Plant Description:
Pelargonium spathulatum (Andrews) Pers. var. affine (Poir.) Loudon, commonly known as the Spoon-leaved Geranium, is a perennial shrub that belongs to the family Geraniaceae. It has a height ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 meters and a spreading habit that can reach up to 0.5 meters.
Origin:
The Spoon-leaved Geranium originates from the Western Cape Province in South Africa. It is often found in the Fynbos Biome, particularly in the Renosterveld and Sandveld vegetation types.
Common Names:
Aside from Spoon-leaved Geranium, Pelargonium spathulatum var. affine is also known by its common names: Spoon-leaf Pelargonium, Spoon-leaved Pelargonium, and Lepelblad Malva.
Uses:
The Spoon-leaved Geranium is grown for ornamental purposes and is often used in gardens and landscapes due to its attractive flowers and foliage. The plant is drought-resistant and can tolerate heat, making it an ideal choice for areas with hot and dry climates. In addition, the plant is said to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, colds, and sore throats.
General Appearance:
The Spoon-leaved Geranium has spoon-shaped leaves that are arranged in a rosette formation at the base of the plant. The leaves have a waxy texture and can have a reddish tinge at the edges. The flowers are in shades of pink, mauve, or white and have a five-petalled, star-shaped appearance. The plant blooms from spring to summer.
Light Requirements
Pelargonium spathulatum (Andrews) Pers. var. affine (Poir.) Loudon requires bright light to thrive. This plant grows best in partial to full sunlight and can tolerate up to six hours of direct sunlight daily. When grown indoors, it should be placed near a south-facing window and rotated regularly to ensure equal exposure to sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Pelargonium spathulatum (Andrews) Pers. var. affine (Poir.) Loudon is between 60°F and 75°F (15°C-24°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C), but prolonged exposure to temperatures below that may cause damage to the plant. Additionally, it is sensitive to frost and should be protected from it at all times.
Soil Requirements
Pelargonium spathulatum (Andrews) Pers. var. affine (Poir.) Loudon prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. It should be planted in a container with drainage holes to avoid waterlogging the roots. Adding organic matter to the soil can help retain moisture while still providing good drainage. It is important not to overwater the plant as it is susceptible to root rot.
Cultivation of Pelargonium spathulatum var. affine
Pelargonium spathulatum var. affine is a species of Pelargonium genus that thrives well in warm regions with adequate sunlight. It is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 30 cm tall and spreads up to 60 cm. The plant has small, succulent leaves and produces vibrant, pinkish-red flowers.
For optimal growth, you can cultivate Pelargonium spathulatum var. affine from cuttings or seeds, in a well-draining soil mixture containing sand or perlite for improved drainage. The plant thrives in sandy soils and requires a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH level.
Watering and Fertilization
Pelargonium spathulatum var. affine prefers moderate watering and quickly suffers from over-watering, which leads to root rot. Watering once or twice per week, depending on the plant size, is sufficient, but ensure that the soil dries out between watering sessions. During the dry months, the plant may require more frequent watering to withstand the scorching weather.
Fertilize Pelargonium spathulatum var. affine during the growing season but avoid excessively high-nitrogen fertilizers, which lead to overgrowth with weak stems. Using a balanced fertilizer, including potassium and phosphorous that supports flower formation and sturdy plant growth, is suitable. Nitrogen is essential in the vegetative stage, so you can apply it in moderate amounts.
Pruning
Pelargonium spathulatum var. affine benefits from pruning to maintain bushy growth and produce more flowers. You can prune the plant up to one-third of its size at the beginning of spring to stimulate growth. Remove any yellowing or diseased leaves to prevent spreading of plant diseases. Deadheading faded blooms encourages continuous blooming and enhances the appearance of the plant.
When pruning, use sharp and clean tools to avoid injuring the plant. Wiping the pruning tools with alcohol before use helps to disinfect them, reducing the likelihood of transmitting diseases.
Propagation methods for Pelargonium spathulatum var. affine
Pelargonium spathulatum var. affine is commonly propagated through stem cuttings as it is the easiest and faster way of propagating the plant. Here are the steps for propagating Pelargonium spathulatum var. affine through stem cuttings:
Step 1: Preparation
The first step is to select a healthy parent plant from which to take the stem cuttings. The parent plant should be free from pests, diseases, and any form of stress. Next, choose a suitable time to take cuttings. The best time to take stem cuttings is during the early spring or early autumn when the plant is actively growing.
Step 2: Taking cuttings
Take cuttings of at least 10 cm in length, each with at least two nodes on them. The cuttings should be taken early in the day to prevent wilting. Use a sharp and sterile pair of garden shears or a sharp knife to take the cuttings, and make sure to remove all the lower leaves from the stem.
Step 3: Treatment of cuttings
After taking the cuttings, they should be dipped in a rooting hormone to increase the chances of rooting. Then, place the cuttings into a pot containing a well-draining potting mix made up of equal parts of perlite and peat moss. Make sure to water the cuttings well, and place the pot in a shaded area to prevent any heat stress.
Step 4: Rooting
The cuttings should begin to root in 4 to 6 weeks. To check if the cuttings have rooted, gently tug on the stem. If there is resistance, it means the cuttings have rooted and can now be transplanted into individual pots.
Step 5: Care and Maintenance
The young plants should be kept in a well-lit area, receiving indirect sunlight. Water the plants regularly to prevent the soil from drying out. After the plants have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Disease Management
The plant Pelargonium spathulatum (Andrews) Pers. var. affine (Poir.) Loudon is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Gray Mold: This disease is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, which attacks the leaves, stems, and flowers. It leads to grayish-brown patches on the plant, and the affected parts may eventually rot and wither. To manage this disease, avoid overhead watering and overcrowding of plants and remove infected parts immediately.
- Root Rot: This is caused by soil-dwelling fungi like Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia, and it leads to the rotting of roots, stunted growth, and wilting. The best way to manage this disease is to avoid overwatering and ensure proper soil drainage. Also, use disease-free planting materials and sterilize your tools after use.
- Viral Diseases: Pelargonium spathulatum (Andrews) Pers. var. affine (Poir.) Loudon is susceptible to various viral diseases like leaf curl, streak, and mosaic. These diseases are challenging to manage, and your best bet is to use virus-free planting materials, control the vector insects, and remove infected plants immediately.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, Pelargonium spathulatum (Andrews) Pers. var. affine (Poir.) Loudon is also prone to pest infestations, including:
- Thrips: These tiny insects feed on the plant leaves and flowers, causing distorted growth and silvery patches on the leaves. To manage thrips infestation, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and remove heavily-infested parts.
- Whiteflies: These are small, flying insects that suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing and wilting. You can control whiteflies by using insecticidal soap or neem oil and introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that also suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with water regularly and use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce predatory mites or ladybugs to control the pest population.
