Origin and Common Names
Geranium pingue Thunb. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Geraniaceae. This plant is native to China, Japan, and Korea and can also be found growing in mountainous regions of these countries. It goes by several common names including Fat-leaf Cranesbill and Chu-yòu-hu? in Chinese.
General Appearance
The Geranium pingue Thunb. usually grows up to 15-25 cm in height. It has hairy stems and leaves that are usually rounded or kidney-shaped with a diameter of 4-6 cm. The leaves are light green in the upper side and purple in the lower side. It has five-petaled flowers that have a diameter of around 3 cm, with purple or pale pink petals that are slightly veined and darker towards the base. The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer.
Uses
The Geranium pingue Thunb. is commonly grown as a garden plant. It is a low-maintenance plant that is ideal for borders, rockeries, and ground cover. It grows well in well-draining soil and does not require constant watering. Additionally, the plant is believed to have medicinal properties. Its leaves are used to make a tincture that is believed to treat diarrhea and stop bleeding wounds.
Light Requirements
The Geranium pingue Thunb. plant prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth performance. It can also tolerate light shade, but the plant will bloom less frequently and produce fewer flowers in such an environment. In areas with low light intensity, the plant may stretch and become leggy, which will reduce its overall attractiveness.
Temperature Requirements
Geranium pingue Thunb. plants require moderate temperatures ranging between 15 to 30 °C to grow optimally. The plant is hardy and can tolerate both cold and heat extremes for short periods. However, any prolonged exposure to temperatures below 5 °C can damage the plant's roots, resulting in impaired flower and foliage growth. In contrast, high temperatures exceeding 35°C will cause the plant to wilt and stop performing its physiological functions
Soil Considerations
Geranium pingue Thunb. prefers well-draining soils with good drainage. Heavy soils are not suitable for it, and if the soil is too dense, it can cause the plant's roots to become waterlogged, leading to root rot. The soil pH should range from 6.1 to 7.5, and it is advisable to add organic matter, such as compost or manure, during planting. The plant can also tolerate drought conditions, but regular deep watering is crucial to maintaining the plant's health and blooming performance.
Cultivation Methods for Geranium pingue Thunb.
Geranium pingue Thunb. can be easily grown in well-drained soil and moderate temperatures. The soil pH should be between 6.0 to 7.5. Indoor germination can begin 6-8 weeks before the average frost-free date. In outdoor cultivation, sow the seeds after the last expected frost date. The ideal temperature range for germination of these plants is between 70 to 75°F.
When planting outdoors, it is essential to space the seedlings at least 12 inches apart. Adding a layer of mulch around the plants can help in retaining soil moisture and controlling weed growth.
Watering Needs for Geranium pingue Thunb.
Geranium pingue Thunb. thrives in soils with moderate moisture. Watering should be done when the soil feels dry to the touch. Inadequate watering can lead to wilting and leaf drop, while waterlogging can cause the roots to rot. Always water the plants at the base to avoid splashing water on the leaves, which could lead to the spread of fungal diseases.
Fertilization for Geranium pingue Thunb.
Fertilization is necessary during the growing season to promote healthy plant growth and increased flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is ideal. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, reducing the frequency in the fall. Overfertilizing can lead to soft, leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning Geranium pingue Thunb.
Pruning is essential to keep the plants compact and encourage fuller growth. Pinch back about one-third of the plant's growth in early spring to encourage branching and the growth of new shoots. Deadhead regularly to remove spent blooms and promote new flower growth. Pruning can also be done in the fall to maintain the plant's size. Cut back the entire plant to the ground after the first frost, making sure to remove all the dead foliage.
Propagating Geranium pingue Thunb.
Geranium pingue Thunb. can be propagated through several methods, such as seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation through seeds:
Sowing seeds of Geranium pingue Thunb. can be done during the spring or autumn, either indoors or outdoors. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and moistened. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Once the plants have grown big enough to handle, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation through stem cuttings:
To propagate Geranium pingue Thunb. through stem cuttings, select stems that are at least 10cm long with several leaves on them. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Then, plant the cutting in well-draining soil and cover it with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a warm spot until roots form. Once the roots have grown enough, the new plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Propagation through division:
The division method involves digging up an established plant, separating it into smaller sections, and replanting those sections. This method is best done during the spring. After digging up the plant, gently separate the roots, ensuring that each section has enough roots to sustain it. Replant each section in another location, and keep the soil moist until the new plants establish themselves.
Disease management
The Geranium pingue Thunb. plant is prone to several diseases that can cause significant damage if not managed properly. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Botrytis blight: This disease is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea and can affect the leaves, stems, and flowers of Geranium pingue. It causes brown spots on the plant, and the affected parts eventually wither and die. To manage botrytis blight, remove and destroy the affected parts, ensure proper air circulation and avoid overwatering.
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by bacteria and fungi and is characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spots, prune the affected parts and avoid overcrowding the plants.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that appears on the leaves of the Geranium pingue plant, causing orange or rusty-colored spots. To manage rust, remove and destroy the affected parts and avoid overhead watering.
Pest management
Geranium pingue is also susceptible to various pests. Some common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing them to wilt. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mites: Mites cause discoloration and distortion of the leaves and stems. To manage mites, wash the plant with water and prune off the affected areas.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps or insecticidal soap.
It is essential to monitor your Geranium pingue plant regularly to identify any signs of pests or diseases as early management is key to keeping the plant healthy.
