Geranium, the care of which is simple, is one of the most popular indoor plants. Initially, this flower was known as wild, but several centuries ago it gained immense popularity among a noble society. Today, there are already about 100 species of geranium plants. Caring for it is so simple that in almost every house you can find this flower. Its leaves are covered in small capsules containing essential oils. Rubbing the leaf, you can immediately feel a specific smell. Geranium oil is used as an external antiseptic.
Geranium indoor: careRegardless of the plant variety that you have chosen, sunlight and fresh air are simply necessary for him. Winter is not particularly frightening geraniums - +8 ° C will be sufficient. Only the ampel form requires a temperature slightly higher - + 12 ° C. The soil, which is most suitable for geranium, should be loose, drained, acidic or neutral. You can buy the finished mixture in the store, or you can cook it yourself by mixing turf soil, humus, sand. Small pots are best. The tops of the plants during the growth process should be cut to form a bush. Dry leaves must be removed immediately.
In summer, geraniums are also unpretentious - care for it is complicated only by soil treatment with mineral fertilizers. It is better to water a flower more often, but very moderately. The soil must not be too wet. Geranium leaves are not sprayed (the exception is the disease). In winter, maintain light soil moisture. Reproduction occurs by seeds and vegetatively. It is better to try to sow seeds in the spring. Sometimes this is done before frosts - so when they warm, they will sprout at the right time. Cuttings are prepared in the fall, and planted in the spring.
What can prevent the diseases that infect geraniums? Care and care. If in time to provide the necessary help with fungal and viral infections, then the plant is easy to save. Signs of the disease: yellowness of geranium, black or brown plaque, dryness, curl or whiteness of leaves, rotting of the stem. To prevent infections, it is necessary to carefully inspect the plant, apply special antibacterial and antifungal drugs, remove damaged leaves. The main causes of disease: insufficient ventilation and lighting, high humidity. There is a category of viruses that can get on geraniums through the soil or when in contact with other plants. It is important to sterilize the soil before transplanting, and when buying, carefully inspect the plant for the slightest damage. The most dangerous pests are nematodes. When they are defeated, geranium dies. Characteristic features are the formation of large nodes on the roots. After this disease, you cannot use the soil to grow other plants.
care of which is quite simple, can live up to 30 years. Sometimes less, but more often - at least 15. If you put geranium in the bedroom or nursery, you can enjoy the flowering of this wonderful plant all year round.