Overview:
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum is a plant species belonging to the family Geraniaceae. It is a perennial herbaceous plant commonly known as the Arabian Cranesbill. It is native to North Africa, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula.Description:
The Arabian Cranesbill is a low-growing plant, reaching a height of up to 30 cm. The leaves are deeply lobed with five to seven leaflets. The leaves are hairy and green in color. The flowers are pink and have five petals with small purple veins. The flowering period is from April to July, and the flowers are hermaphrodite, meaning they contain both male and female reproductive organs.Uses:
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum is widely used in traditional medicine in the Middle East and North Africa. The plant extracts are commonly used to treat various ailments like diarrhea, dysentery, and inflammation. The leaves of the plant are also used to treat wounds and bruises due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The plant is also a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its attractive pink flowers and low maintenance requirements.Cultivation:
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum grows well in well-drained soil with full sunlight exposure. It is drought tolerant and suitable for rock gardens, containers, and borders. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings in spring or autumn. It is resistant to most diseases and pests and requires minimal maintenance once established.Light Requirements
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade conditions. This plant requires at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimum growth. In areas with extremely hot and dry summers, it can tolerate some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the Mediterranean region and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum prefers to grow in a mild climate with temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C). It can tolerate some frost if the soil is well-drained, and the plant is established. However, it prefers to grow in areas with a minimum temperature of 50°F (10°C). In areas where summers are extremely hot, ensure the plant is watered regularly to prevent water stress.
Soil Requirements
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum prefers to grow in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0) with a moderate fertility level. This plant is tolerant of different soil types, including loam, sandy loam, and clay loam. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged to ensure optimum growth. However, this plant is drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of water stress once established.
Cultivation Methods for Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum is a plant that is best grown in well-draining soil. The plant is tolerant of a variety of soil types, but it cannot survive in poorly drained soil.
If you are growing Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum in areas with heavy rainfall, it is best to plant the plant in raised beds, as this will ensure that the soil does not become saturated.
The plant also prefers a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade, but it will grow best with at least 6 hours of daily sun exposure.
Watering Needs for Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum prefers soil that is evenly moist. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure that the plant's soil is not waterlogged to avoid rotting.
If you are growing the plant in a container, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole. When watering the plant, water it thoroughly until water starts to come out of the drainage hole. Discard any excess water after watering.
Fertilization for Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum does not require heavy fertilization. You can feed the plant with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
When applying fertilizer, ensure that you follow the instructions on the fertilizer's packaging carefully. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can cause damage.
Pruning Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum can benefit from pruning to keep the plant healthy and looking good. Prune the plant in the spring before the new growth appears.
Cut back any dead, damaged, or diseased stems. Additionally, you can prune back up to one-third of the plant's total height to promote new growth and maintain the plant's shape. If you want to encourage more blooms, deadhead spent blooms regularly.
Propagation of Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum, commonly known as Arabian cranesbill, is a perennial plant that is often propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The best time to collect seeds from Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum is during the late summer. It is advisable to allow the seeds to fully mature and turn brown before cutting them from the plant. The seeds should be sowed indoors or in a greenhouse towards the end of winter. They should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and watered sparingly to prevent rotting. Within a few weeks, the seeds should start germinating, and the seedlings can be transplanted once they have developed roots and true leaves.
Propagation by Cuttings
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum can also be propagated through cuttings taken during the summer. The cuttings should be about 8-10cm long and taken from the end of a branch. The lower leaves should be stripped to allow room for roots to grow and dipped in rooting hormone to enhance the chances of successful propagation. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they develop roots. Once roots have developed, the cuttings can be potted in individual containers and placed in a sunny location.
Overall, Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum is relatively easy to propagate, and with the right care and conditions, it can be a rewarding and attractive addition to any garden.
Disease Management
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum is generally resistant to diseases, but some common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Botrytis blight: A fungal disease that causes a greyish-white mold on the foliage and flowers. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts and make sure to water the plant at the base to prevent water from settling on the foliage.
- Leaf spots: This disease is caused by fungi or bacteria and often presents as small circular or irregular brown spots on the plant leaves. Remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Rust: This fungal disease causes orange to rust-colored spots on the leaves. Remove infected plant parts and make sure to water the plant at the base to prevent water from settling on the foliage.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew can form a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To prevent and manage this disease, reduce humidity and increase air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Geranium arabicum Forssk. subsp. arabicum is also generally resistant to pests, but some common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Aphids: Small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant, causing deformities and leaf curling. Use a strong spray of water to knock aphids off the plant or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant.
- Spider mites: Tiny, sap-sucking pests that can form webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Thrips: Slender, tiny insects that cause distorted growth and damaged flowers. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage thrips.
- Whiteflies: Small, winged insects that suck sap from the plant and cause leaf yellowing. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor infestations and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage whiteflies.
