Chinese Hydrangea
An introduction to the knowledge of growing flowers, Chinese Hydrangea (Pelargonium) care methods, let's follow the editor to take a look!
Chinese Hydrangea, also known as Geranium or Red Wax, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Geraniaceae family. It has a long flowering period, blooming from October to the following spring April-May, except for the hot summer weather. The flowers are colorful and beautiful, making it a great potted flower. It prefers warm climates and fertile, loose soil, drought-resistant but害怕 flooding. It grows poorly in the hot summer with high temperatures, being in a semi-dormant state.
For potted Geranium, the potting soil can be made of decayed leaf soil mixed with an appropriate amount of sandy soil and rice hull ash, plus a little bone meal. Every year, the pot should be changed once, replacing it with new culture soil to promote growth and flowering. Pot changing should be done from mid-August to early September. Before potting, trim and shape the plant first, then change the pot after the potting soil and cut surfaces are dry. During potting, some long and excessive fibrous roots should be trimmed. From mid-April to late April every year, it should be placed in a well-ventilated and sunny outdoor area for maintenance.
To ensure continuous blooming, apply thin, decomposed cake fertilizer water frequently, usually once every 10 days. Normal watering should not be excessive, otherwise it will cause the leaves to turn yellow, the plant to grow poorly, and fail to form strong flower buds. Watering should generally be done when the leaf tips wilt, and it must be watered thoroughly. From late June to early August, when the weather is hot, Geranium is in a semi-dormant state and should stop fertilizing and control watering.
High temperatures, direct sunlight, and积水 in the pot after rain can affect the dormancy of Geranium, and may even cause root rot and death. Therefore, during the dormant period, it should be placed in a shaded balcony, window sill, or a sheltered courtyard that is not exposed to rain. This can also reduce the duration of dormancy.
In autumn, it is the vigorous period for Geranium to grow and bloom. Fertilize with decomposed cake fertilizer water several times with watering to promote flowering. After flowering, promptly cut off the flower stems and old weak branches, or do a short cut to promote branching.
In winter, move it indoors, keeping the room temperature above 5℃, strictly controlling watering, allowing it to get plenty of light and proper ventilation. On sunny midday, it can be moved to the outdoors for ventilation and sunlight, which can safely survive the winter. Geranium has an unpleasant odor and is covered with hair, so it rarely has pests. Sometimes brown spot disease may occur.
Geranium is a commonly planted flower and leaf ornamental plant in homes, and it is also good material for decorating flower beds and flower paths. Since it grows rapidly, it needs to be pruned and shaped every year. Generally, the plant should be pruned at least 3 times a year. The first time is in March, mainly thinning branches; the second time is in May, removing withered flowers and dense branches; the third time is after the beginning of autumn, mainly shaping.
That's all for the detailed content of the Chinese Hydrangea (Pelargonium) care methods, hoping it can be helpful to you!