Description and historical background
Zonartik is one of the common types of pelargonium, bred only in 1994, after quite a lot of experimentation.
The breeders had to obtain this type of plant after two decades of hard work. This is a hybrid obtained by crossing two species: zonal and articulatum pelargonium.
Interesting! The name of the variety was taken from the first letters of the crossed plants, which in Latin have the names ZON.AL and ARTIC.ULATUM. The result is Zonartik.
Appearance and distinctive features
The plant is characterized by a fairly extensive and intertwined rhizome, which consists of thickened and thinned sections. The short stem rises low above the ground and main leaves. A special feature is that during flowering the plant sheds its leaves, because it gives its main nutrition and strength to the flower .
Flowers in quantities from 2 to 5 pieces are collected in blooms. The flowering period is short, after which they fall off. At the same time, the inflorescences are double, and each flower has many petals (you can find out about other varieties with double inflorescences here).
Pelargonium: popular varieties
Pelargonium is rich in varieties - there are about 250 species. Flower growers have developed many varieties of geranium, which, according to some external features, were divided into groups:
Pelargonium zonal
Pelargonium zonal is the richest in varieties (about 1000). Plants of this group are very unpretentious to climatic conditions. When grown outdoors in a hot climate, it can take the form of a tree 2-3 meters or more in height. But there are also miniature varieties that grow up to 12.5 cm.
The main feature of zonal pelargonium is special circles on the foliage, varying in color intensity: from bright to pale green. The inflorescences of plants in this group can have a variety of colors: beige, bright yellow, scarlet, pink and many others.
Pelargonium royal
Pelargonium royal - includes more than a hundred varieties, with a lot of different color shades. It has large inflorescences (flower size in some varieties is more than 7 cm), with contrasting spots or stripes on the main color background.
The leaves of the royal geranium are rounded with pointed edges. However, as the name implies, it is very capricious to care for at home. The period of active flowering usually begins in the spring.
Pelargonium ivy-leaved
Pelargonium ivy - the name itself suggests some similarity with ivy, namely, a similar leaf structure. The leaves of this pelargonium are smooth, the stems can sag and bend. It is often called ampelous; this is the type of geranium that looks great in a hanging pot.
Varieties of ampelous pelargoniums can have variegated leaves and inflorescences from bright pink to scarlet.
Pelargonium fragrant
Fragrant pelargonium is a distinctive feature of this group: the aroma of the leaves. Smells can be different: with notes of citrus, apple and pineapple, nutmeg, other fruits and spices.
The aroma can be felt by touching the leaf - the essential oils contained in them will immediately fill everything around with scent. Unfortunately, the inflorescences of such pelargonium are not so lush and small in size.
How to plant and where?
Despite the fact that the plant is an unpretentious flower, it is important to adhere to a certain plan when planting and further care. If you do everything correctly, you can avoid many problems.
- The pot must be equipped with a drainage system. The root system is sensitive to moisture; you can simply flood it, and the roots will begin to rot. The depth of the pot should be at least 25 centimeters. Otherwise, the flower will not be able to fully develop and please the eye.
- After purchasing a pot, you need to treat it with a manganese solution. This will kill bacteria and pests that could have a detrimental effect on the plant.
- We give preference to purchased soil. Bugs, fungi and other pests can live in the soil collected in front of the house. Universal seed is perfect for planting.
- Place a thin layer of expanded clay on the bottom of the pot, sprinkle it with sand and fill the remaining container with soil, leaving 2-3 centimeters. We plant a flower and sprinkle it with soil.
- Water the planted flower generously and leave it on the windowsill.
Varieties
First Yellow
The first variety of yellow pelargonium - “First Yellow” - was presented to the public at the exhibition “Flowers-2009”, and work on the targeted breeding of pelargonium with yellow flowers has been carried out since the 80s of the last century.
The progenitor of “First Yellow” is a pelargonium with pale yellow flowers.
Breeders crossed various varieties: “Princess Fiat”, “Lara Purnal”, “Millfield Gem” with the original plant in order to obtain a distinct yellow color of the petals.
The first hybrids had a subtle cream tint and red markings on the petals.
Other varieties of yellow pelargonium:
"Guernsey Flair"
It has branched stems and medium-sized light lemon flowers.
"Buttermilk"
It has creamy yellow flowers and velvety green foliage.
"Creamery"
the result of crossing specific pelargoniums, it has a lush inflorescence of narrow light cream petals.
"Pelargonia pulverulentum Oribi Flats and Pelargonia gibbosum"
Pelargonia gibbosum
A variety of flowers similar to those of the snapdragon plant, with dark purple or brown markings.
Such pelargonium is called yellow with a certain stretch, since its flowers are more likely to have a cream, vanilla and pale lemon hue. Its flowering season is short and cannot be called abundant: only 3-5 flowers are formed on the stems.
Lighting and location
The flower belongs to the category of light-loving , but it is better not to place it in direct sunlight. In this case, the flower may overheat, which will affect the health and appearance of the leaves.
It would be optimal to place the flower close to the light source, but at the same time avoiding direct and scorching sunlight. If there is not enough light, you need to turn the plant over and expose its leaves to the light. If there is a lack of consecration, the leaves may dry out and fall off.
How to care?
Caring for an unpretentious plant is quite simple ; you need to take into account the main factors.
Temperature
For pelargonium, the usual temperature norm is 17-23 degrees Celsius. You can plant the plant outside only in the warm season, when the frosts have completely subsided and do not return at night. Heat is destructive for the plant. At the same time, during the winter period, a street flower can overwinter in two ways: by saving new cuttings or by removing the mother plant from the pot, which will be planted again next spring.
Watering
It is necessary to water the plant when the top layer dries out. In summer, watering should be more abundant, and in winter it should be limited. If you overdo it with moisture, the plant will quickly begin to rot, especially if it is in a warm place. This can also affect the appearance of fungi and pests.
You cannot water the plant with cold tap water; it must be left for at least a day and watered only with water at room temperature. It is better to water the flower in the first half of the day at the same time.
Fertilizers
There are different types of fertilizers. In the summer season, they can be applied once a week, and in winter, when the plant is in the hibernation period, you can limit yourself to fertilizing once a month and a half. The fertilizer is diluted with water and poured into the soil, which should be moist. It is better to feed the plant in the evening.
Pelargonium PAC Viva Rosita - the real red queen among pelargoniums
Once you see the inflorescences of pelargonium PAC 'Viva Rosita', you will no longer confuse it with any other. When I saw it on the Internet, I realized that it should be in my collection, and I ordered it for my birthday.
Description of the plant
This rosebud pelargonium is a Swedish selection.
Large double bright crimson flowers up to 5 cm in diameter resemble roses or ranunculus and last for about two weeks! Its leaves are hard, dark green, and in good light they form a dark half ring. This combination creates a very picturesque view. Added to this beauty is some fairly simple care, and the result is a fairy tale plant. Pelargonium Pac 'Viva Rosita' Ads by
Conditions of detention
When growing, the following conditions must be observed.
Loves:
- a well-lit place, it is better to shade it on the south window, it is better not to place it on the north window;
- moderate watering (do not over-dry or over-water);
- fresh air (spring, summer - keep on the balcony).
Does not love:
- spraying;
- drafts (dangerous in the cold season, the best temperature for a plant in the cold season is about +15°C).
Pelargonium bush in the second year
Features of cultivation
This variety of pelargonium is well formed. Pruning is best done in late winter - early spring. This year in the summer I flooded my plant due to the heat, the leaves began to dry out and the trunks became bare. I urgently began to take cuttings to save it. I got several cuttings, I thought I would have to say goodbye to the old plant, but I began to monitor the watering, and young leaves began to develop on the cut stumps. As a result, the mother plant came to life. It is worth noting that young bushes dry out some of the flowers, but when the plant gains strength, this problem disappears. Mine bloomed magnificently in the second year.
Planting and propagation
For planting you need nutritious light soil. A mixture of universal flower soil with sand (about 2:1) with the addition of vermiculite and perlite is suitable. Good drainage is needed. PAC 'Viva Rosita' is very easy to propagate. Cuttings take root quickly in the spring. Can be rooted in a container of boiled water or vermiculite. In early autumn, cuttings also take root well, but develop more slowly. The plant itself is stocky, the shoots are quite powerful. I've had it for two years now. During this time, the mother plant produced many young plants, which I gave away to relatives.
Watering and fertilizing
During the period of bud formation, 'Viva Rosita' needs regular fertilizing (I use several fertilizers for flowering ones, alternating them every other week) and good watering.
Important: if the soil gets too dry, it can dry out the buds! Mother bush after pruning and cuttings I read that when this variety was presented at an exhibition in 2011, it caused a sensation. Not surprising, because this is a very bright, memorable and grateful variety. PAC 'Viva Rosita' is forever in my collection.
Common diseases and pests
Despite the fact that the plant is unpretentious and has good immunity, sometimes it succumbs to diseases and various pests. The main reason is violation of the rules of care. To make the plant look healthy and beautiful, you need to monitor the watering system, loosen the soil and pick off dry leaves that take away vitality.
The most famous diseases are the following:
- Fungal diseases. If dark spots begin to appear on the leaves, this indicates the presence of fungus. To combat the disease, you need to quickly remove all parts that are affected and treat the plant with fungicides. If the disease does not stop the plant, then it must be replanted by removing all damaged roots and treating the pot.
- Rust. Yellow-red spots appear on the leaves, then they dry out and begin to fall off. Usually the problem occurs due to high temperatures and exposure to direct sunlight. We remove all affected parts, treat the plant and move it to a suitable location.
- Late blight. The plant begins to rot and wither, rapidly falling off. The reason is excessive watering. If the flower has already been flooded, then it needs to be replanted. During transplantation, we remove all damaged and rotting parts of the plant. We treat the pot with manganese solution.
Features of reproduction
A flower can reproduce in several ways:
- Seminal. We plant the seeds in a pot with a drainage system and a height of 25 centimeters. We water them and stretch a film over the pot, which will create a greenhouse effect. After about two weeks, the first shoots will appear. As soon as they appear, you need to open the film every day to ventilate the small greenhouse. When the first two leaves appear, you need to pick.
- Cuttings. We cut off a young shoot from the plant. It must be placed in a glass of water and left for a couple of days. Then it can be planted in a pot with properly selected soil.
Numerous species and varieties of pelargonium differ not only in the color and shape of the inflorescences, but also in the configuration and color of the leaves. Among them the most famous are: Lady Gertrude, Andrea, Mildfield Rose, Richard Hudson, Norland, Salmon, Anita, Prince Gustav, Stellar and Clara Sun.
Zonartik is a fairly unpretentious plant that will regularly delight you with flowering if you organize proper care and pay close attention to the flower. Carefully selected soil, organization of watering and blessing, as well as regular fertilization of the soil is all that is required for a healthy and flowering plant.
Reproduction methods
Seeds
The advantage of this method is that strong and abundantly flowering plants grow. Seeds are sown in moist soil in the middle of winter and covered with film.
When the sprouts hatch, they can be sprayed with a growth stimulator. You need to pick after 2 weeks, and after 8 weeks the plants are ready to be transplanted into permanent pots.
By cuttings
The advantage is that the cutting quickly takes root and begins to grow. To do this, you need to cut off a side shoot from the pelargonium, dry it a little and put water on it so that it grows roots. When they appear, you can plant them in a permanent pot.
