In courtyard front gardens, on window sills, balconies and even in city flower beds, with the onset of summer, you can see brightly blooming bushes of pelargonium, popularly called geranium. Thanks to their unpretentiousness and ease of care, pelargoniums enjoy the well-deserved love of gardeners. But few people, unfortunately, suspect that among the family of real “Cinderellas” there are also “queens”.

Since the root system of the plant does not tolerate stagnant moisture, pelargonium requires a powerful drainage layer, and no less attention is paid to the selection of the pot when planting. It is precisely because of transplantation into too large dishes that many gardeners experience disappointment in the culture, and royal pelargonium does not bloom.

Once in a large pot, the plant rapidly increases its green mass, but completely “forgets” about the set of buds.

A similar process occurs with the wrong mixture of fertilizers. If nitrogen predominates in fertilizing during the formation of buds and flowering, the stems and leaves grow, and there are fewer and fewer buds. The best mixtures for feeding pelargonium are characterized by a high potassium content and ensure abundant and long-lasting flowering.

Pruning pelargonium

The reason why royal pelargonium does not bloom may be incorrect or insufficient pruning. Since the plant grows quickly and the buds form on the tops of the shoots, then increase the flower buds easily, in July and August, pinching or cutting off the tops of overgrown stems. This measure will allow:

• use the resulting cuttings for propagation;
• achieve lush flowering next season;
• stimulate the growth of young shoots;
• give the bush a compact, attractive shape.

It is better to prune the plant gradually, without seriously injuring the pelargonium, and after the operation the plant must be fed. At the end of winter, with the beginning of new bud formation, pruning is completed.

Pelargonium cuttings

The resulting cuttings can be rooted all year round, but in the warm season it is much easier to do this.

As planting material take strong shoot tips that have at least two pairs of leaves and are cut 5 mm below the node. It is better to cut off the lower leaves immediately and leave no more than 3 upper ones. sheet plates. After this, the cut areas on the cuttings are treated with crushed charcoal and left in air for 18–24 hours.

True, there is another way. Already 10 minutes after separation from the mother plant, cut cuttings:

• treated with root;
• planted in a mixture of sand, humus and peat;
• Cover with non-woven material for 2–3 days.

Good results are obtained by planting cuttings in moistened peat tablets.

In any case, the plantings are watered with a solution of phytosporin, which will protect the cuts from the development of rot. How to care for pelargonium after the cuttings have taken root?

It will take 8 to 12 weeks until the cuttings, kept at a temperature of 19–23 °C, take root well. After this time:

• young plants are planted on permanent place;
• pinch the main shoot above the third pair of leaves, which will force the bush to produce new side stems.

If you take good care of royal pelargonium at home, as in the photo, the young plants develop well and are already next spring small neat bushes produce the first inflorescences.

How to root royal geranium cuttings - video

Pelargonium royal differs from other species requirements for content and aristocratic and royal appearance.

She is a capricious plant, which blooms less than other varieties, does not tolerate being outdoors and is difficult to reproduce.

Despite all the difficulties, admirers have royal flower a lot. They are ready to make any sacrifice to see the noble pelargonium bloom.

Location and lighting

Royal pelargonium high illumination required. It is placed on window sills of western or eastern orientation.

You can also place the flower near the south window, then you will definitely need shading with curtains: the flower does not tolerate exposure to direct sunlight leaving burns on the leaves.

In warm weather, the flower pot can be moved to the balcony, loggia or veranda. Here she will receive a sufficient amount of sunlight, and in the afternoon she will be covered with light partial shade.

Pelargonium afraid of precipitation, therefore, when placed on a balcony or veranda, it is protected from rain.

Tips for caring for royal pelarony:

Royal pelargonium is not planted in a flower garden in open ground. It cannot stand even a slight breath of wind and is difficult to respond to transplantation, so frequent transfer from one place to another can destroy the plant.

IN winter time the flower will need additional lighting organized with the help of a phytolamp. If this recommendation is neglected, during the winter months the plant will stretch, will not set buds and will not bloom in the next season.

During the rest period, that is in winter, geraniums are placed in a cool place. There should be no batteries near the plant central heating drying the air.

It is not recommended to place the plant next to an opening window: it afraid of exposure to drafts.

Temperature

In spring and summer in the room where the plant is kept, the temperature should be at twenty-four degrees.

In winter, the plant is provided with a period of rest and are kept at temperatures of ten to fourteen degrees.

Only if such a temperature is maintained in the room where the plant is kept will it lay buds for subsequent flowering. Fever causes growth and development to stop.

Watering and humidity

The frequency of watering royal pelargonium depends on the temperature in the room where it is located. In spring and summer, when the flower is actively developing and blooming, it is watered regularly and moderately.

The plant loves water very much, so summer months It is recommended to water it twice a day - in the morning and in the evening after sunset. In winter, watering is reduced to once a day.

The top layer of soil must dry out between waterings.: Make sure of this before you wet the soil again. Excess liquid provokes rotting of the root system and the occurrence of infectious diseases.

The earthen clod should not be allowed to dry out., this negatively affects subsequent flowering. On mature plant spend about fifty milliliters at a time, this amount will be just enough to moisten earth mixture.

Hybrids of this species require more water because they are kept at higher temperatures.

In summer, the plant is watered twice a day, in winter - once.

For watering use soft, settled, boiled or rainwater room temperature .

Some gardeners recommend not watering from above, but pouring water into a tray, because the flower reacts heavily to the strong compaction of the soil in the pot. This method allows the root system to take as much moisture from the pan as it needs.

If the air in the room is not too dry, the spraying procedure is not resorted to, because geranium does not easily tolerate water on leaves and flowers. Bathing in a warm shower is also harmful to the plant.

Top dressing

Royal pelargonium is periodically fed. During the period of growth and flowering, that is, in spring and summer, fertilize the flower once a week using mineral fertilizers.

Additional nutrition is especially necessary for a young plant that is just getting accustomed to new soil. At this time, a complex fertilizer intended for young specimens is usually used.

Before flowering(the very first and subsequent ones) pelargonium is fed with food containing potassium and phosphorus. This fertilizer begins to be used two to three months before the first flowers appear, that is, at the end of March.

The use of organic fertilizers is prohibited, especially fresh.

Trimming

It is important to learn how to prune royal pelargonium correctly. Some gardeners resort to this procedure in the spring, not knowing that pruning done during this period will affect flowering and delay it for a year.

The bush is formed after the end of flowering, around the end of the summer months or the beginning of autumn.

Pruning includes two procedures, which are performed at intervals of one and a half months in order to injure the pelargonium less.

In autumn, the plant actively develops new shoots that pinch off after the formation of the fourth or fifth pair of leaves. Pinching causes new young shoots to appear.

Professional flower growers who prepare their pelargoniums for exhibitions resort to pinching about three to four times. This helps the plant form into a compact bush and bloom profusely in the new season.

The last pinching must be carried out no later than the end of January.. Pelargonium can become very elongated during wintering, then instead of pinching the shoots are pruned.

The secret to forming a lush bush:

Choosing a pot, soil and replanting

For each transplant, use a pot that is two centimeters larger in diameter than the previous one.

You cannot plant a young plant immediately in a large container., this can lead to acidification of the soil, which the root system will not have time to develop.

Soil for royal pelargonium can be purchased at a specialized store or prepared independently by mixing humus, leaf and turf soil, sand and peat in equal parts.

The plant does well in neutral soil or slightly alkaline soil. To reduce acidity, add ash to the pot, which is also an excellent fertilizer.

Definitely in the potty lay high-quality drainage from pebbles or expanded clay.

Royal pelargonium replanted once every two to three years, because the plant has a hard time moving into a new container. Frequent replanting slows down flowering.

The most suitable time for this procedure is the spring months. The plant is replanted when the roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes.

Flower propagation

Cuttings

The easiest way to propagate royal pelargonium is resort to the cutting method. A short cutting is separated from the mother plant by cutting it below the internode at an angle of forty-five degrees.

The cutting areas are sprinkled with charcoal and the cuttings are left to dry for four to five hours.

After that cuttings are planted in a specially prepared mixture of peat, which is mixed with sand or perlite. Peat tablets sold in gardening stores are also suitable for this purpose.

Each cutting is planted in a separate container, and after the roots appear, it is moved into the earthen mixture necessary for royal pelargonium.

Reproduction by cuttings:

How to care

After replanting, manipulations are carried out to stimulate active branching and flowering: the young plant is pinched above the third leaves. The following pinchings are carried out as necessary.

During the growth period, pelargonium is fed with fertilizers that contain no more than eleven percent nitrogen. An increased nitrogen content will provoke an increase in green mass, rather than the appearance of buds.

Flowering stimulating agents are used only nine to ten months after the roots appear on the cuttings.

Can it be propagated by seeds?

It is also possible to propagate pelargonium using seeds, but this is much more difficult. As a result of this method, more viable specimens grow with an extended flowering period.

Small seeds elongated shape purchased in a store. In mid-February, they are planted in a container with peat and sand, deepened by half a centimeter.

A month later, sprouts appear, which are planted in separate pots after a pair of true leaves appear.

Diseases and pests

Whitefly. The insect resembles a white butterfly, only one to two millimeters in size. Symptoms of attack: the appearance of yellow spots on the leaves.

Fighting methods: the plant is removed from the room with dry warm air. A heavily infected specimen is shed with Aktara three times with an interval of six to seven days.

If the pest has just begun its destructive activity, it can be washed off with water by washing the leaves laundry soap. Then the royal pelargonium is covered with a bag for half an hour.

Blackleg. Reason: excess moisture, low temperatures, dense soil, large capacity. Symptoms: tissue softening. It is not possible to save the flower, so the plant is destroyed.

Aphid. Symptoms: curling leaves, falling buds, presence of shavings white. Get rid of pests by washing reverse side chamomile infusion or green soap.

Rust. Symptoms: the appearance of red-brown spots on the leaves, drying out and falling off. Treatment: cutting out damaged parts of the plant, using fungicides: Topaz, Fitosporin-M.

Why doesn't it bloom? What to do to ensure flowering?

It often happens that royal pelargonium (geranium) refuses to bloom at home. This is due to errors in the content. You should always follow the instructions on how to properly care for your flower as closely as possible.

Why doesn't large-flowered pelargonium bloom? Flowers may not appear above showy green foliage due to insufficient lighting or unsuitable temperatures.

Pot size affects flowering: A plant placed in a container that is too large will not bloom. Fertilizers with the wrong composition also stop flowering.

Pelargonium also refuses to bloom due to the transplant not being completed on time And improper care: incorrect trimming or complete absence.

Trying to make pelargonium bloom, flower growers resort to the method of grafting onto other plant species. Suitable for this purpose fragrant pelargonium and a variety called "unique".

Vaccination is carried out as follows: prepare a twig with two leaves, make a one-centimeter long cut on it.

An identical cut is made on the second plant, after which a branch is attached, combining the two cuts and tying them with woolen thread. The procedure is carried out in virtually sterile conditions.

Pelargonium does not bloom if it is not given rest in winter. Lush and abundant flowering will please the grower only if in winter all maintenance conditions were met to ensure rest for the plant.

Pelargonium royal fully lives up to its name. She looks truly royal, blooming flowers of stunning beauty and demanding increased attention to one's own person.

Among geraniums there are very unpretentious plants that are not demanding on growing conditions and do not create problems even for a novice gardener in the process of growing them. Royal geranium is clearly not from this “opera”. This indoor flower requires constant attention and specific care. In the absence of these conditions, it stubbornly does not bloom and does not please your eye with lush and uniquely beautiful buds.

The thing is that royal pelargonium is a native of the hot and humid climate of South America. She feels great in conditions high humidity air and in the absence of direct sunlight. Of particular importance is the regular and quantitative characteristics of watering. It should be moderate but constant. In summer, the plant should be watered early in the morning (before 10 o'clock) and late in the evening (after sunset). In winter, watering is limited to once a day. In this case, no more than 50 ml of water per 1 adult plant is used for a single watering. The earthen ball should be wet, but not wet. Otherwise there is root rot, and bacterial infections occur, which prevent abundant flowering and development of the stem part.

Photo of royal geranium and description

In the proposed photos, royal geranium is presented in various variations of varieties and selections. This plant is a favorite among flower growers from all over the world. Therefore, new varieties with original petal colors are constantly appearing. Terry royal pelargoniums are more common. They have richly colored petals and a wide spherical cluster of peduncles.

In the photo of royal pelargonium you can see the Pink Mikado variety. It is distinguished by its compact bush size, rich dark green leaves and slightly pubescent stems. The color of the petals ranges from pastel pink to rich salmon. In the center of each petal there is a dark oval spot, which indicates royal pelargonium.

The next photo shows Aristo Schoko - a variety of royal geranium that has a rich red color of the petals. In the center of the cervical part of each petal there is a bright oval-shaped spot of dark red color.

If you want an exotic look, then look at the photo of the royal geranium variety Barkarole. This is a bright variegated color with a real riot of colors. The edge of each petal, which has a silvery tint, gives the variety sophistication and exoticism. The edging of the buds in combination with bright yellow, orange, white and pink petals gives the royal geranium flower an attractive appearance. Widely used to create harmonious interior designs in apartments, country houses and offices.

For lovers of classic room design options, there is the Imperial variety. In the photo you can see compact plants with delicate beige petals, which are decorated with rich pink spots in the center.

Royal pelargonium was first brought to Europe at the end of the eighteenth century. Since then, selection work has been going on endlessly, as a result of which more and more new hybrid forms this plant. Therefore, the varieties of royal geranium listed above are far from full list. These are simply the most popular and sought after varieties.

A general description of royal geranium pelargonium includes information about the average height of an adult plant. In most cases, at home, royal pelargonium reaches a height of 60 - 80 cm. More tall plant It is not advisable to grow, since the buds are located only on the apical growing points. At a height of 1 meter decorative properties indoor flower are completely lost. However, in a garden, you can grow a one and a half meter bush as an experiment. But it is better to use it as a background for low-growing flowering plants.

The special chic of royal pelargonium, judging by the description and cultivation practice, is the inflorescence of buds. They can reach a width of up to 25 cm. But this is with proper care at home. On average, these are standard inflorescences with a diameter of up to 15 cm. The length of the peduncle can reach up to 10 cm. The more mineral fertilizers of the potassium and phosphorus group are added during the preparation for flowering, the larger the diameter of the inflorescence and the shorter the length of the peduncle.

A distinctive characteristic is the presence of a dark, richly colored oval spot in the center of each petal. In terms of their structure, royal pelargonium flowers can be either simple or double. The shape of the petals can be with a slight wave-like structure or flat concave. There are forms of corrugated flowers of royal geranium. The leaves are serrated, oval or round. The leaf has a rough surface with slight pubescence. The color of the foliage depends on the condition of the plant. A healthy indoor flower has rich emerald foliage that tightly covers the central trunk and all shoots.

Shades of buds can include dazzling white, red, pink, purple, yellow, and orange. The flowering period is not long and lasts a maximum of 6 months. The indoor flower royal geranium begins to bloom in early March.

Caring for royal geraniums

Timely and proper care for royal geraniums allows you to form a regular and strong bush during the first year of life, which in the second year of its life will give you lush, bright buds.

Caring for royal pelargonium begins from the moment you decide to keep this plant in your home. You need to choose the right place for planting. Royal geranium does not bring drafts, dry air and direct sunlight. Also the plant will not like it heat air and insufficient watering. However, overmoistening the earthen clod will not do anything good.

As you understand, the optimal place for growing is a north or east window, under which there is no central heating radiator and which is not used to ventilate the room during the cold season. In spring, summer and autumn period Royal geranium feels great in a glassed-in loggia. However, if there is a threat of the first frost, you should remove the plant to the room.

In the spring-summer period, an ambient temperature of up to 25 degrees Celsius is suitable for the growth of geranium. In autumn and winter, you should not allow temperatures to rise above 20 degrees Celsius.

To organize proper care of royal geraniums at home, planting is important. For growing, choose ceramic pots. They save optimal temperature earthen coma and ensure uniform air distribution. There must be a drain hole to remove excess moisture. Pour expanded clay or any other drainage into the bottom of the pot. Next, fill the container with turf soil with a high organic content. You can apply 1 tablespoon of nitrogen fertilizers at once to ensure sufficient nutrition for the plant during the period of green mass growth. After planting, keep the royal pelargonium for 2 weeks in a shaded place and water it 2 times a day.

Royal geraniums should be replanted no more than once every 3 years. It is best to refrain from this event. This indoor flower is extremely painful to transplant and may even die.

Also, caring for royal geraniums includes timely application of fertilizing. In spring and summer it is necessary to apply mineral fertilizers 1 time per week. Potassium and phosphorus should predominate. In autumn and winter periods Apply nitrogen and organic fertilizers once a month.

Be sure to shape the plant by pinching. The first pruning is carried out at the moment when the plant reaches a stem height of 15 cm. All tops are cut off by 2 cm. The second pinch is needed at the moment when the side shoots reach a length of 5 cm. Trim all their tops by 1 cm. After this, You will get a spherical bush, which, with proper care of the royal geranium, will produce abundant flowering in the second year.

Propagation by cuttings of royal geranium

At home, it is advisable to propagate royal geraniums by cuttings. Although propagation by seeds is not excluded. In this case, sowing is carried out in the first half of February in structured loose soil to a depth of 0.5 cm. Flooring as necessary. Picking in the phase when seedlings have 2 true leaves.

Propagation by cuttings of royal pelargonium is available to every gardener if there is an adult plant. In spring or autumn, cuttings up to 10 cm long are cut. For this, it is better to use a sharp knife. Cutting should be done at an angle of 45 degrees. Immediately after cutting, 2 leaves are removed from below, and the cuttings are placed in water at room temperature for 7 - 10 days until roots appear.

After this, the cuttings are rooted in light structured soil in small diameter containers. Transplantation to a permanent place occurs after 2 months. To improve the rooting process, it is important to prepare the soil mixture. Add the same amount of construction or river sand to any soil. After mixing, pour boiling water over the entire soil. A strong solution of manganese is also suitable for disinfection. But after watering, plants can be planted in 48 hours.

When rooting has passed, growth of the top begins. Be sure to trim it to 1 cm. This will stimulate the growth of side shoots.

Why doesn't the royal geranium bloom?

Many novice gardeners wonder why royal geraniums do not bloom. This may be a consequence of improper care, frequent transplants and the presence of bacterial and fungal infections. First of all, carefully inspect the plant for the presence dark spots on leaves, fuzz on stems and rot in the root part. If signs of disease are detected, you should clean all root system from the ground, rinse under running water and place for 2 - 3 days in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Clean or remove all affected parts of the plant.

Prepare fresh soil. If the same pot is to be used, disinfect it with a bleach solution. Before replanting, also disinfect the soil with boiling water. Replant the plant and carefully monitor the appearance of new signs of disease.

Also, royal geranium does not bloom if improper care and growth conditions are provided. For example, excessive dry air leads to the systematic falling off of buds and flower stalks. Their formation occurs only if the soil contains sufficient quantities of phosphorus, potassium and manganese. If nitrogen is applied in excess, green mass quickly increases and there is no flowering.

Another option why royal geranium pelargonium does not bloom is that the container in which the plant grows is too large. For this indoor flower, tall, but not wide, pots are more suitable. This ensures long-lasting abundant flowering. A large pot leads to the growth of green mass and lack of budding.

I've had pelargonium for a long time and I'm used to it. A new indoor flower, the royal geranium, appeared recently and demanded special care. The slightest negligence resulted in suppressed flowering of the plant and yellowing of the leaves. Also, flowers formed in small quantities, until I realized that I was not taking care of them properly.

I studied books on indoor plants, supplemented my knowledge on the Internet, and changed flower care. The result did not take long to wait - the geranium formed large inflorescences that painted the windowsill of my house in bright colors.

There are hundreds of different varieties of royal geraniums in the world. The beginning of breeding activity was laid in the Cape Lowlands of South Africa. Here travelers discovered plants with amazing beautiful flowers. They dug them up to hand them over to biologists of the country of Foggy Albion.

The maternal zonal pelargonium was with simple flowers, but reminiscent of hydrangea. This was enough for scientists in England to cross several varieties and obtain large flowers of amazing color.

The inflorescence differs from its relatives in its large size, up to 15 cm in diameter. The flower of some varieties alone can grow up to 7 cm in diameter. The beautiful royal pelargonium White Glory surprises with its royal lush inflorescences.

Breeders have developed varieties with different colors petals. The three lower and two upper petals are more strongly colored than the rest, reminiscent of a garden viola. The Spanish Angel variety, popular among flower growers, is characterized by its low height. Inflorescences lilac shade contrast perfectly with the green mass.

Growing geraniums at home

A flower with all its “crowning” - unpretentious plant. If you care for it correctly, which means watering and feeding, the plant will respond with lush flowering from early spring to late autumn. Timely pruning for lush flowering is another way to get a bright indoor flower.

In my apartment on the fourth floor, the windows face east, and the plants bloom even in winter. True, they produce one flower stalk at a time, but this is enough to give the room comfort and charm. The main thing is to strictly follow the rules for caring for your green ward.

Royal geranium requires the same care at home as other members of the Pelargonium family. I advise you to watch an introductory video about growing a houseplant:

in spring

For transplanting into a new pot best time- spring.

1. I cut off the tops of the mother plant, 15-20 centimeters long, forming a low bush.
2. I plant the cuttings in a nutritious and moist substrate or distribute them to friends.

Such propagation by cuttings allows you to quickly obtain a full-fledged plant, which will delight you with flowering after 2-3 weeks of adaptation.

For royal geraniums I take regular ones universal mixture for indoor plants. I choose a spacious pot for one young plant small size with a diameter of 15-20 centimeters, for 3-5 cuttings - a larger container.

The constant condition is ceramics. For a royal person only the most Better conditions growing.

I put the pots on the windowsill. Pelargonium is a light-loving plant, but is afraid of too bright sunlight. In May, when there is a lot of sun, the leaves turn red, so light shading will help in this situation. For example, I place a container behind a frame between the panes of glass on the living room window sill.

In summer

Watering

Caring for royal geraniums at home is easy. I water the plant as it dries. To do this, I lift the pot and feel how dry the soil is. Even if I forgot to water, the plant easily tolerates a lack of moisture.

I feed the flowers once every two weeks with liquid complex fertilizer, specially designed for indoor flowers.

Note! Organic fertilizer or pure nitrogen can provoke the growth of green mass, rather than the formation of buds.

Appearance

The plant constantly puts out flower stalks. After the inflorescences wither, I tear them off at the base of the stem so that the royal geranium does not have flaws and maintains its decorative appearance.

Temperature

Bright sun can cause leaf burn. Therefore, the plant must be protected from ultraviolet radiation. To do this, I place a pot with a flower behind the frame or make a light shelter out of cardboard during the midday hours.

Hydrangea is a heat-loving plant, but can easily withstand cool temperatures of up to 10 degrees and heat, but prolonged low temperatures can cause diseases with fungi or viruses of various etiologies.

It is easy to prevent such conditions in an apartment or house. It is enough to bring pelargonium indoors during cold weather.

Autumn and winter

With the onset of cold weather, geranium goes into a dormant state. She is able to please with a single peduncle released, but rarely. Ideally, a temperature of 10-15 degrees is required, but it is difficult to achieve it in an ordinary apartment.

Therefore, I leave the flower on the windowsill in the coolest room - the bedroom, where in winter the temperature ranges from 18 to 22 degrees.

During the dormant period, I do not feed the plant, but I water it occasionally, although experts do not recommend this. But I can't leave the plant completely without water.

Trimming

In the fall, I trim off the elongated stems of the plant. If the flower itself is old and there are many woody parts, then it can be replaced with young pelargonium.

Choosing a pot

Pelargonium prefers tight containers. Some plants grow in small pots for 2-3 years, but they do not form a large head of flowers, like royal geraniums in spacious containers.

Advice. Choose medium-sized pots: neither small nor too large. This will be enough to grow a flower for 3-4 years.

7 common problems with growing a flower

The queen among geraniums is famous for her capricious disposition. The reasons for this lie in selection: you have to pay for beauty with special requirements for growing conditions.

1. If there is a shortage minerals In the soil, the internodes of the plant stretch out. As soon as you notice a deviation, feed the flower with complex fertilizer.
2. Yellow leaf edges are formed due to lack of moisture in the soil.
3. Abundant watering leads to the appearance of rot, fungal diseases, as well as pronounced lethargy of the bush.
4. Frequent replanting causes stress in the plant, hence the weak flowering.
5. Do not plant pelargonium immediately in a large pot. The plant will begin to spend energy on the development of the root system and leaves.
6. Hot and dry air can cause buds to fall off before they bloom.
7. The soil mixture, carefully flavored with nitrogen fertilizers, causes the formation of green mass, but not the formation of flower stalks.

Royal pelargonium in garden design

It is better to decorate the patio area with royal geraniums without replanting them in open ground. Compared to zonal geraniums, the royal geranium is sensitive to transplantation. For a flower pot, choose places hidden from the bright sun.

Useful properties of geranium

Pelargonium of any type has leaves with a specific aroma. IN folk medicine they are used in medicinal purposes, for example, with otitis media. The leaf is inserted into the sore ear.

Even the presence of a flower in a room can have a beneficial effect on the air. The plant secretes phytoncides and essential oils that kill harmful microorganisms. It is believed that royal geranium can relieve stress and help you find inner peace.

For asthmatics and people suffering from allergies, the choice of flower should be approached carefully so as not to provoke illness.

During the growing process, royal geranium can cause some problems for a lover of indoor plants, since it requires careful attention and competent care. If not properly cared for for a long time, royal geranium may not bloom or produce buds.

The homeland of royal geranium is South America, where the climate is quite humid and hot. That is why it is much easier for royal pelargonium to reproduce and bloom when high humidity and in the absence of influence ultraviolet rays. Should Special attention pay regular, high-quality watering to the plant. Royal pelargonium must be watered constantly, but in moderation. In the summer months, you should water royal geraniums in the morning, as early as possible (preferably before 9 o'clock), and immediately after sunset. With the onset of winter, watering should be reduced to 1 time per day. You should use no more than 50 ml of water per plant at a time. The soil should be slightly moist, but not too wet. If you water excessively, the roots of the indoor plant will gradually begin to rot, and infections may occur that prevent the geranium from blooming.

Description of royal geranium and its variety

Royal geranium is presented in several different varieties. Over time they continue to appear newest varieties pelargoniums with unusually beautiful flower colors. As a rule, the most common are terry royal pelargoniums, which have a bright, unusual color of the petals.

In an apartment, royal geranium can grow to a height of about 70 cm. It makes no sense to grow taller geraniums, because the buds are located only at the top point of growth. If pelargonium grows to 1 m, then its decorative properties will be completely lost. However, in the garden you can try to grow a 1.5-meter bush, which is better used as a background for small plants. Pelargonium buds come in gorgeous shades of red, snow-white, purple, yellowish, orange and pinkish. The royal geranium blooms for more than six months. The flowering period of the plant falls at the beginning of spring.

The extraordinary chic of the royal geranium is given by the inflorescences of the buds, which can reach a height of 20 cm. This figure can only be achieved with proper care. Most often, the inflorescences have a diameter not exceeding 15 cm. A distinctive feature of royal pelargonium is the presence of a small dark oval spot located in the central part of each petal. The structure of royal geranium flowers can be double or ordinary. The leaves of the plant are round or oval in shape, with a rough surface. Their color directly depends on the condition of the pelargonium. Healthy indoor plants have bright emerald-colored foliage that tightly covers the trunk and shoots of pelargonium.

At the end of the 18th century, the first royal pelargonium was brought to Europe. Breeders liked this unusual flower, and they set about propagating it. Exists a large number of various varieties of royal pelargonium for any, even the most demanding taste. For example, a pelargonium variety called PinkMikado is distinguished by small bushes, beautiful leaves deep green hue and light pubescence of the stem. The color of the plant's petals ranges from soft pink to deep salmon color. In the core of the flower there is a small round spot, which is distinctive feature royal pelargonium.

The geranium variety AristoSchoko has an unusual bright red color of the petals. In the center of each flower there is a rich spot, round in shape, painted in a deep red hue.

For those gardeners who prefer exotic types of indoor plants, it is worth paying attention to such a variety of royal pelargonium as Barkarole. The flowers of this plant have a very attractive variegated color. The border of each petal, which has a silvery tint, gives this variety of pelargonium a special sophistication and unusualness. The buds also have a border that goes perfectly with the rich orange, yellow, snow-white and pinkish petals. This harmonious combination gives pelargonium an unusually beautiful appearance. This variety most often used as decorative flower, decorating an office or apartment interior with it.

For those who prefer classic plants, in which calm shades predominate, the Imperial variety is best suited. This variety of royal pelargonium has delicate beige petals with pinkish bright spots in the center.

Pelargonium royal (video)

Plant care and cultivation

Competent and timely care for royal pelargonium can help the formation of a regular, strong bush already in the first year of the plant’s life. In the second year of life, under the same conditions, royal pelargonium will delight the gardener with magnificent lush buds.

To begin with, immediately after purchasing a plant, it needs to be provided with proper suitable location for landing. It should be taken into account that royal geranium does not tolerate drafts, too dry air and direct exposure to ultraviolet rays. Pelargonium is also contraindicated in high temperatures and excessive watering.

The best place To grow this indoor plant there will be a window located in the apartment in the east or north, under which there is a battery. The window should not be used to ventilate the room in the winter or autumn months. In spring and summer, royal geranium will feel great on a glazed balcony. When the first frosts appear, it is necessary to bring pelargonium into the warm room.

In the spring and summer months, the suitable temperature for growing royal geranium is 25ºС, and in winter and autumn it is not advisable to raise the temperature above +20ºС.

An important role also plays correct landing. It is best to plant royal pelargonium in pots made of ceramics, which maintain the required temperature and ensure proper air distribution. The pot must have a hole through which excess moisture will escape. It is necessary to pour drainage, such as expanded clay, into the bottom of the pot, and pour soil with a significant organic content into the pot. You can add 25 g nitrogen fertilizer in order to provide the necessary nutrition to the plant. After planting, the royal geranium should be kept for about 14 days in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight and watered twice a day.

Another mandatory rule that the gardener should write down in his diary: royal pelargonium needs careful examination to detect dark spots or the slightest damage indicating the presence of a bacterial or fungal infection. If such signs are detected, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the root system from the soil, rinse it under water and place it in a weak manganese solution for a couple of days. Affected areas found on the plant should be cleaned and removed.

It is necessary to feed in a timely manner this plant, in order to ensure proper care and reproduction. In spring and summer periods you need to apply fertilizers containing minerals once every 7 days. It is desirable that potassium predominates in it. In autumn and winter, it is advisable to apply fertilizers containing nitrogen once every 30 days.

Royal pelargonium requires pruning for lush flowering. Initially, you need to trim the royal geranium when the height of the stems of the indoor plant reaches 15 cm. It is necessary to cut off all the tops by 2 cm. The next pruning will be needed only after the shoots located on the side have grown to a height of 5 cm. This time it is advisable to trim the tops only by 1 cm.

Pruning and care (video)

Propagation by cuttings

The easiest way to propagate royal pelargonium at home is by cuttings. But this does not mean that this method of reproduction is the only one. Pelargonium can also be propagated by seeds. When choosing this method, it is necessary to sow in early February in loose soil to a depth of about 5 mm. It is necessary to water when necessary, and to plant it when the first leaves appear on the seedlings.

Pelargonium can be propagated by cuttings only if the grower already has an adult indoor plant. In the spring or autumn months, you need to cut 10-centimeter cuttings from the flower using a sharp knife. After cutting it is necessary to remove 2 bottom sheets, and place the cuttings in water at room temperature for about 10 days until the roots appear.

After the roots have appeared, you can begin to root the cuttings in light soil in a container of small diameter. Transplant indoor plant It is possible to permanently place it only a couple of months after rooting.

In order for royal geranium to take root better, it is necessary to prepare a special mixture. You need to add the same amount of construction sand to the soil. The mixture must be poured with boiling water. A strong manganese solution is also suitable for disinfection. Afterwards, you can plant the plant in this mixture after waiting a couple of days.

After rooting, the tops begin to grow, which after some time must be trimmed by 1 cm to stimulate the growth of shoots located on the sides.