What is zoned geranium and what are the rules for home care?

Zone geranium is a beautiful houseplant, which is known for its unpretentious nature.

It is famous for its bright colors, both leaves and flowers. The delicate look of the flower always looks very beautiful in the interior of any home, and prolonged flowering pleases more than six months of its owner.

Moreover, it is very useful. Its magical leaves are able to purify the air of harmful microorganisms.

Today, this flower has about 400 species of brothers spread out around the world. Their color and shape does not cease to amaze.

Botanical Description and History

This plant belongs to the shrub, but there are grassy species. Stems are straight, and are branched and creeping. The structure of the leaves also varies from simple to palmately dissected.

Inflorescences come in a variety of colors, from white to dark red. Flowers grow umbrellas. Umbrellas are small and large, with a complex branch.

The bud, according to scientists, has its own peculiarity, since the sepals open from bottom to top.

This amazing creature originated in South Africa. In the 16th century, voyages towards Africa began actively, from where they brought not only animals, but also plants. Among the treasures brought was geranium. Her beauty fascinated the Europeans. However, she was not adapted to the new climate.

Breeders soon adapted the flower, and it gained wide popularity in Europe.

Geranium was brought to Russia two centuries later. By the nineteenth century, she was in almost every prosperous house. It should be noted that some species have remained wild, and adapted to the harsh climate of Russia developed in the open.

Appearance

So what is it - zoned geranium? It is a creature rich in appearance. This is a bush that grows vertically with fluffy foliage. The top of the bush is decorated with bright small flowers. Most often red, white and pink.

Geranium has a characteristic odor. And it’s not the flowers that smell, but the leaves. Before acquiring such a flower, sniff at it. Not everyone likes her smell.

Indoor geranium reaches a height of 90 cm. This is a perennial plant. At the same time, it needs to be renewed, since leaves fall from below and bare stems do not quite have an aesthetic appearance. It grows quickly - up to 30 cm in 12 months.

Popular varieties

Zone geranium is the most common species. It has more than 75 thousand varieties. Of course, all these thousands are different in appearance. Some are not at all like their fellows. They are united by only one thing, all on the leaves have a zone painted in a different color. Hence the name was established "zonal". This famous area on the leaves reflects very well the state of plant health. The zone disappears at the slightest lack of light and appears when the stimulus is eliminated.

There is a generally accepted division of geraniums depending on the number of petals. So, they distinguish:

1. Non-double - 5 petals.
2. Half Terry - 6-8 petals.
3. Terry - 8 petals.

Also, depending on the color and structure of inflorescences, the following varieties of zonal geraniums are distinguished:

• Rosaceae.
• Tulip-shaped.
• Cloves.
• Stellate.
• Cactus-like.
• Deacons.

Different types of photos

Below you can see photos of different types of geranium zoned.

Where and how to plant her?

Plant a plant in spring, since it is during this period that nature emerges from hibernation, and is set for development.

You need to choose a small pot. The roots will grow in a large pot, but the flower itself will not. In addition, in a large pot, the likelihood of flowering drops to a minimum.

As for plants that are already a year or more, they are replanted as necessary, if the roots are already coming out of the holes for the outflow of water. In this case, you need to choose a pot not much more.

IMPORTANT! If the flower has reached a height of 25 cm, then it no longer needs to be transplanted. The plant is considered an adult. He needs only top dressing. Frequent transplantation may result in a lack of flowering.

So, in order to plant a flower we need:

1. Choose a small pot.
2. Lay a drain.
3. Collect up to half a pot of prepared soil (a description of the proportions is given below).
4. Insert the stalk with the roots, and holding it with your hand add the earth.
5. Pour with settled water, you can add a tool to improve root growth.
6. The pot needs to be placed in a bright place.
7. After 15-20 days you need to feed fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium.

If you are replanting a perennial flower, then you need to circumcise the branches stretched out after the winter, pick up a pot for more, and repeat the above steps.

Lighting and location

Geranium loves bright light. Without it, it withers and does not bloom at all. However, it can not be placed in direct sunlight, otherwise there will be burns on the leaves.

The south window is suitable if a tree grows nearby or there is another structure that sets off direct rays. Windows from the west or east are also suitable. The main thing is that the light lasts at least 16 hours.

Soil requirements

Suitable general purpose primer. For home-made soil, you need to take: 2 parts of peat in 2 parts of garden soil and 1 part of coarse sand.

Another version of the mixture: 2 parts of sod land, 2 parts - humus, 2 parts - peat, 1 part sand. pH should be 6.0-6.5.

Good drainage required. Excess peat can lead to stagnation of moisture, which is bad for geraniums. In too fertile soil, flowering slows down.

Home Care

Zone geranium is not a supporter of temperature changes. In the summer, 20-25 degrees Celsius is enough for her, in winter 13-16 degrees Celsius. Does not tolerate dry air. You can spray the leaves with soft water. You need to water often: in the summer every other day, in the winter once a week. The remaining liquid that has leaked into the plate must be drained. Top dressing is very important, especially during the flowering period. It needs to start in the spring, and finish in August.

IMPORTANT! In winter, top dressing is not needed. The flower needs a rest. During this period, the buds are emerging.

Many take flowers to the garden for the summer. This has a good effect on the general condition of the plant. They love the air. In the spring, you need to cut it off. Elongated and weak shoots will not bring any benefits. Pinching allows you to increase the bushiness, give a good appearance and stimulate flowering. Geranium does not tolerate drafts.

You can also find out about the proper planting and care of zonal geraniums in this video:

Common Diseases and Pests

Like all organisms on the planet, zoned geraniums can hurt.

Geraniums may be affected:

1. whitefly;
2. tick;
3. mealy worm;
4. aphids;
5. rust;
6. gray rot;
7. gray mold.

Chemical treatment may help. They can be bought at the flower shop. They will tell you the order of application and dose.

Geraniums may also have the following problems:

• blacklegif the flower is transfused;
• foliage rednessif the temperature is low;
• lack of floweringif the flower is reapproved;
• yellowing foliageif there is not enough light.

These problems are easily fixed if the source of their occurrence is excluded. Of course, there are situations when the plant is running, and it can no longer be saved. Be careful and do not bring your pets to such a state.

Propagation Features

Propagating this plant is very easy. It can be propagated:

1. SHEETS. His cuttings quickly take root. Virtually no rot. Reproduction can be done in spring, late summer or early fall. Grow fast.
2. SEEDS. To increase the level of seedling, remove the husk from the seeds. Seeds are sown in a special mixture consisting of peat and sand. This mixture should be wet but not wet.

   It is possible to spray with a spray gun to dispense better watering. You need to cover with a film. When sprouts appear on the surface, you need to put in a bright place. After the cotyledons grow, seedlings are planted in permanent pots.

The geranium is zonal, on the one hand a flower easy to care for, and on the other a beautiful queen on the windowsill. The history of its origin is rich in various events. In other words, zonal geranium has done everything to be a worthy resident of our homes.

Watch the video: Daystrom Institute - This is Only a Test 505 - 62019 (October 2024).