Care of Geraniums
Abstract: This article covers common knowledge about caring for geraniums, including detailed introduction to their maintenance.
Geraniums are perennial herbaceous flowering plants. They have a long blooming period and are indispensable in gardens and balconies.
Geraniums are robust, with few diseases and pests; they are also adaptable and can grow in various types of soil, but they thrive best in fertile loamy soil. They enjoy sunlight, prefer warmth, are somewhat drought-tolerant, dislike waterlogging, and do not tolerate the intense heat and exposure to the sun in summer. In summer, the plants stop growing, leaves age, and they enter a semi-dormant state. At this time, they can be moved to a shaded outdoor area, stop applying liquid fertilizer, water on schedule, and invert the pot during rainy days to prevent root rot from waterlogging.
Propagation of geraniums is mainly through cuttings, usually carried out in spring and autumn, but with greenhouse equipment, it can also be done in winter. Cuttings made in spring can bloom around New Year and Chinese New Year, while those in autumn can bloom by the end of April. The cuttings should be from new or old branches, with the best growth coming from the tender tips of branches. The cuttings should be about 10 centimeters long, retaining two to three leaves at the top, or if using old branches, leaves may be omitted. After slightly drying the cut end, insert it into clean sandy soil. The soil should be kept slightly moist, avoiding excessive watering. First, place it in a semi-shaded area to keep the leaves from wilting, and then gradually expose it to sunlight after three to five days. Generally, roots form in about two weeks, and once 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. Pelargonium zonale (Carnation geranium)
4. Home geraniums
5. Shield-leaf geraniums
The above shares all the content on the care of geraniums, for your comprehensive understanding and reference!