Pelargonium

Pelargonium or geranium (Pelargonium) belongs to the Geranium family (Geraniaceae). This bright perennial plant is very popular with gardeners and is widely used in landscape design. In other languages, pelargonium is called:

• in German - Duftgeranien, Rosenkraut;
• in English - geranium, pelargonium;
• in French - pélargonium, géranium á l'odeur.

Pelargonium is a perennial herbaceous plant, some varieties of which are presented in the form of subshrubs. The height of the plant is from 30 to 80 cm. The stems are erect, slightly branched. The shape of the leaves is not the same, each variety of pelargonium has different leaves (simple, palmately dissected, palmate and others).

The flowers of a wild plant are much smaller in size than those of ornamental geraniums. They can be of different colors. Inflorescences - few-flowered or many-flowered, mostly umbrella-shaped. The flowers of the plant can be simple or double, as well as one-color or two-color.

This plant enjoyed great fame in the XVIII-XIX centuries in Great Britain. Thanks to the development of breeding science, many varieties of pelargonium have been bred. Each species had a peculiar aroma (nutmeg, chocolate, citrus, etc.).

Today, about 280 species are known to science, but the most common are the following:

• Angular - Pelargonium angulosum
• Bordered - Pelargonium zonale
• Pink - Pelargonium radens
• Capitate - Pelargonium capitatum
• Fluffy - Pelargonium crithmifolium
• Klobuchkovy - Pelargonium cucullatum
• Prickly - Pelargonium echinatum Curtis
• Fleshy - Pelargonium carnosum
• Thick-stemmed - Pelargonium crassicaule
• Large-flowered - Pelargonium grandiflorum
• Curly - Pelargonium crispum
• Ivy - Pelargonium peltatum
• Tongan - Pelargonium tongaense
• Fragrant - Pelargonium graveolens
• Dirty - Pelargonium inquinans
• Paniculata - Pelargonium odoratissimum
• Grapevine - Pelargonium vitifolium
• Prickly - Pelargonium spinosum
• Xerophytic - Pelargonium xerophyton

Pelargonium is a close relative of geraniums, therefore they have one homeland - South Africa. The plant grows well in warm countries where there is no snow in winter. On the territory of Russia, pelargonium sprouts on open soil in the southern regions. Usually it is grown in pots at room temperature, and taken out into the open air in the summer.

• Pelargonium has an intense aroma, thanks to which it is widely used in cooking.
• Depending on the variety of pelargonium, its leaves have different aromas.
• This plant is light-loving, so it does not feel discomfort in the absence of moisture.
• Pelargonium is unpretentious in care, but for the winter period it cannot be left in the open field.
• It can propagate in two ways: seeds or cuttings.

Pelargonium leaves contain many different essential oils. The roots contain phenols, the green stems contain phenolic compounds, hemicellulose, starch and sucrose. The leaves and flowers contain a high content of vitamins, phenol carboxylic acids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, pigments and essential oils.

Most often, fragrant or pink pelargonium is used in the treatment of various diseases, because they have many useful properties:

• Pelargonium is used as an antidepressant and antiseptic.
• This plant is used for wound healing.
• Geranium leaves and inflorescences are characterized by astringent and hemostatic properties.
• Pelargonium has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
• This plant perfectly tones and deodorizes the skin.
• Pelargonium is used as a diuretic, it has a positive effect on the functioning of the adrenal glands.

Pelargonium should be used very carefully when treating children, they are strictly forbidden to use it inside, only for external use. People of retirement age are also not recommended to use pelargonium for recreational purposes. In the presence of any chronic diseases, before using preparations based on pelargonium, it is necessary to consult a therapist.

• stomach ulcer;
• tendency to constipation;
• thrombophlebitis;
• pregnancy.

Pelargonium oil has many medicinal properties, it helps many to cope with severe psycho-emotional disorders, eliminates the symptoms of depression, is used in the treatment of infertility, and has a beneficial effect on mental and physical activity. The essential oil of the plant is used for inflammation of the throat or nose, helps to eliminate toothache or headache, and has a positive effect on diseases of the nervous system. Pelargonium oil is used in the care of oily, sensitive or irritated skin, because it has bactericidal, antiseptic and soothing properties.

Pelargonium is used in many cuisines of the world.In Bulgaria, its leaves and flowers are added in the preparation of compotes or soft drinks, used in sweet pastries. In France, the candied petals of the plant are used to decorate desserts. Pelargonium has a strong aroma that combines notes of roses, mint and herbs. Although it tastes a bit bitter, it still has a pleasant taste.

Each variety of pelargonium has its own unique aroma - apple, orange, mint, lemon, nutmeg, etc. Therefore, the leaves and flowers of the plant are used when spinning compotes for the winter.

A leaf of pelargonium can prevent the occurrence of mold on jam. This plant is added for flavor to vodka, brandy, as well as in the manufacture of sweets (cakes, cream, pastries).

Candied flowers will help make any dessert unforgettable.

Ingredients:

• one protein
• powdered sugar
• pelargonium flowers

Cooking:

Gently wash and dry the flowers of the plant. Separate the protein from the yolk and beat only the protein with a mixer. Using a brush, apply the whipped egg white to the petals. Using a strainer, sprinkle the flowers with powder and leave to dry a little. Ready candied flowers can be stored in a glass container or in a paper bag.

Ingredients:

• one and a half cups of cream
• 4 things. eggs
• 3 pcs. kiwi
• 8 pelargonium leaves
• 160 grams of sugar sand
• 180 grams of flour
• Salt to taste
• 2 drops pink powder
• A little powdered sugar
• candied pelargonium flowers for decoration

Cooking:

Separate the protein from the yolk. Protein mix with salt and beat until a thick foam.Mix the yolks with sugar and beat until creamy. Sprinkle the egg whites with flour, mix gently from top to bottom, and combine with the yolks. Spread paper on a baking sheet and carefully lay out the pelargonium leaves. Then pour the dough onto a baking sheet and bake at a temperature of 180 degrees until fully cooked. Transfer the biscuit to a towel, pull out the leaves, sprinkle with powdered sugar and twist into a roll. Dissolve drops of pink powder in a small amount of water and beat with cream. Unroll the cooled roll and apply the mixture. Thinly slice the kiwi and place on the dough. Roll the roll. Decorate the roll with powdered sugar and candied petals.

• Pelargonium leaves normalize the heartbeat, stimulate blood circulation, and have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart.
• Pelargonium is an excellent remedy for severe headaches and toothaches.
• This plant stimulates the digestive system, liver and kidneys.
• The presence of pelargonium at home helps people who suffer from diseases of the gallbladder or kidneys.
• Pelargonium helps to relieve the condition of chronic gastritis or high acidity of gastric juice.
• Leaves and inflorescences are used in the treatment and prevention of various colds, including helping with a runny nose and cough.
• Pelargonium leaves are used in the treatment of otitis media.
• Compresses from the leaves of the plant have a positive effect on sciatica or osteochondrosis.

Pelargonium is used in the treatment of various diseases:

• at elevated pressure - you need to tie two sheets of pelargonium to your wrists and sit quietly for about 15 minutes near the plant, while inhaling its aroma;
• for severe headaches - take two sheets of pelargonium, twist it into a tube and leave it in your ears until the pain subsides;
• at the first sign of hemorrhoids - take 1 leaf of fragrant pelargonium, wash and dry with a towel, then dip in vegetable oil and place in the anus. The course of treatment is 1 week;
• with insomnia or nervous disorders - it is necessary to grind 1 leaf of fragrant pelargonium, pour 200 ml of hot water, let it brew for 15 minutes and consume ½ cup up to two times a day before meals;
• in inflammatory processes of the eyes - take 10 leaves of the plant and finely chop, pour 200 ml of cooled boiled water, add 1 tsp. a spoonful of honey, mix thoroughly and leave to brew overnight. Before use, the infusion should be filtered. It is intended for washing the eyes, only twice a day will help eliminate inflammation;
• for various skin diseases (ulcers, dermatitis, boils, etc.) - you need to take 1 table. a spoonful of plant leaves, pour 200 ml of hot water, then put the mixture in a water bath and hold for up to 5 minutes, strain thoroughly, add boiled water to restore the original volume. The decoction should be consumed 3 times a day, 1 table. spoon before eating. For external use, another recipe is suitable: you need to take 1 table. a spoonful of leaves or roots of pelargonium, finely chopped, pour 200 ml of hot water using a water bath, hold the broth for no more than 5 minutes, strain with gauze and add 200 ml of water. The affected areas should be washed with a decoction twice a day or used for lotions that are applied for 20 minutes;
• with inflammation of the nasopharynx - take 20 grams of crushed pelargonium leaves, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave for half a day, then strain and pour in water to restore the original volume. Half a glass of infusion should be used to wash the nasopharynx, and add 5 drops of Lugol to half a glass and use to gargle;
• with osteochondrosis or sciatica - the leaves of the plant must be crushed, spread out on a napkin and applied to a sore spot. This bandage should be left overnight;
• with heavy menstruation - you need to take one inflorescence of zonal pelargonium, pour 1 liter of hot milk and strain. This milk should be drunk throughout the day. The course of treatment is 3-4 days;
• for dysentery, diarrhea, kidney disease, or as a hemostatic agent - Take 2 teaspoons spoons of plant leaves, pour 400 ml of cold water and leave for 8 hours, then strain and consume 5 sips 3 times a day;
• with dry calluses - take 2 leaves of pelargonium, pour a small amount of boiling water, and then put the leaf on the corn and bandage it. The leaflet must be left for 3 hours, and then a new bandage should be made.

Pelargonium has a large number of varieties that can be divided into the following groups:

• non-double zonal - the petals are arranged in a single row, the flowers have a huge color palette;
• terry zonal - have different colors, when growing plants from seeds, maternal signs do not always appear;
• rosaceous zonal - the flowers of plants resemble a bouquet of roses, therefore they are very common all over the world; inflorescences are located so densely that they do not have enough space for full disclosure;
• miniature zonal - these are small bushes that have flowers and leaves of different colors;
• dwarf zonal - stand out for their low height and a large number of flowers, which are presented in different shades;
• variegated zonal - the leaves of the plant are distinguished by a huge variety of structures and shades;
• stellate zonal - differ in the original shape of the leaves, which are jagged in the form of spread fingers, as well as the extraordinary shape of the flowers, which resemble an asterisk. Leaves and flowers have a large color palette;
• cactus-shaped zonal - the petals of plants are very similar to the petals of cactus dahlias;
• royal - have large flowers, so they look very impressive;
• ivy - have a resemblance to ivy;
• "ivy" hybrids - this group of plants appeared due to the crossing of ivy and zonal varieties;
• fragrant - stand out with original rich aromas;
• angels or violet flowers - the flowers of plants resemble pansies;
• uniques - a group of hybrids that appeared on the basis of royal plant varieties; they are used for decoration, because the flowers are the same as those of royal pelargoniums, and the leaves have a spicy smell;
• species - this group includes about 250 species that came from South Africa, have a unique appearance;
• species hybrids - have a large assortment of shades, sizes, shapes and leaves, and flowers.

Pelargonium grows well in open sunny spaces, but is not afraid of dark places. It should be borne in mind that without good lighting, its flowers and leaves lose color saturation. If the plant is on the windowsill, then you should be aware that the sun's rays, falling through the glass, can cause burns to the leaves and petals.For the winter, pelargonium should not be left on open ground, and fluorescent lamps should be used for sufficient lighting.

For the plant you need to provide fertile soil. To do this, it is necessary to mix humus, sand, peat and soddy soil in equal proportions.

Watering: Pelargonium should be regularly watered only in the summer, and in small quantities in winter, because pelargonium has the ability to accumulate moisture, and with strong watering, the root system may suffer. Also, with a large amount of moisture, the plant does not bloom, and the leaves change shape, so it needs to be provided with good drainage.

Care: If pelargonium is grown in pots, then the soil must be systematically drained to prevent moisture stagnation.

You can learn more about growing pelargonium from seedlings from the following video:

To do this, use the pinching or trimming method.

The pinching of the plant is carried out depending on the method of cultivation: from the cutting - on the 8th leaf; from seeds - on the 6th sheet. This process is to remove the point of further growth.

The main ways to form a bush with pinching:

1. After pinching, only axillary shoots are left that sprout from the lower pair of leaflets below, and all the rest are removed.

2. The upper axillary shoots should be left to grow, and after three pairs of leaves, repeat this process.More

For rapid growth and a large number of pelargonium flowers, top dressing with minerals and organic substances is needed. So, during the period of rapid growth, it is necessary to use liquid fertilizers, during flowering, phosphorus and potassium should be added, to obtain a large number of leaves - nitrogen. It needs to be produced only once a week regularly from late spring to early autumn. If the plant is transplanted, but top dressing can be started only after three months.

At any time of the year, pelargonium can be propagated using cuttings. The use of seeds is a less popular way, because they do not always retain maternal characteristics, and germinate much longer.

Cuttings are planted in early spring or late summer, because at high air temperatures, rooting of cuttings is poor. The cuttings should be cut with 2–3 leaves, the length of the shoot should be 5–7 cm. First, they should be left in the shade for a day, then they should be dipped in crushed coal so that the cuttings do not rot after planting, and planted to a depth of 2–3 cm, with In this case, the air temperature should be between 20 and 22 degrees.

The soil for planting should be one third of the sand. First you need to scald it, and then pour it with a strong solution of potassium permanganate. A month later, the cuttings are already well rooted. For their disembarkation, 200 ml cups are perfect. When the plant takes root all over the glass, then it is transplanted into large pots. If the cuttings are planted in March, then in the middle of summer the pelargonium will bloom. If planting is done at the end of summer, then the flowers will appear only in the spring.

If you grow pelargonium using seeds, then the plant will bloom much more abundantly than grown from cuttings. One plant can simultaneously have more than 30 inflorescences. These plants are less susceptible to various diseases and can tolerate low air temperatures. Sowing seeds is carried out in January or February in small pots.

The soil must first be watered with boiling water and a strong solution of potassium permanganate. Seeds are placed in the soil, covered with a small layer of soil and sprayed with a growth stimulant.

Then the pot must be covered with a film or glass and watered regularly, but make sure that the seeds do not sink to the bottom of the pot, because then they will not be able to germinate. When the first shoots appear, then the plant needs to be ventilated daily - remove the film or glass. Pelargonium usually germinates in 2 weeks.

After the appearance of 2-4 leaves, pagons need to dive, but you need to adhere to the same depth of planting. For seedlings, it is necessary to maintain an air temperature of 16–18 degrees in an open area with moderate soil fertilization.

After about two months, the plant can be transplanted into a large pot. Already in July, pelargonium will delight others with flowers.

Young plants need to be transplanted every year. Usually this process is carried out in March. It is necessary to use small containers so that the plant does not take long roots, otherwise it will cover itself with foliage and will not bloom. Pelargonium should be transplanted into pots every autumn if it grows in open areas.

Plant diseases:

• yellowing of the lower sheets - insufficient moisture if only the edges dry out; excess moisture if the leaves are lethargic and begin to rot;
• reddening of the leaves along the edges - low air temperature, in the winter season the pot should be removed away from the window;
• darkening of the stem is a black leg disease, then the plant must be destroyed, and the rest should be less moistened;
• falling of the lower leaves - lack of sunlight;
• the formation of soft watery pads on the leaves - the edema of the plant through a lot of moisture, it needs to be reduced. This disease is non-contagious;
• the presence of gray mold on the leaves - the causative agent is the Botrytis fungus, which spreads with strong moisture. This disease is contagious, so you should tear off diseased leaves, reduce watering and ventilate the room;
• lack of inflorescences - can occur with warm air in the winter season.

Pests:

• black leg is a very common disease in which the stalk begins to turn black under the influence of the fungus. The cause of the disease is excess moisture. The black stem should be removed immediately.
• the appearance of aphids and whiteflies - at high humidity, lack of moisture, the roots and root neck begin to rot due to the presence of pests;
• rust is a fungal disease in which yellow spots appear on the leaves and dry out over time. To prevent the disease, you should use drugs for fungal and bacterial infections.