What are the cultivation methods and precautions for geraniums?
Pelargonium, also known as hydrangea flower and hydrangea flower, belongs to the Geraniaceae family. Geraniaceae are perennial evergreen herbs or shrubs. Native to southern Africa, cultivated all over the world. Pelargonium has a long flowering period and adapts to the environment. The plant size is suitable for household potted plants. It is easy to propagate and very popular among people. So today let's introduce the cultivation methods of geraniums.
1. Light
When caring for pelargoniums, attention should be paid to giving them sufficient sunlight. In winter, spring and autumn, full-light care can be carried out. In the hot summer season, we can shade about 30% of the light for them to get through the high temperatures.
2. Soil
Pelargoniums have relatively strict soil requirements, requiring loose, fertile and well-drained soil. For daily care, we can use peat or mix leaf mold, fine sand and perlite. It must have a relatively strong water and fertilizer retention capacity.
3. Temperature requirements
Pelargoniums like warmth, avoid high temperatures, and are afraid of cold. The suitable temperature for pelargonium growth is 15-25°C. In winter, the indoor temperature should be maintained at 10°C. Below 3°C, they are susceptible to cold damage, but some varieties can tolerate a low temperature of 0°C. In summer, when the temperature exceeds 35°C, they enter a semi-dormant state.
4. Pest and disease control
The main diseases of pelargoniums include mosaic disease, wrinkle disease, chlorosis, gray mold disease, root rot and bacterial wilt, etc. The main pests include white mosquitoes, caterpillars, small plume moths, etc. To control mosaic disease, eliminating aphids is of great significance, and other nearby parasitic plants should also be cleared: to control small plume moths, 90% trichlorfon 1000-fold solution can be sprayed to kill them.