Overview
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy is a flowering plant that belongs to the Geranium family. It is an evergreen perennial herbaceous plant that is native to South Africa.
Common Names
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy is commonly known as carpet geranium, potted geranium, and silver carpet.
Appearance
This plant grows up to 20 cm in height and can spread up to 30 cm. It has silver-gray, rounded leaves that are deeply lobed with toothed margins. The foliage is soft and velvety to the touch, which makes it very attractive.
The plant produces pink or pale purple flowers, which bloom in spring and summer. The flowers are small and have five petals. The plant is commonly grown for its beautiful foliage rather than its flowers.
Uses
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy is commonly used as a ground cover plant due to its low-growing habit and attractive foliage. It is also used for border planting and in rock gardens.
Additionally, this plant is used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and astringent properties, and is used to treat wounds, diarrhea, and sore throats.
In conclusion, Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy is a beautiful plant with several uses. It is a popular ground cover plant and is also used for medicinal purposes.
Light Requirements
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy requires partial to full sun exposure for optimal growth. It should be provided with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it is important to note that too much direct sunlight may scorch its leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy is between 15-25°C. It can tolerate slightly higher temperatures during the day, but prefer cooler temperatures during the night. It is important to avoid exposing the plant to frost as it can damage or kill it.
Soil Requirements
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy can grow in a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-draining soils that retain moisture. Ideally, the soil should be loamy, slightly acidic to neutral, and rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly alkaline soils but may not grow well in heavy, clay soils. It is important to maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil to avoid root rot.
Cultivation
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy is a sun-loving plant that grows well in well-drained soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. It requires full to partial sunlight exposure for proper growth.
To propagate the plant, one can use stem cuttings or seeds. However, stem cuttings are more reliable as seeds can sometimes fail to germinate or grow properly. Cuttings should be taken from mature healthy plants, and care should be taken to use sterile tools to prevent diseases from spreading.
The geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy can be grown in containers or in the ground. If growing in the ground, ensure that the soil is well-draining and rich with organic matter. When planting in a container, use potting mix rich in peat moss and perlite.
Watering Needs
The geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy has average water needs, and care should be taken not to overwater or underwater it. Watering should be carried out when the soil becomes dry to the touch.
During the growing season, the plant may need more frequent watering, while in winter, watering should be reduced to avoid root rot and other related issues.
Fertilization
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy requires regular fertilization to ensure proper growth and blooming. The best time to fertilize is at the beginning of the growing season and in the flowering stage. Organic fertilizers are recommended, and care should be taken to follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid over-fertilizing the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy to maintain its shape and encourage bushiness. Deadheading should be done regularly during the flowering season to promote further flowering. The best time to prune is after flowering, during the fall or winter seasons when the plant is less active.
Cutting back the plant by 1/3 of its size will help to promote more compact growth. Care should be taken to use sharp, clean tools, and all pruned material should be removed from the plant to prevent pests and diseases from infecting it.
Propagation
The Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy can be propagated by several methods including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seeds
The easiest method of propagating Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy is by using seeds. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mixture in a pot or tray and kept moist until germination. Germination occurs within 2-3 weeks and the seedlings can be transplanted once they are big enough to handle.
Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from stem tips during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from mature shoots and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment until they have rooted. This can be achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing the cuttings in a propagator. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into their final position.
Division
The Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy can be divided to produce new plants. This method is best carried out in the spring or autumn. To divide the plant, gently remove it from the pot or ground and use a sharp knife to cut through the root ball. Each division should have a healthy root system and shoots. The divisions can be replanted in their final position and watered well.
Disease and Pest Management for Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy
Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy is generally a hardy plant and not very susceptible to pests and diseases. However, like all plants, it can be affected by some pests and diseases. Therefore proper management of the plant is important to prevent damage.
Common Diseases
The most common disease that affects Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy is fungal diseases such as rust, powdery mildew, and blight. These diseases are usually caused by over-watering and poor air circulation. Rust appears on the leaves as yellow, orange or brown patches, which then become powdery and rust-colored. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery fungus on the leaves. Blight appears as yellowing and dying of the leaves.
Disease Management
To manage fungal diseases, make sure that the plant is grown in the right conditions with good air circulation and a well-draining soil. Over-watering should be avoided, as fungal diseases thrive in moist conditions. Fungicides such as neem oil or copper fungicides can also be used to manage fungal diseases.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Geranium incanum Burm.f. var. pottiae Burtt Davy are spider mites and thrips.
Spider mites appear initially as tiny, darker spots on the leaves, which later develop into webbing that covers the entire plant. Thrips, on the other hand, are small and slender insects that cause leaves to wilt, turn brown and eventually die.
Pest Management
To manage spider mites, the plant should be frequently sprayed with water to dislodge the pests, and insecticides such as neem oil can also be used. Thrips can be managed by trapping them using sticky traps or by spraying the plant with certain insecticides.
Regular monitoring of the plant is important to quickly detect and manage any pests or diseases before they cause significant damage to the plant.
