Care
Basic flower care procedures:
- After planting in the ground, the plant needs to be watered several times a week. Do not over-water the soil or allow it to dry out.
- During the growing season, the flower must be fed with fertilizers containing nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. However, you should not do this more than twice a month.
- Many types of pelargonium require formative pruning. To do this, the leaves are pinched so that the bush grows wider.
- In summer, the flower can be taken out into the fresh air and placed in places protected from direct sunlight.
- In winter, it is better to keep the plant in a place with a temperature of at least +20 °C. At this time, you need to water it no more than twice a month.
- It is recommended to replant pelargonium once every three years. The procedure must be performed in April or March so that the flower has time to take root by June and begin to bloom.
Growing problems, diseases and pests
The crop may suffer from attacks by spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. It is also often attacked by thrips. Of the diseases, root rot is the most dangerous. This disease is more common in young plants and is associated with violation of the rules of care.
As diseases develop, the bushes may turn yellow
How to deal with them
If parasite larvae appear or symptoms of pest attacks occur, you should immediately treat the bush with insecticides.
Root rot cannot be cured. In such a situation, you will have to get rid of the bush.
Important! To prevent the disease, it is worth watering the bush moderately. However, it should not be kept in cold rooms.
Pelargonium Rococo is a popular indoor plant that has excellent decorative properties. To get results in growing a plant, you need to provide it with quality care.
Pelargonium growing conditions
The life form of the plant is a subshrub, reaching a height of 25–60 cm. Lighting at home should be sufficient, because geraniums are light-loving plants. The best placement option is windows facing south, east or west. But with an excess of sunlight and temperatures above 25 ° C, the decorative appearance for which pelargonium is so valued will suffer. Caring for this royal plant at home involves creating optimal light, temperature and water conditions.
Watering in spring and summer should be regular. Twice a month fertilizing with liquid fertilizers is carried out. The dormant period of geranium is forced; it is due to the fact that from October to February there is a low level of natural light in the temperate zone. Conditions for winter dormancy of the plant:
- temperature from +8 to +15 °C;
- watering is rare;
- air humidity is moderate.
Lack of light leads to the fact that the internodes on the stem become elongated, the plants lose their decorative effect and do not bloom. Excessive watering during flowering or lack of moisture can cause yellowing of the leaves and falling of the inflorescences.
Growing Rococo pelargonium at home
Pelargonium Millfield Rose (Milfield Rose)
In order for pelargonium to fully develop, it requires high-quality care. The plant needs to be provided with optimal conditions.
The bushes are characterized by a spectacular appearance
Illumination and temperature conditions
The plant needs good lighting. When grown in a dark place, it will not be possible to wait for the crop to bloom. Therefore, it is recommended to place the flower pot on a well-lit windowsill. Thanks to this, pelargonium will be able to form large peduncles and powerful shoots.
A lack of light negatively affects the decorative properties of the plant. In this case, the leaves become small, the stems become bare and elongated, and the flowers are completely absent. In order for the plant to maintain its attractive appearance, it must be in the sun for 4-8 hours a day. In winter, this possibility is often absent, so artificial lighting sources should be used.
Important! At noon, it is recommended to shade the plant. Otherwise, its leaves will become covered with yellow spots.
The plant needs moderate temperatures. The best option would be indicators at +20..+23 degrees during the day and +12..+15 degrees at night. In winter, it is worth maintaining a cool temperature at all times.
In summer, the bush should be moved to fresh air - for example, to the balcony. In the warm season, the culture grows and blooms well outside.
Watering rules and humidity
In order for the plant to develop normally, it is necessary to systematically moisten the soil. It is important to establish the correct watering regime. If there is a lack of moisture, the leaves wither and turn yellow, and if there is too much, the roots begin to rot.
Experts advise watering the crop as the top layer of soil dries. In summer, the amount of watering should be increased and reduced in winter.
Pelargonium does not require spraying. The procedure can even cause harm to the plant, since the drops lead to the appearance of spots on the foliage and petals. In a cool room, they can cause rotting of leaves and stems.
Fertilizing and soil quality
Pelargonium requires a sufficient amount of fertilizer. It is recommended to use special mineral compositions that are intended for this plant.
- In spring, you can apply products that contain a lot of nitrogen.
- At the initial stage of flowering, compositions based on potassium and phosphorus are used.
Important! After transplantation, pelargonium should not be fed for 1.5 months. This is due to a sufficient amount of nutrients in the soil.
Flower container size
For pelargonium to bloom magnificently, it requires a properly selected pot. A wide or deep container is not suitable for this plant.
The flowerpot should be a little cramped. Otherwise, active development of roots begins, while the growth of the above-ground part stops.
The plant requires a medium pot
Pruning and replanting
Formative pruning of pelargonium is recommended in the spring. It helps to avoid stretching the stems of the bush and gives it a neat appearance. When 3-4 leaves appear, it is necessary to pinch out the side shoots. This stimulates the development of new branches.
Removing flower stalks after flowering is of no small importance. Otherwise, this representative of the geranium will begin to form fruits and seeds.
The plant is characterized by rapid growth, so it periodically has to be transplanted into a new pot. The procedure should be performed when roots appear from the drainage holes. Replanting the bush should be done during the growing season - it is best done in the spring.
Important! In winter, you should not move the crop to a new place. It must gain strength for active development and flowering.
Growing and care
The “Rococo” viola variety loves illuminated areas, which must be darkened from aggressive midday sunlight. It grows especially well under young trees (mostly fruit trees) with a rather sparse crown. Flowers of unusual colors decorate balconies facing east or west. In the south, viola will show lush flowering only before the onset of sizzling heat (June - July).
The basic rules for caring for the Rococo viola include:
- regular watering;
- weeding and loosening;
- feeding;
- preparation for the winter period.
Despite its apparent unpretentiousness, viola requires keeping the soil moist and needs to be constantly loosened, since the roots of the plant are on the surface (buried into the soil only 15–20 cm). To maintain violet flowering, remove fading inflorescences in a timely manner.
Therefore, it is carried out with mineral mixtures containing the NPK complex. Thanks to him, the viola will delight you with lush and active flowering. When grown on a balcony, fertilizing is applied every week; on the site, the plant is fertilized once every three weeks. With the onset of sub-zero temperatures, viola growing in the garden is covered with dry leaves or spruce branches. The plant opens in early spring.
The following video will help you understand all the intricacies of growing viola.
Propagation by seeds
This pelargonium can be planted all year round. However, if it is winter outside, young plants will need additional lighting. Otherwise, the seeds may not even sprout, and if there is no way to provide additional lighting, it is better to choose spring or summer for planting.
Before planting, the soil must be disinfected to protect the plants from diseases such as blackleg, as well as to destroy pest larvae. Soil disinfection includes the following activities:
- steaming the soil in a water bath;
- calcination in the microwave/oven;
- washing with a fungicidal solution.
Growing instructions
- Before planting, gently rub the seeds with sandpaper to ensure better germination.
- Plant the seeds in a shallow container (2-3 cm). The soil should be slightly moist. The interval between rows is 2 cm. The seeds should be sprinkled with a small layer of soil on top.
- After the seeds are in the ground, the container with them must be placed in a warm place (+20-22 degrees). In addition, it is important to regularly moisten the soil to ensure the best conditions for germination.
- After sprouting, place the container on the windowsill so that it is well lit and warmed by the sun. The temperature regime may be more moderate to ensure the development of strong and healthy roots.
- When the seedlings have several true leaves, the sprouts need to be planted in small pots. When picking, pay attention that the root collar of the plants is not buried.
You can get acquainted with other equally interesting species and varieties of pelargonium from the following articles: April Snow, Angel, PAK Viva Rosita, Rose Zonartik, Denise, Grandiflora, Red Pandora, Anita, Norland, Clara Sun.
Equipment
“Rokot” is a warning system consisting of several separate devices that perform their assigned functions.
- First of all, it is a control device (CU). With its help, all commands are issued, the status of both the device itself and the connected devices and the entire system as a whole is monitored.
- Acoustic system (AS). Depending on the modification of the control device (Rokot, Rokot-2, Rokot-4, etc.), from 1 to 4 acoustic systems can be connected to it. However, the latest development of Rokot-2 series 3 allows you to connect up to 40 speakers.
- Control line (CL).
- Alert line (LO). Up to 10 LOs of 4 AC each can be connected to the Rokot-2 control device.
Pelargonium Rococo - what kind of decorative hybrid variety is it?
This hybrid crop is part of the Geraniaceae family. It includes more than 800 species, each of which contains many varieties. In the description of Rococo pelargonium, it is noted that the culture has beautiful inflorescences and rapid development.
The culture has beautiful pink inflorescences
This hybrid was obtained on the basis of zonal and ivy-leaved species of the crop. The variety was released in the USA in 1981. Parent cultures can have different shades of petals - red, white, purple. At the same time, Rococo has large pink flowers. In appearance they resemble roses.
The plant is distinguished by vertically directed shoots, which is typical for ivy-leaved varieties. But the leaves are shaped like zonal species.
A distinctive characteristic of the culture is its beautiful and lush flowering. It lasts 9-10 months. The variety is considered unpretentious in care, so it is often chosen by gardeners for home breeding. Even beginners can grow a beautiful plant.
The description of the variety states that this pelargonium is characterized by large pink buds. They go well with light green leaves that have a rounded shape and wavy edges. The bushes are compact in size and neat in appearance.
This is interesting! Inexperienced housewives sometimes call pelargonium Rococo geranium, not realizing that these are completely different plants from the same family.
Description of the variety
Pelargonium Rococo is an exquisite ornamental variety bred in the USA in 1981. The hybrid variety is a mixture of zonal and ivy-leaved species of pelargonium. Note that in appearance the variety resembles rosebud, although in essence it is not one.
The feature of vertical growth of shoots was transferred from the ivy-leaved pelargonium Rococo, but the shape and color of the leaves are from zonal varieties.
The variety is not picky, loves standard care, nutritious soil, and responds gratefully to fertilizing and watering. It blooms very beautifully - and for quite a long time: for almost nine months.
Peculiarities
The main feature of the appearance of this plant is its large lush buds, reminiscent of pink ones. The shade of the petals is soft pinkish, standing out beautifully against the background of light green foliage. It is interesting that the shape of the inflorescences in this case resembles a bush variety of garden tea rose.
The bush is formed neat, compact, the internodes are short, the shoots do not stretch out much. The flowers are large, lush, grouped into decorative delicate inflorescences.
Bloom
The period of activity begins immediately with the arrival of spring, as soon as daylight hours increase. At this time, it’s time to return to more frequent watering and fertilizing.
Flowering begins in mid-spring and can last up to 9 months. To do this, you need to care for the flower, trim off faded inflorescences and create the most comfortable conditions for it.
It is possible to prolong flowering by making it year-round, but in this case the powers of pelargonium will quickly dry up and flowering will stop for a long time. Therefore, a period of rest is required - three winter months. At this time, the flower rests and gains strength; it is important to observe temperature and light conditions.
Landing
Let's find out what conditions need to be provided for the successful growth and flowering of Rococo pelargonium.
Lighting and location
Pelargonium Rococo, for all its exceptional decorativeness, does not require the creation of any unimaginably difficult living conditions. The plant has quite adequate requirements that any gardener, even a beginner, can provide.
As for lighting, this plant loves light very much, and will not bloom decoratively in dark places. Therefore, place the flower pot on a well-lit windowsill.
Lack of light has a bad effect on the decorative effect of a flower. In this case, the plant’s leaves may become smaller, the stems may become bare and stretched, and the flowers may be completely absent. This dull look is far from ideal.
In order for the plant to receive its portion of the necessary light, it must remain in the sun for 4 to eight hours a day. If in winter it is not possible to provide such daylight hours, illuminate the plant artificially. But the flower must be shaded from the midday sun so that unsightly yellow burn spots do not appear on the leaves.
Temperature
The plant feels good and blooms beautifully in moderate temperature conditions. The optimal temperature will be +20-23 degrees during the day and +12-15 at night. Winter for Rococo should pass like one long night - that is, during this period it is necessary to ensure that the plant is kept indoors at +12-15 degrees around the clock.
In summer, pelargonium can also be placed outdoors - for example, on a balcony or veranda. In the warm season, the plant can develop and bloom quite safely in the open air.
Soil quality
Pelargonium Rococo prefers loose and nutritious soil. You can buy ready-made soil mixture in the store, or you can prepare it yourself. In the latter case, the following proportions must be observed:
- turf - 2 parts;
- coarse river sand - 1 part;
- peat soil - 1 part.
Please note that the acidity of the soil in this case should be either slightly acidic or (preferably) neutral. And if you prepare the soil mixture yourself, then before planting the flower, do not forget to disinfect the soil: this measure will help kill microbes and pest larvae. Purchased land does not require disinfection
Let us note that, to the delight of novice flower growers, this magnificent pelargonium will not cause much trouble when growing. Rococo is an unpretentious variety, and if you follow simple care measures, it will reward you with magnificent long-lasting flowering. Let's find out the main points on caring for Rococo pelargonium.
Watering
High-quality and sufficient soil moisture is a very important condition for the successful development of pelargonium. It is important to dose watering correctly, since if there is a lack of moisture, the foliage begins to wither and turn yellow, and if there is excess moisture, the root system will rot.
There is no need to spray this pelargonium. Moreover, the procedure can be harmful to the plant, since drops of water leave unsightly spots on its leaves and petals. And if the temperature in the room is cool, drops of moisture can even lead to rotting of the stems and leaves of the plant.
Transfer
This flower grows quite quickly, so from time to time it needs to be transplanted into a new pot. It is recommended to carry out the procedure only when the roots of the plant begin to emerge from the drainage holes.
Transplantation can be carried out during the growing season. It is best to do this in the spring. But in winter it is better to leave pelargonium alone so that it gains strength for flowering and a period of active growth.
Top dressing
For successful development and long-lasting lush flowering, the plant needs additional nutrition. It is recommended to use mineral complexes intended for pelargoniums. Moreover, in the spring it is better to focus on compositions with a predominance of nitrogen, so that the bush becomes more luxuriant, and at the beginning of flowering, switch to potassium-phosphorus supplements so that the pelargonium blooms more abundantly.
It is important to know that after the next transplant, the plant does not need feeding for one and a half months. This is due to the fact that the new soil already contains enough minerals and useful elements
In winter, Rococo pelargonium also practically does not need fertilizing: however, once every month or a month and a half you can add a weak solution of fertilizing to support the flower.
Proper feeding will ensure long and lush flowering of this beauty. Experienced flower growers advise, in addition to specialized complexes, to use ready-made compounds such as Kemira or Fertika for feeding plants.
Recommendations for cultivation
This is an unpretentious plant, so planting, caring for and growing this variety will not be difficult. If you follow simple care rules, you will get gorgeous blooms.
You can grow Rococo both at home and in the garden.
Planting at home
If you are planning to grow Rococo at home, then first of all you need to purchase a container that has drainage holes. Its depth should be at least 25 centimeters.
- Plant the plant in a clean container. You must first rinse the pot with a manganese solution, which can kill bacteria and pest larvae.
- Choose soil that can drain water and dry out quickly. An example of such soil is a universal soil mixture, which can be purchased at any flower shop.
- For successful planting, you should put a layer of expanded clay in the pot. Sprinkle sand on top and fill most of the pot with soil.
- Make a hole and place the flower in it.
- Water well and place on the windowsill.
Planting in open ground
This planting must be done in the spring after the last frost, otherwise the plant may die.
- Loosen the soil with a shovel, digging to a depth of 35 cm.
- Enrich the soil with nutrients. Compost is suitable for this. It needs to be distributed over the surface of the bed by 5-10 cm and mixed with the top layer of soil.
- After digging a hole 25 cm deep, plant the plants at a distance of 60 cm.
- Place the shoot in the hole, cover it with soil and water well.
The soil
The soil chosen is loose and nutritious. It can be purchased at any store, or you can prepare it yourself.
To do this you need:
- 2 parts of turf;
- 1 part sand;
- 1 part peat soil.
The soil should be slightly acidic, or preferably neutral. When using self-prepared soil, you need to disinfect it before planting to kill bacteria and pest larvae.
Growing conditions
Despite the fact that Himalayan garden geranium absolutely does not require certain growing conditions and painstaking care, there are nuances that you need to familiarize yourself with before purchasing this flower
Let's look at the main points you should pay attention to
First of all, we are talking about lighting. Geranium is a light-loving plant and will thrive in an open area with free access to sunlight. However, even in partial shade the plant will be quite comfortable; moreover, in such conditions the flowers become larger.
As for the soil, the main thing is that the plant has good drainage. The soil must be fertile.
Plants are undemanding in terms of care, but it is still better not to refuse some manipulations. For example, you will need to periodically weed and loosen the soil to make the geranium feel comfortable.
The flowering of Himalayan geranium is quite active, but timely feeding can also contribute to this factor. It is best to opt for complex mineral fertilizers. The procedure should be performed at a certain time.
Fertilizers should be applied for the first time after the snow cover has melted. Nitrogen fertilizing, for example, ammonium nitrate or regular urea, is perfect. During the period of active growth, urea will also not hurt. In addition to it, you can use phosphorus-potassium fertilizers or superphosphate.
During the flowering process, the plant will also benefit from additional nutrients.
Geranium loves moisture, but under no circumstances should it be overwatered. A fairly large amount of water should be used for irrigation. The procedure should be carried out in the morning or evening - this will help the plant receive the necessary amount of moisture, and will not lead to such troubles as sunburn.
In order for geraniums to feel comfortable, we must not forget about pruning. It should be carried out closer to the beginning of autumn, when the exposure of aging stems becomes noticeable. The shoots are shortened to 10 centimeters in height, which promotes the formation of new flowers and the overall improvement of the plant. When carrying out this procedure, it should be taken into account that geranium is a powerful allergen. To avoid unpleasant situations during pruning, you should use rubber gloves to protect the skin of your hands from essential oils.
If at this time of year there is insufficient snow or severe frosts, freezing of the flower cannot be ruled out. To prevent this fact, it is recommended to cover the bush with spruce branches or just straw when the first cold weather sets in. If for some reason this was not possible, you can get out of the situation after the snow begins to fall. Geranium needs to be additionally sprinkled with snow, then it will be warmer even in severe frosts.
The procedure for propagating a flower by seeds, how and when it is best to do it
Pelargonium Odensjo Symfonia - description
The hybrid variety can be propagated by seed. However, you should buy planting material in a store rather than collect it yourself. Otherwise, it will not be possible to preserve the properties of the plant.
To germinate seeds you need to do the following:
- Each grain should be rubbed with sandpaper to increase germination.
- Place in a small container with a damp substrate.
- The interval between rows should be 3 cm.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of substrate on top.
- Place the container in a room at room temperature and water the plants from time to time.
- When sprouts appear, the container should be moved to the windowsill and the temperature should be slightly reduced for the development of roots.
- When 3 leaves appear, the sprouts should be planted in new pots. In this case, you should not deepen the root collar too much.
Features of large-flowered pelargonium
As befits a plant with such a big name, at home, royal pelargonium, in the photo, is more demanding of care than common varieties of zonal geranium, and it does not bloom for such a long time. But, having just once seen huge flowers of various shapes and colors collected in umbrella inflorescences, it is impossible not to be eager to grow an equally beautiful plant on your windowsill.
Royal pelargonium, reaching a height of 30–60 cm, differs from other varieties:
- folded leaves with a dense leaf blade that is rough to the touch and jagged edges;
- large, up to 7 cm in diameter, simple and double flowers.
As a result, you can admire the caps of airy bright flowers for 3 to 5 months, and it is doubly offensive if buds never appear on the bush in the spring.
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Royal geranium - what kind of flower is it?
South Africa is the birthplace of such a flower as geranium, while pelargonium comes from England, where many breeders crossed it. The plant is distinguished by a lush bush, the short stems of which are completely covered with green leaves. Lush flowering does not rise above the greenery, but is level with it.
Royal geranium
The stem is thin, upright, leaves on separate petioles, covered with small hairs, extend from it to the sides. The plant has a pleasant aroma. After pollination, flower petals take the shape of a crane or stork's beak, hence the popular name for geranium - cranebird.
Royal pelargonium has English roots. One famous Dutch professor of botany found the capped variant back in the 17th century on the slopes of Table Mountain, located near Cape Town, from where it was subsequently transported to a botanical garden in England. A century later, large-flowered pelargonium was taken from England to Europe, where they began to work on it further. The current royal pelargonium was bred in the 19th century by the French breeder James Odier.
Geranium and pelargonium
Few people know that they grow pelargonium on their windowsills, not geraniums. These flowers are very similar to each other, so it is not surprising that they can be confused. From a scientific point of view, these plants are different, but in everyday life, few know what the difference is between geranium and pelargonium.
Main differences:
- Growing environment: geranium is most often planted in plots, and pelargonium is used to decorate an apartment.
- Pelargonium has larger inflorescences, and geranium looks like a wildflower.
- Plants have different frost resistance: pelargonium comes from southern countries, so Russian cold can be dangerous for it. Geranium is a more unpretentious plant, so it grows even in unfavorable conditions.
- Flower structure: 5-8 petals of geranium have perfect symmetry, but in pelargonium they are symmetrical only along one axis.
Attention! Pelargonium requires more careful care, and therefore this is another main criterion for choosing between flowers that are similar in appearance.
A variety of royal geranium with white and purple flowers
Description
Only one culture belongs to the ampelous species of pelargonium. This is a thyroid (ivy-leaved) pelargonium. She recently came to the homes and gardens of Russian flower growers. Before this, the culture lived only in the natural environment (in the tropics of Africa). All varieties of this group have flexible and rather long shoots. They form beautiful hanging cascades up to 1 m long. That is why they are often used to decorate hanging compositions and are grown in tall flowerpots in garden plots.
The leaves are harsh and have a relatively smooth surface. The color is usually green. Some varieties stand out for their interesting foliage color (light spots on a dark background). The leaves are quite large (up to 6 cm).
The flowers are collected in umbrella inflorescences, the size of which can exceed 9 cm. Each of them can have up to 40 buds. Depending on the variety, flowers may look different. Petals can be simple or double. The shape of the flowers can resemble stars, lush peonies, or roses.
The palette of shades is also varied. These are soft and bright pink, red, burgundy, lilac tones. Of course, there are also representatives of the flora with snow-white flowers in the assortment of varieties. The color can be monochromatic, or it can combine several different shades. The most common options are those with a contrasting border on the petals. Flowering begins in the spring and pleases the owners of the crop until late autumn.
Features of plant flowering
Pelargonium PAC Salmon Komtess (PAK Salmon Komtess)
Pelargonium of this variety is characterized by lush flowering. With proper care it lasts quite a long time.
Period of activity and rest
In spring, the crop begins a period of activity. This occurs during the period of increasing daylight hours. During this period, the crop requires more frequent watering and fertilizing.
The first buds appear in mid-spring, and the flowering itself can last up to 9 months. At this time, you need to constantly trim off faded buds and provide the flower with comfortable conditions.
In winter, the plant needs to be provided with a period of rest. At this time, the bush rests and reserves strength. At the same time, it is important to provide it with the correct temperature regime - it is best to keep Rococo pelargonium cool, away from heat sources.
Types and shape of flowers
The plant has single-colored round flowers. In appearance, they resemble rose buds with a simple perianth. The flowers are relatively large in size and form complex umbrellas.
Pelargonium has large inflorescences
Plant care
The principles of care are common to all Rococo varieties.
Watering rules and humidity
From spring to autumn, watering should be regular if the available rainfall is insufficient. Usually roses are watered every week, and in the south more often. 1-2 buckets are poured under each bush.
Important! It is best to water less often, but as abundantly as possible.
Fertilizing and soil quality
In early spring, fertilizing begins with nitrogen fertilizers to stimulate the growth of green shoots. With the forcing of buds, fertilizers should contain mainly phosphorus and potassium. “Agricola-Rosa” has the optimal composition, which can be applied every 2 weeks. A solution of mullein at the rate of 10 liters per 50 liters of water is suitable as a nitrogen fertilizer. At the end of summer, feeding can be stopped so that the plant enters the dormant stage before wintering.
Pruning and replanting
Bushes regularly require sanitary pruning: remove broken shoots affected by diseases, and also cut off the faded tops of branches 1-2 pairs of leaves below the bud. In spring, bushes are pruned to a third of the length of the shoots.
Features of wintering a flower
If the winter temperature drops below −20 °C, then it is recommended to cover the bushes and also hill them. This is done after night temperatures drop to −2 °C.
Caring for royal geraniums
Timely and proper care of royal geraniums allows you to form a regular and strong bush during the first year of life, which in the second year of its life will give you lush, bright buds.
Caring for royal pelargonium begins from the moment you decide to keep this plant in your home. You need to choose the right place for planting. Royal geranium does not bring drafts, dry air or direct sunlight. Also, the plant does not like high air temperatures and insufficient watering. However, overmoistening the earthen clod will not do anything good.
As you understand, the optimal place for growing is a north or east window, under which there is no central heating radiator and which is not used to ventilate the room in the cold season. In spring, summer and autumn, royal geranium feels great in a glazed loggia. However, if there is a threat of the first frost, you should remove the plant to the room.
In the spring-summer period, an ambient temperature of up to 25 degrees Celsius is suitable for the growth of geranium. In autumn and winter, you should not allow temperatures to rise above 20 degrees Celsius.
To organize proper care of royal geraniums at home, planting is important. For growing, choose ceramic pots. They maintain the optimal temperature of the earthen clod and ensure uniform air distribution. There must be a drain hole to remove excess moisture. Pour expanded clay or any other drainage into the bottom of the pot. Next, fill the container with turf soil with a high organic content. You can apply 1 tablespoon of nitrogen fertilizers at once to ensure sufficient nutrition for the plant during the period of green mass growth. After planting, keep the royal pelargonium for 2 weeks in a shaded place and water it 2 times a day.
Royal geraniums should be replanted no more than once every 3 years. It is best to refrain from this event. This indoor flower is extremely painful to transplant and may even die.
Also, caring for royal geraniums includes timely application of fertilizing. In spring and summer, it is necessary to apply mineral fertilizers once a week. Potassium and phosphorus should predominate. In autumn and winter, apply nitrogen and organic fertilizers once a month.
Be sure to shape the plant by pinching. The first pruning is carried out at the moment when the plant reaches a stem height of 15 cm. All tops are cut off by 2 cm. The second pinch is needed at the moment when the side shoots reach a length of 5 cm. Trim all their tops by 1 cm. After this, You will get a spherical bush, which, with proper care of the royal geranium, will produce abundant flowering in the second year.
What you need to know about care
Let us note that, to the delight of novice flower growers, this magnificent pelargonium will not cause much trouble when growing. Rococo is an unpretentious variety, and if you follow simple care measures, it will reward you with magnificent long-lasting flowering. Let's find out the main points on caring for Rococo pelargonium.
Lighting and location
This hybrid loves well-lit window sills. With a lack of light, flowers and leaves become smaller, and the inflorescences become thinned out.
All year round, the daylight hours of a flower should be at least 5 hours. The more, the better. In winter, when natural light becomes scarce, additional lighting will be required. Such living conditions will help Rococo pelargonium to form large peduncles, strong shoots, and a contrasting color band on the foliage that is characteristic of the species throughout the growing season.
In summer, pelargonium must be shaded from direct sunlight, as it can cause burns on its delicate leaves.
Temperature
Moderate temperature conditions are suitable for pelargonium of this variety. During the growing season, daytime temperatures should be 20-25 °C, night temperatures should be 12-15 °C. Therefore, in the summer, the flower can be taken out into the garden or even transplanted into open ground, where it will feel as comfortable as possible.
In winter, the temperature should be the same as standard nighttime. It needs to be supported around the clock. This period is necessary for the plant to rest and gain strength before the new flowering season.
Watering and humidity
High-quality and sufficient soil moisture is a very important condition for the successful development of pelargonium. It is important to dose watering correctly, since if there is a lack of moisture, the foliage begins to wither and turn yellow, and if there is excess moisture, the root system will rot.
Experienced gardeners advise watering Rococo pelargonium when the top layer of soil dries out. In summer you should water more often, and in winter moisturizing procedures should be reduced to once every 10-14 days.
There is no need to spray this pelargonium. Moreover, the procedure can be harmful to the plant, since drops of water leave unsightly spots on its leaves and petals. And if the temperature in the room is cool, drops of moisture can even lead to rotting of the stems and leaves of the plant.
Feeding
For successful development and long-lasting lush flowering, the plant needs additional nutrition. It is recommended to use mineral complexes intended for pelargoniums. Moreover, in the spring it is better to focus on compositions with a predominance of nitrogen, so that the bush becomes more luxuriant, and at the beginning of flowering, switch to potassium-phosphorus supplements so that the pelargonium blooms more abundantly.
It is important to know that after the next transplant, the plant does not need feeding for one and a half months. This is due to the fact that the new soil already has enough minerals and useful elements. In winter, Rococo pelargonium also practically does not need fertilizing: however, once every month or a month and a half you can add a weak solution of fertilizing to support the flower.
Proper feeding will ensure long and lush flowering of this beauty. Experienced flower growers advise, in addition to specialized complexes, to use ready-made compounds such as Kemira or Fertika for feeding plants.
Trimming
Formative pruning is also most often carried out in the spring. It is necessary so that the stems of pelargonium do not stretch, and the plant has the appearance of a lush, neat bush. It is worth pinching out young side stems as soon as 3-4 leaves appear on them. This will give strength to the development of new shoots.
It is extremely important to remove flower stalks immediately after flowering. If you do not do this, the geranium will waste its energy on forming fruits and seeds.
Transfer
This flower grows quite quickly, so from time to time it needs to be transplanted into a new pot. It is recommended to carry out the procedure only when the roots of the plant begin to emerge from the drainage holes.
Transplantation can be carried out during the growing season. It is best to do this in the spring. But in winter it is better to leave pelargonium alone so that it gains strength for flowering and a period of active growth.
Choosing the right pot for pelargonium is an important component of lush flowering. In no case should it be wide and deep. To properly grow a flower, the flowerpot should be slightly cramped. Otherwise, the root system will begin to actively develop first, and the above-ground part will stop growing. You can choose any material; in this case, size is of primary importance.
Zonal geranium - everyone's favorite
Pelargonium zonale is one of the most famous groups of the pelargonium genus. Just 50 years ago it was difficult to imagine a Soviet home without densely leafy geranium bushes on the windows. Bright red, delicate pink and elegant white inflorescences beckoned like lights. Due to its wide distribution, geranium was even called the “bourgeois flower.”
Gradually, new types of indoor plants replaced the familiar and slightly boring pelargoniums. All the more pleasant was their triumphant return at the beginning of the 21st century
After the development of new varieties, zonal pelargonium again won its place in the sun and attracted the attention of even those who previously considered the flower bourgeois, artless
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.
Diseases and pests
Of the diseases, the most dangerous is root rot - the so-called blackleg. This disease is primarily dangerous for young specimens, and most often occurs due to flaws in care and maintenance.
Note that the black leg leads to the death of the plant and cannot be treated, so in this case you will have to get rid of the flower. And to prevent disease, it is necessary to water the plant moderately, and also not to allow the flower to be in a room with a low temperature.
The following types of harmful insects pose a danger to Rococo pelargonium:
- spider mite;
- thrips;
- aphid;
- mealybug.
If you notice larvae of harmful insects, or the flower has already begun to wither under the influence of pests, be sure to treat the plant with appropriate insecticidal preparations.
Possible problems
The main problems in cultivation are lack of flowering and yellowing of leaves. This is the result of improper care.
In the first case, the reasons are lack of light, lack of nutrients, unsuitable soil, or too spacious a pot. Yellow and dry leaves appear due to non-compliance with the watering regime.
To solve problems, you need to identify their cause. As soon as it is found, you should follow all the rules of care, and the flower will come to life again.
Features of reproduction
Planting can take place all year round. But in winter the plant will need additional lighting. Therefore, it is best to plant in spring or summer.
Before planting, the soil must be disinfected:
- steam the soil in a water bath;
- calcined in the oven;
- washed with a fungicidal agent.
Then do the following:
- To improve germination, the seeds are rubbed with sandpaper.
- Plant the seeds in a shallow container (2-3 cm) with moist soil. Sprinkle a small layer of soil on top.
- The container with seeds is placed at a temperature of +20…+22 degrees and the soil is regularly moistened.
- After germination, place the container in the light.
- After several leaves appear, they are planted in small pots so that the root collar is not buried.
Pelargonium Rococo will appeal to any gardener for its unpretentiousness. And if you follow simple rules of care and disease prevention, it will also delight the eye with magnificent lush flowering. And thanks to the ease of care, even a novice gardener can grow a healthy plant.
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There are several rosebud varieties of pelargonium whose flowers are said to be very similar to each other. These are pelargonium Rococo, Millfield Rose, Achievement, Lady Gertruda and probably there are a couple more similar varieties. All these pelargoniums have very regular shapes and the most gorgeous soft pink “roses”. I have all these varieties, but the Rococo pelargonium was the first to bloom.
So what can I say about this beauty? Like most rosebuds, Rococo pelargonium is tall. If left unpruned, it will grow into a large stick that will eventually begin to collapse and may break under its own weight. I really wanted to see flowering as soon as possible, so I didn’t prune Rococo. Now I'll show you what happened.
Pelargonium Rococo, if not pruned, will grow into such a monster
As you can see, her height is a la an ordinary domestic elephant. But the flowers are also very big. I would say that for her growth, flowers are what she needs. Real baroque))
Fluffy, delicate and large flowers of Rococo pelargonium are collected in a rather dense inflorescence. I just want to smell them! Simply charming!
Pelargonium Rococo has large rosaceous flowers of a very pleasant regular shape.
I think if this girl is properly pruned at the beginning of spring, and then fed well (yes, in order for her to color, you need to feed her well! I watered her with Kemira or Fertika almost every watering), then she will be a real decoration of any home.
How to propagate Rococo pelargonium
Pelargonium Rococo propagates vegetatively - this will require strong cuttings taken from the mother bush. You can get new plants by sowing seeds, but this method of planting is much more painstaking.
Cuttings
In principle, cuttings of pelargonium at home can be done throughout the year. But, it is important to take into account the fact that in the spring the shoots will grow much faster. The most optimal time for cuttings is March and April.
The first method of cutting geraniums:
- To do this, take a knife, geranium with side shoots, and a container with soil for a new plant.
- The shoot that will separate should be from five to seven centimeters in length. There should be three leaves on its stem.
- Cut the stem with a knife (sharp), let the shoot lie for three hours. This is necessary so that the cut area dries out.
- The cut area can be sprinkled with coal. Next you need to plant. Before doing this, prepare the pot with soil in the usual way.
There is another way of cuttings:
- It is necessary to allow the new shoot to take root in soil with coarse sand.
- The sand should be slightly damp. The cutting should not be covered.
- Water without getting on the stems and leaves. The temperature in the room should be no less than 20 degrees Celsius.
- Already 12 days after the roots appear, transplant the plant into regular soil.
The third method of cuttings is propagation in water:
- After you protect the cutting, place it in a glass of water.
- Wait until it takes root and begins to grow. Then you can replant the plant in regular soil.
Seeds
This hybrid propagates well by seeds, but they must be purchased in a store and not collected yourself. When collected at home, young plants will not retain the necessary properties.
Planting seeds can be done at any time of the year, but in winter additional lighting will be needed.
Instructions for germinating Rococo geranium from seeds:
- Before planting, rub each seed with sandpaper for better germination.
- Plant the planting material in shallow containers filled with moist soil. The distance between the rows should be about 3 cm. Sprinkle a thin layer of substrate on top.
- Place the container in a room at room temperature and periodically moisten it.
- As soon as the first shoots appear, place the container on the windowsill so that the plants have enough light. In this case, the temperature can be lowered slightly so that the root system develops better.
- When the first 3 leaves appear, they are picked into new pots. The root collar should not go too deep.
Pelargonium Rococo will appeal to any gardener for its unpretentiousness. And if you follow simple rules of care and disease prevention, it will also delight the eye with magnificent lush flowering. And thanks to the ease of care, even a novice gardener can grow a healthy plant.
The most beautiful and unpretentious
Many people prefer to choose only those plants that do not need to be constantly monitored. It will be enough to water it once every few days and expose it to the sun. Similar types include:
Zonal
The leaves are large, with dark circles along the edge. Zonal geranium has an erect stem that grows up to a meter in height. The flowers are quite bright, most often pink and white. They are simple and terry in shape.
Royal
This variety grows up to 60 cm. The leaves of the Royal geranium are mostly monochromatic, with stripes and spots. The flowers are large, double, of various shades, with spots and veins.
Fragrant
Fragrant geranium has the scent of lemon, lemon balm, and pineapple. Aromas of apple and rose are often found. It is not surprising, but the flowers are pink, purple, and completely inconspicuous. When growing fragrant geraniums, you must follow the rules of care, and also constantly pinch the bush so that it acquires a beautiful shape. In industry, the variety is used for the production of oils.
Another, no less fragrant variety of geranium is Lemon.
Angel
The flowers are very similar to viola. The bush is covered with inflorescences with a huge number of multi-colored flowers.
Geraniums of the Angel variety have dissected, fragrant leaves. The flowers are quite large, lush and incredibly beautiful
Such varieties bloom profusely, thereby attracting attention.
Our experts have prepared materials for you about such varieties as the perennial Peony geranium, the summer-blooming Rosanna, the unpretentious Roberta, the mysterious black geranium and Max Fry. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with information about the lovely ampelous ivy-leaved geranium, including the rules for caring for it.
Popular varieties
Gardeners value this flower for its unpretentiousness and attractive appearance. However, the plant has a huge number of varieties, differing both in buds and in the subtleties of care. Let's look at the most popular varieties of Himalayan geranium.
The Baby blue variety is a low bush, reaching approximately 30 centimeters in height. According to the name, it has blue-violet rather large flowers. The veins are not too pronounced.
The Gravetye variety is distinguished by its bright flowers. They measure up to 5 centimeters and are purple with a blue tint. The veins in this case are obvious, burgundy-red. The core of the flowers is white, smoothly turning into a purple hue, and from there into its main color.
Irish Blue. This variety is also represented by small bushes with large bright flowers. The buds are purple, with a slight touch of blue; as they approach the center, the color becomes reddish. Most often, this plant is used to improve the territory; it is planted along the perimeter of paths and around flower beds.
The “Plenum” variety is considered the most famous; it is often chosen by summer residents for planting on their plots. The main highlight is the double flowers of lilac color with possible shades of blue, purple and pink. The dimensions of the bush are standard, about 30 centimeters in height and approximately the same in width.
"Summer sour." This variety has pronounced frost resistance and feels great in summer cottages in various regions of our country. It has double violet-lilac flowers of decent size, which are scattered in large quantities throughout the bush. Flowering begins in June and ends with the beginning of autumn.
The "Derrick Cook" variety has very beautiful and large flowers. They have a round shape and are located on thin stems. The color is white, the veins are lilac-violet. When the plant fades, the buds appear a soft blue tint and the leaves turn deep red. The bushes are quite voluminous, up to 60 centimeters wide, and tolerate drought and difficult weather conditions well.
The Kaya variety is quite rare, but at the same time worthy of attention. It is very unpretentious and does not require painstaking care, has large light lilac-blue flowers with pronounced veins and a delicate aroma
The size of the bush is average. The plant tolerates frost well and is resistant to the development of various diseases. Despite the fact that this variety of geranium loves light, it will do well when placed in partial shade.
About the Himalayan geranium variety Baby blue, see the video below.
Description and price
Ampelous pelargonium is a perennial plant of the Geraniaceae genus. A special feature of this type of plant are long shoots and umbrella-type inflorescences in the form of one bunch, consisting of 5 – 15 flowers. The inflorescence is located on a long peduncle, the diameter of the inflorescence is 8-10 cm. The leaf blades of pelargonium have a palmate-lobed shape.
The homeland of ampelous pelargonium is the Cape Province of South Africa, where it naturally cascades down the hillsides. In the 17th century it was brought to Holland, and from there the flower spread throughout Europe already in the 17th and 18th centuries. The pricing policy for those wishing to purchase this plant looks like this:
- in Moscow, rooted cuttings of ampelous pelargonium, which do not require replanting, are sold for 450 rubles. per piece, and the price for an adult plant can reach 800 rubles;
- in St. Petersburg, a rooted cutting costs 250–300 rubles, an adult plant – 450 rubles.
Pelargonium: royal, zonal, fragrant
The first beautifully flowering pelargoniums began to be cultivated in their homeland in South Africa, and they were brought to Europe in the 17th century. Other geraniums - zonal, fragrant, thyroid - quickly gained popularity in the Old World.
Based on external characteristics and cultivation characteristics, flower growers traditionally distinguish 6 groups of cultivated pelargoniums:
- Royal (domestic, large-flowered, family).
- Zonal.
- Fragrant (fragrant)
- Angel.
- Ivy leaf (thyroid).
- Unique.
The modern cultivars created in each group have the most spectacular appearance. Angel geranium is a small, compact pelargonium. Caring for fragrant geraniums at home is simple, but for some people its smell and touching the pubescent hairs on the leaves and stems can cause allergies. Pelargonium thyroid, or ivy-leaved, is an ampelous plant with hanging green densely leafy shoots and spectacular red or pink flowers. The group of unique geraniums includes species, varieties and hybrids that are not included in any of the above groups.
Pests and diseases
The following types of harmful insects pose a danger to Rococo pelargonium :
- spider mite;
- thrips;
- aphid;
- mealybug.
If you notice larvae of harmful insects, or the flower has already begun to wither under the influence of pests, be sure to treat the plant with appropriate insecticidal preparations.
Of the diseases, the most dangerous is root rot - the so-called blackleg. This disease is primarily dangerous for young specimens, and most often occurs due to flaws in care and maintenance. Note that the black leg leads to the death of the plant and cannot be treated, so in this case you will have to get rid of the flower. And to prevent disease, it is necessary to water the plant moderately, and also not to allow the flower to be in a room with a low temperature.