Overview of Pelargonium hortorum L.H.Bailey
Pelargonium hortorum L.H.Bailey is a plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family. It's well-known for its gorgeous, brightly coloured flowers, which are typically two to three inches in diameter.
Origin
Its original habitat is Southern Africa, particularly in the Cape Region, and is considered as a hardy perennial plant. Owing to its ornamental feature, it has been introduced and cultivated all over the world as an ornamental garden plant. It's commonly known as the 'storksbill' or the 'common geranium.'
Common names
The plant is commonly referred to as Zonal geraniums, because of its characteristic dark ring seen on the top surface of the leaves, which commonly provides it with a distinct color from other related species. 'Pelargonium hortorum' is also known as Bedding geraniums, or common geraniums.
Uses
Its flowers come in various shades of pink, red, white, and purple, providing an attractive display in gardens, pots, and flowerbeds. Though primarily cultivated for purely ornamental purposes, the plant has had some medicinal value in the past, being used as an astringent, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent.
General appearance
The Pelargonium hortorum produces upright stems, growing up to 2-3 feet high. The leaves are bright green, thick, and succulent. It is characterized by its distinctive dark brown circular markings on its leaves, which marks the plants a Zonal Geranium. The flower stems emerge from the center of the plant bearing densely packed cluster of flowers on top.
Light Requirements
Pelargonium hortorum, commonly known as common geranium, requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It thrives in bright light conditions and can tolerate direct sunlight in cooler climates. However, in hot and humid regions, it is best to provide shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent heat stress.
Temperature Requirements
The plant does well in moderate to cool temperatures ranging from 60 to 75°F (16 to 24°C). It is tolerant of temperature fluctuations but can suffer in extreme heat or cold. A temperature below 50°F (10°C) can cause damages to the leaves and stems, while a temperature above 90°F (32°C) can cause excessive transpiration and wilting.
Soil Requirements
Pelargonium hortorum prefers well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range from 6.0 to 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral. The plant is sensitive to waterlogging and requires adequate drainage for healthy growth. Soil that is too compact or dense can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation methods
Pelargonium hortorum, also known as the common geranium, is a flowering plant that is commonly grown indoors or outdoors. It is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in well-drained soil with a neutral pH. The plant needs plenty of sunlight and moderate temperatures, typically between 60-75°F.
Watering needs
The plant should be watered thoroughly but only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for the plant. Water from the base of the plant, allowing the soil to soak up water rather than pouring it over the leaves. Avoid getting the leaves wet as it can cause fungal growth and other diseases.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth of the plant, it is recommended to fertilize it every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Diluted liquid fertilizer should be used to avoid burning the plant's roots. During the dormant season, fertilization should be reduced to once a month.
Pruning
Pruning the geranium plant is essential to promote bushiness and flowering. Pinching off spent blooms and deadheading promotes continuous blooming. Pruning should be done in the spring or fall by removing leggy stems and thin or weak branches to encourage thicker foliage. Large infestations of pests or infections should be addressed by removing the damaged leaves.
Propagation Methods of Pelargonium Hortorum L.H.Bailey
Pelargonium hortorum L.H.Bailey, commonly known as the common geranium or zonal geranium, is a popular ornamental plant due to its brightly colored flowers and ease of cultivation. The plant can be propagated by several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Pelargonium hortorum is through seeds. The seeds can be collected directly from the plants or purchased from a reputable seed supplier. Sow fresh seeds onto a well-draining soil mix and maintain a consistent moisture level until germination occurs. The seeds typically germinate within seven to 14 days and will produce a compact, bushy plant.
Cuttings Propagation
Pelargonium hortorum can also propagate through stem cuttings, which is a popular method for producing clones of the parent plant. Take a 3 to 4 inch cutting from the plant's tip just above a node or leaf joint. Remove leaves from the bottom of the cutting and dip it into rooting hormone powder. Insert it into a well-draining potting mix and ensure the soil stays consistently moist. Rooting can occur within four to six weeks, and the new plant can be transferred to a larger pot once its roots have developed.
Division Propagation
Division is another propagation method that works well for Pelargonium hortorum plants that have become too large or leggy. Carefully remove the plant from its container or ground and divide it into smaller sections, each with its own healthy roots. Repot each section into appropriate-sized containers with fresh soil, and water them well. Division can also help to rejuvenate a plant's growth and promote the growth of more flowers.
Overall, Pelargonium hortorum is a robust and easy-to-propagate plant that grows readily from both seeds and cuttings. Using one or more methods described above can help gardeners obtain greater numbers of this popular plant for their landscape or greenhouses.
Disease Management
Pelargonium hortorum, also known as common geranium, can be vulnerable to several diseases that include:
- Fungal diseases: Common geranium is susceptible to several fungal diseases such as Botrytis blight, powdery mildew, and Rhizoctonia root rot. These diseases can lead to leaf spots, stem cankers, and root rot, which can cause severe damage to the plant.
- Bacterial diseases: Common geranium can also be affected by bacterial leaf spot and bacterial stem rot. They can cause the yellowing of leaves, wilting of stems, and lead to the death of the plant.
- Viral diseases: Viral diseases like tomato spotted wilt virus and impatiens necrotic spot virus can affect common geranium. These diseases can cause mosaic patterns and yellowing of leaves, twisted stems, and stunted growth of the plant.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to ensure proper growing conditions, including adequate airflow, moderate temperatures, and correct watering practices. Other controls include:
- Removal of infected plants or plant parts and replacement with healthy ones.
- Use of fungicides, bactericides, or virucides as recommended for the specific disease.
- Cultural practices such as crop rotation and pruning of plants to improve airflow.
- Proper handling and disposal of diseased plant material to prevent the spread of infection.
Pest Management
Common geraniums can be attacked by several pests, including:
- Aphids: They feed on the plant's juices and excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and causes the growth of sooty mold. Aphids can cause leaf distortion and stunted growth in common geraniums.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and premature leaf drop. Spider mites can be a severe problem in dry conditions.
- Whiteflies: They suck plant sap and excrete honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold. Whiteflies can cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth in common geraniums.
- Thrips: These pests feed on flowers and leaves, causing distorted growth and discoloration. Thrips are a significant problem in warm, dry conditions.
To manage these pests, it is essential to identify them correctly and select the appropriate control methods, including:
- Physical removal of pests by handpicking or spraying with water.
- Use of insecticides or miticides as recommended for the specific pest.
- Cultural practices like proper sanitation and regular cleaning of plants, as well as elimination of ant nests near the plants.
- Introduction of biological controls, such as predatory insects like ladybugs or parasitic wasps.
