Overview: Geranium bequaertii De Wild.
Geranium bequaertii De Wild., also known as Bequaert's geranium, is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Geraniaceae. This plant is named after the Belgian botanist and explorer, Joseph Bequaert, who was famous for his extensive research and collection of specimens in Africa. Geranium bequaertii De Wild. is mainly found in tropical Africa, specifically in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi.
General Appearance
The Bequaert's geranium has a spreading habit and can grow up to 30-50 cm tall. The stems are green, slender, and slightly hairy, while the leaves are deeply lobed and smooth on the upper surface with hairy veins on the lower surface. The flowers of Geranium bequaertii De Wild. are pale pink, with darker pink or purple veins, and each flower is about 1.5 cm wide. This plant produces numerous flowers that bloom from late spring through summer, making it an attractive ornamental plant.
Common Names
Geranium bequaertii De Wild. is commonly known as Bequaert's geranium, Congo geranium, and rock garden geranium. In the local Congolese dialect, it is also called "Ibinga."
Uses
The Bequaert's geranium is widely grown as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, pot culture, and borders. It is also used in landscaping due to its attractive foliage and long flowering period. Moreover, this plant is used traditionally by the local people in Congo for various medicinal purposes such as stomach disorders, coughs, and fevers. Recent studies have suggested that Geranium bequaertii De Wild. has potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties that may be useful in the development of new drugs.
In summary, Geranium bequaertii De Wild. is a perennial herbaceous plant native to tropical Africa. It has a spreading habit, pale pink flowers, and deeply lobed leaves. The plant is widely used for ornamental purposes and traditional medicine. Moreover, it has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that have been studied for potential pharmaceutical uses.Growth Conditions for Geranium bequaertii De Wild.
Light: Geranium bequaertii De Wild. prefers a full sun to partial shade environment for optimal growth. Therefore, it should be placed in an area where it can receive adequate sunlight without direct exposure to intense afternoon rays.
Temperature: The ideal temperature range for Geranium bequaertii De Wild. growth is between 18 to 22 °C (64 to 72 °F), although it can withstand temperatures as low as 10 °C (50 °F) and as high as 27 °C (80 °F).
Soil: Geranium bequaertii De Wild. grows best in well-drained and moist soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter with good texture, and it should retain moisture without getting waterlogged. Sandy loam soils with good drainage are the most suitable for this plant.
Fertilizer: Geranium bequaertii De Wild. does not require much fertilizer. However, to promote healthy growth, a light application of a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio can be applied every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Water: Geranium bequaertii De Wild. prefers moderate watering. It should be watered once the soil begins to dry out, but care should be taken not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. The plant benefits from regular misting to maintain sufficient humidity.
Propagation: Geranium bequaertii De Wild. can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be directly sown into the soil in early spring, while stem cuttings can be taken from healthy plants and rooted in a well-draining potting mix.
Pruning: It is essential to prune Geranium bequaertii De Wild. regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushiness. Pruning should be done in late fall or early spring, and any dead or diseased stems should be removed.
By following these basic guidelines, Geranium bequaertii De Wild. can thrive in a wide range of growing conditions and bring beauty to any garden or landscape space.
Cultivation Methods for Geranium bequaertii De Wild.
The plant Geranium bequaertii De Wild. thrives best in well-drained soil containing organic matter. The ideal pH range for the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant should be exposed to full sunlight, but it can tolerate partial shade without any issues.
The plant can be propagated using seeds. The seeds should be sown in trays with potting soil, and they should be placed in bright but shaded areas. The seeds will take around one month to germinate.
Watering Needs for Geranium bequaertii De Wild.
The plant requires moderate watering. Overwatering should be avoided, as this can cause root rot. The frequency of watering will depend on the temperature and humidity levels. The plant should be watered when the topsoil feels dry to the touch. During the winter months, watering should be reduced to ensure the plant does not become waterlogged.
Fertilization of Geranium bequaertii De Wild.
The plant requires little fertilizer. However, it can be fed with a balanced fertilizer every three to four weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the plant to produce excessive foliage at the cost of flowers.
Pruning Geranium bequaertii De Wild.
The plant should be pruned regularly to promote bushier growth and prevent leggy growth. Pruning should be done during the growing season. Deadheading the spent flowers can also help promote a longer blooming period.
Propagation of Geranium bequaertii De Wild.
Geranium bequaertii De Wild. is a beautiful perennial plant that grows abundantly in the African continent. The plant is widely known for its decorative value and medicinal properties. Propagation of Geranium bequaertii De Wild. can be done through various methods such as:
Seeds Propagation
Propagation of Geranium bequaertii De Wild. through seeds is a simple and cost-effective method. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix in the early spring season. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and watered regularly. The germination of seeds usually takes 2-3 weeks, and after a few months, the young plants can be planted outdoors.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Geranium bequaertii De Wild. through cuttings is another feasible method. The cuttings should be taken from healthy mature plants during the early spring season. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone to promote rooting and planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a shaded area till they develop roots. The newly formed roots should be strong enough to be transferred to the main garden after 2-3 months.
Division Propagation
Propagation of Geranium bequaertii De Wild. through division is best for mature plants. The plant should be dug out gently and the root system should be divided into smaller sections, each with its own shoot. The smaller sections should be replanted in a well-draining soil mix. These plants should be watered regularly and placed in a shaded area for a few weeks before transferring them to their permanent location.
Propagation of Geranium bequaertii De Wild. through any of the above methods is relatively simple and can be carried out by plant enthusiasts with little experience. The plant is an excellent addition to any garden and provides a great source of medicinal benefits. Regular maintenance and care of the plant will ensure vigorous growth and an extended life span for the plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Geranium bequaertii De Wild.
Geranium bequaertii De Wild. is a delicate and attractive plant, which is known to be prone to certain diseases and pests that can compromise its growth and productivity. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect Geranium bequaertii De Wild., and how to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spots: This disease is caused by different types of fungal pathogens that infect the geranium leaves and cause brown or black circular lesions. To manage this disease, prune and dispose of severely infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Apply a copper-based fungicide on the plants and their surrounding soil to help control the spread of the disease.
Crown Rot: Geranium bequaertii De Wild. can suffer from crown rot, which is caused by the soil-borne fungus Phytophthora. When infected, the plant’s crown and roots turn brown and decay. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering, provide good drainage, and apply a fungicide to the soil. If the disease has already taken hold, remove and destroy the infected plants.
Pests
Whiteflies: These small, winged insects are common pests on geraniums. They cause damage by sucking sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. To manage whiteflies, use sticky traps, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, or spray affected plants with insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that thrive in dry conditions and are known to infest geraniums. They feed on the leaves and buds and cause webbing to form on the plant. To manage spider mites, keep the air humid around plants, ensure adequate water, and introduce natural predators like ladybugs. You can also spray plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring of your Geranium bequaertii De Wild. and practicing good sanitation procedures will go a long way to prevent or minimize disease and pest infestations. Prompt actions, such as removing infected parts or whole plants, can help save your garden from further damage.
