Royal pelargonium: care and propagation at home. Features of care or why royal pelargonium does not bloom

Royal geranium is known to houseplant enthusiasts as "Royal Pelargonium" and is famous for its capriciousness. Country of origin - South America, and therefore pelargonium is accustomed to a hot climate with moist air. Rules for caring for it at home can be found on this page. The classic royal geranium is a flower or a small dense bush with branching stems. The leaf shape is round, with slightly lobed edges and a characteristic geranium scent. The flowers look like spherical umbrellas, the stems are thin and long. Their color depends on the variety: from snow-white to dark purple. At home, royal geranium grows up to 50 cm. With proper care, it will bloom from early spring to late summer. Look at the photo of royal geranium varieties intended for indoor breeding:

How to plant royal geraniums correctly

All varieties of pelargonium or royal geranium are propagated by cuttings. It is recommended to prune them in summer or autumn; you need to cut the stem at an angle of 45 degrees just below the internodes. Lower leaves and the buds also need to be removed. Before properly planting royal geranium, you need to prepare high-quality cuttings and soil with suitable properties. Cuttings need special care. For example, they cannot be placed in water - due to high humidity they can quickly rot. Experts recommend simply sprinkling the cut with a mixture of the drug “Kornevina” and charcoal, after which “dry” the plant for at least an hour. For the first planting, a small diameter pot is suitable, on the bottom of which you need to place a layer of shards - this will ensure sufficient drainage. For planting royal geraniums it is suitable as store soil for ornamental plants, and the usual mixture of sand and peat in a 1:1 ratio. For rooting, you can use peat tablets: they are soaked for several minutes in warm water. A recess is made in the center of the tablet into which the stem is inserted. After from drainage hole roots will appear, the cuttings can be transplanted into a pot. After planting, you need to water the soil along the edge so that the substrate is not too wet. Cuttings root quickly, the first shoots usually form within 4 weeks. After this, you can increase watering slightly, but you still need to avoid over-wetting the soil. Only 8 weeks after planting, the young royal geranium can be cared for as an adult plant. After rooting, the geranium is planted in regular soil on a compost basis. Young royal geranium grows quite actively; over time, roots will begin to appear from the drainage hole of the flower pot. This - sure sign that the plant needs replanting. Typically, mature geraniums need to be transplanted into new ground every two years. During replanting, it is worth cutting thick shoots and roots by half, and carefully shaking off the old soil from the rhizome. Earth in flower pot- completely update. If the replanting pot is reused, it should be disinfected special solution(bleach will do).

Caring for royal geraniums at home

Caring for royal geraniums at home is not at all difficult and any gardener can handle it. Despite the fact that pelargonium is a moisture-loving plant, excessive watering can lead to diseases and infections, so it is important to adhere to certain rules glaze. For an adult bush, 50 ml of water per watering is enough; the soil should not be too wet. In winter, it is enough to water the royal geranium once a day, summer time– twice: before 10 am and in the evening after the sun is no longer scorching. As a top dressing, you can use a weak solution of iodine: one drop per 1 liter of water. A small amount (about 50 ml) is poured over the walls of the pot. Be extremely careful: more fertilizing can seriously damage the roots. The plant needs to be fertilized once every two weeks from late March to mid-November. Ideal temperature for keeping a royal pelargonium flower it ranges from +18 to +25 degrees. Increases and decreases in temperature, drafts and dry air from a heater can quickly destroy a plant. In summer, royal geraniums can be taken out to the balcony, but it is important to ensure that they are not exposed to direct sunlight - burns may occur. The plant loves light, but at the same time it needs shade. To provoke active bud formation, in winter geraniums can be placed in a cool, well-lit place. In general, from October to March there is a sleepy period for royal geraniums. The ideal temperature at this time is about +15 degrees, care can be limited only to watering. Before the sleepy period, it is better to remove flowers, buds and cut off 1/3 of the shoots. It is recommended to remove faded flowers - they have already lost their beauty, and it is only in vain that they take away the strength of the plant. In addition, it stimulates active growth new colors. They can be removed after brown spots appear on the petals. But you should remove flowers if you do not need pelargonium seeds - seed setting occurs in the inflorescences.

Variety of varieties of royal pelargonium and their photos

The genus Pelargonium includes more than 280 various types plants, the most common variety is the royal geranium. Popular varieties include large-flowered pelargoniums (Angels group) or violas. The flowers of these varieties are similar to pansies, the upper petals are somewhat larger than the small ones, there are veins on the petals. Below are the most popular varieties royal pelargonium and their photos - the variety of species is simply not possible to present in one article. Candy Flowers - these varieties belong to the grandiflora pelargonium. Breeders have developed a group of varieties by crossing two types of pelargonium, which is intended for cultivation in open ground. The peculiarity of this variety is that it blooms earlier, the flowers are larger than those of the “Angels” group.
Radiant pelargonium (Pelargonium fulgidum) is a tall, bushy pelargonium that is slightly smaller in size than the royal pelargonium. The main difference is the more deeply dissected leaves with a pungent spicy odor. The flowers are without fragrance; the predominant color of the flowers of this variety of pelargonium is red.

Possible problems with royal geraniums

With proper care, royal geraniums rarely get sick, but some possible problems may even touch experienced flower growers. Rotting of the plant stem is most often caused by overwatering. If the flower has already begun to rot, it cannot be helped, and the best thing to do is to remove the affected plant as soon as possible. Not only the geranium itself is quickly affected, but also the soil in which it is located, so the soil will have to be thrown away. Pests can also attack royal geranium: aphids, mites, whiteflies. If this has affected your plant, the underside of the affected leaves must be washed with tobacco infusion with green soap or regular infusion pharmaceutical chamomile. In order to get rid of whiteflies, you can use special medications (“Fufafon”, “Aktellik”, “Bison”). Leaves are often the first sign of problems. If they turn yellow and the edges of the flower are dry, this is a signal of a lack of moisture. Yellowing leaves are a warning that the geranium is not getting enough light or space in the pot. If the leaves wither, then perhaps you have over-moistened the soil. If the time has come for flowering, but the geranium has not bloomed, you need to urgently identify the problem, otherwise flowering may be inhibited in the future. Why doesn't the royal geranium bloom? This may be due to lack of light, low temperature (below +10), the soil may be too fertile, or the pot may be too large. In addition, the reason may be untimely pruning royal geraniums. Sometimes geraniums can be susceptible to “rust”, during which brown or yellow spots. Shoots and flowers may also be damaged. It is important to monitor the condition of the plant and remove diseased parts as soon as possible. Remember: if the plant is sick, it is better to wait to reproduce. Problems can quickly spread to cuttings.
In general, the plant is not whimsical, it reproduces well, grows and does not create any problems for its owners. To make royal geranium pleasing to the eye, you must follow the recommendations of experienced gardeners who will help protect pelargonium from problems.

1. Provide the plant with good drainage and adequate lighting.
2. You should not use fertilizing too actively: it is better to underfeed than to overfeed.
3. Remove diseased plants promptly and never reuse soil.
4. Water geraniums only when the soil really needs it.

Royal geranium, royal pelargonium, pelargonium grandiflora - beautiful plant from South America, brought to Europe in the 17th century.
The royal pelargonium flower is loved for beautiful flowers, but it is difficult to care for, unlike fragrant and zonal geraniums.

Lovers who decide to plant this flower at home will enjoy it all summer and spring. beautiful flowering geraniums on the balcony or in the apartment.

Pelargonium flowers are a small plant, about 60 cm in height. It can be placed on a windowsill or hung in a flowerpot. Royal pelargonium is often planted in a tray on the balcony in summer. Its stems are herbaceous and erect. The foliage is emerald in color and completely covers the bush. The leaves have a rough surface with fluff.

Royal geraniums are prized most for their blooms. Pelargonium is large-flowered, the inflorescences are very large and are formed at the top of the stem.

At the inflorescences medium size it is 15 cm. If it is properly cared for, their diameter can reach 25 cm. The flowers are from 5 to 10 cm long, and their size is usually proportional to the size of the inflorescences.

The diameter of the flower is about seven centimeters. The upper petals in the bud overlap the lower ones, which becomes like a fan. The color and shape are very diverse: there are white, purple and purple varieties. There is no shade of red that royal geranium flowers are not painted in. Its buds come with contrasting inclusions or are of the same type. They can be terry and simple in shape, with wavy, smooth or corrugated edges. The flowers look great in the photographs.

Geranium blooms for about 3 months, if it has proper care And good feeding. The flowering period is much shorter than that of other species. It can be extended by removing dried buds, adding, and some gardeners also graft royal geranium onto other species. During flowering there is almost no smell, and many people think this big advantage, after all rich aroma Not everyone likes flowers.

Gallery: royal pelargonium (25 photos)

Home care

Caring for royal geraniums at home is quite difficult. If the rules of care are violated, it may stop blooming. Pelargonium does not grow well in the shade, but it also does not like direct sun, because the leaves can get burned. Overwatering or underwatering has a detrimental effect on flowers. Geraniums can be affected by pests and diseases. Basic rules of care required by Royal Pelargonium at home:

• Light. Royal geranium loves light, then it blooms profusely and for a long time. It can be placed on a southern windowsill, but care must be taken that direct rays do not burn the leaves. In winter, the flower needs to be additionally illuminated, because due to lack of light the stems will become very elongated.
• Temperature. In summer, the room temperature should not exceed 25 degrees. Geraniums need a period of rest in winter; this is possible only at 15 degrees. Plants will not bloom if this period is not observed. If there is a draft or overheating, the same thing can happen.
• Watering. Geranium loves moisture very much, so it needs to be watered abundantly. The layer of soil on top should dry out between two waterings. Some people advise pouring water into a tray rather than into a pot. For watering, use boiled water.
• Humidity. Spray geraniums only if the room is very dry. She is afraid of water on flowers and leaves.
• Fertilizer. Fertilize in summer and spring during the flowering period. Use fertilizers high in phosphorus and potassium to extend flowering for several weeks. Fertilizer should be applied once every 14 days.
• Soil. Royal pelargonium loves neutral soil or with a weak alkali reaction. Add ash to the pot to reduce acidity. Provide proper drainage so that the water does not stagnate.

If you provide proper care for pelargonium at home, it will bloom for several months every year. Despite the difficulties, many plant owners are very happy, because all the beauty of geranium flowers is worth the effort to grow this species.

Royal geraniums love propagation by cuttings. Cuttings of royal pelargonium is the most popular and easiest way. Remember that rooting in water is most often unsuccessful, the cutting rots and does not take root, so immediately plant it in the ground. Usually the procedure is carried out from mid-August or early September, but not later. A branch up to 10 cm long is cut from the top.

The cutting must have 2-3 nodes. After cutting, leave it for a few hours to dry and then plant it in soil with good drainage.

To protect against diseases, fry the soil in the oven or treat it with a solution of potassium permanganate. After this treatment, the cuttings are planted in the ground no earlier than two days later, so prepare the soil in advance. When rooting is complete, after a few weeks, plant the plant in its permanent pot. To speed up the process, carefully detach the leaves from the branch so that all the plant’s energy goes into the formation of roots.

Propagating plants by seeds is a very labor-intensive process, but in this way you can get hardy plants with a long flowering period. The seeds are bought in the store - they are oblong and small. They are planted in a deep container.

For soil, it is better to take a mixture of sand and peat with the addition of ash. Planting takes place in mid-February. The seeds are planted half a centimeter into the ground. A month later the first shoots appear. When two leaves are already visible, the sprouts dive into a small pot.

Pruning and grafting

In winter, pelargonium stretches out because it does not have enough light. The plant requires pruning before the flowering season. It is held at the end of February. Carefully cut off the tops of the branches to form beautiful crown. Use them for reproduction. Do not prune radically, as this may cause the plant to stop blooming. Royal pelargonium should be replanted infrequently, once every 3 years. Remember, it blooms only in a cramped pot; one that is too spacious will not suit it.

Pelargonium can be made to bloom longer by grafting onto other species. Best suited for this scented geranium. To graft, take twigs with three or two leaves, make a cut about a centimeter long. Make exactly the same cut on the second plant, combine them and tie them with woolen thread. Do all this in virtually sterile clean conditions, otherwise the vaccine will not take root.

Difficulties in growing

When growing royal geraniums, various difficulties may arise:

• The plant's leaves sometimes turn yellow. If this happens at the tips, then most likely the flower lacks moisture. If the leaves rot or wither, the cause may be overwatering.
• When the soil is moistened abundantly, water pads will appear on the leaves.
• When cold, the leaves may turn reddish. In this case, place the flower further from the window.
• If there is not enough light, the leaves will fall off.

Plants are susceptible to disease. If the flower's stem has turned black, it will no longer be possible to save it. Throw away such a plant along with the soil, and treat the window sill and pot with bleach. Gray fluff may appear on the leaves due to excess moisture; it is caused by a fungus. Delete this immediately gray mold and set up watering. The most common pests that attack geranium are boll weevils and whiteflies. Carefully collect the insects or kill them with insecticides.

Many people are interested in why royal pelargonium does not bloom. The reason for this may be invisible fungal infections. Carefully inspect the stems, leaves and root zone. Remove diseased parts of the plant and reduce watering.

If the flowers fall off too quickly, this may be due to an excess of nitrogen in the soil or dry air in the room. Problems can also arise when the shoulder straps become very long, at which point the flower stalks do not develop. Low temperatures in winter and spring can also prevent flowering, as can overheating in summer. Frequent replanting is also harmful to the plant.

Attention, TODAY only!

I've had pelargonium for a long time and I'm used to it. New indoor flower royal geranium appeared recently and demanded special care. The slightest negligence resulted in suppressed flowering of the plant and yellowing of the leaves. Also, flowers formed in small quantities, until I realized that I was not taking care of them properly.

I studied books on indoor plants, supplemented my knowledge on the Internet, and changed flower care. The result did not take long to wait - the geranium formed large inflorescences that painted the windowsill of my house in bright colors.

There are hundreds in the world different varieties royal geranium. The beginning of breeding activity was laid in the Cape Lowlands of South Africa. Here travelers discovered plants with amazing beautiful flowers. They dug them up to hand them over to biologists of the country of Foggy Albion.

The maternal zonal pelargonium was with simple flowers, but reminiscent of hydrangea. This was enough for scientists in England to cross several varieties and get large flowers amazing coloring.

The inflorescence differs from its relatives large size up to 15 cm in diameter. The flower of some varieties alone can grow up to 7 cm in diameter. The beautiful royal pelargonium White Glory surprises with its royal lush inflorescences.

Breeders have developed varieties with different petal colors. The three lower and two upper petals are more strongly colored than the others, resembling garden viola. The Spanish Angel variety, popular among flower growers, is characterized by its low height. Inflorescences lilac shade contrast perfectly with the green mass.

Growing geraniums at home

A flower with all its “crowning” - unpretentious plant. If you care for it correctly, which means watering and feeding, the plant will respond with lush flowering from early spring to late autumn. Timely pruning For lush flowering- another way to find a bright indoor flower.

In my apartment on the fourth floor, the windows face east, and the plants bloom even in winter. True, they produce one flower stalk at a time, but this is enough to give the room comfort and charm. The main thing is to strictly follow the rules for caring for your green ward.

Royal geranium requires the same care at home as other members of the Pelargonium family. I advise you to watch an introductory video about growing a houseplant:

in spring

For transplantation to new pot best time- spring.

1. I cut off the tops of the mother plant, 15-20 centimeters long, forming a low bush.
2. I plant the cuttings in a nutritious and moist substrate or distribute them to friends.

This propagation by cuttings allows short term get a full-fledged plant that will delight you with flowering after 2-3 weeks of adaptation.

For royal geraniums I take the usual universal mixture for indoor plants. I choose a spacious pot for one young plant small size with a diameter of 15-20 centimeters, for 3-5 cuttings - a larger container.

The constant condition is ceramics. For a royal person only the most best conditions growing.

I put the pots on the windowsill. Pelargonium is a light-loving plant, but is afraid of too bright sunlight. In May, when there is a lot of sun, the leaves turn red, so light shading will help in this situation. For example, I place a container behind a frame between the panes of glass on the living room window sill.

In summer

Watering

Caring for royal geraniums at home is easy. I water the plant as it dries. To do this, I lift the pot and feel how dry the soil is. Even if I forgot to water, the plant easily tolerates a lack of moisture.

I feed the flowers once every two weeks with liquid complex fertilizer, specially designed for indoor flowers.

Pay attention! Organic fertilizer or pure nitrogen can provoke the growth of green mass, rather than the formation of buds.

Appearance

The plant constantly puts out flower stalks. After the inflorescences wither, I tear them off at the base of the stem so that the royal geranium does not have flaws and maintains its decorative appearance.

Temperature

Bright sun can cause leaf burn. Therefore, the plant must be protected from ultraviolet radiation. To do this, I place a pot with a flower behind the frame or make a light shelter out of cardboard during the midday hours.

Hydrangea heat-loving plant, but can easily withstand coolness up to 10 degrees and heat, but long-term low temperatures can cause diseases with fungi or viruses of various etiologies.

It is easy to prevent such conditions in an apartment or house. It is enough to bring pelargonium indoors during cold weather.

Autumn and winter

With the onset of cold weather, geranium goes into a dormant state. She is able to please with a single peduncle released, but rarely. Ideally, a temperature of 10-15 degrees is required, but to achieve it in conditions ordinary apartment difficult.

Therefore, I leave the flower on the windowsill in the coolest room - the bedroom, where in winter the temperature ranges from 18 to 22 degrees.

During the dormant period, I do not feed the plant, but I water it occasionally, although experts do not recommend this. But I can't leave the plant completely without water.

Trimming

In the fall, I trim off the elongated stems of the plant. If the flower itself is old and there are many woody parts, then it can be replaced with young pelargonium.

Choosing a pot

Pelargonium prefers tight containers. Some plants grow in small pots for 2-3 years, but they do not form a large head of flowers, like royal geraniums in spacious containers.

Advice. Choose medium-sized pots: neither small nor too large. This will be enough to grow a flower for 3-4 years.

7 common problems with growing a flower

The queen among geraniums is famous for her capricious disposition. The reasons for this lie in selection: you have to pay for beauty with special requirements for growing conditions.

1. When there is a lack of minerals in the soil, the internodes of the plant become elongated. As soon as you notice a deviation, feed the flower with complex fertilizer.
2. Yellow leaf edges are formed due to lack of moisture in the soil.
3. Abundant watering leads to the appearance of rot, fungal diseases, as well as pronounced lethargy of the bush.
4. Frequent replanting causes stress in the plant, hence the weak flowering.
5. Do not plant pelargonium immediately in a large pot. The plant will begin to spend energy on the development of the root system and leaves.
6. Hot and dry air can cause buds to fall off before they bloom.
7. Earth mixture, carefully seasoned nitrogen fertilizers, causes the formation of green mass, but not the formation of peduncles.

Royal pelargonium in garden design

It is better to decorate the patio area with royal geraniums without transplanting them into open ground. Compared to zonal geraniums, the royal geranium is sensitive to transplantation. For a flower pot, choose places hidden from the bright sun.

Useful properties of geranium

Pelargonium of any type has leaves with a specific aroma. IN folk medicine they are used in medicinal purposes, for example, with otitis media. The leaf is inserted into the sore ear.

Even the presence of a flower in a room can have a beneficial effect on the air. The plant secretes phytoncides and essential oils that kill harmful microorganisms. It is believed that royal geranium can relieve stress and help you find inner peace.

For asthmatics and people suffering from allergies, the choice of flower should be approached carefully so as not to provoke illness.

Preface

Pelargoniums are quite common flowers. In almost every home, on any personal plot you can meet this plant. Have you guessed what we're talking about yet? People call this flower geranium! Let's look at how to properly propagate pelargonium from cuttings.

Required tools and materials

Scissors Knife

Royal pelargonium - do-it-yourself propagation

There are two ways to propagate this plant: by seeds and cuttings. How to propagate pelargonium from cuttings? In fact, this propagation method is quite simple and straightforward. The most good timing for propagation by cuttings of royal pelargonium it is considered early spring, But You can cut it until mid-summer.

The material is obtained from the first pruning of geraniums early spring, as well as when shortening shoots and forming a bush throughout the year. The first stage of growing pelargonium from cuttings is to cut long shoots into shorter ones, the length of which should be 5–10 centimeters.

When cutting shoots, you do not need to remove the leaves. We make two cuts on the cutting. The lower one is done under the bud, which is where roots often appear, and the upper one is done above it. It is recommended to make cuts in different ways, for example, one straight and the other oblique, so as not to confuse the top with the bottom later.

Sequence of stages - take cuttings slowly!

After two cuts are made, place the cutting in a mug or glass. It is important that the container is opaque, since the emerging roots love darkness. Pour no more than 3–5 centimeters of water into a glass. It is necessary to change it regularly, approximately once every 2-3 days.

The cuttings should be placed in a well-lit window sunlight. Next you need to wait for the roots to appear. Their eruption time ranges from 5 to 15 days. It depends on how the pelargonium bush was grown.

If the geranium was grown using the same method, then the roots will appear quite quickly. When a plant has grown from seeds, roots will not appear soon, not earlier than two weeks. There is a method through which the rooting of pelargonium cuttings is almost perfect.

Propagation of pelargonium by cuttings - a proven method

The main feature of this method is that the material is not planted in the ground, but in special tablets consisting of peat. They are so rich in microelements that there is no need to add. Currently, these tablets are very popular among gardeners. They are designed for rooting plants and sowing various seeds.

So, peat tablets must be filled with water. They should absorb the liquid properly. Next, a depression is made in the center of the tablet, swollen with moisture, into which a pelargonium stalk with roots that have already appeared is inserted. We place the tablets with plants on the windowsill.

With this planting method, the root system actively grows and strengthens. The roots do not become waterlogged and therefore do not rot. They breathe freely. After the roots of the geranium grow and entwine peat tablet, it is necessary to transplant the plant into spacious potty.

Cuttings of pelargonium in winter - long, but confident

Although it is customary to plant in spring and summer, some gardeners prefer to propagate pelargonium in winter period time. In order for cuttings to be successful in winter, you need to have a healthy, fluffy bush this flower. 3 days before pruning, you need to properly fertilize the mother plant.

Popularly known as royal geranium, and in scientific literature as pelargonium, it has long been used to create landscape design: for landscaping window sills and balconies, decorating gardens and roofs of houses. This wide application explained not only by the beautiful appearance, the delicious aromas of plants, but also some special positive energy that they bring into the house.

Pelargonium royal: a brief description

The name of the flower was not chosen by chance. This is really royal plant. It is presented in the form of an evergreen shrub. This crop has a maximum size of 50 cm.

Royal geranium grows in a wide bush, and the peduncles are placed at the same level as the shoots. The plant is characterized by large flowers, up to 15 cm in diameter. The larger petals, which are located on top, usually have dark green spots. During flowering, a geranium bush has densely dotted open buds, sometimes resembling a lush bright ball.

Pelargonium royal: decorative properties

It should be noted that for many years, breeders have been putting a lot of effort into developing new varieties of this plant. They differ in the color of the flowers, their size and shape. The shades of royal geranium today are a mass of different tones: from white to inky purple. For example, pelargonium of white and pink color (Imperial), pale red with small brown spots(Aristo Shoko) and others.

Also, the leaves of royal geranium have their own characteristics. These are rather large or small (in new species), jagged and rough leaves. Dark spots often stand out against their background and sometimes even contrasting stripes run along the veins.

The shape of the plant’s flowers is in most cases complex: their petals are double, and in some varieties they are corrugated or wavy. They are collected in several pieces and look like thick umbrellas.

Main features of the plant

Royal geranium is truly an aristocrat among other types of pelargonium. She is whimsical and light-loving.

This plant does not bloom for long: about a few months a year. Yes, and this only happens if throughout the winter she was provided with everything necessary conditions. Royal geranium loves it if it receives additional lighting at this time.

It should be noted that this culture is afraid of wind and rain. Due to this the best option its placement will be cozy corner veranda, balcony or terrace with plenty of fresh air.

Growing conditions for royal geranium

So that royal pelargonium successfully takes root on the windowsill of the house and pleases the eye for a long time wonderful flowers, it is very important to provide her with the necessary conditions:

• Correct placement. Flowers love the sun, but hot weather they need to be removed from the windowsill, since straight ones are hot sun rays may cause burns on the plant.
• Compliance temperature regime royal pelargonium. She can't stand it high temperatures, special heat, this explains why the royal geranium does not bloom. No higher than 15 degrees Celsius is the most favorable temperature for the plant. If this condition is not observed, then on the leaves of the crop possible appearance whiteflies or aphids.
• The peculiarities of preserving flowering for a long time are ensured by two basic rules: additional lighting in winter and rare watering.

Royal geranium: propagation

Royal pelargonium can be propagated in two ways:

• stem cuttings (throughout the year);
• seeds (the best time for planting is spring).

It should be noted that royal geranium is very popular among gardeners. Plant seeds can be purchased at almost any specialty store. They are quite large. The seeds are planted in a peat mixture in the spring, and within a week the first green shoots appear. As soon as the leaves appear, they need to be transplanted into pots. To avoid damaging the roots, they should be taken with a small lump of earth.

Stem cuttings of royal geranium are recommended to be planted in August-September. They are taken at a certain length, which ranges from 5 to 7 cm, with 2 or 3 leaves. Before planting, it is very good to wilt the plant a little and sprinkle it with crushed wood charcoal. Pots for cuttings should not be too large, as this will cause them to grow weak, including the royal geranium flower itself over time. The propagation of this crop and its excellent growth are ensured by well-prepared soil:

• peat mixture with the addition of a small amount of compost;
• garden soil, where it is recommended to add a little sand.

Wet soil is not at all suitable for planting cuttings. It should only be wet. It is advisable to make drainage in pots from small pebbles. When watering them, you should avoid getting water on the stems and leaves, as they quickly rot.

Important to know:

• It is not advisable to germinate cuttings of royal pelargonium in water. In most cases, they still do not take root or simply rot.
• During the first 12 months of growth, the royal geranium drives out runs and grows its roots, and only pleases the eye with flowers the next year.

It is recommended to replant royal geranium when the root system has developed to such an extent that it begins to penetrate outward through the drainage hole. New peas are taken only about one and a half centimeters larger in diameter than the old ones. Tight containers ensure better growth and flowering of the crop.

Problems with growing royal pelargonium

Royal geranium - very capricious plant. When growing as a result of non-compliance with basic care rules, the following problems may occur:

• stretching of internodes, which leads to weakening of the plant, it becomes weak and does not grow;
• waterlogging of the soil or its drying out, and as a result, yellowing of the leaves;
• damage to leaves by rust, the formation of aphids or whiteflies on them;
• rotting of the plant under frequent watering.

Lack of flowers in royal geranium. Reasons. Ways to solve the problem

Pelargonium is a rather capricious plant that requires careful attention. Therefore, very often many gardeners have the same question about why royal geraniums do not bloom. This may be due to the following reasons:

• implementation improper care behind the plant;
• the use of frequent transplants;
• the presence of bacterial and fungal infections.

The second question that concerns many lovers of this plant: “What to do if the royal geranium does not bloom?” The first step is a thorough inspection of the royal geranium to detect the following problems: the presence of fluff on the stems, dark spots on leaves or rot, especially in the root part. Secondly, if the above signs of the disease are obvious, you should thoroughly clear the entire soil from root system royal pelargonium. Then it is placed for up to three days in a solution of potassium permanganate (it should be weak). After this, it is necessary to thoroughly clean all affected parts of the plant. It is recommended to remove them.

It is not advisable to use an old pot, and soil is strictly prohibited. New soil should be prepared, which should be steamed very well with boiling water. The old pot must be disinfected. To do this, use a solution of bleach.

Also, the plant does not bloom if the air in the room is too dry. This leads to the falling off of flower stalks and buds.

The soil used for planting cuttings of royal pelargonium must contain a sufficient amount useful elements(phosphorus, manganese and potassium). But if there is too much nitrogen in the ground, then the plant will quickly gain greenery, but in this case there will be no flowering.

Royal geranium grows and blooms poorly in large containers, since this does not promote budding, but leads to the growth of greenery. Wide pots are not suitable at all.

Royal geranium: care

Having such a whimsical queen on your windowsill, the first thing you need to do is provide her with normal conditions existence. The following rules will tell you how to care for royal geraniums correctly:

• replant the plant every two or three years (depending on the variety);
• provide optimal temperature range: from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius;
• stick to moderate watering and air humidity;
• arrange additional lighting when necessary;
• It is contraindicated to place a pot of royal pelargonium in a hot place;
• in pots (it is recommended to use ceramic containers), it is necessary to make a drainage hole;
• protect the plant from wind and rain;
• timely application of fertilizers with useful minerals.

Also, to ensure normal growth and active flowering of royal geranium, so-called rejuvenation should be carried out: cutting off the tops (up to 2 cm). Only a systematic approach to caring for royal pelargonium contributes to normal development flower.