Origin and Common Names
Geranium nepalense Sweet var. thunbergii auct. non (Lindl. & Paxton) Kudo, commonly known as Thunberg's Himalayan cranesbill, is a species of flowering plant native to Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Tibet. It typically grows in rocky areas and alpine meadows at elevations of 2,800 to 4,200 meters.General Appearance
Geranium nepalense Sweet var. thunbergii auct. non (Lindl. & Paxton) Kudo is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 60 cm tall. Its leaves are deeply lobed and fern-like, with the upper ones being more divided than the lower ones. The leaves are green and hairy, and grow up to 15 cm long and 18 cm wide. The plant produces small, pale pink to white flowers that are 1-2 cm in diameter and have a purple center. The flowers grow in clusters on long, thin stems that rise above the foliage.Uses
Geranium nepalense Sweet var. thunbergii auct. non (Lindl. & Paxton) Kudo has a number of uses in traditional medicine. In Tibetan medicine, the plant is used to treat digestive disorders, coughs, and fever. The roots are also used to make a poultice for treating cuts and bruises. Additionally, the plant is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and rockeries for its attractive foliage and delicate flowers. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance needs make it a popular choice for xeriscaping.Light Requirements
The Geranium nepalense Sweet var. thunbergii auct. non (Lindl. & Paxton) Kudo is a plant that prefers a lot of sunlight. It thrives best in a location that receives full sunlight or partial shade. In areas with too much shade, the plant tends to become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures provided they do not go below 5 °C. The ideal temperature range for healthy growth is 16 – 27 ° C. During the winter, it's advisable to bring the plant indoors and keep it in a cool location, but not below the minimum temperature required.
Soil Requirements
The Geranium nepalense Sweet var. thunbergii auct. non (Lindl. & Paxton) Kudo prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should also be rich in organic matter. Soil that retains too much water causes the plant to rot, while too little water leads to dehydration and death. The best soil mixture is a blend of sand, loam, and peat moss in equal amounts.
Cultivation
The Geranium nepalense Sweet var. thunbergii auct. non (Lindl. & Paxton) Kudo is typically grown in a garden bed, rock garden, or container. It requires well-draining soil with good organic matter and full or partial sunlight. This plant can withstand cold temperatures, but it is advised to protect it from frost.
Watering Needs
It is essential to keep the soil moist at all times, but ensure the soil doesn't become waterlogged as this will cause root rot. During the growing season, water regularly and deeply. During the dormant season, reduce watering to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, fertilize the Geranium nepalense Sweet var. thunbergii auct. non (Lindl. & Paxton) Kudo plant at least once a year, preferably in early spring using a balanced organic fertilizer. Note that overfertilizing can cause excessive growth, which may lead to decreased flowering.
Pruning
Pruning ensures a bushier Geranium nepalense Sweet var. thunbergii auct. non (Lindl. & Paxton) Kudo plant and encourages the production of new blooms. Prune back old or dead growth in the early spring before the growing season begins. Cut back up to one-third of the plant's total length.
Propagation of Geranium nepalense Sweet var. thunbergii auct. non (Lindl. & Paxton) Kudo
Geranium nepalense Sweet var. thunbergii auct. non (Lindl. & Paxton) Kudo is easily propagated through cuttings, division, and seeds.
Cuttings
Take stem cuttings in spring or summer, making sure that each cutting has at least two nodes. Remove the lower set of leaves and trim off any flower buds. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist and in a shaded area until the plant starts to show new growth.
Division
Geranium nepalense Sweet var. thunbergii auct. non (Lindl. & Paxton) Kudo can be divided in spring or fall. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the root ball into several sections, making sure that each section has a healthy shoot. Replant each division in well-draining soil and water well.
Seeds
Sow seeds indoors in early spring or directly in the garden in late spring. Seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination. It may take several weeks for the seeds to sprout. Once the seedlings have several sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Geranium nepalense Sweet var. thunbergii auct. non (Lindl. & Paxton) Kudo can be subject to various diseases that affect its health and appearance:
- Powdery mildew: This disease is characterized by a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stem, and flowers. It can be caused by fungal species like Erysiphe cichoracearum and can be treated by removing infected plant parts, improving air circulation and soil drainage, and applying fungicides.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot occurs in the form of small brown or purple spots on the leaves. The disease can be caused by several fungal species like Alternaria, Cercospora, and Septoria. Regular application of fungicides can control the disease.
- Verticillium wilt: This is a vascular disease that affects the plant's ability to transport water and essential nutrients. It is caused by a soil-borne fungus like Verticillium dahliae and can be controlled by removing and destroying infected plants. Fungal control agents can also be applied to the soil.
Pest Management
Geranium nepalense Sweet var. thunbergii auct. non (Lindl. & Paxton) Kudo may face pest infestations that can damage the plants:
- Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the plant sap, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap sprays or beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that feed on them.
- Whiteflies: These are tiny, white insects that suck plant sap, causing yellowing of leaves and stunting of growth. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap sprays or systemic insecticides.
- Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on plant sap, causing yellowing and distortion of leaves. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap sprays or introducing predatory mites that feed on them.
Regular scouting and inspection of the plant can help identify pest infestations at an early stage, allowing for quick action to prevent damage to the plant.
