Can Geraniums Repel Mosquitoes? A Detailed Guide to Cutting Propagation Timing
Geranium is a plant with a certain ornamental value. Can geraniums repel mosquitoes? When should they be propagated by cuttings? Can geraniums repel mosquitoes: Geraniums can repel mosquitoes. The geranium that repels mosquitoes is the scented geranium (rose-scented geranium), which, as the name suggests, is a plant that gives off fragrance, just like night-blooming jasmine, jasmine, and rosemary.
Geranium is a plant with a certain ornamental value. Can geraniums repel mosquitoes? When should they be propagated by cuttings?
Can geraniums repel mosquitoes:
Geraniums can repel mosquitoes. The geranium that repels mosquitoes is the scented geranium (rose-scented geranium), which, as the name suggests, is a plant that gives off fragrance, just like night-blooming jasmine, jasmine, and rosemary, as well as the cranesbill, which also belongs to the geranium genus. The fragrance it gives off can not only beautify the indoor environment and purify indoor air, but can also repel mosquitoes. However, scientists have not yet given a specific explanation for exactly why this is so, but we only need to know that the scented geranium does indeed have a mosquito-repellent effect.
When to propagate geraniums by cuttings:
The best time to propagate geraniums by cuttings is autumn. In principle, cuttings can be taken in any season except summer, but autumn is the best. This is because after vigorous growth in spring and early summer, the geranium's plant shape becomes full again, and after a half-dormant rest through the heat of summer, as the weather turns cooler, its vitality surges once more, and the branches at this time are the strongest.
1. Cutting container: This is the same as ordinary cutting work, except that for the cutting container, choose a transparent disposable plastic water cup as the cutting container, because the transparent cup body makes it easy to observe the rooting of the cuttings. Before filling with soil, poke three small holes in the bottom of the cup with a bamboo skewer to facilitate drainage and air permeability. Put moist potting soil into the transparent plastic water cup, press it firm, and the cutting container and medium are ready.
2. Cutting method: Use scissors to cut the previously selected cutting branch at the marked ring groove. After two to three weeks, the wound has completely dried, while the branch is still full of vitality. There is no need to dry it in the shade again; simply insert the branch directly into the soil, making sure there are one or two nodes below the soil surface. After cutting, place it in a semi-shaded spot for about four weeks and it will root. During this period, water when the soil is completely dry, but avoid excessive moisture.
Alright, that is all for the introduction on geranium cuttings. I hope everyone understands now.
Geranium Pelargonium hortorum Geranium illustrated guide: How to grow geraniums / How to propagate geraniums
Geranium profileGeranium Pelargonium hortorum
Geranium cultivation methods and precautions Geranium introduction
Geranium, also known as zonal geranium, is native to South Africa and is a perennial herbaceous flower. The leaves are palmate with long petioles, the leaf margins are mostly serrated, and the leaf surface has relatively deep ring-shaped markings. The corolla usually has five petals, and the inflorescence is umbel-shaped, growing at the top of upright peduncles. Because the flowers cluster densely like a ball, it is also called "foreign hydrangea." The flower colors vary greatly: red, white, pink, and purple. The flowering period begins in early winter and lasts until early summer of the following year. Potted plants are suitable for indoor and outdoor decoration; they can also be used as spring flowerbed flowers.
Geraniums are naturally robust and rarely suffer from pests or diseases; they also have strong adaptability and can grow in various soil types, but grow best in sandy loam rich in humus; they like sunlight, prefer warmth, are slightly drought-tolerant, fear waterlogging, and cannot tolerate the intense heat of summer or exposure to the scorching sun. When summer arrives, the plant stops growing, the leaves age, and it enters a semi-dormant state. At this time, it can be moved to a cool indoor spot, liquid fertilizer should be stopped, watering should be done on schedule, and on rainy days the pot should be laid on its side to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
By September, when the heat has passed and the weather is pleasant, repotting and soil replacement can be carried out. First cut the branches short, leaving only about 10 cm at the base of each branch, so that new shoots are reissued and new branches replace the old. Geraniums should be watered moderately; the potting soil must not be too wet. It is best if the potting soil is semi-dry half a day after watering.
Geranium propagation is mainly by cuttings, mostly carried out in spring and autumn, but those with greenhouse facilities can also take cuttings in winter. Generally, spring cuttings can bloom between New Year's Day and Spring Festival; autumn cuttings can bloom by the end of April. Use new or old branches as cuttings, but the tender shoot tips grow best after cutting. Select cuttings about 10 cm long, keeping two to three leaves at the upper end; if using old branches, they may also have no leaves. After slightly drying the cut end in the shade, insert it into clean sandy soil. The sandy soil should be kept slightly moist, never heavily watered. First place it in a semi-shaded spot to keep the leaves from wilting, then gradually expose it to sunlight after three to five days. Generally, it roots in about two weeks, and when the roots reach 3 to 4 cm long, it can be potted. Geraniums can also be grown hydroponically: cut off an old branch, dry it in the shade for 1 day, then insert it into clean water. In about 1 week new leaves grow, and in about 20 days it can root. The flower color of the ball flower can change with the pH value of the soil.
If planted in acidic soil (pH less than 7), the flower color is blue; if planted in neutral soil (pH approximately equal to 7), the flower color is milky white; if planted in alkaline soil (pH greater than 7), the flower color is red or purple.
Therefore, the flower color can be changed by adjusting the pH value of the soil. It can be propagated by cuttings. The entire plant is toxic, and accidental ingestion will cause poisoning symptoms such as colic, abdominal pain, diarrhea, shortness of breath, vomiting, and bloody stool.
Morphological characteristics of geranium
Plant height 30CM-60CM, the whole plant is covered with fine hairs and glandular hairs, with an off-odor. The stem is fleshy. Leaves are alternate, round to kidney-shaped, usually with a horseshoe-shaped marking inside the leaf margin. The umbel inflorescence is terminal, with a long common peduncle, in both upright and pendulous types. Flower colors include red, peach red, orange-red, rose, white, or mixed colors. There are single-petaled and double-petaled types, as well as colored-leaf varieties with white, yellow, and purple markings on the leaf surface. The flowering period is May-June; except for dormancy in midsummer, it can bloom continuously if the environment is suitable. It likes coolness but is not cold-tolerant. It dislikes high temperatures, likes ample sunlight, and likes fertile loam with good drainage; it is not tolerant of waterlogging, and excessive humidity easily causes leggy growth; it is slightly drought-tolerant. The optimal growing temperature is around 15°C during the day, and not lower than 5°C at night. In summer it is dormant or semi-dormant, and should be placed in a semi-shaded spot with water controlled.
Perennial upright herb. The stem is fleshy, woody at the base, much branched, covered throughout with fine hairs and glandular hairs, with a fishy odor. Leaves are alternate, round-kidney-shaped, heart-shaped at the base, about 7-10 cm in diameter, with wavy shallow lobes, and dark red horseshoe-shaped ring markings on the upper surface. The umbel inflorescence is terminal; flowers are numerous, medium-sized; before opening, the flower bud stalks droop; the flower stalk including the spur is 2.5-4 cm long; petals are red, pink, white, with the lower 3 petals larger, 1.2-2.5 cm long. The capsule splits into 5 valves when mature, and the valves curl upward.
Ecological habits of geranium
Geranium is native to southern Africa. It likes warmth, humidity, and a sunny environment. It has poor cold tolerance and fears waterlogging and high temperatures. The optimal growing temperature from March to September is 13-19°C, and the winter temperature is 10-12°C. From June to July it is in a semi-dormant state, and watering should be strictly controlled. It is suitable for fertile, loose, and well-drained sandy loam. The winter temperature should not be lower than 10°C, and it can tolerate short periods of 5°C low temperature. Single-petaled varieties require artificial pollination to increase the seed-setting rate. Seeds mature about 40-50 days after flowering.
Geranium likes warm winters and cool summers. Indoors in winter, maintaining I0-15°C during the day and above 8°C at night allows it to bloom normally. But the optimal temperature is 15-20°C. Geranium likes dryness and dislikes dampness, so watering in winter should not be excessive; water only when the soil is dry. When the soil is wet, the stems are soft and tender, which is unfavorable for the sprouting and opening of flower branches; long-term excessive moisture will cause leggy growth, the flower branch attachment point to move upward, and the leaves to gradually yellow and fall off. Geranium needs ample sunlight during its growing period, so in winter it must be placed in a sunny spot. Insufficient light causes leggy stems and leaves, thin and soft peduncles, and poor inflorescence development; flower buds under weak light often fail to open smoothly and wither prematurely. Geranium does not like heavy fertilizer; too much fertilizer will cause excessive growth that is unfavorable for flowering. To make flowering abundant, apply a dilute thin fertilizer solution (decomposed soybean cake water) once every 1-2 weeks; applying 800-fold monopotassium phosphate solution every 7-10 days can promote normal flowering. After flowering, promptly cut off the withered flower stems, which can increase light between plants, induce the sprouting of new leaves, and send out new flower stems.
Pruning and pinching: To encourage geraniums with more branches to bloom more, the plant should be pinched multiple times to promote increased branching and flower bud formation. After the flowers fade, promptly cut off the spent flowers and remove overly dense and thin weak branches to avoid excessive nutrient consumption, but in winter when it is cold, heavy pruning is not advisable.
Geranium variety classification Main varieties
Geranium is a perennial herb, usually cultivated as an annual or biennial flower. The base is slightly woody, and the stem is juicy. Leaves are heart-shaped, green, often with horseshoe-shaped ring markings. The umbel inflorescence is terminal, the flower buds droop, and the corolla has colors such as red, white, light red, and orange-yellow, as well as single-petaled, semi-double, double, and tetraploid varieties.
Common varieties include TrueLove, with single petals, red. Fantasia, large-flowered type, semi-double petals, red. BubbleGum, bicolor type, deep red flowers with a pink center. Purpurball2Penbal, semi-double petals, purple-red. TangoViolet, large-flowered type, pure purple flowers. Meloda, large-flowered type, semi-double petals, bright red. Jana, large-flowered, bicolor type, deep pink flowers with a carmine center. Samba, large-flowered type, deep red flowers. Arava, semi-double petals, light orange-red. DesignerGrape, semi-double petals, purple-red, with a white eye. MaverickWhite, pure white flowers.
Ornamental varieties
1. Ivy geranium Pelargonium peltatum (L.) Ait. Also called shield geranium or trailing geranium. Its varieties include Amethyst, with purple-red flowers; Lambada98, with pink flowers; Shany, semi-double petals, deep red; Penve, semi-double petals, pink; Tomado, single petals, white. In addition, there are tetraploid geranium varieties Freckles, with pink flowers; TetraScarlet, large-flowered type, bright red flowers.
2. Scented geranium Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér. Also called fragrant geranium, with the commercial name mosquito-repellent plant.
3. Zonal geranium Pelargonium zonale Aif.
4. Regal geranium Pelargonium domesticum Bailey
5 Shield geranium Pelargonium peltatum (L.) Ait.
Geranium propagation methods
Commonly propagated by sowing and cuttings.
Sowing propagation
Can be carried out in both spring and autumn, with indoor pot sowing in spring being preferable. The optimal germination temperature is 20-25°C. Geranium seeds are not large, so after sowing the covering soil should not be deep; they germinate in about 2-5 days. If sown in autumn, they can bloom in the summer of the following year. Seedlings propagated by sowing can be used to select and breed excellent intermediate-type varieties.
Cutting propagation
Cuttings can be taken at any time except June-July when the plant is in a semi-dormant state. Spring and autumn are preferable. In summer's high temperatures, cuttings easily turn black and rot. Select cuttings 10 cm long; the tip portion is best, as it has vigorous growth and roots quickly. After cutting the cuttings, let the cut end dry for several days to form a thin film, then insert into a sand bed or a mixed medium of expanded perlite and peat, taking care not to damage the stem bark of the cutting, otherwise the wound easily rots. After cutting, place in a semi-shaded spot, maintain a room temperature of 13-18°C, and roots will form 14-21 days after cutting. When the roots are 3-4 cm long, they can be potted. During the cutting process, soaking the base of the cutting in 0.01% indolebutyric acid solution for 2 seconds can increase the cutting survival rate and rooting rate. Generally, cutting-propagated seedlings bloom after 6 months of cultivation, that is, cuttings taken in January bloom in June; cuttings taken in October bloom in February-March of the following year.
Greenhouse propagation
Geranium has strong adaptability, bright flower colors, and a long flowering period, and is suitable for indoor placement, flowerbed arrangement, and so on. Its greenhouse propagation techniques are introduced below.
Tissue culture
Geranium can also be propagated by tissue culture. Using MS medium as the basic medium, adding 0.001% indoleacetic acid and kinetin prompts the explant to produce callus and adventitious buds, and 0.01% indoleacetic acid promotes rooting. The tissue culture method provides a new pathway for the good-seed propagation and breeding of new varieties of geranium.
Geranium cultivation techniques Planting at different growth cycles
Germination stage: Seed germination: Under suitable conditions, the seed begins to sprout on the day of sowing, until the cotyledons unfold, and the radicle emerges in about 1-3 days.
Covering: Cover with coarse vermiculite to maintain moisture.
EC: 0.75-1.0; too high an EC will hinder the downward growth of the root system.
Light: Germination does not require light; providing 100-1000lux of light will increase the germination rate and reduce the chance of leggy growth.
Medium moisture: For 1-3 days after sowing, until the young roots appear, keep the medium saturated; from day 4-8, reduce to moist; after day 9, keep the medium alternating between dry and wet.
Air humidity: Keep at 100% until the young roots appear, then reduce to 40%.
How to reduce air humidity: Provide good air circulation in the cultivation environment, which can accelerate the evaporation of water in the soil and benefit root respiration.
Temperature: 23°C; exceeding 25°C will cause heat dormancy, and below 22°C will reduce the speed and uniformity of germination.
Seedling growth stage: After the cotyledons unfold, ensure that the environmental conditions are suitable and nutrient supply is sufficient during the vegetative growth period, so that the plant can smoothly enter the flowering induction stage.
PH：6.4-6.5
EC：1.0-2.0
Light: Supplement 3500-4500lux of light, with 16-18 hours of daylight to promote early flowering.
Temperature: 18-20°C, gradually reducing to 16-18°C.
Medium moisture: Water according to the principle of watering when dry and stopping when wet,
Air humidity: 40-70%
How to reduce air humidity: Provide good air circulation in the cultivation environment, which can accelerate the evaporation of water in the soil and benefit root respiration.
Fertilization: Alternately use calcium-based compound fertilizer (14-4-14) and potassium nitrate (15-5-15), with a nitrogen concentration of 50-75ppm; the phosphorus concentration must not exceed 10ppm. Geranium is relatively sensitive to ammoniacal fertilizer, and the ammoniacal fertilizer concentration must not exceed 5ppm to prevent leggy growth.
Gas: Under high light conditions, supplementing 1000ppm carbon dioxide can promote flowering.
Growth regulator: When there are 3-5 true leaves, apply 750ppm CCC.
After planting: Germination stage:
Seed germination: Under suitable conditions, the seed begins to sprout on the day of sowing, until the cotyledons unfold, and the radicle emerges in about 1-3 days.
Covering: Cover with coarse vermiculite to maintain moisture.
EC: 0.75-1.0; too high an EC will hinder the downward growth of the root system.
Light: Germination does not require light; providing 100-1000lux of light will increase the germination rate and reduce the chance of leggy growth.
Air humidity: Keep at 100% until the young roots appear, then reduce to 40%.
How to reduce air humidity: Provide good air circulation in the cultivation environment, which can accelerate the evaporation of water in the soil and benefit root respiration.
Temperature: 23°C; exceeding 25°C will cause heat dormancy, and below 22°C will reduce the speed and uniformity of germination.
Fertilization: Frequently apply calcium-based compound fertilizer (14-4-14) with a nitrogen concentration of 200ppm.
Growth regulator: 750ppm CCC can be used 4-5 times throughout production; note that use should begin after the plant has grown 3-5 true leaves; also, do not use it after the plant has formed flower buds.
Planting techniques
Plant in spring; in the south it can be planted in the ground, while in the north it is best grown in pots indoors for overwintering. Pot cultivation is generally used. When planting in the ground, choose a spot that does not easily accumulate water, and the soil should be loose, fertile, and well-drained, preferably sandy loam. For pot cultivation, use a potting soil mixed with leaf mold, garden soil, and sand. Before planting, first place a tile piece at the bottom of the pot to facilitate drainage. Generally, first plant in a small pot without applying base fertilizer, and after a period of care, move it into a larger pot. At this time, an appropriate amount of decomposed manure can be applied in the pot as base fertilizer, with potting soil on top; the root system should not come into direct contact with the base fertilizer.
Light and temperature
It likes sunlight. Except in summer when the sunlight is very strong and shading is needed or it should be placed indoors to avoid direct sunlight, at other times it should receive ample sunlight, with at least 4 hours of sunlight per day, so that it can bloom year-round. If light is insufficient and it grows in a shaded place for a long time, the plant easily becomes leggy and flower bud differentiation is reduced. The suitable growing temperature is 16-24°C, and it grows most vigorously in the cool climates of spring and autumn. In winter it should be moved into a greenhouse, with the temperature maintained at around 15°C during the day and not lower than 8°C at night, and with ample light guaranteed, it can still continue to grow and bloom.
Watering and fertilization
During the growing period, water and fertilizer management should be strengthened. Apply dilute liquid fertilizer 2-3 times a month; after flower bud differentiation, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be added. The soil should often be kept in a moist but slightly dry state; it must not be lacking water and drought, otherwise the leaves will yellow and fall off, affecting growth and ornamental value; but it also must not be watered too much, as overly wet soil will cause the plant to become leggy, affecting flower bud differentiation, resulting in fewer flowers, and even causing root rot and death. Watering should follow the principle of not watering when not dry, and watering thoroughly when watering. In summer when temperatures are high, the plant enters dormancy, so watering should be controlled and fertilization stopped.
Shaping and pruning
To make the plant's crown full and compact, shaping and pruning should begin from the seedling stage. Generally, pinch when the seedling is 10 cm tall to promote new branches. After the new branches grow out, pinch another 1-2 times until a satisfactory plant shape is formed. Flowers bloom at the top of the branches, so after each flowering, promptly remove the flowers and prune to promote continuous new branches and uninterrupted flowering. Generally, pruning is done 3 times: in early spring, early summer, and after autumn. Because it grows rapidly, it must be pruned and shaped every year. Generally, the plant should be pruned at least 3 times a year. The first time is in March, mainly thinning branches; the second time is in May, cutting off spent flowers and overly dense branches; after the Start of Autumn, the third pruning is carried out, mainly for shaping.
How should the plant be pruned and shaped?
Generally, after the dog days have passed and the weather turns cooler, the geranium gradually recovers its growth vigor, and the dormant plant has already grown new shoots. This is exactly late August to early September, when the plant should be comprehensively pruned in conjunction with repotting. According to the plant's growth vigor, generally select and keep 3-5 main branches that grow robustly and are evenly distributed near the base, and cut off all other overly dense, thin and weak, or leggy branches from the base. Then shorten the main branches and side branches, keeping only robust new shoots on each side branch, so that the branches of the whole plant are evenly distributed and compact, and the plant shape is full and short and sturdy.
For a plant cultivated for one year, simply shorten it at an appropriate position. A plant that has undergone pruning and shaping needs some time to recover its growth vigor. Generally, after the cut has dried and shrunk for half a month, normal topdressing of fertilizer can begin, so as to continuously send out new shoots and bloom successively. To avoid excessive leggy growth, pinching can be carried out to promote more side branches and more flowers.
Cultivation management
[Position]: Geranium likes a east- or south-facing windowsill with ample sunlight. In autumn and winter it grows well in full-sun or half-sun locations, and is also suitable as a flowerbed plant. If placed indoors, it must have scattered light, otherwise flowers and leaves will quickly drop.
[Soil]: Commercially available potting soil or loose, sandy loam rich in organic matter is preferable.
[Water]: In autumn and winter, watering once every 1-2 days is enough, but on sunny days it is best to water once a day, especially when the plant is growing luxuriantly, when there are many leaves and the evaporation rate is fast, so attention must be paid to replenishing enough water.
[Sunlight]: Geranium likes ample light. In autumn and winter it can grow well under full sun or half sun. During the flowering period it can be enjoyed in a bright indoor spot, but if the light intensity is insufficient, lower leaves will easily yellow and leaves and flowers will drop.
[Temperature]: The optimal growing temperature is 15-25°C; it is not tolerant of high temperatures and is not suitable for summer growth.
[Fertilizer]: Base fertilizer should be mixed thoroughly into the potting soil, and when entering the flowering period, liquid fertilizer should be applied about every 1-2 weeks.
[Care]: Home gardening mostly uses plants purchased from flower markets. You can buy three plants and put them in a large flower box, then place it on the windowsill, or plant them directly in the windowsill flower bed. As long as you do not forget to irrigate, after a few weeks your windowsill will be an enchanting place.
Pinch the geranium when the seedling is 12-15 cm tall to promote side branches. In the high temperatures of midsummer, strictly control watering, otherwise if the potting soil of the semi-dormant geranium is too wet, the leaves will often yellow and fall off. During the stem and leaf growth period, fertilize once every half month, but nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied too much. If the stems and leaves grow too much, stop fertilizing and appropriately remove some leaves, which is beneficial for flowering. During the flower bud formation period, add phosphorus fertilizer once every 2 weeks. Or use "Huiyou" 15-15-30 special fertilizer for pot flowers. In order to control plant height and achieve the goal of large and colorful flowers, in addition to choosing dwarf geranium varieties, the application of growth regulators is very important. Two weeks after the geranium is planted in a 12 cm or 15 cm pot, spray the leaf surface with 0.15% chlormequat or daminozide, once a week, spraying twice, with 14-18 hours of light per day. This can effectively control the height of the geranium and provide high-quality commercial pot flowers.
After the flowers fade, promptly remove the flower branches to avoid consuming nutrients, which is beneficial to the development and flowering of new flower branches. Generally, potted old plants of 3-4 years need to be renewed. During the winter and spring flowering period, they should be placed in a sunny spot, otherwise the leaves easily droop and turn yellow. On rainy and snowy days, increasing artificial supplementary light is more ideal for flowering.
Winter management
Geranium likes warmth and fears cold, so special attention should be paid to cold and frost protection in winter. When cultivating geraniums in northern regions, the potted plants should be moved indoors when Frost's Descent arrives, placed in front of a sunny window, and given full light. If light is insufficient, the plant easily becomes leggy, affecting flower bud formation, and even already-formed flower buds will wither due to insufficient light. If in the south, after the Start of Winter the potted plants should also be moved to a wind-sheltered, warm, sunny spot, which is convenient both for the pot flowers to get more sun and for avoiding wind and cold. The indoor temperature should maintain a daytime temperature of 15°C to 20°C, and not lower than 10°C at night. In an environment with too low a temperature, the plant's growth vigor is weak, which is unfavorable for flower bud differentiation, with few or even no flowers, but an environment with a temperature higher than 25°C is also unfavorable for its growth and flowering. Geranium likes dryness and fears dampness, so daily watering should be moderate; in winter it is even more important not to water every day. Even in dry weather, generally water once every five to seven days, keeping the potting soil on the dry side and only slightly moist. Too much watering will cause leaves to yellow and fall off, thereby affecting flowering, and even causing root rot and death. However, frequently spraying the leaf surface with clean water to keep the leaves clean is beneficial to photosynthesis. If you want geraniums to bloom continuously, sufficient nutrients need to be supplied. Generally, apply dilute liquid fertilizer once every 10 days or so. It can be prepared by mixing soybean cake, hoof pieces, and fishy water, then diluted with water after fermentation. Compound chemical fertilizer sold in flower shops can also be used, using only 3 to 5 pieces each time. Geranium has many branches. To promote more flowering, the plant should be pinched multiple times to encourage more branching and more flower buds. After the flowers fade, promptly cut off the spent flowers and remove overly dense or thin weak branches to avoid consuming nutrients. However, in the depths of winter, heavy pruning is not advisable.
Factors affecting flowering
(1) Overwatering or exposure to rain, with long-term water accumulation in the pot, causes root rot, yellow leaf edges, or leggy growth of the plant, all of which affect flowering.
(2) Excessive fertilization, especially excessive nitrogen fertilizer, easily causes leggy branches and leaves, no flowering or sparse flowering, and poor flower quality. But insufficient fertilization or no fertilization will also affect the plant's normal growth and flowering. Therefore, in early spring or early autumn, appropriately more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be applied.
(3) Too high or too low a temperature. If the winter room temperature is above 20°C, plus poor ventilation, the branches and leaves easily become leggy, affecting flowering the following year. But if the overwintering temperature is below 0°C, it is easily damaged by freezing, and the leaf edges turn yellow and soft. Geranium is also relatively sensitive to temperature differences; if they change abruptly, it will cause flowers to drop.
(4) Too strong light. If exposed to direct sunlight in summer, the leaf edges are easily sunburned, growth is poor, or flowers and leaves drop.
(5) Too heavy pinching and pruning, with very few leaves for a long time, will also delay the growth period and reduce the number of flowers set and bloomed. In addition, when caring for it indoors in winter and spring, if light is insufficient for a long time, the plant easily becomes leggy and does not bloom, and even already-formed flower buds will shrink and dry up due to insufficient light. Therefore, in winter, attention should be paid to giving relatively ample light.
Care techniques
For potted geraniums, the potting soil can be leaf mold mixed with an appropriate amount of sandy soil and rice husk ash, plus a small amount of bone meal. Repot once a year, replacing with new potting soil, to facilitate growth and flowering. Repotting should be carried out from mid-August to early September. Before repotting, the plant should first be pruned and shaped, and repotting should be done after the potting soil and cut ends have dried. When repotting, appropriately trim away some longer and excessive fibrous roots. Every year in mid-to-late April, place it outdoors in a well-ventilated, sunny spot for care. To keep it blooming continuously, frequently apply dilute decomposed soybean cake fertilizer water, generally once every 10 days. Usually, watering does not need to be excessive. Otherwise it will cause the leaves to turn yellow, poor plant growth, and failure to form robust flower buds.
Watering should generally be done when the leaf tips wilt, and watering must be thorough. From late June to early August, when the climate is hot, the geranium is in a semi-dormant state, so fertilization should be stopped and watering controlled. High temperatures, direct sunlight, and water accumulation in the pot after rain will all affect the geranium's dormancy, and even cause root rot and death. Therefore, during the dormant period it should be placed on a shaded balcony, windowsill, or in a courtyard spot that avoids light and is not exposed to rain. Doing so can also reduce the dormancy time.
Autumn is again a vigorous period of growth and flowering for geraniums. In conjunction with watering, apply decomposed soybean cake fertilizer water several times to promote flowering. After flowering, promptly cut off the peduncles and old stems and old weak branches, or perform short pruning, to promote more branching. In winter, move it indoors, keep the room temperature above 5°C, strictly control watering, let it get full light and appropriate ventilation; on sunny days at noon it can be moved outdoors for ventilation and light, and thus it can safely pass the winter.
Geranium has an off-odor and the whole plant is hairy, so there are very few pests. Occasionally brown spot disease appears. Geranium is a flower and leaf ornamental plant commonly grown in households, and is also a good material for arranging flowerbeds and flower borders. Because it grows rapidly, it must be pruned and shaped every year. Generally, the plant should be pruned at least 3 times a year. The first time is in March, mainly thinning branches; the second time is in May, cutting off spent flowers and overly dense branches; after the Start of Autumn, the third pruning is carried out, mainly for shaping.
Generally, after the dog days have passed and the weather turns cooler, the geranium gradually recovers its growth vigor, and the dormant plant has already grown new shoots. This is exactly late August to early September, when the plant should be comprehensively pruned in conjunction with repotting. According to the plant's growth vigor, generally select and keep 3-5 main branches that grow robustly and are evenly distributed near the base, and cut off all other overly dense, thin and weak, or leggy branches from the base. Then shorten the main branches and side branches, keeping only robust new shoots on each side branch, so that the branches of the whole plant are evenly distributed and compact, and the plant shape is full and short and sturdy.
For a plant cultivated for one year, simply shorten it at an appropriate position. A plant that has undergone pruning and shaping needs some time to recover its growth vigor. Generally, after the cut has dried and shrunk for half a month, normal topdressing of fertilizer can begin, so as to continuously send out new shoots and bloom successively. To avoid excessive leggy growth, pinching can be carried out to promote more side branches and more flowers.
Geranium is usually propagated by cuttings. It can be done in both spring and autumn, but spring cuttings have a higher survival rate. At this time the branch tips grow plump and the humidity is suitable for growth. The specific method is: cut a branch with a terminal bud, 6-8 cm long, with the lower cut below a node, remove the base leaves, and after the cut dries, insert it into a pot filled with vermiculite or plain sandy soil, to a depth of about 1/3-1/2, water thoroughly once, and place in an open-air spot with direct sunlight. After that, water once every 2 days. Under conditions of 18-20°C, it roots in about 20 days. When the roots are 2-3 cm long, pot it. After potting, first place it in a shaded spot to recover for a week, and after new leaves sprout, it can be transferred to normal management.
Adjust the environment and regulate environmental care according to the farming season and temperature. Generally, in spring and autumn place it outdoors for care; in summer when high temperatures bring it into the semi-dormant period, stop fertilization and place it in a ventilated semi-shaded spot; if ventilation and shading and cooling measures are used, its dormancy can be ended early, allowing earlier growth, development, and flowering; outdoors, pay attention to preventing scorching sun exposure, high temperature and stuffy humidity, and water accumulation in the pot from too much rain; in winter it should be kept indoors or in a greenhouse for care. In modern family life, air conditioning can be used to adjust a suitable temperature; as long as light conditions are met, year-round flowering can be achieved.
Fertilizer and water management. Entering autumn, as temperatures drop, the plant begins to grow and enters a vigorous growth period. At this time, fertilizer and water management should be strengthened: apply a dilute nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound liquid fertilizer once every 10 days or so; in early spring, autumn, and winter, apply additional diluted phosphorus and potassium liquid fertilizer; the potting soil should be kept moist, and strongly concentrated fertilizer and high humidity must be avoided.
Proper pruning. Leggy branches and peduncles after flowering should be moderately cut back and reshaped to promote new branches; heavy pruning must be avoided; remove old yellow leaves to keep the plant clean and the flowers plentiful and attractive.
Disease control. The main disease is leaf spot, which in severe cases can cause stem and branch rot and complete leaf loss. During management, diseased leaves should be promptly removed to prevent spread. The humidity and temperature of the cultivation environment must not be too high; good ventilation and air, and scientific fertilizer and water management can improve its own disease resistance; spraying 200-fold equal-amount Bordeaux mixture according to actual conditions has a good preventive effect.
Geranium disease control Bacterial leaf spot
[Distribution] Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and other places.
[Symptoms] In the early stage of the leaf disease, water-soaked small spots appear on the back of the leaf. After 2-3 days the lesions slightly sink and become small brown spots, the size of a needle tip, round or irregular, and later gradually expand into dark brown or reddish-brown round or irregular lesions, 1.5-3.0 mm in diameter, with the lesions slightly zonate, and a faded area around the edge. Many spots can occur on one leaf, especially on the lower, older leaves, where there are even more spots. The lesions expand and gradually join together, and the veins and petioles also turn brown, causing most of the leaf to die; the stem symptom is called black rot, and the vascular bundles of the diseased stems and branches turn brown to black. At this time, the leaves on the stems wither, showing angular necrosis symptoms, and subsequently the bacteria infect the pith and cortex, with only a few leaf clusters remaining at the tip of the branch, and the entire stem turning black, shrinking, and rotting. When cuttings are affected, they cannot root, and slowly rot from the base upward, with the leaves withering and showing angular necrosis.
[Pathogen] The pathogen is a bacterium, Xanthomonas campestris pv. pelargoni of the genus Xanthomonas, order Eubacteriales, class Eubacteriae, with a rounded apex, rod-shaped, and a single polar flagellum. The optimal temperature for growth and development is 25-27°C, the minimum is 1°C, and the lethal temperature is 51-51.5°C.
[Disease occurrence pattern] The bacteria can spread through cuttings, contact, and splashing water droplets, and seeds may carry and spread the bacteria; in moist soil the pathogen can survive for 3 months; in greenhouse cultivation, when planting is too dense and growth is rapid, the disease is severe; the older leaves at the lower part of the plant are severely affected, and it is severe when warm and humid; high nitrogen, high phosphorus, and low calcium favor the disease, while high potassium, low phosphorus, and high calcium suppress the symptoms. Different species and varieties of geranium differ in disease resistance. Among geranium varieties, the regal geranium is highly resistant, the scented geranium is moderately resistant, and the ivy geranium is highly susceptible. Some plants in the Geraniaceae family are asymptomatic carriers.
[Control Methods]
(1) Horticultural control: Ensure good ventilation and light penetration between plants, and avoid excessively high humidity; do not spray water directly onto plants, so that splashing water droplets do not spread the disease; do not take cuttings from diseased plants; remove all diseased leaves and diseased branches, and avoid contaminating leaves with fungus-bearing soil. Diseased soil should be handled in a centralized manner, and when necessary, soil and flower pots should be sterilized. The pathogen can survive in the soil of propagation beds, so avoid splashing diseased soil onto healthy plants. Every 10-15 days, spray 1% Bordeaux mixture once for prevention.
(2) Chemical control: Spray agricultural streptomycin at 1000 units, or try 14% copper amine at 300 times dilution, or 50% Xiaojunling at 1000 times dilution.
(3) Thoroughly remove all diseased plants and diseased remnants. Soak and disinfect flower pots, planting benches and tools with 10% bleaching powder solution, disinfect soil with 2% formalin solution, or replace with new soil. Use disease-free seedlings.
(4) Before and after the onset of the disease, spray 1% Bordeaux mixture or (500-1000) x 0.000001 agricultural streptomycin, for several consecutive applications.
Dietary or medicinal value of geranium
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Ultimate flower-protecting task: To love yourself, start from reality and strictly follow a doctor's advice. Toward illness, do not be careless, do not delay, do not give up hope; face it bravely, use love to warm the silent world, and use your heart to care for the flower field within.
Medicinal effects
Swiss MAGICCARE Magic Care Geranium Organic Plant Butter
The main function of geranium lies in skin conditioning. The active ingredients in geranium extract have a strong affinity with natural organic fats, so geranium is often combined with organic fats to make butter products. After general cleansing products are used for washing, most of the functional skin care ingredients are washed away by water. On the basis of three-high fresh extraction technology, Swiss researchers, by adding directional active enzymes and other means, enable the active ingredients of geranium to have affinity with the butter while also having affinity with the skin epidermis. This affinity surpasses its affinity with water, so during the washing process, most of the active ingredients of geranium can still be absorbed by the skin and play a skin-conditioning role. However, this technology is currently only applied in the magic care production line of Swiss Legend Group. Geranium is suitable for almost all skin conditions because it can balance sebum secretion and make the skin plump. It may be beneficial for eczema, burns, shingles, herpes, ringworm and chilblains. It is also very good for sagging skin, clogged pores and oily skin. Because geranium can shrink pores and promote blood circulation, after use it will make pale skin more rosy and vibrant, and make the skin bright, smooth and delicate.
Medicinal value
[Brief description]: Relieves pain, antibacterial, promotes scar tissue formation, enhances cellular defense function, deodorizes, stops bleeding, and tonifies the body. Suitable for all skin types, with deep cleansing and astringent effects, and balances sebum secretion. For broken capillaries, scars and stretch marks, it can quickly produce new cells. Its geranium essential oil can promote breast development and lift the breasts, and prevent and treat breast hyperplasia.
[Nature] About 60 cm, flowers are pink, leaf tips are pointed and serrated. The essential oil is obtained by distilling the flowers and leaves, and its scent is somewhat like rose, so it is often adulterated as rose essence. However, on closer smelling, geranium has a lemon scent that can distinguish it. The main producing areas are Reunion, an island country near Madagascar in the southwestern Indian Ocean, and Morocco, which produces good quality; Spain also produces it. The essential oil is yellow-green.
[Odor] Sweet and slightly heavy, somewhat like rose, and also slightly like mint.
[Historical clinical records] Once used to treat cholera and bone injuries
[Effects] Stops bleeding, constricts blood vessels, asthma, liver detoxification, gallstones, kidney detoxification, kidney stones, diuresis, muscle soreness, oily skin, revitalizing aging skin, herpes, pale skin, weight loss, promoting scar healing, eczema, burns and sunburn, ringworm, irregular menstruation, breast congestion and inflammation, alleviating depression and restlessness, tonifying the body, deodorizing, antibacterial, sterilization, quitting smoking [and alcohol].
★[Precautions]
May irritate certain sensitive skin types. It can regulate hormones, so it is advisable not to use it during pregnancy.
[Psychological effects] It is a tonic for the nervous system, can soothe anxiety and depression, and can also lift the mood. It restores psychological balance, and because it can also affect the adrenal cortex, it can relieve stress.
[Physiological effects]
1. Improves premenstrual syndrome and menopausal problems (depression, vaginal dryness, excessive menstrual bleeding).
2. Geranium has diuretic properties and can help the liver and kidneys detoxify.
3. Stimulates the lymphatic system to avoid infection and eliminate waste. Strengthens the circulatory system and makes circulation smoother.
4. Geranium is an aromatic insect repellent.
[Suitable places] Bedroom: Because geranium is easier to obtain than rose, its price is much cheaper than rose, but its scent is similar to rose, so for a long time it has become a substitute for rose. But this does not mean it is inferior or of poor quality compared with rose. On the contrary, geranium has many excellent therapeutic effects. From the user's point of view, it can give your bedroom the atmosphere of a rose garden, while also providing hormone regulation, stimulating lymphatic detoxification, and balancing skin oil secretion. It is also an aromatic insect repellent. Used in your bedroom, it is truly an economical, practical and romantic mood regulator.
[Use of pure essential oil] Added to facial care products, it can effectively treat acne.
Used in an aroma lamp or as a towel compress on the face, it can stimulate the lymphatic system, strengthen the circulatory system, and also help with gastritis and colitis.
[Compatibility] Essential oils suitable for blending with it include: basil, bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, neroli, sweet orange, petitgrain, rose, rosemary, sandalwood.
Chamomile strengthens its therapeutic effects.
Juniper can enhance its sweet scent.
[Magic Formula]
After mixing geranium, grapefruit and lavender in a specific ratio and dropping it beside the pillow, it will be the most magical sleep-aiding and soothing magic essential oil. It not only has a calming and soothing effect, but can also drive away any mosquitoes that would hinder your sleep, and its scent can bring you a good dream!
The microparticles released by geranium can cause skin allergies and itching in people.
Effects and uses of geranium: beauty benefits
Geranium originates from southern Africa and likes sunlight and warmth. It has pain-relieving, antibacterial effects, enhances cellular defense function, deodorizes, stops bleeding, and tonifies the body. Geranium is suitable for all skin types, can deeply cleanse the skin, tighten pores, and balance oil secretion. It can quickly generate new cells to repair scars, stretch marks, etc.
The flower language of geranium
Geranium flower language: A chance encounter, happiness is right beside you
Red geranium: You linger in my mind
Pink geranium: I am very happy to be by your side
Geranium pictures
Common geranium cutting methods and the best time periods
In daily life, many plants can be propagated by cuttings, and geranium is one of them. Moreover, it is understood that cutting geranium can not only increase the survival rate of the plant, but the geranium after cutting will also be more shapely and beautiful. Therefore, many people choose this cutting propagation method when propagating geranium. But when is the best time period for geranium cuttings, and what are the geranium cutting methods? Let us take a look below.
Geranium profile introduction
Geranium, as most friends may know, is also called paraffin red or mosquito repellent grass, and is a perennial succulent, subshrub or shrub plant under the Geraniaceae family. Geranium originally grew in places such as southern Africa, and later after spreading around the world, it began to be widely cultivated in many places. Geranium flowers are very eye-catching in color, and the flower colors are very rich, so the plant is an ornamental flower with very high ornamental value. Now in many Western countries or cities, geranium has become a very good choice for windowsill decorative flowers.
Geranium cutting time
In fact, geranium has very strong vitality, so its adaptability is very good. There are two best time periods for its cuttings. One is late spring and early summer, that is, the period from April to May. The other period is autumn, from August to September. These two periods share a common point: the weather is very cool and warm, and the rainfall is moderate, with very appropriate air humidity. Because in terms of the plant's nature, geranium still very much likes a growing environment that is warm in winter and cool in summer, and the conditions in these two periods happen to exactly meet the plant's conditions.
Geranium cutting methods
1. Temperature: Geranium cuttings can be taken in spring or autumn, but it is best to keep the weather temperature at that time between 18 and 20 degrees. Such a temperature is very warm and cool, and the survival rate of the plant after cutting will be higher. Finally, do not take cuttings in summer and winter, as the plant is very likely to die.
2. Soil: The soil for geranium cuttings generally needs to be loose in texture and have good aeration and drainage. If no culture soil is available on the market, sandy soil, perlite and leaf mold can be mixed and prepared in a certain ratio.
3. Specific steps: Choose relatively robust geranium branches as cuttings. Scald and disinfect the mixed substrate to be used with boiling water. Then use scissors to cut the top of the branch to make it sharper. Note that the cutting point of the cutting is best chosen at the leaf node of the plant branch. Then drill a few ventilation holes in the bottom of the flower pot. After the mixed substrate has cooled, put it into the flower pot, spread a thin layer of soil on top, insert the cutting into the substrate, then cover with another thin layer of soil, water an appropriate amount, and place the flower pot indoors in a place with light. After that, just pay more attention to the plant's light and water.
Summary: In fact, the difficulty of geranium cuttings is not high, and it is very similar to the cutting methods of other plants. So if you can take cuttings of other plants, taking cuttings of geranium will also be easy and handy, so there is no need to worry.