Does Geranium prefer acidic or alkaline soil?
The editor will answer how to grow geraniums to make them bloom more and whether geraniums prefer acidic or alkaline soil. Let's take a look together.
Geranium, also known as common cranesbill, is called Begonia in our Shandong area, and some call it Stinking牡丹 because its leaves have a faint smell similar to mugwort. Geraniums are very beautiful and easy to grow.
Due to its strong blooming ability, as long as the temperature can be maintained above 10 degrees Celsius throughout the year and it receives sufficient sunlight, it can bloom continuously in all seasons.
There are also many varieties, with about two to three hundred, differing in color, petal color, and leaves. It is a kind of perennial herbaceous plant that grows relatively fast and has a very strong blooming ability. If maintained properly, it can bloom continuously throughout the year.
Let's talk about how to care for geraniums to make them grow well and bloom more.
Firstly, temperature. Geraniums prefer warm winters and cool summers. The temperature should not exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Above 30 degrees, their leaves can easily become dry and the lower leaves can turn yellow severely. Moreover, overwatering during the high-temperature season can easily lead to stem rot.
Therefore, it is best to place it in a cool place. The temperature in winter must be kept above 10 degrees Celsius. If the temperature in winter is above 10 degrees, it can grow and bloom normally.
Soil. Geraniums prefer loose and well-draining soil. They have no special requirements for soil, whether it's neutral or slightly acidic or alkaline, all of which can be suitable for them.
However, following the principle of loose, well-draining, and fertile soil, once the soil is loose and well-draining, watering will not cause waterlogging and root rot, and the roots can grow and spread quickly in the potting soil, resulting in a healthy plant with more blooms.
Sunlight. Geraniums must have sufficient sunlight in any season, even in winter. It should be placed in the sunniest spot. In summer, when the sunlight is very strong, try to avoid direct sunlight at noon. Providing sufficient sunlight at other times.
Its stems and leaves will not become leggy, the flowers will grow well, and the flower stalks will not be too long. If there is a lack of sunlight for a long time, the flower stalks will be thin and soft, and it can easily cause the flowers to fall off.
Whether geraniums prefer acidic or alkaline soil
Fertilizer. Geraniums are not very fond of fertilizer. Excessive fertilization can easily cause root rot and too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth, which is not conducive to blooming.
Therefore, we need to choose the right fertilizer. In all seasons of the year, we can sprinkle multi-element slow-release fertilizer on the surface of the potting soil. During the growing and blooming season, remember to use high phosphorus and potassium fertilizer for a long time. The amount should not be too much, once or twice a month is enough.
Ensuring proper fertilization can make the flowers bloom beautifully, the leaves grow large, and the flowering period can be effectively extended.
Watering. Geraniums are not a type of plant that loves moisture or water. Therefore, the principle of watering is very simple: water when the soil is dry.
In general, when the soil is dry to a depth of one or two centimeters, water it thoroughly. Its roots are evenly distributed throughout the potting soil, both on top and below. Watering must be thorough. When you feel that the soil is dry to a depth of one or two centimeters, use your finger to dig and water it thoroughly immediately. Avoid watering halfway.
Ensuring good ventilation will allow our geraniums to grow and bloom continuously throughout the year.
Geraniums bloom beautifully and have a very long flowering period. With proper sunlight, fertilization, watering, and good soil, as well as ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding too high or too low temperatures, you will be able to grow them well.
Just cut a branch, let the cut end dry a bit, and then plant it in the soil to root. It will grow and bloom quickly, showing the powerful blooming ability of this plant.
The above is the specific introduction of how to grow geraniums to make them bloom more and whether geraniums prefer acidic or alkaline soil brought by the Green Plant Enthusiast website, hoping to bring some knowledge to netizens.