Geranium, or, as our grandmother affectionately called this flower, "a little", is in almost every house. Dark green slightly pubescent leaves and magnificent flowers of various shades create a cosiness in the house. There was a time when this flower, along with ficus, was called philistine, but, fortunately, these times have sunk into oblivion, and geranium continues to delight us with its flowering.
Among the large family of geraniums, there are plants that are very unpretentious in care, and a novice in floriculture will also cope with their cultivation. But perhaps not everyone knows that among these plants there is a species that is awarded the title of royal. This flower can hardly be called simply geraniums, many inexperienced flower growers will not find any similarities between it and its sweet and more modest flower on the windowsill. And of course, it is unlikely that anyone will call him a “little fist”.
The heroine of our article will be a luxurious royal indoor geranium. This plant is not simple, requiring constant attention and careful care. But we assure you, your work will be more than rewarded when you see the flowering of royal geraniums.
Description
Royal geranium, or royal pelargonium, is a representative of the numerous genus pelargonium (Pelargonium), which has more than 250 species. This is a magnificent indoor flower, which, with proper care, pleases the owners with huge (15 cm) flowers of various colors of extraordinary beauty.
It is a native of the humid and hot climate of South America. She feels great in conditions of high humidity and does not tolerate direct sunlight. At home, royal pelargonium grows to 60-80 cm. A taller plant does not make sense to grow, since the buds are located only at the apical growth points. At a height of 100 centimeters, the plant completely loses its decorative properties.
Today, many gardeners are interested in royal geraniums. Home care for such a magnificent plant has many pitfalls that need to be circumvented in order for the capricious beauty to please her with flowering. It must be remembered that even with the full observance of all the rules of agricultural technology, it is impossible to extend the flowering period of royal geraniums. It is much shorter than in ordinary species.
Royal geranium does not bloom: what to do?
This question worries many gardeners. There may be several reasons for this. To understand them, you need to understand what the royal geranium needs . Home care of this plant requires the right choice of capacity for planting, the right soil, timely watering and pruning, providing a winter dormant period, replanting if necessary.
Let us consider in more detail the reasons why geranium refuses to bloom. In the case when the plant is planted in an oversized pot, pelargonium begins to actively build up green mass and grow. In this situation, the plant simply does not have enough energy for flowering, since its energy is spent on the growth of the root system and landscaping. Transplant the flower into a smaller vase.
Another reason is that the flower has damaged roots. You should be aware that royal geranium is susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections of the root system. Immediately determine the disease is not easy. This becomes apparent when the disease affects the stems and leaves. Geranium suffers from a lack of nutrients. In this case, the plant is treated with antiseptics, which are sold in all flower shops. However, if the disease is started, it is rare to save the plant. Floriculturists should be aware that any disease and pests (aphids, weevils, ticks, etc.) cause the plant to spend all its strength on fighting them. About flowering in such a situation is out of the question.
Another fairly common reason is the lack of a resting phase. What should be done in this case? Reduce watering in the autumn-winter period, do not feed the flower. Move the plant to a cooler place (for example, a loggia). Warmth in winter is fatal to royal geraniums. Watering also affects the flowering of the plant, although not as much as the above reasons. What watering requires geraniums and why competent pruning is very important for it, we will describe below.
Watering
Probably, looking at the photos presented in our article, many will really like the royal geranium. Home care for this beauty has its own characteristics. In particular, this applies to watering. This procedure is best done through a pallet. The plant will independently adjust the required amount of moisture. Water for irrigation should be settled, room temperature, you can use boiled chilled water.
Before flowering, leaves should be sprayed from time to time. A dry crust that has appeared on the topsoil is a signal for watering. Excess moisture can provoke plant diseases, and its deficiency leads to the absence of flowers.
Royal geranium: pruning for lush flowering
Quite often, flower growers make a very common mistake in caring for this plant - pruning is done in the spring. It would seem that this is the most suitable time, but in this case the royal geranium may cease to bloom. Pruning for lush flowering should be done in autumn and winter.
Often incorrect pruning leads to the fact that the plant grows too long stems and it loses its decorative appeal. To form a beautiful crown, you must strictly follow the simple rules:
- When pruning, it is necessary to take into account the genetic characteristics of the plant. King geraniums should be short and bushy.
- Pruning is carried out with a sharp disinfected knife or secateurs at the level of the leaf node.
- Pinching is done with clean hands.
- Sliced areas are treated with crushed cinnamon powder or charcoal.
- The stems facing the inside of the plant are removed completely.
Autumn pruning
Experienced flower growers know that royal geranium is very responsive to the competent formation of a bush. Pruning for lush flowering is most often done immediately after the pelargonium fades. This usually happens in late August. This procedure should be carried out in two stages with an interval of 1.5 months. This is necessary in order to prevent severe stress of the plant.
With such an early autumn pruning, the new shoots of royal geranium grows very quickly. Pinching them (over the fourth pair of leaves) stimulates the formation of new young shoots.
Trim order
To pelargonium pleased you with lush flowering, you must follow a certain order:
- removal of wilted stems and faded inflorescences;
- removal of dried leaves and those that are prone to wilting;
- examine the plant and determine which shoots should be cut to form a beautiful crown;
- remove bare and long stems completely (at the bottom node);
- in geraniums preparing for wintering, one third of the main stem should be cut.
Winter pruning
Florists with experience say that in short winter days, in the absence of sunlight, royal geranium is stretched to a height. Pruning for lush flowering at this time is partially replaced by pinching, and the long emerging shoots are cut off.
In April, royal pelargonium begins to bloom, so in mid-March pruning should be stopped. To keep the shape of the bush, pinching can be done in the summer, after flowering. It is strongly not recommended to cut geraniums from December to February, so as not to disturb the rest period. In winter, the plant rests. At this time, he needs minimal watering and an illuminated, cool (temperature not higher than 15 degrees) place.
Breeding
Royal geranium propagates, like ordinary varieties, by cuttings. At the end of August, cut the cuttings 7-9 cm long, soak them for several hours in the air, and then drop them into a peat-sand mixture. Using a plastic bag, create a greenhouse effect and make sure that the soil mixture is always moistened. Then make a mixture of sand, turf and leafy soil and plant rooted cuttings.
We told you what is required in order to please you with its beauty royal geraniums. The care and propagation of this luxurious plant is somewhat different from ordinary species. But if you follow all the rules of agricultural technology, this marvelous flower will reward you for your work with lush flowering, unfortunately, not too long.