Rose geranium is one of the most beautiful representatives of geranium, which during flowering resembles a bush with roses. The color of the buds is the most different: pink, white, red, blue.
And although in the care of the plant picky, it is important for him to provide temperature, humidity, timely water and properly fertilize and carry out prevention of diseases. Let's talk about the rules of growing this beautiful flower in our article. You can also watch a useful video on this topic.
Botanical description and history
South Africa is the birthplace of rosewood geranium. In the 18th century, the flower was brought to Europe, and in the 19th century - it was isolated as a separate species. Rose geranium was obtained by crossing with other species of this culture.
Appearance Description
Rosewood geranium is a perennial that belongs to the geranium family. Differs branched rhizome. It has a grassy and stiff stem that eventually woody from the bottom. The leaves are lobed, the notches on the leaf plate do not exceed 1/3 of the half width. The fruits of the box-shaped plant.
Difference from tulip
Very often, these two types of plants are confused. But Rose geranium is more lush and terry flowers resembling roses and collected in large inflorescences.
Popular rose varieties and photos with them
Consider the varieties of the beautiful rose geranium. Also in the photo you can see blooming rose plants, for example, Rosita with bright pink flowers, or Terry with raspberry amazing roses and other varieties of geraniums.
Apple Blossom Rosebud
This plant forms small perennial bushes with large and lush apical inflorescences. Umbrellas are dense, obtained from densely double-buds. The only lack of culture in its propensity for rapid growth, as a result of which it is necessary to regularly cut.
Tulip
This is a miniature bush, in which all the inflorescences are gathered together. Have a dark pink color. It is easy to care for the culture, which is why the variety is so valued by gardeners.
Red
This is a miniature plant that grows slightly. Apical shoots of burgundy color, and chaotic strokes are scattered on flower petals. The lack of variety is that it is difficult to get side shoots, so it is not always possible to form a shrub.
Terry
This is another amazing variety of rozobudnaya geranium, in which the buds take on a crimson, purple and coral color. They bloom umbrellas.
Rosita
This variety is fascinating for its beautiful flowers. Their shape resembles buttercups, but they also have a terry structure and a bright pink color. The development of the plant is slow, but the flowering lasts a long time - within 2 weeks.
Where and how to plant it?
Transplantation is better in March. To do this, you need to prepare a spacious plastic container. Lay a layer of drainage and fill 1/3 capacity nutrient soil purchased in the store.
After the preparatory work by the method of transshipment, transplant the plant, distribute the roots and fill the ground, tamp and pour.
Lighting and location
A well-lit room is necessary for the cultivation of rose geranium.in which there will be no direct sunshine. But too dark and shaded room does not fit, because geranium is a light-loving culture. It is important to monitor the temperature in the room, which should be 17-23 degrees of heat.
Soil requirements
Rose geranium prefers to grow in loose, moist and nutritious land. It should pass air well, have a neutral pH level.
Soil can be bought at a specialty store or cook it yourself. In the case of self-preparation, you will need to mix the following components:
- sod land - 4 parts;
- peat - 2 parts;
- sand - 1 part;
- perlite - 1 part;
- humus - 2 parts.
Home care
Humidity and watering
The plant does not impose special requirements on humidity, but it is important to maintain it within 60-70%. To do this, the room must be regularly ventilated.
Frequent hydration for geranium is unacceptable, because of this, it begins to rot. It is necessary to moisten the soil as needed. Also regularly check it for moisture. If there is a liquid, then it is not necessary to water the plant. When the earth crumbles and leaves no marks on his hands, it is simply necessary to irrigate it.
Do not use hot or too cold water for irrigation. It is better to use a liquid that has settled in advance.
Board: Geranium needs to be sprayed with a spray bottle every week. Wipe the leaves and stem with a damp cloth.
Top dressing
Fertilizers are recommended before and during flowering.. In the spring using mineral dressing. They are used every 2-3 weeks, and the dosage is calculated individually. As soon as the buds are tied, then phosphorus-potassium compounds should be included in the top dressing. In early autumn, exclude additional drugs to the plant was able to prepare for the winter.
Pruning
It is necessary to prune the plant after it has blossomed. First you need to inspect the flower and remove the parts that need to be fixed. If the stems are too long, then remove them. If it is necessary that new shoots are formed, then pruning should be carried out above the node.
In autumn, the stems should be cut to 1/3.. But as the flower continues to grow in winter, after the formation of the 5th bud, the bush should be pinched.
Common diseases and pests
When growing geraniums, the following problems are possible:
Fade leaves. This is a signal that the room is too warm or the plant is near the battery. To save the flower, you need to increase moisture and increase humidity.- Leaves changed color. This indicates too frequent watering or lack of light.
- Spots on the leaves. They indicate a viral infection. To save a flower, it must be transplanted into another soil, process the plant with fungicides. Also conduct an inspection at the expense of parasites. In any case, it does not interfere with the treatment with an aspirin solution (1.25 per 10 l of water).
- Flowers dry out. This is a fungus symptom. To combat it, you need to treat the plant with Bordeaux mixture of 5% or phytosporin.
- Whitefly and aphid. For processing use the goverment. Be sure to process the plant, which is located nearby.
- Gray rot. This is the most dangerous enemy. Recognize the disease by the presence of brown spot on the leaves of a flower. It is characterized by rapid spread. Treatment should be comprehensive. For these purposes, they use fungicides, exclude nitrogen-containing fertilizers, reduce watering and spraying, and monitor the looseness of the soil. In addition, the room should be well lit.
- The plant fades. This is the result of fungus activity. Recognize the disease by the presence of yellow and fading lower leaves. If no action is taken, the yellowness will start to affect the rest of the leaves. For processing used Trichodermin. You also need to change the soil mixture, as some fungi can maintain their viability in the soil for 15 years.
Fade leaves. This is a signal that the room is too warm or the plant is near the battery. To save the flower, you need to increase moisture and increase humidity.Breeding features
For reproduction of geraniums, rozebudnoy use seed method and grafting.
Seminal
- Wrap material in wet gauze. Leave it for 7-10 days in a room where there is no dry air. During this time, monitor the moisture content of the fabric.
- When the seeds swell, then transplant them into the prepared substrate. Cover the container with polyethylene, while regularly pouring soil.
- As soon as a sprout appears and 4 leaves grow on it, the film can be removed and the plants planted in separate pots.
- Grown plant is placed in a container of suitable volume. It is better to use an earthen pot, since this material is best to let air through. To prevent rotting of the root system will allow drainage, laid in a layer of 3 cm.
Cuttings
Geranium cutting can be carried out throughout the year., but the best time is from March to July. Procedure:
From the mother plant, cut off a half-lignified cutting, on which 3-5 internodes will be present, since the green and grassy ones will not take root.- Use only purchased land, adding vermiculite to it.
- In a plastic transparent cups pour nutrient mixture, seated prepared cutting. Preparation of planting material includes cutting, removing leaves and drying in air for 30-40 minutes.
- In the first days of watering should be carried out carefully, so as not to flood and not to overdry.
- Rooting cuttings occurs under the lamps for 2-3 weeks.
- Once the first roots are formed, you can fill the fertile land.
From the mother plant, cut off a half-lignified cutting, on which 3-5 internodes will be present, since the green and grassy ones will not take root.Conclusion
Rose geranium is a gorgeous flower that blooms for a long time and magnificently at home and in the gardens. And although in the care of the plant picky, leave it unattended can not, otherwise it will get sick or stop its development.
