Geranium Ovale Burm.f. - Overview
Geranium ovale Burm.f. falls under the family Geraniaceae, and is a species of the genus Geranium. It is commonly found in various parts of Asia including China, India, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. The plant has several common names, including Oval-lobed Cranesbill, Blue-flowered Cranesbill and 'Chameli Saavi' in Hindi.
Appearance
The Geranium ovale plant is an annual or biennial herb that grows up to 60 cm high. The leaves of the plant are alternate, green, and toothed with ovate blades that are lobed at the base. The stem of the plant is long and thin, with branches that have several small flowers at the end. The flowers are blue-purple in color with five petals, and are around 12-20 mm in diameter. The plant blooms from June to September, and the fruit is a long, narrow capsule that opens when ripe.
Uses
Geranium ovale has been used for medicinal purposes in various cultures for centuries. The plant contains several chemical compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Geranium ovale is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, respiratory infections, diarrhea, and skin rashes. It is also used in wound healing and to ease menstrual cramps. The plant is also used in the cosmetic industry for its skin-protective properties and is used in skincare products.
Geranium ovale is also used in landscaping and gardening due to its attractive flowers. The plant can be grown in containers, borders, or rock gardens and requires moderate sunlight and well-drained soil to grow.
Light Requirements
Geranium ovale Burm.f. thrives in bright, indirect light and can also tolerate partial shade. It is recommended to place the plant near a window or in a location with filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight can harm the plant and cause leaf burn.
Temperature Requirements
Geranium ovale Burm.f. prefers relatively cool temperatures ranging from 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can survive in warmer temperatures, but it can be susceptible to drying out. Sudden temperature changes and drafts can also harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
Geranium ovale Burm.f. requires a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. A recommended soil mix consists of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and sand. The plant can also tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. Ensure that the plant pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Cultivation Methods
Geranium ovale Burm.f. is commonly cultivated as a houseplant, but it can also thrive outdoors in temperate climates. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun exposure. When planting outdoors, make sure to space the plants at least 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate growth.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering Geranium ovale Burm.f., it is important to strike a balance. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt and die. As a general rule of thumb, water the plant deeply once a week and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
Fertilization is key to achieving healthy growth in Geranium ovale Burm.f. Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, typically spring and summer, and reduce the frequency during the dormant winter months. Apply the fertilizer based on the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintaining the shape and health of Geranium ovale Burm.f. Prune away any dead or yellowing leaves, and pinch back the stems to encourage fuller growth. This can be done as needed throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Geranium ovale Burm.f.
Geranium ovale Burm.f. is a popular flowering plant that can be propagated through different methods. Here are some of the commonly used propagation techniques:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method used to propagate Geranium ovale Burm.f. Collect seeds from mature plants by snipping the dried capsules from the plant and let them dry for a few days. Sow the seeds in well-drained seed-starting mix and keep them moist in a warm, bright location. Germination usually takes about two to three weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Geranium ovale Burm.f. can also be propagated through cuttings. Select a healthy, mature stem with several leaf nodes, and remove the leaves from the lower third of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant the stem in well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a bright, warm location until roots start to develop, usually after 3-4 weeks.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is a propagation technique where you can propagate mature geranium plants by dividing the root ball. It is best to perform division during the early spring or fall while the plant is in its dormant stage. Gently dig the plant out of the soil and divide the roots into smaller sections, making sure each section has some leaves and roots. Replant the divided sections in well-drained soil mix and water them well.
Layering Propagation
Layering propagation is another technique that can be used to propagate Geranium ovale Burm.f. It involves burying a portion of the stem while it's still attached to the parent plant. To do this, scrape the bark from the lower section of the stem and apply rooting hormone to the scraped section. Bury this section underground, leaving the tip exposed. Keep the soil moist and after a few weeks, roots will start to develop. Cut the rooted section from the parent plant and replant it in well-drained soil mix.
Overall, Geranium ovale Burm.f. is an easy plant to propagate and can be propagated through different techniques, including seed, cutting, division, and layering. Each technique has its unique advantages, and the choice depends on the gardener's preference and available resources.
Disease and Pest Management for Geranium Ovale
Geranium ovale Burm.f. is a popular plant grown in gardens for its ornamental value. However, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can damage or even kill the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect geranium ovale and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. These spots can spread and cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. Manage anthracnose by removing and destroying infected plant parts and treating the plant with a fungicide.
Botrytis Blight
Botrytis blight is a fungal disease common in damp and humid conditions. It causes grayish-brown spots on the plant that turn black over time. The infected plant parts can rot and emit a foul smell. Prevent botrytis blight by avoiding over-watering the plant and providing good air circulation. Remove infected plant parts, and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Verticillium Wilt
Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that affects the stems of the plant. It causes the leaves to yellow and wilt, and the stems to turn brown and die. This disease can be difficult to manage, so prevent it by using disease-resistant cultivars and avoiding over-crowding and over-fertilizing. Remove and destroy infected plant parts, and avoid planting geranium ovale where other plants affected by verticillium wilt have been grown previously.
Pests
Aphids
Aphids are small and soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause curling and stunted growth of the leaves as well as transmit viral diseases. Use a strong stream of water to remove aphids from the plant or use natural predators such as ladybugs to control the pest. Also, you may use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray as another option.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that cause yellow stippling on the leaves of the plant. These mites thrive in hot and dry conditions and are challenging to detect. Therefore, regular inspection of the plant is necessary to detect spider mites early. Use a strong stream of water to wash the plant or use predatory insects to control the pest. You may also use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray as another option.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small and winged insects that feed on the sap of the plant causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop. Control whiteflies by using a strong stream of water to remove them from the plant or use sticky traps to catch them. You may also use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray as another option.
These are some common diseases and pests that can affect geranium ovale. Early detection and prevention are essential to manage these problems. Use organic and environmentally friendly methods for pest and disease management whenever possible.
