Overview of Pelargonium synnotii (Sweet) G.Don
Pelargonium synnotii is a species of Pelargonium that belongs to the family Geraniaceae. It is commonly known as Sweet-Scented Geranium, and its specific epithet "synnotii" is in honor of the Reverend R. Synnot, who was a local botanist in South Africa where the plant is indigenous.
Origin
Pelargonium synnotii is a South African native, endemic to the Cape Province. It is found primarily in fynbos, a biome that grows in rich, nutrient-poor soil and is characterized by a diverse range of flora and fauna.
General Appearance
The Pelargonium synnotii plant is a medium-sized shrub with woody stems that can grow up to 1 m in height. It has finely hairy branches and small, fuzzy, bi-colored leaves that are green on the top and have a white, woolly underside. The plant produces masses of sweetly scented, pale pink or white flowers, which bloom in spring and early summer, and are held in loose umbels.
Uses
Pelargonium synnotii is commonly grown for its fragrant foliage and attractive flowers. It also has medicinal uses and a long history of use in traditional medicine. The plant has been found to be rich in compounds such as flavonoids, which have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant has been used to treat various common ailments such as colds, coughs, and sore throats, and its oil is used in aromatherapy as a stress reliever.
Light Requirements
Pelargonium synnotii (Sweet) G.Don requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. It can tolerate some direct sunlight but should not be exposed to intense or prolonged rays. Place the plant in a location that receives at least six hours of filtered light daily. Failure to provide adequate light may lead to leggy growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Pelargonium synnotii (Sweet) G.Don prefers moderate temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 Celsius). Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius) or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 Celsius) can harm the plant. Ensure the plant is not exposed to cold drafts or hot, dry air, as it can cause damage to the leaves and flowers.
Soil Requirements
Pelargonium synnotii (Sweet) G.Don requires well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, which allows the plant to absorb nutrients and moisture efficiently. A light potting mix composed of peat, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and that excess water is allowed to drain away.
Cultivation
Pelargonium synnotii, also known as Sweet Pelargonium, is a perennial plant that requires regular care to thrive. It grows best in well-drained soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. It prefers full sun to partial shade and should be protected from frost or temperatures below 40°F.
Watering Needs
This plant requires moderate watering; it should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering for the plant to go dormant, only watering once a month.
Fertilization
Pelargonium synnotii should be fertilized once every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer. It is essential to follow the instructions of the fertilizer, as over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup, resulting in root damage or even plant death.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of the plant. Prune the plant in the fall or late winter by cutting back one-third of its growth. Ensure to remove dead or damaged wood regularly. Prune the spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Propagation of Pelargonium synnotii (Sweet) G.Don
Pelargonium synnotii is commonly propagated through seed, stem cuttings, and division. Successful propagation requires careful attention to temperature, humidity, and light, as well as selecting the appropriate time of the year to propagate the plant.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Pelargonium synnotii can be sown in the spring or early summer. The seeds should be sown in a seed-raising mix and kept moist until germination, which takes around 2-6 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into small pots filled with potting mix. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and provide the seedlings with bright light but not direct sunlight.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cuttings are the most commonly used method to propagate Pelargonium synnotii as it is reliable and straightforward. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, young, and green stems in spring, summer, or early autumn. Ideally, the cuttings should be around 5 cm long and have at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower 1-2 cm of the stem and dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder. Place the cutting in a pot filled with propagating mix and keep it consistently moist. The cutting should take root within 3-4 weeks and can be transplanted into a larger pot after around 2-3 months.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is generally only used when the plant becomes too large and needs to be divided for aesthetic purposes. It involves removing a section of the plant's root and replanting it in a separate container. Divide the plant during the dormant period in late winter or early spring, ensuring that each section has healthy roots and shoots. Plant each division in a pot filled with potting mix and keep the soil consistently moist.
Disease Management
Pelargonium synnotii is susceptible to several diseases, with the most common being:
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a grayish-white powdery substance to appear on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can be controlled by regular spraying of fungicides such as sulfur or neem oil.
- Botrytis blight: This is another fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves and stems. It can be controlled by improving air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.
- Rust: This is a fungal disease that causes yellow or orange spots to appear on the leaves and stems. It can be controlled by removing infected leaves and spraying the plant with a fungicide.
To prevent the onset of these diseases, it is important to keep the plant's growing conditions optimal. This includes providing good air circulation, avoiding overwatering, and ensuring that the soil is well-draining.
Pest Management
Pelargonium synnotii can also be affected by several pests, including:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests suck the plant's sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and dry out. They can be controlled by regularly spraying the plant with a mixture of water and soap, or with neem oil.
- Mealybugs: These pests also suck the plant's sap and leave a sticky residue on the leaves. They can be controlled by wiping the affected areas with alcohol or spraying the plant with an insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: These pests also suck the plant's sap, causing the leaves to curl and distort. They can be controlled by hosing the plant down with water, or by spraying it with an insecticidal soap.
Preventing infestations of these pests is important, and can be achieved by regularly inspecting the plant and keeping it clean. If an infestation does occur, it is important to act quickly to prevent the pests from spreading to other plants.
