Care of Geraniums
Today, I will elaborate on the common knowledge of flower cultivation, specifically focusing on the care of geraniums, as follows:
Geraniums are perennial herbaceous flowers. They have a long blooming period and are indispensable flowers in gardens or on balconies.
Geraniums are robust, with few diseases and pests; they are also adaptable, growing in various types of soil, but they thrive best in sandy loam rich in humus; they enjoy sunlight, prefer warmth, are slightly drought-tolerant, dislike waterlogging, and cannot tolerate the intense heat and exposure to the sun in the hot summer. In summer, the plants stop growing, the leaves age, and they enter a semi-dormant state. At this time, they can be moved to a cool and shaded outdoor area, with liquid fertilizer stopped and watering maintained as usual. During rainy days, the pots should be placed on their sides to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Propagation of geraniums is mainly through cutting, mostly carried out in spring and autumn, but it can also be done in winter with greenhouse equipment. Generally, cuttings in spring can bloom around the New Year and the Spring Festival, while those in autumn can bloom by the end of April. The cuttings can be from new or old branches, but the tender tips at the ends of the branches grow best after planting. The cuttings should be about ten centimeters long, retaining two to three leaves at the top. If using old branches, leaves may not be needed. The cut ends should be slightly dried in the shade before being planted in clean sandy soil. The sandy soil should be kept slightly moist and should not be watered excessively. Initially, place them in a semi-shaded area to keep the leaves from wilting, and after three to five days, gradually expose them to sunlight. Generally, they will root in about two weeks, and when the roots are three to four centimeters long, they can be transplanted to a pot.
There are several common types of geraniums:
1. Trailing geraniums
2. Scented geraniums, also known as mosquito-repelling grass
3. Carnation geraniums
4. House geraniums
5. Shield-leaf geraniums
The specific content shared above on the care of geraniums is for everyone's reference and operation.