Fragrant pelargonium is a well-known plant that has a lot of useful properties that are effectively used in folk medicine. The evergreen shrub is a native of South Africa (Cape of Good Hope) and for artificial purposes began to be grown due to its decorative effect and for the sake of obtaining the essential oils found in the leaves of the plant and its stem.
In warm climates, fragrant pelargonium, often called geranium due to the similarity of the leaves of both plants, is grown on an industrial scale.
Description of fragrant pelargonium
Fragrant pelargonium - a completely unpretentious flower in the care, quickly rooted and easily propagated. The stem of the plant is densely branched, lignified at the base, a little less than a meter high. The upper leaves, the color range of which varies from pale green to dark shades, are arranged alternately, the lower leaves are opposite; petioles are hairy. Monotony is often diluted with blots of red or burgundy color. Pelargonium leaves are decorated with a frill along the edge or deep cuts. The flowers are gathered in umbrellas and delight the eye with various colors: violet, red, pink, white. The plant has a mild aroma, fragrant pelargonium with a smell of lilac is very beautiful.
The qualitative growth of fragrant pelargonium depends on factors such as:
- good lighting;
- timely regular watering;
- warm climate;
- pruning
- topping;
- lack of spraying.
Lighting
Fragrant pelargonium, home care for which is not particularly difficult, feels comfortable on warm and bright window sills; most suitable for the plant are southern windows. The plant is very fond of the direct rays of the sun, with their lack of ceases to delight others with its flowering or blooms very poorly. Pelargoniums are well grown in hanging baskets and pots. These flowers love a warm climate, direct sunlight, good drainage.
Content temperature
In winter, the temperature most comfortable for pelargonium is + 8-10 ° C, in summer + 25-30 ° C. Moreover, during this period of time it is recommended to keep the plant outdoors or on the balcony.
The room in which the flower is located must be regularly ventilated, providing an influx of fresh air.
Watering
In watering, fragrant pelargonium loves moderation: an excess of water can cause rotting of the roots and wilting of leaves. In winter, the moisture supply must be reduced at times - the plant will quite easily tolerate its lack. Spraying pelargonium is not necessary, since the flower does not suffer from dry air at all. This procedure can only be done in summer, at very hot temperatures.
Top dressing
Two months after transplantation, pelargonium is recommended to be fed twice, with an interval of two weeks,. Improving flowering will result from liquid mineral fertilizers (with a maximum of phosphorus and a minimum of nitrogen); Organic raw flower does not digest well. Especially feeding is relevant during the period of active growth.
Pruning
In order to ensure lush flowering, pelargonium must be cut every year, leaving shoots with 2-4 nodes. Along the way, yellowed and dried leaves should be removed. To carry out these manipulations, you need to use a sharp knife, tearing off the leaves with your hands is not recommended, because rotting of torn edges can begin. It is advisable to sprinkle the cut points with charcoal.
The soil
The most comfortable fragrant pelargonium, the healing properties of which are appreciated by traditional medicine, will feel in a soil rich in nutrients. This can be a self-made composition of peat, sand and garden soil. A good drainage layer must be laid at the bottom of the landing tank. In order to ensure access of oxygen to the root system, the earth is periodically required to be loosened.
For the cultivation of pelargonium, a small pot is most suitable: with too large a capacity, the plant blooms not so brightly and abundantly. Pelargonium crown can be given a magnificent shape by making a pinch in February or March (removal of the growth point). An annual transplant is recommended for young plants, for adult specimens - as they are fully entwined with the roots of the flower pot.
Breeding
Vegetatively and by seed - two ways in which fragrant pelargonium propagates. Home care (photo) is simple, if you plant a plant correctly.
In the vegetative method, green apical cuttings with at least 3 leaves are cut at the end of the winter or summer season. The slice is made just below the node, at an angle. Cuttings need to be dried for several hours; Before planting, it is recommended to treat the cut points with a growth stimulator and charcoal. In a landing container you need to place a substrate of the same parts of peat, turf land and sand. A container with plants is placed in a place where diffused bright light penetrates; the soil is constantly sprayed. Rooting occurs within 15-20 days. Then, stronger seedlings need to be planted in individual containers. Fragrant pelargonium will begin to bloom approximately 5-7 months after rooting.
When growing pelargonium seeds, they are sown in December-February. Peat in its pure form or in combination with sand is suitable as soil. Shoots will appear in three weeks. All this time, the soil must be regularly moistened, and young plants create a greenhouse effect by covering the container with film or glass. Pelargonium is transferred to a separate container after the appearance of three leaves on it. A pinch is best done with the number of leaves not less than 6. The first flowering of a young plant is observed after about a year.
Problems in the cultivation of pelargonium
- Fragrant pelargonium (photo) does not bloom.The reason for this may be the wintering of the plant at high temperature and bright light.
- The base of the stem blackens. Pelargonium may be affected by root rot.
- The edges of the lower leaves dry; the leaves turn yellow. This symptom indicates a lack of moisture in the soil. It is required to water the plant more often.
- Withering of the lower leaves, their yellowing and decay. Frequent watering, not giving time to dry soil. Leaves need to be cut, the places of cuts treated with powdered powdered coal.
- Swelling is observed on the leaves. This indicates an excess of moisture in the soil. Watering the pelargonium is required two days after the top layer has dried.
- Gray rot. Caused by stagnation of water in the substrate.
Of the pests, pelargonium is preferred by whiteflies and aphids.
The beneficial properties of pelargonium
It is believed that fragrant pelargonium is a flower of health, protection and love; she is able to cheer up and relieve negativity. If pink flowers of pelargonium bring love to a person, then white give the joy of motherhood. Fresh leaves of pelargonium are used to aromatize water when taking bath procedures or in the last water when rinsing hair. Pelargonium essential oil, which increases mental activity and physical performance, is widely used in soap making, perfumery and cosmetics. This healing agent is an excellent antidepressant that helps in the fight against the state of fear and anxiety, the restoration of the emotional state and a favorable aura.
Pelargonium essential oil is ideal for sensitive skin; possessing regenerative properties, it helps in the fight against rash, peeling, burns, inflammation. Conducting prolonged aromatherapy will help in normalizing blood pressure.
Fragrant pelargonium: healing properties
The photo conveys the beauty of the indoor flower present in the apartments of many amateur gardeners.
Two pieces of pelargonium tied to the wrists will relieve high pressure. In this position, it is recommended to sit near the pelargonium for about 15-20 minutes.
2 leaflets of pelargonium, rolled up in a tube and placed in the ears, will help get rid of a migraine.
You can get rid of insomnia and increased nervous excitability by using a decoction of a shredded sheet of pelargonium, filled with a glass of boiling water and infused for 20 minutes. Drinking such a drug is recommended twice a day before meals, 50-100 ml.
Skin diseases can be treated with infusion from the crushed leaves of the plant. To do this, a tablespoon of raw material is required to pour a glass of boiling water, hold for 5-7 minutes in a water bath, strain, squeeze and bring boiled water to its original volume. Take three times a day in a tablespoon.
Toothache will help remove the sheet of pelargonium, which, in a thoroughly mashed state, needs to be applied to the focus of pain.