Origin and Common Names
Pelargonium pendulum G.Don, commonly known as the Trailside Geranium or Pendulous Geranium, is a perennial plant species belonging to the family Geraniaceae. It is originally native to the eastern and western Cape Provinces of South Africa but is widely cultivated worldwide as an ornamental plant.
Appearance
The Pendulous Geranium has a cascading growth habit, with long and slender stems that can reach up to 60 cm in length, making it ideal for hanging baskets or spilling over walls. The leaves of the plant are ovate or reniform in shape, and have a grey-green coloration with distinct white margins. The flowers of the plant are a vibrant shade of pink, and grow in clusters atop long stems. The Pendulous Geranium is a hardy, easy-to-grow plant that can flower repeatedly from spring to autumn.
Uses
Aside from being an excellent option as an ornamental plant, the Pendulous Geranium is also known for its medicinal properties. The leaves and roots of the plant have been used in traditional South African medicine to treat several illnesses, including colds, coughs, and diarrhea. The leaves can be infused as a tea, or boiled and inhaled for respiratory problems. The plant's essential oils are also an ingredient in perfumes and soaps. Furthermore, the Pendulous Geranium is an excellent choice for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.
Light requirements
Pelargonium pendulum grows best in full sun to light shade conditions, receiving 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In areas with very intense sunlight, partial shade during the hottest period of the day is preferred.
Temperature requirements
This species prefers moderate climate conditions. Average indoor temperatures of 65ºF to 75ºF are optimal for growth. Outdoors, it can endure temperatures of up to 90ºF, however, it will require more water. Temperatures below 50ºF are detrimental to the plant and must be avoided.
Soil requirements
Pelargonium pendulum thrives in well-drained soil mixtures. Loamy, sandy or clay soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0 is considered the best appropriate. A soil that is too dense must be amended with sand or perlite to increase porosity and drainage. Soil must be kept moist, but never soggy.
Cultivation methods for Pelargonium pendulum G.Don
Pelargonium pendulum G.Don - commonly known as the weeping pelargonium - is a beautiful trailing plant that is cultivated for its small, delicate flowers. It is quite easy to grow and is suitable for pot culture, hanging baskets, or as a trailing plant in outdoor gardens. The following are the basic steps for cultivating Pelargonium pendulum G.Don:
- Choose a suitable location - Pelargonium pendulum G.Don thrives in well-drained soil and needs plenty of sunlight to grow. It is important to choose a location where the plant can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Prepare the soil - The soil should have good aeration and drainage. Mix the soil with organic fertilizers, compost or manure, and perlite to ensure it is loose and well-drained.
- Planting - Plant the Pelargonium pendulum G.Don either in a pot or directly in the ground at a spacing of about 12 inches apart from each other. Water it well and keep it well-watered until it establishes roots.
Watering needs for Pelargonium pendulum G.Don
Pelargonium pendulum G.Don needs moderate watering, and the frequency of watering depends on the heat and humidity of the area. It is better to allow the soil to dry out between watering to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water it deeply about once or twice a week, depending on the weather. During summers, you may need to water it more frequently.
Fertilizing Pelargonium pendulum G.Don
Pelargonium pendulum G.Don thrives in well-fertilized soil. Use a balanced fertilizer of 10-10-10 every two weeks during the growing season, which typically starts in spring and ends in late summer. During the off-season, feed it with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks to encourage growth.
Pruning Pelargonium pendulum G.Don
Pruning Pelargonium pendulum G.Don is essential for its bushiness and a fuller appearance. Remove the dead or yellowing leaves to promote new growth and maintain its shape. Pinching off the dead blooms will also promote more flowers. You can also pinch back the stems to encourage fuller growth. Prune it in early spring before the growing season starts.
Propagation of Pelargonium pendulum G.Don
Pelargonium pendulum G.Don is a popular plant grown for its delicate flowers and lovely scent. The plant is native to South Africa, but it has now been introduced worldwide. Propagating Pelargonium pendulum G.Don is a simple and straightforward process that can be done in a variety of ways. Here are some of the common methods of propagating Pelargonium pendulum G.Don:
Method 1: Stem Cuttings
Stem cutting is the most common method of propagating Pelargonium pendulum G.Don. Take a healthy stem cutting of about 5-10 cm in length from the parent plant. Remove all the leaves from the lower half of the stem, leaving only the top leaves intact. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder, and plant it into a potting mixture of perlite and peat moss. Water the cutting thoroughly, and cover it with a plastic bag to retain moisture. After about four to six weeks, the cutting will root and can be transplanted to a bigger pot or the garden.
Method 2: Division
Division is another method of propagating Pelargonium pendulum G.Don. This method is best used when the plant has grown large and is starting to outgrow its pot. Carefully lift the plant out of the soil, and separate it into two or more sections, making sure each section has some roots attached. Plant the separated sections in a potting mixture of perlite and peat moss. Water the new plants thoroughly and place them in a cool, bright spot.
Method 3: Seeds
Propagating Pelargonium pendulum G.Don from seeds is also possible, but it is a slower and more complicated process. Collect seeds from a mature plant, and sow them in a well-draining potting mixture of perlite and peat moss. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, and water them thoroughly. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot and keep the soil moist. The seeds will germinate in about two to four weeks.
Overall, propagating Pelargonium pendulum G.Don is an easy and rewarding process. With the proper care and attention, you can easily multiply your collection of this beautiful plant.
Disease Management
Pelargonium pendulum G.Don is prone to several diseases that can affect the growth and development of the plants.
One common disease that affects Pelargonium pendulum G.Don is Pythium root rot, which is caused by an unhealthy soil environment. To manage this disease, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained, reduce watering frequency, and avoid over-fertilization.
Another disease that affects Pelargonium pendulum G.Don is Botrytis Blight, which is caused by the Botrytis cinerea fungus. This disease leads to the development of grey mold on the plants, which can reduce the quality of flowers produced. To manage Botrytis Blight, it is vital to remove infected plant parts, sanitize pruning tools, reduce watering frequency, and avoid overcrowding of plants.
Leaf spot is another common disease that affects Pelargonium pendulum G.Don. It is caused by the Pseudomonas bacteria, and it leads to the development of brown spots on the leaves of the plants. To manage leaf spot, it is essential to remove infected plant parts, avoid overcrowding of plants, and ensure that the soil is well-drained.
Pest Management
Pests can cause significant damage to Pelargonium pendulum G.Don, leading to reduced yields and poor quality flowers produced. Some common pests that affect the plants include spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies.
Spider mites suck sap from the plants, leading to yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is essential to improve the environmental conditions around the plants, such as increasing the humidity levels and reducing the temperature.
Thrips feed on the flowers and leaves of Pelargonium pendulum G.Don, leading to the formation of scars and spots on the flowers. To manage thrips, it is essential to improve the ventilation around the plants, avoid over-fertilization, and remove infected plant parts.
Whiteflies are another common pest that affects Pelargonium pendulum G.Don. They suck sap from the plants, leading to yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage whiteflies, it is essential to improve the environmental conditions around the plants, such as increasing the humidity levels and reducing the temperature.
Overall, it is essential to monitor Pelargonium pendulum G.Don regularly for any signs of diseases or pests and take the appropriate measures to manage them. This will ensure that the plants grow and develop appropriately, leading to healthy yields and high-quality flowers produced.
