Many people believe that geranium is a somewhat old-fashioned plant, whose modest red and white flowers are unlikely to decorate the house. But in fact, this is not so, geraniums have many beautiful varieties, and one of them is Pelargonium peliconium. This is a very attractive flower, lush, abundantly blooming, with many flowering shoots. This is an ampel variety, a cache-pot with such geraniums will surely decorate the gazebo in the garden, terrace or balcony.
Plant description
Plushy geranium is also called creeping, which in itself reflects the characteristics of this plant. The stems of this variety are ampelous, the leaves are similar to ivy not only in shape. They have a smooth surface with a faint, subtle sheen. Geranium of this species has quite powerful shoots. In most varieties, they can reach 1 m in length. In this case, the shoots cling well to any protrusions on vertical surfaces, quickly rise up, and in the future, by flowering, they can scatter seeds around.
Pink and white pelargonium ivy
This variety also has elongated peduncles. Umbrella inflorescences are typical for them, combining 10-15 relatively small flowers. The buds of this variety of geraniums are bright. But the flowers in most varieties are already lighter in color. Although there are dark purple and scarlet varieties, white-pink and lilac prevail.
Advantages and disadvantages of ivy pelargonium
Ivy geraniums are popular with many gardeners due to the following advantages:
- the presence of a large number of varieties with a diverse shape and color of flowers. Variegated varieties are also found that look attractive even when they fade;
- ease of cultivation, as this is a very undemanding plant, which even a beginner grower can handle;
- plentiful flowering;
- most varieties are well rooted in both land and water.
As for the shortcomings, this variety of geranium has practically none, with the exception of one. Pelargonium ivy is difficult to winter in an ordinary city apartment. But this is a problem to be solved, experienced flower growers advise in such cases to use additional ultraviolet lamps for lighting.
Note! This is often easier than arranging a cool winter for such plants.
Peculiarities of Caring for Geranium
Many beginning gardeners, buying a flower like pelargonium, think that since this plant comes from the subtropics of South Africa, it needs well-moistened air and sunlight, and also tolerates heat. In fact, this is not so, and the nuances of growing this flower at home will be discussed below.
Pelargonium pelargonium care: what to consider
In order for pelargonium to give a literally waterfall of flowers, you need to find the right place for it. It should be open and sunny enough, but given that it is a moderately photophilous plant. The ivy geranium tolerates direct sunlight, but she likes diffused light more.
Blooming ampelous pelargonium
In addition, it needs reliable protection against wind and temperature extremes. The peculiarity of this plant is that often a light cooling tolerates worse than a strong cold. As for high temperatures, the summer heat does not harm the aerial parts of the flower, but the roots do not like it. Some gardeners advise on such days to put pots with plants on trays with a moistened substrate.
Important! If the owner wants to provide the plant with a good microclimate, then the optimum temperature for summer will be 20-25 ° C. In winter, it should be in the range of 12-15 ° C, but a reduction to 8-10 ° C is acceptable.
Features of growing ivy geraniums and home care
Pelargonium is the same geranium, so soil mixtures for flowering indoor plants are suitable for it. In stores, you can also find a special mixture for pelargonium. It is advisable to use a light loamy soil mixture for this plant. It should contain a lot of potassium, but nitrogen should be a minimal amount. The fact is that geranium ivy (creeping) ampelous with an abundance of nitrogen forms a lot of green leaves, but it blooms much worse.
Watering should be moderate. This plant tolerates dry air. It is clear that if it rained and the geranium grows behind a balcony in a special box, it does not need to be watered for several more days after that. Insufficient amount of moisture in the air or soil, this flower will survive easily. Excessive moisture is much worse. It can easily lead to the appearance of rot, and then the entire bush will disappear.
Terry Pelargonium terry
Important! In no case should you moisten the plant by spraying it from a spray bottle. When drops of water fall on a leaf plate, they can provoke the appearance of rot.
Propagation by cuttings
Plushy geranium, i.e. ampelous, most often propagated by stem cuttings. This procedure is best carried out in August-September. The average length of the stem cuttings suitable for propagation should be 5-15 cm.
Important! For propagation of the plant, experienced flower growers are advised to take semi-lignified cuttings, green on top.
Cuttings should be separated from the mother bush with a sharp knife. You can’t tear them off, because this way the plant can be damaged. The scrap obtained in this way is left for a day, waiting until the slices are properly dried. Then, in order to disinfect them, they are treated with activated carbon (although it is better to take wood).
To root the cuttings, it is recommended that you first calcine the soil in the oven so that infection or pests do not get there. Cuttings are planted at a distance of 2 cm from each other.
Seed propagation
This method of reproduction is considered too complicated for beginner gardeners, it is suitable only for professionals. If you still want to use the plant seed, then the best time for this comes in February and lasts until mid-April.
You can plant seedlings both in ordinary light soft soil and in special peat tablets, but only large ones. Sowing is carried out in holes with recesses up to 10 mm. In this case, the soil should be well moistened, just it can be pre-sprayed from the spray gun. Then the container with the planted seedlings is turned into an impromptu greenhouse, covering it with a transparent film. Such pots are placed in a well-lit place, but not in direct sunlight. The first shoots should appear in about a week. And after a month, geranium can be transplanted into permanent containers.
Note! Not all varieties are well propagated by seeds. Many gardeners recommend options such as, for example, a tornado. This is a hybrid with red flowers and a shoot length of 30 cm. Crystal hybrid is also suitable for these purposes. You can grow flowers of several varieties at home. This set will decorate the most modest cottage.
Trimming and shaping a bush
Basically, the formation of a bush of pelargonium ivy consists in the fact that it is necessary to remove wilted flowers in time, as well as cut the shoots in the fall. Do not feel sorry for them. In order for the plant to bloom well, they are pruned heavily, leaving seven leaves, but root shoots cannot be removed. If the bush has grown over the winter, then it will have to be cut in the spring.
Diseases and pests of the geranium ivy
This flower is practically not susceptible to disease. But when growing outdoors, you need to constantly ensure that parasites do not eat it. If problems are detected at the initial stage, they can even be removed manually, if the situation is started, it will be necessary to use insecticides.
Pelargonium pelargonium: the best varieties
Over the years of cultivation, flower growers have bred many varieties. Perhaps, in every edition of gardening magazines there are favorites, but there are also universally recognized leaders. Also, if desired, you can choose a mix in which a variety of shades of petals will be presented.
Great Balls of Fire Burgundy
This variety is distinguished by its surprisingly maroon-colored petals. This variety blooms from late spring to late autumn. You can grow it indoors. Shoots grow about 40 cm per year. This variety is very fond of the sun.
Pelargonium Pelicans Great Balls of Fire Burgundy
Bernardo
This is a terry variety with beautiful pink-red flowers. The reverse side of the petals has a lighter shade, often almost white.
Great Balls of Fire Red Velvet
Another beautiful terry variety, characterized by red flowers. The height of the bush is 30-40 cm.
Toscana boneta
There are various color options, but the flowers will be large in any case, and the shoots are long. The most beautiful option is with white flowers forming a spectacular cascade.
Pac vicky
These are large flowers of a coral shade, in the center the petals are much shorter than at the edges. In general, the plant is as unpretentious as other varieties.
Malayan
This is one of the varieties of Tuscany mentioned above. It features bright shades of petals in red.
Great Balls of Fire Light Lavender
Variety with dense leaves and large inflorescences. His flowers are pale lilac, lavender.
Pink chart
Luxurious variety with bright pink flowers collected in large inflorescences.
Great balls of fire melon
Very beautiful plant variety. Its flowers are distinguished by a deep raspberry red hue, the inflorescences are dense and large. The variety blooms for a long time and abundantly. It can be grown both in pots and in balcony drawers.
Pelargonium Pelicans Great Balls of Fire Melon
In general, if the florist is interested in pelargonium, the mucous, simple care and plentiful flowering are the main arguments in favor of the plant. It will decorate the east and west sides of the terrace. And also this variety is used for aromatherapy. No wonder its flowers contain essential oil, the active substance of which - geraniol - is used in the perfume industry.
