Introduction
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. b. Eckl. & Zeyh. is a plant species belonging to the family Geraniaceae. This ornamental plant has a unique appearance and is known for its medicinal properties.
Origin
The plant is native to southern Africa, where it is commonly found growing in rocky habitats and stony slopes. It is widely distributed in Western and Eastern Cape and parts of northern South Africa.
Common Names
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. b. Eckl. & Zeyh. is commonly known as Carpet geranium, Rock pelargonium, and Woolly geranium.
Uses
The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, fevers, and infections. The roots and leaves of the plant are boiled to make a tea, which is used for medicinal purposes. Additionally, the plant's essential oil is used in aromatherapy and beauty products.
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. b. Eckl. & Zeyh. is also an ornamental plant and is used in landscaping. The plant's unique appearance makes it an excellent ground cover option for rock gardens, terraces, and slopes.
General Appearance
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. b. Eckl. & Zeyh. is a small plant that grows up to 30 cm in height. The plant has a woody base and grayish-green, woolly leaves that are deeply lobed. The leaves are round and have a silver lining, making it stand out from other plants. The flowers of the plant are pink to purple and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The plant has a distinct pleasant smell.
Light requirements
The Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. b. Eckl. & Zeyh. requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate direct sunlight for long hours of the day. However, it is recommended to provide partial shade in areas with extreme heat.
Temperature requirements
This plant can grow in a range of temperatures but prefers warmer temperatures. It grows best in temperatures between 18-24°C. It is not frost-resistant, and the temperature should not fall below 5°C. In areas with lower temperatures, it is best to grow indoors.
Soil requirements
The Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. b. Eckl. & Zeyh. prefers well-draining soil. The soil should be sandy, loamy, or clayey with pH between 6.0-7.5. Adding organic matter improves soil quality and increases water retention. It can tolerate dry soil conditions, but it is essential to water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Cultivation Methods:
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. b. Eckl. & Zeyh. can be easily grown in pots or garden beds. It is a hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of soils, although it grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sun or partial shade, and it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Watering Needs:
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. b. Eckl. & Zeyh. needs to be watered regularly, especially during the growing season. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. During the winter months, the plant can be watered less frequently.
Fertilization:
Fertilization is essential for the healthy growth and flowering of Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. b. Eckl. & Zeyh. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. Alternatively, slow-release fertilizers can be added to the soil at the beginning of the growing season.
Pruning:
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. b. Eckl. & Zeyh. benefits from regular pruning to encourage bushy growth and a longer flowering period. The best time to prune the plant is in early spring, just before the growing season begins. Cut back any dead or damaged stems, and trim back any overgrown or straggly growth. The plant can also be deadheaded regularly to promote continuous blooming.
Propagation Methods for Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. b. Eckl. & Zeyh.
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. b. Eckl. & Zeyh. can be propagated through four different methods: seeds, cuttings, layering, and division.
Seeds
Seeds can be collected after the plant has flowered and the seed capsules have dried. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining seed-raising mix and kept moist until germination. Germination can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots until they are ready to be planted out into their permanent positions.
Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from the plant during its growing season, usually in spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 5-10cm long and taken from the tips of the stems. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder before inserting it into a well-draining potting mix. Cover the pot with plastic to retain moisture and place in a semi-shaded location. Once roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted into bigger pots or planted directly into the soil.
Layering
Layering involves bending a low-growing stem from the parent plant down to the soil and burying a portion of it, leaving the tip exposed. Keep the soil around the buried portion of the stem moist, and roots should form within a few weeks. Once the new plant has developed roots, it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into a new location.
Division
Division is a method used for mature plants where the root ball is divided into smaller sections. To divide Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. b. Eckl. & Zeyh., gently lift the plant out of the soil, remove excess soil, and gently pull apart the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have enough roots and foliage to support itself. The sections can be replanted into new locations.
Disease Management
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. b. Eckl. & Zeyh. is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Botrytis blight: This disease causes grey mold on the plants, leading to soft, brownish stems, and leaves. The best prevention method is to keep the plants dry and well-ventilated. If you notice the disease, remove and destroy the affected parts of the plant.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by bacteria and fungus, and it leads to small reddish or brown spots on the leaves. The best management tactic is to remove and destroy the infected leaves or use a chemical fungicide if the infection gets worse.
- Fungal root rots: These are common in geraniums planted in poorly drained soil or overwatered plants. Symptoms include stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and wilting. Avoid overwatering and make sure the soil is well-drained. Infected plants should be destroyed, and the soil should be sterilized with fungicide.
Pest Management
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. b. Eckl. & Zeyh. is also susceptible to pest attacks. Common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and wilt. Regularly inspect the leaves, and use a strong water jet to remove the insects. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These are common in dry conditions. They cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. You can manage spider mites by frequently spraying the plant leaves to keep them moist or introducing beneficial predators such as ladybugs.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny, winged insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. Use yellow sticky traps to catch the insects, or introduce biological controls such as parasitic wasps or lacewings.
