Pelargonium - perennial Geraniaceae family. It has branched stems with leaves on long petioles. Blooming pelargonium has a spectacular appearance thanks to large variegated or solid flowers of rich pink, purple, white. It has no equal in terms of duration and abundance of flowering.

The importance of proper soil

Many lovers of pelargonium remember very well how they used to grow it in infertile soil. At the same time, the pelargonium grew and bloomed normally. Therefore, it is believed that the choice of soil for this indoor flower doesn't really matter.

But experienced gardeners know: one of the main tasks is to choose the right soil mixture for each plant. Soil is the food of plants. Not a single plant can live without soil.

As diverse as the world of plants is, so diverse is the environment in which they grow, including the composition of the soil. Currently, you can purchase special soil in which pelargonium will feel great and bloom beautifully, but it is better to prepare it yourself good soil.

The following soil composition is required:

• turf land;
• leaf soil;
• humus;
• sand;
• peat.

How to prepare the land?

What kind of pot do you need?

Pelargonium is quite picky about the features of the flowerpot. The appearance of this plant directly depends on the correct choice of container.

What to pay attention to:

1. Material. For any indoor plant the best is ceramic pot. It retains moisture well and protects against overheating.

   If pelargonium grew for a long time in a plastic pot and felt great in it, it is advisable to transplant it into a plastic one (?). At the same time, the previous growing conditions will be maintained. However, there is a drawback - the soil dries out quickly in a plastic flowerpot.

   The material of the pot is not critical and can be changed. In this case, it is necessary to remember that both the watering regime and the care regime as a whole will change.

2. Optimal size for a pot.
   • Pelargonium can be grown at home in a pot and box. If boxes are used, the distance between bushes should be at least 20 centimeters.
   • The selection of container depends on the size of the root system of the seedling. Even mature plants usually require a pot with a diameter of no more than 15 cm.
   • The diameter of the new pot should be two to three centimeters larger than the diameter of the old one.

     Important: Pelargonium blooms only when the roots in the flowerpot become crowded. If a plant is transplanted from a small pot to a large one, the flowers will not appear until the roots fill the entire volume.

     You can find out more about why pelargonium does not bloom.

   • The height of the flowerpot should be about 12-15 cm.

Be sure to have a drain hole at the bottom of the pot.

the roots of pelargonium shoots begin to grow already in the third or fourth week. Then the shoots are transplanted one by one permanent place residence. To make them bloom faster, they do not need to be pruned.

As the pelargonium grows, it may require another transplant into larger pots.

Every year in March, young pelargonium plants are transplanted into fresh soil. At the same time, they are severely pruned, leaving 2-5 buds on each shoot. Thanks to this, low, lush, abundantly flowering specimens are subsequently obtained.

Overgrown pelargoniums are replanted only if necessary - when the pot becomes cramped. After the threat of frost ends, pelargonium can be taken outside or planted in flower beds (5 plants per linear meter) in soil with the same characteristics as at home.

Adult pelargonium plants are picky about replanting, so it is better not to disturb them unless absolutely necessary.

The transplant procedure is as follows:

1. Prepare drainage, soil and pot.
2. Place a layer of drainage 3 cm thick on the bottom of the pot. Brick chips, finely chopped polystyrene foam or fine expanded clay can be used as drainage.
3. Carefully remove the plant from the old pot without shaking the soil from the roots.
4. If the pot does not change, it must be treated with bleach. Pour bleach into a container and leave it for a while, and then rinse well with water.
5. After the plant has been removed, it is recommended to carefully examine the root system for rotting and diseases. If there are damaged areas, then they need to be removed using scissors.
6. Place the plant by transferring it into a new or treated old pot without disturbing the earthen coma.
7. Sprinkle the roots with new soil until the flowerpot is filled and lightly compact.
8. Water.

What to do after the transplant?

1. Pelargonium needs to be watered and placed in a shaded place for one week. Make sure there is no overflow.
2. After 7 days, the plant should be installed in a warm and well-lit place. Pelargonium loves bright and diffused light.
3. 2-3 months after transplantation, the plant is fed with superphosphate, which stimulates flowering.

Advice! loves space. At home, you should not place it very close to other plants, especially those that are larger in size.

not very complicated. When breeding it, it is necessary to form correct soil, choose a small flowerpot, be careful during the planting process. By following the basic rules, you can get beautiful plants, which will delight you with spectacular flowers and pleasant aroma.

Video on the topic

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A lot has been said and written about geranium. All flower growers, beginners and experienced, know this flower, its special aroma, medicinal properties and beautiful bright blooms. I also have quite a few varieties of geraniums, also called pelargoniums. Despite the experience in floriculture and the unpretentiousness of this plant, in Lately I had problems with one copy.

It is very important in what nutrient soil mixture a flower will be planted, since its composition depends future destiny plants. There are several types of soil that are most often used when planting or replanting. indoor flowers. Let's look at the main ones.

Sod land

1. IN classic version Such soil is prepared in pastures or meadows where there is a lot of grass. Moreover, an old and stale, compressed layer is used. They take turf, as this type of soil is also called, in places with a neutral or low acidity level.
2. It is divided into 3 main groups: light - with a large percentage of sand, medium consists of equal parts made of sand and clay, while the heavy ones have the main part of clay and only a little sand.
3. The soil is prepared for use for several years, impregnated with mullein and lime to reduce the acidity level. Turf soil is in great demand in floriculture and gardening and is used everywhere. Its main advantage is its porosity and saturation with all necessary nutrients.

Leaf ground

• The main part is prepared in autumn period during leaf fall. Leaves are especially suitable fruit trees, as well as linden, acacia and maple. It is not recommended to use oak and willow leaves, as they contain a lot of tannins.
• Layers are prepared, which are impregnated several times with slurry and mullein, and lime is added. Shovel periodically. After a year, the land is ready for use. It is loose, rich in useful and nutritious substances.

Humus

It is obtained by mixing soil from a greenhouse and rotted manure. If you put it in a greenhouse in spring period, then in the fall there will be humus.

Humus soil can be light, made from horse and sheep manure, or heavy, made from cow manure. This soil is also shoveled and periodically moistened. First, the stacks are stored outdoors and then moved indoors.

Its composition is nutritious, rich in many essential microelements, but often too heavy for many plants. Use only according to instructions.

Peat

1. This substance is obtained from swamps. Fold into briquettes. Between them they water with slurry. There is peat chips. For several years it is periodically shoveled, only in the 3rd year the peat is ready.
2. The result is very light and loose soil that allows air and moisture to pass through well. More often, peat is used with other types of soil, making them more hygroscopic and moisture-permeable. The main role is as a leavening agent.

How to choose the right soil for geraniums

Despite the fact that the plant is unpretentious and undemanding in care, it is necessary to choose the right soil in order to see not only a healthy and flowering bush in the future, but also to be sure that the plant has good immunity.

• The main condition for this flower is that the soil must be fresh, not previously used, loose and light. It is imperative to place a layer of drainage in each flowerpot. Geranium does not tolerate stagnation of moisture in the root system.
• If you still have little experience in floriculture, then it is better to purchase a ready-made universal substrate and supplement it with some components: perlite, vermiculite and pre-washed river sand. It is important to mix all the ingredients until they are homogeneous, and then you can plant the flower.
• When choosing a ready-made substrate, make sure that it is free of mold and insects, and you also need to determine whether the soil is fresh or old. The second one will turn into a lump when compressed, and a quality one suitable for use will crumble.
• Peat soil must be included in the soil mixture, as it brings the necessary looseness and lightness.
• If you have experience in transplanting and planting plants, then prepare the soil yourself: mix 8 parts turf soil, 2 parts humus, 1 part sand and 1 part peat.
• Another option: ready-made soil (you can use “Krepysh”, “Gardener”, “Ogorodnik”, “Universal” from the Fasko agricultural company) - 10 shares, Sphagnum moss, cut into pieces - 1 share, sand - 1 share and half a share humus. If you buy universal soil “Terra Vita”, then humus is already included in the composition.

Main characteristics of the finished substrate

1. The soil mixture should be porous and loose, airy.
2. Good moisture permeability is essential, but at the same time required amount water should remain. Sphagnum moss helps with this, as it absorbs moisture and then gradually transfers it to the root system of the geranium. This prevents moisture stagnation.
3. Neutral acidity level - required condition For normal height and development of geranium.
4. Presence of the entire complex in the soil nutrients, micro and macroelements.

After the planting procedure, some gardeners quarantine the flower for about a month and do not place it next to other indoor plants. If there are no spores of harmful insects or viral bacteria in the soil, then the geranium is installed in a permanent place.

Important: if you decide to disinfect the soil before planting, then it must be watered with a solution of potassium permanganate or boiling water. But when you steam the soil in the oven at 180 degrees, it then takes several weeks for the soil mixture to restore the necessary nutritional microflora.

Heat treatments kill not only all pathogenic bacteria, but also beneficial ones. Such soil becomes “dead” and poor.

How to replant geraniums

The procedure should be carried out in several cases: if a flower is accidentally flooded, in the absence of flowering, or when root system completely occupied the entire space. It is quite simple to determine that the roots are crowded: the soil in the pot begins to dry out very quickly, and you have to water it very often.

• It is better to plan replanting in the spring before the start of the growing season. Buy a new pot, wash it with soap and let it dry. If it is too large, the geranium will not bloom until the root system has grown to its full volume (one of the reasons why it does not bloom).
• Place a drainage layer on the bottom. Pieces of polystyrene foam, gravel or crushed stone, small pebbles, and expanded clay are suitable.
• Then very carefully remove the flower from the old flowerpot, after moistening the soil. It is undesirable to damage the old clod of earth and root system.
• Next, inspect the roots. All dried, rotten or damaged areas must be carefully cut off with sharp scissors. Sprinkle the cut areas with finely crushed activated carbon to prevent viruses or diseases from entering the plant tissue.
• Next, using the transshipment method, move the geranium to new pot. Add new fresh soil and compact the soil a little. After planting, water the geranium and place it in partial shade for 7-8 days. This is how the plant adapts to the new container.
• Next, place the flower in a permanent place. Geranium loves the sun, but the most comfortable lighting for the plant is diffused. It can be placed on the south side, but it needs to be shaded from the scorching rays of the sun.
• Apply the first fertilizers after 8 weeks.

1. To ensure that the soil mixture remains loose and conductive, add a small amount of moss, foam chips, and small pebbles to the substrate. Then, when watering, the soil will not become crusty and compressed. You should not purchase a white plastic pot, in which the root system will overheat.
2. You need to be very careful with watering. On hot summer days, you need to moisten the soil daily, but in small portions. Be sure to drain excess water from the pan. During the cold winter months, limit yourself to a few waterings per week.
3. It is important that when moistening the soil in a pot, water does not get on the foliage and shoots. Moreover, you cannot spray geranium. She can't stand it.
4. The plant needs large quantities light, but the normal room temperature is suitable for geraniums: in the summer +18 - 23 degrees, and in the winter +10 - 15 degrees. Overheating is undesirable for geraniums, so winter period try not to place the flower near heating devices.
5. Best used as fertilizer mineral complexes. Organic fertilizers undesirable for geraniums. During the flowering period, it is better to focus on potassium and phosphorus; during rest periods, add nitrogen-containing substances. From the second half of April until the end of summer, geranium should be fed approximately once a week, and then gradually reduce the amount of fertilizer.

Conclusion

• The soil for geraniums must have a number of characteristics: be light and loose, well drained. You can purchase a ready-made substrate for geranium or a universal one. It is allowed to compose the soil yourself.
• After transplantation, the plant requires special care. The rest of the time, watering and fertilizing according to the schedule. When replanting, use only fresh nutritious soil and a new pot, small.

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

It appears as a small plant with flowers collected in round 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 experienced gardeners 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 geranium you can protect standing nearby crops from aphids.

Among the most common types are:

• Geranium bordered or zoned- the most common type, there are about 70,000 varietal varieties. The leaves are dark green with a brownish edge, the flowers are double and simple;
• Ivy-leaved- 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-leaved geranium. Visually you can find similarities with a viola;
• - less beautiful than the previous ones, but has a very pleasant aroma, which arouses the interest of gardeners;
• Royal geranium considered the most beautiful variety plants. Paniculate inflorescences can reach 7 cm in diameter. The colors of the flowers are extremely varied.

How to care for a plant?

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

Temperature and lighting

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

Pelargonium is a light-loving plant. And it is not afraid of periodic exposure to direct rays of the sun. The lack of sunlight will cause the leaves to be small and the flowering to be less beautiful and abundant.

Humidity and watering at different times of the year

The culture does not need too humid air. And the plant is completely afraid of spraying. That's why when spraying nearby crops, it is important to avoid water droplets getting on the leaves of pelargonium.

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

What kind of soil and fertilizing is needed?

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

• Turf land;
• Leaf soil;
• Humus;
• Sand;
• Peat.

At the beginning of flowering and before it, it is advisable to apply fertilizers with a high phosphorus content. Geranium does not tolerate organic fertilizers. Standard fertilizers for flowering crops can be applied about twice a month. You can prepare the fertilizer yourself. 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 mature plants usually require a pot whose diameter does not exceed 15 cm. It is advisable to choose baked clay pots, but they are more expensive than plastic ones. But it will grow in a plastic pot too. The only negative is that the soil dries out quickly in a plastic container.

Geraniums do not need large flowerpots. This is due to the fact that it begins to bloom only after the root system has filled the entire space.

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

Reproduction and transplantation

Geraniums are propagated in two ways:

1. Cuttings;
2. Seeds.

There is nothing complicated about propagation by seeds. Most seeds germinate great. 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 the mother plants.

How to sow seeds?

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

Propagation by cuttings

The process is also not particularly complicated. It is best to stock up on it in the spring, although you can do this throughout the year. The length of the cutting should not exceed 7 cm and be less than 5 cm. It must have at least two leaves. How to plant?

• Fresh cuttings required dry for 24 hours, and before planting, treat the cut area with crushed coal;
• The 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;
• Optimal temperature for rooting about 20 degrees;
• After rooting they need to be transplanted to a permanent location.

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

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

Diseases and pests

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

Also often meets fungal disease- gray mold on leaves. Drying the soil can help prevent mold. Leaves affected by the disease must be removed, watering should be stopped and the plant should be sprayed with an anti-fungal preparation. And geraniums need to be exposed to the sun.

Among the pests we should highlight:

• Whitefly- looks like a white butterfly. It settles on the underside of the leaves, sucking the juice from them. The pest must be collected and removed in time before it multiplies and destroys the pelargonium. If the condition is advanced, then you need to use anti-whitefly medications;
• aphids- against aphids it is necessary to use an insecticide designed to destroy them.

Medicinal properties and contraindications

It’s not for nothing that many people call geranium a home doctor. For example, Pelargonium oil is used to relieve muscle fatigue and also helps eliminate pain in the spine. Compresses help draw out pus from wounds and also treat ulcers on the body.

In addition, the oil of this culture is used to treat runny noses and fight earaches. Pelargonium oil is great for coping with depression and just bad mood.

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

An infusion of the leaves is also effective struggles with insomnia.

However, before using geranium in medicinal purposes You should definitely consult your doctor. This is especially true for pregnant women, young children, and the elderly. Also, those who suffer from constipation, stomach ulcers and chronic diseases should not take decoctions from the roots and leaves of the plant.

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

Reminder for caring for the plant

Annually In the spring-summer period 20-25, from October to the end of February 12-15 In hot weather - every day, but without stagnation of water in the ground. In winter - 2-3 times a month. Does not need Bright lighting, 2-3 hours direct is better than the sun In winter, a period of rest is desirable; drafts should not be allowed

Lighting

The plant loves bright lighting; direct rays of the sun 2-3 hours a day do not harm it. However, you can’t leave geraniums in the sun either. This can cause its leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

Lack of light negatively affects the growth and flowering of pelargonium.

Pelargonium grown in partial shade or shade becomes elongated, does not bloom, and its shoots become thinner. Therefore, in winter, when there is a lack of light, it is advisable to use artificial lighting.

Temperature

In the spring and summer, when pelargonium is actively growing and blooming, it is necessary to maintain a temperature of 20 to 25°C. From October to the end of February, you can organize a cool winter for the plant with a temperature of 12 to 15°C. In such conditions it is at rest and does not grow.

In winter, it is advisable to create dormant conditions for pelargonium.

If there is no suitable place for wintering, geranium can be kept in winter and at room temperature. But in this case it is necessary to organize additional lighting.

Watering

During the growing season and flowering, the plant requires abundant watering. In very hot weather it should be watered every day or every other day to prevent the soil from drying out. But you should avoid waterlogging and stagnation of moisture in the soil.

During wintering, watering geraniums is sharply limited.. The earth clod is moistened 2-3 times a month to upper layer the soil in the pot became dry. This will prevent root rot at low temperatures.

Do not water geraniums cold. The water should be at room temperature and should be left to stand for 2-3 days before watering.

The soil

The soil for planting geraniums should be fairly fertile and not very permeable to water..

However, clay substrates are not suitable for this plant, since stagnation of water in the soil can cause fungal diseases.

Here are some soil mixtures that are most suitable for this plant:

• Leaf soil, turf soil, humus and sand in a ratio of 2:2:2:1;
• Compost soil, humus, peat and sand in a ratio of 1:1:1:1;
• Garden soil, peat, sand in a ratio of 1:1:1.

Fertilizer

For abundant flowering Pelargonium should be in a small volume of soil. Therefore, fertilizing during its growth and flowering should be carried out regularly. The plant should be fed at least once every two weeks, and preferably once every 10 days.

The best fertilizers for indoor geraniums are liquid complex fertilizers.

You need to choose a mixture for flowering plants so that it contains more potassium and phosphorus. Fertilizers are applied to moist soil 1-2 hours after watering.

With the onset of autumn, geraniums are fed once a month., and with the beginning of October they stop fertilizing the land altogether. They begin to feed pelargoniums only in mid-March.

Humidity

The plant requires moderate air humidity. When it increases, the roots may rot, and when it decreases, the leaves dry out and fall off. It is advisable to regularly ventilate the room with pelargoniums, but the plants should not be in a draft.

For indoor geraniums you do not need to create high humidity . It does not need spraying. On the contrary, getting water on pubescent leaves can cause rotting, and dried drops leave streaks on the leaves.

Peculiarities

To increase the flowering time of pelargonium, you need to plant the plant in small pots. The winter dormancy period also contributes to this.

Geraniums kept at room temperature all year bloom much less often.. Ampel varieties pelargoniums bloom in July and fade in early October.

Do not keep the flower in a draft or near heating appliances. In this case, pelargonium first loses its lower leaves, and then all its shoots can become bare, on which only 2-3 upper leaves remain.

In the spring, when warm weather sets in, indoor geraniums can be taken out into the garden and planted directly in the ground.. On outdoors it can exist until autumn. In the garden or flower bed, these plants bloom the most luxuriantly.

Trimming / Support / Garter

To maintain a decorative appearance, indoor geraniums need to be pruned. Pelargonium is pruned in March before the start of the active growing season..

Geraniums are formed in the following forms: standard and bush.

The standard form is not pinched from above, growing a straight trunk. All side branches on it are removed. As soon as its height reaches 70-80 cm, the top shoot is pinched, which first leads to the appearance of several new top shoots, and then to the formation of a pelargonium crown.

Transfer

How to replant geraniums at home? Pelargonium needs to be planted in new land every year. Best time for transplantation - mid-March.

It is better to transplant geraniums using the transshipment method.. With a strongly developed root system, you can remove excess soil from the roots, and lightly trim too long roots.

Replanting geraniums requires a little more than the previous one. But you cannot plant the plant in a spacious pot, as this leads to an increase in leaf mass and poor, short-lived flowering.

Make sure to have good drainage in a geranium pot., to excess water left the soil. Typically, the drainage layer is made of fine expanded clay, which retains moisture well. After transplanting, the plant needs to be watered well.

Video

We recommend that you watch a useful video on the topic of the article:

Now you know everything about caring for indoor geranium (pelargonium) at home and about propagating the plant.

Briefly about what pelargonium loves.

There is a lot of light, sun and air, but if the summer is very hot, then give her baths more often, washing the leaves and not touching the flowers. It's better to do this in the evening.

What kind of soil does pelargonium like?

Once the growing season has passed, pruning geraniums helps them stay healthy and dormant during the colder months. This way, the geranium will retain its vigor throughout the winter and come back to life when the temperature rises. If you live in a temperate climate where winters are not so cold that the ground freezes, you can let geraniums grow in the winter. In colder areas where the soil freezes and hardens, it is convenient to dig up geraniums and stick them in during the winter. Cut back geraniums you allow to grow over the winter into spring.

There is no need to spray pelargonium; this has a detrimental effect on the petals.

In the warm season, it is better to expose it to fresh air, since it grows in its homeland in open ground, so it will only winter at home. It does not like heat, and it needs coolness only during the rest period.

Give it plenty of free space (it doesn’t do well when it’s choked out by nearby plants).

Your geraniums will continue to grow throughout the winter and long, woody stems will emerge. This aspect is not very attractive and therefore geraniums should be pruned as soon as the new growing season begins. This helps the geraniums grow thick and beautiful as the temperature rises.

If you allow geraniums to grow outside during the winter, pick them up in late March or early April when temperatures begin to rise. If you allow geraniums to grow in winter in indoors, wait until the soil melts. You can gradually acclimate them to the outside climate by taking them out to sunny and warm days and storing them again at night. Once the last frost has passed, you can replant them in the ground or leave them outside in pots. Observe the plant from all angles to identify areas that pose problems. However, it may take several weeks for new leaves and flowers to sprout.

• Examine the plant.
• Look for areas that don't have many leaves, dead zones or unevenness.
• If the center stem is still green, the plant will survive.

Removing dead flowers allows the geranium to put its energy into producing new flowers.

Water generously, ensuring good stock excess water, this way we will prevent waterlogging.

If the leaves and flowers of your pelargonium have changed their appearance, then this is the first sign that the plant is either overdried or receives more water than it needs. In addition, if pelargonium feels great, there are a lot of leaves and they are beautiful, but the plant does not bloom or gives little color, then this indicates that it is also waterlogged.

Additionally, keep your vision clear of the plant's stems, and this way you can better understand what you need to fix. This quick way keep your plant healthy and you don't even need tools. Trimming them will prevent the plant from wasting energy trying to keep them alive.

It is best to cut it out and allow the plant to produce new and stronger stems. Cut out healthy stems with flowers. In the spring, cutting back healthy flowering stems encourages the plant to produce more flowers. Follow the flower stem where it joins the main stem and use a pair of pruning shears to cut it flush with the main stem. This will activate the dormant buds and you will see new shoots in a short time.

How do you know if it's time to water a flower or if it's too early? Touch the top layer of soil in the pot with your finger; if it is dry on top but moist below, then you need to wait another day or two to water.

With the onset of cold weather, we bring the plant indoors. It overwinters either in a window, then we reduce watering somewhat, or in a cool place (not lower than 7 degrees Celsius), then we leave the soil almost dry, moistening it only occasionally.

If you don't want to make the pruning so aggressive, follow the stem with a flower up to 7mm at a node or ring around the stem in the geranium. A new flash will come out of this node. . Trim long, thin stems. Cutting these stems back almost to the base of the plant allows new buds to be produced from below, creating a denser, leafier form. Use scissors to trim the stems at the base, 7mm above the bottom node.

Features of growing a flower at home

Save the cuttings to propagate the plant! Be sure to write down which end of each cutting is best, because if they are planted upside down, the cuttings will not grow. Just make sure each one is cut 7mm below the knot.

• Cut off the bottom end of the cuttings.
• Keep the cut vertical and find the lowest knot.
• Cut 7mm below the knot.
• Long cuttings can be cut into several parts.

Geraniums decorate our terrace, balconies and gardens, we can say that geranium is the plant par excellence of summer.

Soil for pelargonium.

Compost, if it is very rich in nutrients, must be diluted with ordinary garden soil and coarse river sand, since if the plant receives a lot of nutrients, this will have a beneficial effect on the development of green mass, but will suppress flowering.

What do I need to know to plant geraniums?

There are many varieties, even man-made, of many colors. Ideal plant for those who live in dry regions and with very hot summers. As you might imagine, geraniums need a lot of light, even in direct sunlight, so don't be afraid to place it on the balcony because it will produce flowers with complete safety; in fact, the more light there is, the more flowers will grow. However, to withstand sun and heat, geraniums need plenty of water; depending on the temperature, it is ok to water them daily or on alternate days, but remember that you do not need to flood the soil, but wet it.

Pieces of charcoal added to pots will help prevent root rot.

In which pots is it better to plant pelargonium?

The choice is small: either baked clay or plastic.

Plastic pots are inexpensive, beautiful and lightweight. But they dry out more slowly, which means that the plant may undergo rotting processes at the slightest mistake in watering. In addition, if such pots are dark in color, they will concentrate too much heat.

What and how to feed pelargonium

Excess water has disastrous consequences for plants whose roots eventually rot. A pot with holes in the base is a good ally; This releases excess water and ensures soil drainage. Speaking of soil, do not forget to enrich the sand with soft organic matter, peat or charcoal; Animal fertilizers are not recommended for this type of plant as they can be somewhat abrasive; However, it is recommended to use liquid fertilizer based on potassium, nitrogen or phosphorus, as well as worm humus, which is the most natural.

Clay pots, on the other hand, are made from natural material, they allow air and moisture to pass through well.

The size of the pot also affects the growth of pelargonium. The roots do not require much space; they will not only develop better in close quarters, but will also rot less. In addition, the flowers will be more beautiful and bright. So, for one plant you need a pot with a diameter of no more than 15 cm.

How to grow our geraniums

It is advisable to enrich the substrate every two weeks and thoroughly remove the soil at least once a month. The simplest and effective method- using cuttings, since geraniums are captured immediately. To do this, you need to choose a stem that has leaves, which is not a problem since geraniums tend to grow abundantly and quickly. Cut the entire stem and plant in the pot with holes in the base in which we placed the enriched substrate. After two weeks, the cutting will take root and you will soon see the first buds.

What and how to feed pelargonium.

During the flowering period, the plant needs feeding. We start giving fertilizers at the end of February (until October), in spring and summer at least twice a month. It is better to use liquid fertilizers diluted in water for irrigation, as dry fertilizers can cause burns to the root part. We never fertilize a plant if it is too dry; we fertilize it only in slightly moist soil. Follow the indicated dosage, otherwise the plant, instead of abundant and long flowering may simply get sick or die.

There is no need to do practice pruning in this type of plant; simply remove dead leaves and dead branches. You can also cut the outer shoots of the branch to encourage the growth of the same and get a leafy geranium. The most common situation is with a potted plant for windows, balconies and terraces, in which zoned, ivy and semi-hung zones enjoy the majority. Those of the thinking type and fragrant leaves are widely used as houseplants.

To make it easier to navigate when choosing a fertilizer, use this advice: all fertilizers have different composition components, but they all contain nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.

If we want to achieve abundant green mass, then we give preference to those fertilizers that contain more nitrogen. If there is abundant flowering, and this is exactly what we expect from our pelargonium, then it needs more potassium and phosphorus.

This custom creates a number of conditions that must be taken into account. The volume of the pot or planter should be proportional to the size of the plant and therefore contain sufficient quantity substrate so that the roots find a good environment for development. Located in sunny exhibitions, the irrigation rhythm, which is always done in the morning or dying, will be carried out in accordance with the temperature, being able to be done daily in the harshest days of summer. Regular application of fertilizers should not be forgotten while the plant is active.

Planting from stolons or seedlings

Colorful geraniums are stunning flowers for gardens. The flowers, which are usually pink, purple, white or red, cluster in mid-spring until early fall when they are properly courted. Geranium roots will rot if left in water for a long time. Several types of geranium can be planted in 26cm pots, but smaller types flourish in 15 to 20cm pots. These flowers grow well when there are not many roots and need to adapt to the space to develop. Choose a vase made from a material that suits your needs. If you plan to move the plant from one location to another, avoid very heavy pots and stick to plastic containers. Clean the vessel. Dirty pots may contain bacteria or insect eggs that are too small to see with the naked eye. These hidden dangers can prevent a plant from reaching its full potential. Determine what method will be used to plant the flowers. Using plant smears or purchasing seedlings from a garden store are the most simple ways planting geraniums in a pot. There is also the possibility of using seeds. Select soil good quality. Lower quality soil may hold a lot of moisture, causing the root to rot after planting the geranium. These flowers grow best in soils with better drainage, especially if they contain traces of organic materials. Geraniums need six to eight hours of direct sunlight to grow, but some types prefer some shade during the day. Fertilize geraniums once a month using liquid fertilizer. Lots of fertilizer will cause geraniums to produce strong, healthy leaves, but will also prevent flower development and keep the plant as healthy as possible. fewer flowers. You can use a slow-release granular fertilizer. Use it only once during the spring.

• Choose a vase with holes in the base.
• So drainage is essential for this.
• Choose a vase that matches the size of the plant.
• Place the vase in the sun.
• Let the soil dry out after each watering.
• Test the soil by placing your finger on top of it.
• If it's dry, add enough water to not soak up the soil.

Remove dying flowers frequently.

The label usually indicates the percentage of elements. If you don’t find this on the package, then it’s better not to take this fertilizer.

Sometimes, instead of the words “nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,” we see only capital letters: N.P.K., where N. is nitrogen, P. is phosphorus, K. is potassium. These letters are always accompanied by numbers that indicate the concentration of these substances. For example, N1, P1, K2. That is, there is less nitrogen and phosphorus in this fertilizer than potassium. If you see only numbers, without letters, then you should always read them only in this order: N.P.K. By the way, this is exactly the ratio of elements that our favorite needs.

Flowers that die wither and lose their color. Remove brown leaves and dried stems to minimize the risk of fungal diseases. Protect your flowers from harsh winters by moving them to a nicer location, such as the basement. When winter is over, apply the fertilizer and place it in indirect sunlight to re-set it. Choose plants that require geranium-like growth: intense sunlight and well-drained soil. Bacterial diseases can destroy geraniums, causing them to lose weight for no apparent reason. There is nothing that can cure this disease, and infected plants should be moved from the site to prevent contamination of other plants. Many species stop blooming when temperatures are very hot, but the flowers return in warmer climates.

• Just water it if it starts to dry out.
• Mix geraniums with other flowers to create a miniature potted garden.
• The intense heat of summer can seriously damage geraniums.

Whether it's for the fragrant leaves with exotic scents or for the unexpected and subtle nuances that color its flowers, new geranium varieties are a box of surprises.

Do not take those fertilizers where the number near the letter N. will be higher than that of the letters P. and K.

Fertilizers that gardeners use to grow tomatoes are suitable for pelargoniums.

A few more words about lighting.

There is no beautiful pelargonium without light. Without light, the plant loses the brightness of the color of the leaves, and flowering is reduced. Therefore, in dark room or shady garden pelargonium will not be able to show everything that it is capable of.

As for direct rays of the sun, they are harmful if the plant is indoors, behind glass. And in the open sun, pelargonium easily tolerates them.

Temperature conditions.

On fresh air pelargonium easily tolerates high temperatures and direct sun (in room conditions she does not like the same temperature and the sun through glass). In spring it also needs warmth.

And during the dormant period it needs coolness (from October to the end of February). At this time, we rarely water it, and maintain the temperature at least 5-7 degrees Celsius (the veranda and attic are ideal for this). At this time, pelargonium leaves may turn red - this is the result of the action low temperatures and has nothing to do with the disease. When changing temperature regime from cold to warm, the color of the leaves will return to their original color.

If you want your pelargonium to winter in a warm room, then continue watering as in summer and stop feeding.

Caring for a flowering plant.

When pelargonium flowers fade, the petals curl, wither, and some leaves turn yellow. This not only affects the appearance, but also weakens the plant and makes it more susceptible to disease. Therefore, at the first signs of wilting, it is necessary to remove all faded parts. This way the plant will bloom longer and will be more beautiful.

If you go on vacation and the flower is left unattended, then in addition to doing everything to ensure that it receives sufficient watering, remove all flowers from the pelargonium, even the buds. When you return from vacation, the plant will be covered with flowers.

Pelargonium, or geranium, does not like changing its place of residence too much. But there are situations when a transplant becomes necessary. How to do it correctly so that the relocated plant does not experience stress that can delay its development for a long time, or even lead to death?

For experienced florist Transplanting geraniums is not a very complicated operation. The main thing is to start it on time and prepare well. Newbies immediately have many questions:

When to replant?
- what kind of soil should I use?
- how to choose a pot?
- in what sequence should the transplant itself be performed?

When should geraniums be replanted?

There is an opinion that it is not at all necessary to replant geraniums growing at home - just pruning is enough. Moreover, this plant is not grown for more than three to four years, replacing bushes with new ones obtained from cuttings.

But if geranium grows in open ground, in the fall it will still have to be replanted in a pot in order to bring it indoors. In this case, they usually use a transshipment with a large earthen ball, which allows you to move the bush with minimal losses.

Other possible reason transplantation - a disease of the roots, for example, from excessive moisture. Here, transshipment is no longer enough - the soil must be replaced. Everything has to be done urgently, regardless of the time of year, otherwise the plant may simply die.

Sometimes indoor pelargonium In the summer they are planted in open ground or in a flowerpot located outside. This is done no more than once a year.

And finally, the last reason is ordinary crowding, when a growing bush requires additional feeding area. It is better to carry out this operation in the spring, somewhere in March, before flowering begins.

Soil for replanting?

There are soil mixtures designed specifically for planting geraniums. Usually they are loose, fairly light, but fertile soil. But for indoor plants Ordinary garden soil with a little sand will also work. Another option is a substrate consisting of humus, peat, turf soil and sand, taken in equal parts. You can use ready-made Begonia soil by adding perlite or vermiculite.

But if you want to create special comfort for your pelargonium, it is better to use this recipe:

Humus - 2 shares;
- turf land - 8 shares;
- river sand- 1 share.

Choosing a pot

Correct selection of the pot is one of the conditions for successful transplantation. If it is too small, the roots will become crowded, the plant will be lethargic and may not respond even to fertilizing. The tips of the roots hanging from the drainage hole, like a washcloth, are a sure sign that it’s time to move the geranium to a larger container.

But a pot that is too large will not do this plant any good. The rapid growth of green mass, which will be produced by numerous shoots, will not allow it to bloom. Taking this into account, for replanting you need to prepare a pot that will be only 4 - 5 cm wider than the previous one. And in the case when geranium is planted in balcony box, the distance between adjacent specimens should not exceed 25 cm.

A prerequisite is that any pot for geraniums, regardless of its size, must have enough big hole for water drainage.

Transfer procedure

First of all, pour it into the bottom of the pot. This could be a layer of expanded clay, crushed shards from old clay pots, or broken red brick. In extreme cases, even polystyrene foam will do if it is torn into small pieces.

To ensure that pelargonium can be easily removed from the old pot along with the soil, it should be watered before replanting. Then carefully remove it, separating the earthen lump from the walls of the vessel, and place it together with this lump in a new container. Free space The edges must be covered with a pre-prepared wet substrate so that no voids are formed. It will be possible to water in three days.