Pelargonium: the secrets of healthy growth

Pelargonium or geranium - one of the most popular indoor and garden plants, which is characterized by ruggedness and long lush flowering. On what conditions are necessary to create a flower to enjoy blooming all winter, discussed below.

What is Pelargonium?

There are several dozen species of plants that grow in homes and on the street.

1. Zone group - the most popular and common among gardeners. Divided according to the structure of flowers, into subgroups: Rosaceae, tulip, gvozdikotsvetnye, stellate.

2. Plyuschelistnye or hang-downing varieties with flowing shoots.

3. Royal geranium with large bright flowers.

4. Scented varieties differ foliage, spreading a pleasant fragrance of citrus, mint, apple, pine needles, peach.

All species do not cause trouble to care for and are suitable for the cultivation of a novice grower.

Lighting and temperature

Pots with a plant on the eastern windowsills, in the open field - in the openwork shade of other plants. Geranium needs a continuous, but diffused light. Under direct sunlight tender leaves can be burnt, and the flowers will wither.

In the winter, blossoming geraniums dosvechivat necessary, prolonging the daylight hours to 10-11 hours.

To plant a comfortable temperature is +20 +24 degrees during flowering and about 16 in the rest period. Drafts and sudden changes in temperature during the day should be avoided!

irrigation regime

Water-loving plant, but does not tolerate standing water. Flowering bushes watered every other day, but not cold and soft (settled tap, snow or rain) water.

The rest period reduce watering to once a week. Moisture on the leaves and flowers of Pelargonium abhors.

substratum

For planting geranium used shoplifter soil or soil mixture is prepared independently. The substrate should be loose, fertile and breathable.

It includes: garden or forest land, peat and coarse sand (vermiculite). Components are taken in equal parts, ready mix shed hot solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection.

Landing

A flower is placed in a small volume of pots, in the crush plant bloom faster. For planting cuttings taken from mature plants, maintaining them in a glass of water (with dissolved therein a growth factor) until roots.

top-dressing

Geranium fed during the loading of buds and blooms, every 2 weeks. Use special blends for fertilizing (Kemira, Pocono rainbow Fertikov).

Experienced growers apply fertilizer for lush flowering Pelargonium dissolving in 1 liter of water:

1 drop of tincture of iodine;

1 ml of hydrogen peroxide.

disease

If excessive moisture in combination with the lack of illumination and low temperature, geranium may suffer from fungal diseases and rot.

Save the flower may change in the ground or other healthy parts of the stem cuttings with subsequent planting a new primer.