Geranium has a second well-known name - pelargonium. For many years, it has been decorated with interiors and exteriors. It is worthwhile to figure out how to plant geranium in a pot for indoor cultivation.
Methods of propagation of geraniums
There are several ways to propagate a plant. The most common: seeds and cuttings. To choose the best option, it is worth considering each in detail.
What does geranium look like
Vegetative (by shoots or cuttings)
In most cases, flower growers propagate pelargonium precisely by the method of cuttings, since the seed material cannot always convey the parental qualities of the flower. To root geraniums in a vegetative way? cuttings from the top of the shoots or the middle shoots remaining after trimming are suitable. For reproduction, experts recommend containers for seedlings or ordinary plastic cups.
Important know! The landing tank must have drainage holes.
Universal germination, which is diluted with river sand, is excellently suitable for germination. For disinfection, a weak solution of manganese will be changed, or the soil is preliminarily calcined.
Generative (seeded)
The process of propagation by seeds is extremely time consuming. It is important before the procedure to decide how to plant geranium in this way. First of all, pay attention to the quality of planting material. It is advisable to purchase seed in specialized stores.
How to plant a geranium sprout without roots in a pot
Before transplanting geranium with cuttings without roots, you should:
- determine the time of the procedure;
- prepare planting material;
- to root the seedling.
Experienced gardeners believe that the fence of planting material in the home can be carried out year-round. The best solution is to focus on the initial stage of the growing season. For geraniums, it is divided into two time periods: throughout the spring, and from mid-summer to early fall.
Cutting preparation
Before planting geranium with a shoot without roots, choose the largest apical processes. Branches for planting should not have visible damage. How to plant geranium in a pot without roots? Before planting geraniums with cuttings in a pot, the tops of the stems are cut off. Each must be at least 7 cm long.
Cutting type
It is important to use a sterile and sharp instrument. The slice is carried out directly above the kidney and 3-4 green leaves are left on the handle. Lower leaves are removed. Green cuttings are left in the air for 2-3 hours, so that the cut points are tightened with a film. To disinfect and improve root formation, the wounds are treated with Kornevin.
Ways to get roots from the appendix
For these purposes, use water or a nutrient substrate. It is important to remember that the formation of the root system in water is slower than in the earth. Prolonged accumulation in the fluid can cause root rot.
Additional Information! In different varieties, for example, in Korolevsky, roots form within 40-50 days, which means that it can be propagated only in soil mixtures.
Rooting in water
For germination in water, it is advisable to use any dark container. Dishes are subject to mandatory disinfection. Activated carbon is preliminarily added to the tank with warm, settled water. After that, the stalk is placed in the pot. The place is selected as lit as possible, but without direct sunlight. Daylight hours in pelargonium lasts 14-16 hours.
Germination of geranium in water
Rooting in the ground
Geraniums are planted in the ground to a depth of not more than 1-2 cm. The soil mixture is prepared from the components: peat, river sand, vermiculite, loose earth. All ingredients are taken in equal proportions and mixed thoroughly. Any drainage material is poured into a 1 cm drained container. The cuttings are planted as carefully as possible in a pre-made recess. Cover the seedling only if there is a risk of drying of the leaf plates.
Note! A sharp drop in temperature is not allowed (even at night).
Watering with warm water is carried out only under the root. At the slightest waterlogging, geranium can get root rot or a black leg. As a result, the plant will die. The appearance of new leaflets means that the rooting process was successful.
Rooting in the ground
Care of the rooted shoot
The main condition for the healthy growth of geraniums is a high level of illumination. The best place to root is the southern windowsill. It is important to perform root hydration regularly. Spraying is strongly not recommended. When moisture gets on the foliage, the plant begins to hurt. In winter, watering is reduced to 2 times a month.
The room in which geranium grows is aired, avoiding drafts. To stimulate the budding process and give volume, pinching of the upper shoots is carried out, which will form a beautiful crown. Abundant flowering is achieved using phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium as fertilizers.
On a note! Nipping can be carried out at any time of the year.
Transfer to a permanent place
Transplantation has an extremely negative effect on the health of geraniums. The total condition of the flower directly depends on the number of transplants. The most suitable time is spring or summer. During winter work, the plant experiences stress, due to which it may not take root.
Geranium seeds
The new container for geraniums should be 3-4 cm larger than the previous one. The plant is transferred to a special substrate by transshipment along with an earthen lump. Only shoots are left on the surface. The entire root system must be hidden underground. Using Dyuratek as a fertilizer will allow the plant to more easily survive the stress of transplantation and prevent it from rotting.
Other ways to plant geraniums
Other breeding methods are extremely rare. Growing from seeds is a troublesome task, and root division can be carried out only during transplantation. In some cases, these methods are still resorted to.
Seeds
It is best to grow seed in pre-prepared soil. Capacity for planting is covered with nutrient soil and potassium permanganate. Sowing is superficial. It is imperative for cultivation to create the right microclimate. Conditions should be close to greenhouse conditions. To do this, take a container with a lid.
Root system division
Additional Information! It is important to provide fresh air to the seeds. Otherwise, they will begin to rot.
Transplantation is performed after the first leaves appear. At home, it is not easy to grow a healthy plant from seeds. When the pelargonium appears 3-4 full leaves, it is transplanted into a new container.
Rhizome division
During the transplant, it is convenient to use the bush dividing method. The best time to breed in this way is autumn. The flower is completely removed from the pot and carefully divided into several parts. Sanitary pruning is done not only for branches, but also for damaged or diseased root processes.
Plant care should be regular
Care for young geraniums
Flowering directly depends on the location of the flower. The more sunlight, the more buds formed on geraniums. In the daytime, the air temperature is maintained in the range of 18-21 ℃ above zero, and at night it is allowed to decrease to +13 ℃. If the stems began to stretch and turn pale - this is the first sign of a lack of light. Watering young geraniums is carried out only with filtered or decanted water. The use of cold or hot liquid will rot the root system.
It's important to know! The only nutrient that should be added to the soil after rooting a young plant is potassium. For geraniums that have reached 2-3 years old, as a top dressing, compositions containing: copper, magnesium, manganese, and iron are used.
Blooming geranium
Thanks to beautiful inflorescences, geranium is recognized not only by connoisseurs of indoor species, but also by landscape designers. Creating comfortable conditions and a little patience will allow you to get a real home decoration - blooming geranium.
