Pelargonium

Family Geraniaceae. Native to South Africa. One of the most widespread plants; as a rule, pelargonium or geranium is encountered not in the collection of an experienced amateur grower, but on the windowsill of any grandmother who, without particularly knowing what to plant in or how to water correctly, nevertheless always enjoys the annual fragrant flowers.

Domestic pelargonium - Pelargonium domesticum - this species was bred specifically as a houseplant. Reaches approximately 50 cm in height, with rounded large leaves 7-9 cm in diameter, with a toothed margin. The inflorescence is an umbel on a long flower stalk. Flowers are about 5-6 cm in diameter, in a wide range of colors - lilac, pink, white, mauve, etc. Different cultivars can have double or single flowers, in colors from white to dark maroon, with or without markings. A characteristic feature for most cultivars of this species is the presence of a dark blotch or dark stripes along the veins on the lower petals. Blooms from March to July. Pelargonium domesticum prefers a cool winter rest; if kept in too warm a room during winter, it flowers poorly or not at all. Another name: Pelargonium grandiflorum.

Garden pelargonium - Pelargonium hortorum - grows about 60-100 cm depending on the cultivar; leaves almost round, with a wavy or fringed margin. Most cultivars have a distinctive reddish or brown band along the leaf edge. Flowers single or double, usually small - about 2-4 cm in diameter, gathered in many-flowered umbels. Flower shades depending on the cultivar range from white to burgundy or purple. With good care it can bloom almost year-round.

Scented (strongly fragrant) pelargonium - Pelargonium graveolens - a larger plant about 70-100 cm tall, with leaves divided into 5-7 lobes and covered with hairs, having a noticeable lemon scent. Each leaflet is in turn deeply divided, giving the leaves a lacy appearance. The umbels usually bear many flowers; they are not large and are pink in color.

Fertilizer applications during the active growth period from March to August every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer for flowering houseplants (potassium fertilizers). If there is a lack of nutrients in the soil, young leaves become smaller. Use the fertilizer dose as recommended in the instructions.

Air humidity: Pelargoniums do not require misting or other humidification; it is better not to place pelargonium next to plants that like high humidity and are regularly misted, so that water does not get on the leaves unnecessarily.

Repotting: As needed in spring, usually every two years; the top layer of soil can be replaced annually without repotting the plant. The pot should not be too large, as pelargonium flowers better if the pot is slightly snug. Pelargonium grows in almost any fertile soil. One soil mix option is: 1 part turf soil, 1 part leaf mold, 1 part humus soil, 1 part peat soil and 1 part sand.

Propagation: By cuttings at the end of winter or at the end of summer, as they root better then. Also by seeds.