Origin
Geranium ornithopodon Eckl. & Zeyh. var. album Kuntze, commonly known as the white bird's foot geranium, is a species of flowering plants in the family Geraniaceae. It is native to the southeastern regions of Africa, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Common Names
The white bird's foot geranium is known by various common names, including white crane's bill, bird's foot geranium, and witvoet pelargonium in Afrikaans.
Uses
This plant has been used for medicinal purposes in traditional African medicine. However, it has not been scientifically studied for its medicinal properties.
The white bird's foot geranium is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its white flowers and attractive foliage. It is also a great addition as a ground cover plant.
General Appearance
The white bird's foot geranium is a small and low-growing perennial plant with a trailing or spreading habit. It has deeply lobed leaves that are green in color and can grow up to 2.5 cm in diameter. The plant produces small white flowers with a purple spot at the base of each petal. The flowers have a delicate sweet fragrance that is attractive to bees and other pollinators.
The plant prefers full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil. It is tolerant of drought conditions and can adapt to a variety of soil types.
Light Requirements
The Geranium ornithopodon Eckl. & Zeyh. var. album Kuntze plant requires full sunlight to partial shade to grow optimally. It can tolerate shade, but it will not bloom as prolifically.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the southern regions of Africa and can tolerate high temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it prefers cooler temperatures in the range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
The Geranium ornithopodon Eckl. & Zeyh. var. album Kuntze plant prefers well-drained soils with moderate fertility. It can tolerate acidic to alkaline soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods:
Geranium ornithopodon Eckl. & Zeyh. var. album Kuntze is a perennial herb that requires well-draining soil, and it grows best in areas with full sunlight. The plant is propagated by seeds or stem cuttings during early spring or fall seasons. The seeds should be sown shallowly, and the soil should be kept moist until germination. The plant should be placed in a location that is protected from strong winds to prevent damage to the delicate foliage.
Watering Needs:
The Geranium ornithopodon Eckl. & Zeyh. var. album Kuntze requires moderate watering, as the plant cannot tolerate water-logged soil. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged. The watering frequency and amount should be adjusted according to the weather conditions and the plant's growing stage. It is advisable to water the plant in the morning to allow sufficient time for the foliage to dry before nightfall, preventing the formation of fungal diseases.
Fertilization:
A fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied to the soil around the plant during the active growing phase. The application should be made once or twice a month, depending on the plant's growth rate and the soil's nutrient content. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to the formation of leggy plants and reduce the number of blooms.
Pruning:
Regular pruning of the Geranium ornithopodon Eckl. & Zeyh. var. album Kuntze plant encourages bushy growth and promotes blooming. The plant should be pruned during the late winter or early spring to remove damaged or old growth and to shape the plant. Deadheading spent blooms during the summer months encourages the formation of new blooms and prolongs the flowering period.
Propagation of Geranium ornithopodon Eckl. & Zeyh. var. album Kuntze
Geranium ornithopodon Eckl. & Zeyh. var. album Kuntze is a hardy perennial herb that can be propagated through different methods. The following are the commonly used methods for propagating this plant.
1. Seed propagation
Propagation of Geranium ornithopodon Eckl. & Zeyh. var. album Kuntze can be done through seed propagation. The seeds should be sown during the spring season in a nursery bed. The plant does not require special treatment of the seeds before sowing. However, stratification of the seeds can increase the germination rate. It can take up to 3 weeks for the seeds to germinate. The seedlings should be transplanted once they are big enough and have developed a few sets of leaves.
2. Division method
Geranium ornithopodon Eckl. & Zeyh. var. album Kuntze can also be propagated through division of mature plants. This method is best done during the early spring or fall season. The plant should be lifted from the ground and the roots should be gently teased apart. Each division should have a few stems and a good root system. The divided sections can be then replanted in the nursery bed or in the garden.
3. Cuttings method
Propagation of Geranium ornithopodon Eckl. & Zeyh. var. album Kuntze can be done through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken during the early spring or fall season. The cuttings should be approximately 10cm long and be taken from healthy plants. The lower leaves should be removed and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone to enhance rooting. The cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium such as perlite, sand or vermiculite. It should take approximately 4-6 weeks for the cuttings to develop roots. Once they have developed roots, they can be transplanted into the garden or individual pots.
Disease Management
Geranium ornithopodon Eckl. & Zeyh. var. album Kuntze is prone to various diseases, including fungal and bacterial infections. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Botrytis blight
The disease is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea and is characterized by brown spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage the disease, remove any infected parts of the plant, improve air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering. Additionally, you can apply a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Crown gall
The disease is caused by the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens and is characterized by the formation of galls on the stem of the plant. To manage the disease, ensure that the plant is not wounded during transplanting, avoid overcrowding of plants, and remove any infected plants from the area to prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, you can apply a bactericide to control the disease.
Pest Management
Geranium ornithopodon Eckl. & Zeyh. var. album Kuntze is also susceptible to pest infestations, such as mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Below are common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Spider mites
These pests are tiny, spider-like insects that can cause yellowing of leaves and wilting of plants. To manage the pest, you can regularly spray the plant with water, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, or apply an insecticide.
Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can cause yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and distorted flowers. To manage the pests, spray the plant with a strong jet of water, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, or apply an insecticide. Additionally, you can use reflective mulch around the plant to deter the aphids.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny, white insects that can cause leaf yellowing, stunted growth and can transmit viruses to the plant. To manage the pests, you can use sticky traps to trap the insects, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, or apply an insecticide.
