle.
• Previously, the soil is shed with a not steep solution of potassium permanganate, so that the seedlings do not get sick.
• The planting is covered with glass, and, removing condensate as much as possible, constantly moisten the soil.
• In order for pelargonium seeds to germinate well, it is necessary to maintain an air temperature of about 18-22 ºC
• When shoots have appeared, the glass is removed, the temperature is lowered to 16-20 ºC, and the pot is placed in a bright place.

After 2 months, or even a little earlier, the plant will have 2-3 leaves. Now it can be planted in a pot, and to enhance tillering, pinch when there are at least 5-6 leaves.

geranium not blooming

The most common reason for the lack of flowering is the untimely formation of the crown, the plant must be cut regularly to stimulate flowering. Here are a few more reasons for the lack of peduncles:

• Low air temperature or lack of lighting.
• There can be very fertile soil, so it is better to purchase a substrate for pelargonium.
• Large flower pot. A lot of space stimulates the growth of roots, so the plant does not have enough strength to bloom.
• Few feed.

Leaves turn yellow, what to do?

This phenomenon also has several reasons:

• If the pelargonium leaves turn yellow and begin to dry around the edges, the plant lacks moisture.
• If the yellowing of the leaves is accompanied by their wilting, the opposite is the cause, an excess of moisture.
• The lower leaves turn yellow and gradually fall off - there is not enough light for the plant.
• Why do room geranium leaves turn yellow after transplantation - this is an adaptation process, which can also occur when changing the “habitat”.

How often is sick

The fact is that pelargonium is one of those indoor plants that suffer little from the attack of pests and diseases. But sometimes there are such problems:

• Gray rot (mold). It infects mainly the leaves of the plant, while diseased leaves must be removed immediately and watering stopped. After pelargonium is sprayed with antifungal drugs.
• Root rot. If the plant is watered too often, when the clod of earth does not have time to dry out in the pot, this disease appears. Unfortunately, for pelargonium, root rot is detrimental and irreversible.
• Aphid. Such pests can be green, gray and black in color, and settle on the underside of the leaves. To expel pests, an insecticide for indoor flowers is suitable, which is used according to the instructions on the package.
• Powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease. You can’t confuse it with anything, since the leaves and stems of the plant are covered with white, like flour in bloom. A fungus occurs due to high humidity in a warm room. To combat powdery mildew, a solution of copper sulfate, ammonium nitrate 0.5%, etc. is well suited.

But the use of toxic substances may not always have a beneficial effect on pelargonium, so low concentrated solutions should be used.

In the East, pots with white geraniums are placed near the entrance to the house, because it is believed that the plant repels snakes. And the ancient Slavs believed that the petals of pelargonium attract the attention of a loved one.

Caring for geraniums at home is not difficult, but you still need to learn the basics and rules for successful cultivation. Our article will provide you with information about this.

According to the biological classification, this plant belongs to perennial grasses and shrubs. Official name- pelargonium, not so often used even in books. Depending on the growing conditions, more than 300 types of geraniums are distinguished, but only its indoor varieties literally conquered the world and became a kind of symbol of the family hearth. In addition to purely aesthetic pleasure, a geranium flower is a very useful acquisition.

Treatment with pelargonium:

• Geranium oil is used for toothache and headaches. To do this, the inflamed area is moistened with a small amount of the substance.
• Geranium essential oil perfectly refreshes and disinfects the air, killing harmful microbes.
• Geranium extract is often added to massage oil to enhance the warming effect. Such manipulations will alleviate the condition with neuralgia and muscle pain. Recommendations for oral administration are best agreed with the attending physician so as not to harm the patient.

The most common types of geraniums

This bright beauty has quite a few "relatives" and is distinguished by a wide variety of colors. That is why pelargonium can be classified according to several criteria at once. According to the type of shoot formation, there are bush and ampelous geraniums. The first type is more suitable for home cultivation, as it allows the formation of compact and attractive bushes. Ampel or ivy geranium does not differ in care, but for its cultivation you will need a pot of a suitable design.

Common types of indoor geraniums:

A separate niche is occupied by garden or meadow geraniums. Its cultivation with equal success is possible both in the garden and in the apartment, so this versatility is also extremely popular. In addition to it, there is a peony and tulip-shaped geranium, the original inflorescences of which will decorate any garden or window sill.

Pelargonium colors are simply incredible variety. "Classic" is the blood-red geranium, which can be seen in overwhelming numbers. The exception is yellow and Blue colour which is not characteristic of this plant. Breeders are still continuing to work on breeding new varieties, so in the future, perhaps, such a pelargonium will appear instead of the usual red geranium.

Geranium care at home

Despite the wide popularity and unpretentiousness of the plant, without knowing the basic nuances of growing, you can easily ruin it. To prevent this, it is necessary to prepare the optimal location and everything necessary for comfortable growth before buying.

Basic care requirements

• The room temperature should not fall below +10 ºС, otherwise the plant will die. In winter, it is better to remove geraniums from the balcony and unheated loggia.
• Even in summer, the plant simply cannot do without sunlight, so it is worth highlighting the southern window sill for it. To prevent burns on the leaves, it is better to darken the window a little during the day.
• To form a neat bush, you need to pinch the top of the plant in time. Geranium pruning is also carried out for lush flowering.
• The geranium pot should not be too generous, and transplanting should be done only in extreme cases. At the same time, it is advisable to choose a container only 2-3 centimeters larger than the previous one, so that the plant blooms actively.
• The optimal fertilizer for pelargonium is a ready-made mixture for flowering plants. Do not use fresh organic matter, otherwise the plant will get sick. The frequency of feeding is once every two weeks.
• Dried inflorescences must be removed so that the plant has enough strength to develop new ones.
• When watering, it is necessary to ensure that moisture does not fall on the stem and leaves of the plant. From this, young pelargoniums especially often die.

Indoor geranium (pelargonium), with proper care, is able to bloom all year round with a short dormant period. Do not forget that South America is considered its homeland, so during the flowering period it is extremely important to provide the plant with top dressing and provide good lighting.

The composition of the soil is moderately fertile, good drainage must be provided in the pot so that water does not accumulate. Fertilize as needed, but watering is preferably plentiful. The soil should not dry out too much, but excess moisture will not benefit your plant. It is advisable not to spray, leaf care comes down to regular wiping from dust and pollution. Most types of geraniums boast "fluffy" leaves, which, when touched, release special substances, so hygienic care can be combined with involuntary "aromatherapy".

Pruning geraniums and shaping a bush

A very important stage in the care of pelargonium is the formation of a neat bush. To do this, the top of the young plant is necessarily cut off, and later on the side shoots. Pruning is best done in autumn, repeating in early spring if necessary. In this case, you should not get carried away - for normal development, the plant needs at least two lower leaves. Cropped branches can be successfully used to propagate pelargonium.

This procedure should not be carried out in winter, when the plant goes into a short hibernation.

Caring for royal geraniums at home is somewhat different from the recommendations given. Regular pruning can damage this lush beauty, so it is necessary to form a bush with care. The plant, as a rule, blooms in the second year, so the first pruning is best done after removing the inflorescences.

Geranium diseases and their manifestations

Black rot is considered the most terrible and incurable disease. The stem turns black, and the plant gradually withers and dies. Unfortunately, such conditions are not treatable, and the geranium is simply thrown away. To prevent this, it is necessary to carefully monitor the moisture content of the soil, avoiding excess liquid.

Geranium rarely gets sick, usually alarm signals are received due to improper care.

When planting and transshipping a plant, it is necessary to take good care of the composition and quality of the soil, because most pests hide there. To destroy the larvae, it is best to fry the earth in the oven or spill it with boiling water. If you plan to use purchased soil, you do not need to carry out such activities.

An aphid attack on a plant is a very unpleasant situation that modern drugs will help get rid of. Also good help folk remedies: treatment of leaves with laundry soap, tobacco dust and chamomile infusion.

There may be several reasons why geranium leaves turn yellow. The first is the lack of moisture. Fear of flooding a flower can lead to a catastrophic lack of water. If this alarming symptom has appeared on your geranium, it is necessary to ensure abundant watering, without going to extremes. Excessive waterlogging of the soil can also cause yellowing of the leaves, but at the same time they are softer and easily separated from the stem.

The second reason may be the lack of space. If the pot has become too small, the plant has nowhere to develop further, so the flowers and leaves suffer. Among other factors, poor lighting can be noted, because geranium is a very sunny and heat-loving flower. Violation of the temperature regime also contributes to poor health and even the death of a flower, so you should not subject it to such tests.

The only whim of a geranium - a dislike for change, can also be the cause of the plant's withering. If you notice that the pelargonium has begun to wither in a new place, you need to return it to its former place. Transplants are also not very favorably displayed on the state of the geranium, so you should not get carried away with this procedure. It is advisable to transplant in early spring, when the plant has not yet emerged from its short hibernation. The capacity should not be too large for the plant to develop well.

To the question: “why does the geranium not bloom?” you should also look for the answer in the wrong care. Pelargonium usually has a long flowering period, briefly restoring strength only in late winter. If the plant does not want to release buds, the reasons for this may be different.

Why geraniums don't bloom

• Transplanting into a pot that is too big. This plant likes some tightness and releases buds only after filling almost the entire space of the pot with rhizomes.
• fertile soil, which promotes leaf development. In this case, it is advisable to replace the mixture with a purchased one, designed specifically for flowering plants.
• Irregular feeding. The plant needs potassium supplements, as well as a small amount nitrogen fertilizers. Violating this balance or using organic matter can harm the plant.
• Timely pruning will help not only form the plant, but also provide additional strength for the buds.

Drying of the leaves is a common problem when growing geraniums. If it is a lack of water, the problem is solved quickly, but often the cause can be the disease "rust". The way out will be the processing of leaves with Bordeaux liquid or any similar purchased solution.

How to properly propagate geraniums

How to grow geraniums from cuttings

• For propagation, fresh cuttings are used, the length of which is at least 5 centimeters.
• After cutting, do not immediately plant the plant. For successful cultivation, it is dried a little, then the cut is treated with charcoal. Only after such procedures, the stalk is planted in the ground.
• The development of the offshoot in water is a very popular method, but the use of coarse sand will provide the maximum result. To do this, the plant is placed in a pre-moistened mixture. Two weeks later, the cutting with the first processes of the roots can be transplanted into the soil.

Propagation of geraniums by cuttings usually does not present any particular difficulties, especially since there is already a clear example of successful cultivation. Often in this way you can save money and buy your favorite pelargonium much cheaper than an adult plant. To eliminate the possibility of fraud, it is better to take cuttings only from trusted breeders or in a greenhouse.

Growing geraniums from seeds

A more painstaking and responsible business, with less chance of success, is to try to germinate a plant from seeds. The cost of such plants will also be much lower, but finding a decent planting material is much more problematic. Self-collection of seeds is usually not possible in indoor varieties. To do this, it is necessary to provide natural or artificial pollination. Seeds are collected in late summer - early autumn, while hybrid varieties will not pass on their unique properties to offspring, as usually happens in such cases.

Geraniums from seeds are grown at home, like any seedlings. Seeds are deepened into a suitable container and moistened with water from a spray bottle. For better germination, you can cover with glass or stretch a transparent film, but do not forget about ventilation. If you are using your own seeds, it is best to lightly sand the skin with fine sandpaper before planting to speed up germination.

Purchased seeds do not need such treatment, so friendly shoots will please you in two to three weeks. After the appearance of the first three leaves, the plant is transplanted into a separate pot. When the sprout forms 5-6 leaves, pinch the top a little so that side shoots grow. Having provided a comfortable temperature (about 18-22º) and sufficient watering, already after 5-6 months the geranium will delight with compact bushes.

Indoor geranium - unique and very beautiful home plant. Due to its unpretentiousness in care and reproduction, it can be successfully grown even for beginners.

She feels great on the balcony and in the garden, delighting the owners with long flowering. There are more than 300 varieties of pelargonium, while you can find the most unusual colors and configurations of inflorescences. In addition, geranium is not only an attractive bush, but also a medicinal plant with a very wide range of uses. How to care for geraniums, as well as get rid of some diseases with its help, is described in our article.