Description of Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv.
Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is commonly known as Favose Geranium or Smooth-stalked Geranium and is native to Ethiopia and Somalia in Africa.
Appearance
Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv. generally grows up to 20-60 cm in height. It has a basal rosette of leaves, and the stems are usually not hairy, hence the name "Smooth-stalked Geranium." The leaves are deeply lobed and have a dark green color. The flowers are pale pink to lilac in color with darker veins, and they bloom from May to September. The fruit of the plant is a schizocarp, which is made up of five segments that contain the seeds.
Uses
The Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv. is used in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dysentery. The plant also has some antimicrobial properties, which makes it useful in treating infections such as wounds and skin infections. Additionally, it is used as a natural insect repellent as the plant's essential oil contains some insect-repelling compounds.
The Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv. is also grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and foliage. It is suitable for borders and rock gardens, and it is easy to grow and maintain. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Growth Conditions of Geranium Favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. Sublaeve Oliv.
Light: Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv. thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. For optimal growth and flowering, it is recommended to place the plant in a location where it receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature: This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers moderate temperatures ranging from 18-25°C (64-77°F) during the day and 10-15°C (50-59°F) during the night. Temperatures above 30°C (86°F) can cause stress to the plant and affect its growth.
Soil Requirements: Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. A pH range of 6.0-7.5 is ideal for the plant to grow well. A mixture of sand, peat moss, and perlite can be added to soil to improve drainage. It is essential to avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot.
Water: The plant prefers moderate watering and can withstand short periods of drought. Over-watering can lead to root rot, and the plant should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering sessions. It is recommended to either water the plant early in the morning or later in the evening, reducing evaporation and increasing the absorption of water.
Fertilizer: Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv. responds well to regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. It is recommended to use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to promote flowering.
To summarize, Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv. prefers well-draining soil with moderate watering. It requires 4 hours of direct sunlight and tolerates a wide range of temperatures, but preferably moderate temperatures ranging from 18-25°C (64-77°F). Proper care of the plant can lead to healthy growth, beautiful flowers, and overall plant health.
Cultivation Methods
Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv. is a hardy plant that grows well in full sun or partial shade. The ideal soil for growth is well-draining and rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated from stem cuttings or seeds, but stem cuttings are the most effective method for cultivating new plants. The cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer and rooted in vermiculite or perlite.
Watering Needs
Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv. requires regular watering during its growing season, which runs from late spring through to autumn. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. During periods of heavy rain, it is essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot. If the plant is grown in containers, it is important to ensure that water can drain easily to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
The plant does not require a lot of fertilizer, but a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every two weeks during the growing season. Over-fertilizing can lead to leaf burn and reduced flowering. It is also essential to ensure that the plant is not exposed to excessive levels of nitrogen fertilizer, which can lead to the plants being susceptible to disease and pests.
Pruning
Pruning Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv. is essential to keep the plant healthy and encourage bushier growth. The plant should be pruned in late winter or early spring, just before the start of the new growing season. Pruning should be done using sharp pruning shears, and the cuts should be made just above a leaf node. Pruning should be carried out to remove weak, damaged, or diseased growth and any dead or fading flowers. Pruning can also be carried out to shape the plant and remove any unwanted growth.
Propagation of Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv.
The plant Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv. can be propagated through various methods, including:
1. Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv. This plant produces seeds that can be collected from the plant once they have dried. Once collected, the seeds can either be sowed in the field or in pots.
If sowing in pots, use a suitable potting mix and place the seeds on top of it, pressing them lightly with a finger. Then, cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water gently. Place the pot in a sunny area that gets indirect sunlight. Germination should take place within two weeks.
2. Root Division
Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv. can also be propagated through root division. This method involves separating rooted portions of the plant from the mother plant and replanting them elsewhere.
To propagate through root division, first dig out the mother plant and gently separate its root clumps. Each clump should have a few stems attached to it. Then, replant the clumps at the same depth as they were growing before. Water the newly divided plants well and keep them moist until they are established.
3. Stem Cuttings
Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the mother plant and rooting them in a suitable rooting medium.
To propagate through stem cuttings, cut six-inch sections of the stem from the mother plant. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a suitable rooting medium, such as a potting mix, and water well. Place them in a sunny area with indirect sunlight and keep them moist until they have established roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv.
Geranium favosum Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. sublaeve Oliv., also known as Southern African Geranium, is a low-growing perennial plant that is commonly grown in gardens and used for its aromatic scent. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here's what you need to know about managing them:
Common diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Geranium favosum is root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poorly-draining soil. The plant may show symptoms such as yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Another disease that may affect Geranium favosum is powdery mildew, a fungal infection that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems. This disease is more likely to occur in humid conditions or in plants that are overcrowded. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure that the plant has good air circulation and remove any infected leaves as soon as they are noticed.
Viral infections such as Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) can also affect Geranium favosum, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and necrosis of leaves. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral infections, and infected plants should be removed to prevent spreading to other plants.
Common pests
Geranium favosum is also susceptible to pest infestations, with some of the most common pests being whiteflies, spider mites, and thrips. These pests suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing damage to the plant.
To control whiteflies and spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are effective at reducing their numbers. Thrips, however, are more difficult to control, and you may need to use a systemic pesticide, which is absorbed by the plant and provides longer-lasting control.
In addition to these pests, Geranium favosum is also susceptible to damage from snails and slugs. These pests can be controlled with various methods such as using copper tape, beer traps, or applying slug pellets. Snails and slugs are most active at night, so it's useful to set up controls in the evening and check them in the morning.
By following these disease and pest management strategies, you can help ensure that Geranium favosum remains healthy and grows well in your garden.
