Geranium longicaule Thunb.
Geranium longicaule Thunb. is a member of the Geranium family, also known as the Cranesbill family. It is a perennial plant that is native to Japan, where it can be found in the mountainous regions of Honshu and Shikoku.
Common Names
Geranium longicaule Thunb. is commonly known as Long-stalked Geranium, Japanese Geranium, and Japanese Wood Geranium. In Japan, it is called "Karasuba," which means "crow herb" due to the similarity between the shape of the plant's leaves and a crow's footprint.
Appearance
The Long-stalked Geranium is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 50 cm in height. The plant has long, narrow leaves that are deeply divided into five to seven lobes, giving them a fern-like appearance. The flower of the plant is 2-3 cm in diameter and can be pink, purple, or white. It blooms in late spring to early summer.
Uses
The Long-stalked Geranium has been traditionally used in Japanese medicine for its astringent and antiseptic properties. The plant has also been used to treat diarrhea, abdominal pain, and hemorrhoids. The leaves of the plant can be brewed into a tea or used as a poultice to treat wounds.
The Long-stalked Geranium is also a popular ornamental plant, commonly used in rock gardens and borders. Its delicate flowers and fern-like foliage provide a unique beauty to any garden. The plant is easy to grow and requires minimal care, making it an ideal addition to any garden.
Growth Conditions for Geranium longicaule Thunb.
Geranium longicaule Thunb. is a herbaceous perennial plant that thrives in subalpine and alpine zones. The plant is native to the Eastern Himalayas, including Tibet, Bhutan, and Yunnan provinces in China. If you're planning to cultivate this plant species, it is essential to understand the following growth conditions:
Light Requirements
Geranium longicaule Thunb. prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant requires an average of 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. When grown indoors, you can use artificial light to supplement natural light to promote optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil must be rich in nutrients to promote healthy growth. You can amend the soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility. Geranium longicaule Thunb. grows well in a sandy-loamy soil with good drainage.
Temperature Requirements
Geranium longicaule Thunb. thrives in cool temperatures. The plant is frost tolerant and can withstand temperatures of up to -10°C. However, temperatures above 26°C can be detrimental to the plant's growth, leading to wilting and stunted growth. The ideal temperature range for this plant species is 5°C to 20°C.
Water Requirements
Geranium longicaule Thunb. requires moderate watering. The soil must be kept moist but not water-logged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, causing the plant to die. You can use a well-draining soil mix to prevent waterlogging and provide adequate drainage.
Fertilizer Requirements
The plant requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season to ensure optimal growth. Avoid overfertilizing as it can damage the plant's roots and cause leaf scorching.
By providing the right growth conditions, you can cultivate Geranium longicaule Thunb. with ease and enjoy its beautiful blooms.
Cultivation Methods
Geranium longicaule Thunb. is a low-growing herbaceous perennial that prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location. The ideal soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.0. The plantation should be done in spring or fall. The plant can be propagated through division or cuttings. It can also self-seed under favorable conditions.
Watering Needs
The plant should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. However, care should be taken not to overwater as it can lead to root rot. It is advisable to water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent leaf scorching.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized annually during the spring using a balanced slow-release fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied at the base of the plant and watered well afterward. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Deadheading should be done regularly to encourage more blooms. Pruning should be carried out in early spring to remove any dead, damaged or diseased stems. The plant can also be trimmed back by about a third after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Propagation of Geranium longicaule Thunb.
Geranium longicaule Thunb. is commonly known as Longstalk Crane's-bill and it is a perennial herbaceous plant species. It is easy to propagate through various methods.
Division
One of the most popular ways to propagate Geranium longicaule Thunb. is through division. This method involves digging up the mature plant and dividing it into smaller sections, each with their own roots and stems. Each section can then be replanted in a new location.
Seed Propagation
Geranium longicaule Thunb. can also be propagated from seeds. Seeds can be obtained from mature plants by collecting them after they have ripened. To increase the chances of germination, the seeds should be stratified for several weeks before planting. Stratification involves placing the seeds in a moist environment at a temperature of around 4°C to 6°C for a period of between 2 and 8 weeks. After stratification, seeds can be directly sown in the soil or started indoors in seed trays.
Cutting
Propagation through cuttings is also possible with Geranium longicaule Thunb. Stem cuttings should be taken from the mature plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 5-10 cm long and have a few leaves and nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining pot with a good potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a brightly lit area. Roots should start growing in about 4 weeks, and the new plants can then be transplanted to the garden.
Disease Management
The Geranium longicaule Thunb. plant is susceptible to various diseases that can impact its overall health. One of the most common diseases affecting this plant is leaf spot caused by the fungus Cercospora. The disease manifests as small, dark spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is crucial to remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and practice crop rotation. Fungicides applied as a preventative measure can also be used to manage this disease.
Botrytis blight is another disease that commonly affects Geranium longicaule Thunb. This fungal disease appears as grey mold on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help in managing this disease. Regular inspections and removal of any infected parts can also help prevent the spread of the disease. Use of fungicides can be an option as well.
Pest Management
Geranium longicaule Thunb. plants are also vulnerable to attack by pests. One of the common pests that affect this plant is aphids. These small insects feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to wilt and yellow. The best way to manage aphids is by spraying plants with insecticidal soaps or oils. Introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to the garden can also help control aphid populations.
Spider mites are another pest that can damage Geranium longicaule Thunb. plants. These pests cling to the underside of leaves, sucking the sap out of them, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can be an effective way of managing spider mites. Increasing the humidity level around the plants by misting them or keeping a humidifier nearby can prevent spider mites from infesting your plants.
Proper maintenance practices such as regular inspection, weeding, and pruning can help prevent pest infestation and the spread of diseases in your Geranium longicaule Thunb. plants.
