Pelargonium (Geranium), (Pelargonium). Description, types and care of geraniums
Geranium is a genus of annual or perennial beautiful flowering plants, which has several hundred species. It belongs to the Geranium family, as well as the genus that is often mistakenly called Geranium. Representatives of the same family are indeed similar, but in Pelargonium the flower consists of disproportionate petals. She is afraid of cold weather and has a different habitat from Geranium. Often both of these types are called “musket” in everyday life. IN natural conditions The plant is found in the temperate zone, as well as in the mountains of the tropical zone.
The genus received its name due to the similarity of the fruits to a crane's beak. The Greek word "geranos" literally translates as "crane". The British called the plant “crane bird”.
Geranium leaves are green and are held on long petioles. They are palmately divided, can be palmately lobed and even feathery. In some species, the surface of the plate is covered with small hairs.
The stems can reach 60 cm in height, forming a compact flowering bush. Large geranium pleases beautiful flowers who sit alone or in groups. More often they are colored white, purple or blue-blue. There are representatives of all kinds of purple shades.
For a long time, Geranium was undeservedly in the shadows. Today, many gardeners cannot imagine their home and garden without this unpretentious, beautifully flowering plant.
Growing
For the most part, Geranium is light-loving. Windows oriented to the west and east are perfect for growing. The plant will feel great on the south side. However, during hours when the sun is especially active, the bush will have to be protected from direct rays. Otherwise, the leaves will get burned. Some species tolerate partial shade.
It is not recommended to overdry the soil, although Geranium is quite drought-resistant. Water it moderately. In spring and summer, moisturizing is more frequent. To do this, take pre-settled water room temperature. You should not overuse watering. Geranium reacts painfully to excess and stagnation of moisture, begins to ache and wither. In autumn, watering is systematically reduced.
TO temperature conditions the plant is not demanding. In summer, the bush tolerates short-term heat well. There is no need to spray the leaves. They have the ability to store water in case of shortage. In winter, it is advisable that the thermometer does not fall below +10–12°C
Diseases and pests
Blackleg, aphids, spider mites, mealybugs.
Reproduction
Seeds and vegetatively.
First steps after purchase
When choosing Geranium in a store, you should pay attention to general state plants. Carefully inspect the leaves and stems for damage and disease. When a worthy bush has been selected and safely transported into the house, you need to check the soil moisture. If necessary, Geranium is watered and placed out of the reach of children and animals. The plant will need about 2 weeks to adapt to the changed conditions. After some time, the newcomer can go to a permanent place.
Secrets of success
During the active growing season, Geranium must be fed with fertilizers. You can use a ready-made complex. The composition is first diluted with warm, soft water. Take fertilizer in half the dose indicated on the package and apply it carefully. If you overdo it, the green mass begins to significantly dominate, clogging the flowers. For the same reason, when replanting, it is not recommended to take a pot much larger than the previous one. The container is replaced annually while the Geranium is young. The procedure is carried out carefully so as not to damage the root system. Partial replacement of soil is acceptable.
Geranium painfully tolerates absence fresh air. In summer, it is useful to take the pot outside and leave it under open air, having previously thought through protection from bright sun and heavy rainfall. Faded inflorescences and dried leaves are periodically removed.
The plant easily propagates by seeds. However, it is better to increase the number of varietal specimens by dividing the rhizomes. The procedure is carried out in early spring until Geranium begins to prepare for flowering, or at the end of summer.
Possible difficulties
There are many leaves and they prevail over flowers
Reason: 1) the pot is too spacious, 2) the fertilizer was chosen incorrectly.
The root system began to rot, mold formed on the soil surface
Reason: 1) too frequent watering, 2) lack of good drainage.
Leaves turn yellow and dry, flowers fade
Reason: 1) rare watering, 2) long exposure of the plant to the scorching sun.
The stems turned black and dark spots appeared on the leaves.
Reason: 1) The geranium was affected by pests.
Geranium is a hardy plant to grow indoors. The bush blooms beautifully bright flowers, beginning with early spring, and until the coldest weather. In addition to the indoor plant, geranium can be of another type that grows in open soil. Since the plant is highly resistant to frost, it can grow in swamps, forests or garden plot. This type has become the favorite among flower growers, as it does not take much time to care for.
Homeland of origin of geranium
The country of origin of geranium is South Africa, in this country the climate is varied, as a result of which the plant has an unusual variegated color. A lot was transported from this country unusual plants on various arriving ships.
During a long voyage, ships moored at the Cape of Good Hope, and sailors who noticed bright geranium flowers took them home. Gradually, the plant adapted to the conditions in other countries, and thus spread throughout the world.
You could first hear about geranium in European countries in the 17th century, and in Russia it became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.
some plant was grown in every aristocratic home. Some species of this plant have remained in wildlife, grow in meadows, forests or swamps, they are not afraid of harsh climates. And some types of geranium remain heat-loving, so they are grown in room conditions, for example, pelargonium. Despite the same species, wild and indoor geraniums have a strong difference.
With the help of breeders, a large number of varieties of geranium have been produced, which differ in color and flower shape. In nature, there are about 400 species of this plant, which are distributed throughout all countries. Today, many types of geranium are found in its homeland, that is, in Africa, it looks like an ordinary indoor pelargonium.
Edge homey look is divided into two varieties, the bush form has lush and low bushes. hanging plant has long shoots that creep like vines.
The bush species blooms brightly and is distinguished pleasant aroma, their leaves are valued for this. There is a geranium with large flowers, as well as with a pronounced border along the edge of the petals.
Proper care
Since the plant’s homeland is South Africa, it loves warmth and light, so the flower is grown indoors. After many centuries, the plant has become accustomed to our climate, but it needs to be provided good lighting, and warm. When growing geraniums, they are placed in the brightest places, it is better if these are windows on the south side.
In summer, the flower can be taken out into the air, placed on the balcony, veranda or in the garden. The bush loves bright sun and blooms actively, but if the heat is too strong, then it is shaded a little.
It is very important to maintain the correct temperature; the room should be between 20 and 25 degrees. And in winter period, it is better to move the plant to a room with cool air from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Water the bush once every two days, without flooding the plant. To create favorable conditions To develop the bush, a drainage expanded clay layer is placed on the bottom of the container. This is done to prevent moisture from stagnating, which can cause the roots of the plant to rot. IN winter time the plant almost does not need watering; the procedure is carried out extremely rarely.
It is prohibited to apply fresh organic matter as fertilizer. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium agents are used for feeding. To ensure active flowering, potassium is usually added. For fertilizer you can already purchase ready-made mixtures in special flower shops. Usually the compositions “For geraniums” or “for flowering plants” are used. In extreme heat, it is better to avoid adding bait to avoid stressing the plant. Before performing the procedure, the plant is moved to a shady place. If the soil is dry, then liquid fertilizer is not used. In order not to burn the root system, first water the bush, and then begin to introduce fertilizer. These actions are performed about twice a month in spring and summer.
Soil for geraniums
The question arises, what kind of soil should I use to grow such a plant? Typically, geranium is not picky about the soil composition, but some conditions must be observed. The soil should be loose, with drainage, this is the basic rule.
The composition can be purchased ready-made in special flower stores; any mixture for flowering plants is suitable for this. Professional gardeners take regular universal soil and add vermiculite or perlite to it. When using such a substrate, it is necessary to carefully inspect it for the presence of mold, and various bugs, if they are absent, you can begin planting. In order for the plant to actively develop, peat must be present in the soil.
If it is not possible to purchase a special composition in the store, then you can prepare the soil with your own hands, for this you take two parts of humus, one part of sand, and eight parts of turf soil.
The plant should not be replanted just like that; the procedure is performed when its roots peek out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the container.
You can use the most common one from the garden.
Geraniums should not grow tall, otherwise there will be few flowers on it, so they are periodically pruned. After this action, the bush becomes lush, and there are a lot of flowers on it.
If these conditions are met, the plant will delight the eye with bright colors from the beginning of spring until the very late autumn.
It is not difficult to propagate bushes indoors; a small branch is cut from the top, on which a few leaves remain, and placed in a container with water. After the roots appear, the plant is planted in a container with soil.
What benefits does geranium bring?
It has long been noted that geranium has medicinal benefits. The plant is able to heal wounds and remove abscesses; for this purpose, compresses are made from the leaves. That is, the plant has anti-inflammatory properties.
In its homeland, this plant was used as a disinfectant for wounds and protection against infectious bacteria. The plant is also used for runny nose and headaches. The smell of this plant acts as a sedative and improves not only the mood, but also the well-being of a person. According to signs, the plant brought prosperity and good luck to the house, which is why it was so important to grow the flower at home.
If all conditions for caring for the plant are met, it will delight you with abundant beautiful flowering. It must be remembered that the bush loves the sun and warmth, so its origin is from the warm country of Africa.
Geranium care
The geranium plant is native to South Africa. Many indoor crops, such as chlorophytums, clivias, sansevierias and others, originated from there. Being thermophilic and light-loving, finding themselves in Europe and then in Russia, they could only survive at home.
Over several centuries, geranium has adapted well to our changeable climate, but just like its southern relatives, it loves the sun and warmth. Therefore, if you decide to grow this flower, find the brightest place for it in the apartment. Windows should face south or southwest.
In the summer, you can decorate your balcony or veranda with pelargonium. This plant loves direct sunlight and will delight you with a large number of flowers. In extreme heat, it is advisable to cover it a little.
Temperature
Indoor geranium grows well at 20 - 25°, but in winter it is better to place it in a cooler place. She will feel great at 10 - 15°.
Watering
Pelargonium loves moisture, although it should not be flooded. The optimal frequency of watering is once every two days. For favorable growth, the flower requires drainage from expanded clay or pebbles. It will absorb excess moisture, which means that the roots of the plant will not rot or become sick.
In winter, geranium is almost not watered; at this time it “sleeps” until spring.
Do I need to replant geraniums?
This plant does not like to be disturbed unnecessarily, so you can only bother with replanting when drainage hole roots to break through. Regular garden soil can be used for planting. Do not let geraniums grow high, as this will reduce the number of flowers. It needs to be pruned periodically, then the bushes will be lush, and many inflorescences will appear on them.
If all these conditions are met, your geranium will bloom from spring until late autumn. Propagating the plant at home is very simple: just cut off a small branch with a few leaves from the top in the spring and place it in a glass of water. When roots appear, it can be planted in a small pot.
Benefits of geranium
Many centuries ago, people discovered that geranium has medicinal properties. Using a compress from its leaves, abscesses were removed and wounds healed. It turned out that it has an anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect.
It was for the treatment of patients that geranium was used in its homeland. She disinfected wounds and protected against infection. It was very often used as folk remedy for runny nose and headache.
It has been noted that fragrant geranium can calm nervous system and improve a person's mood. It’s not for nothing that this flower was grown in almost every home. There was an opinion that this plant brings peace and well-being to the family. Pelargonium was cherished not only as a home decoration, but also as a talisman.
Homeland of the plant
Back in the 17th century, geranium was brought to our region from Great Britain. Some people began to believe that this country is the birthplace of this amazing flower, but this is a wrong opinion. Geranium is a southern plant, and came to Europe from South Africa and India. It was brought by the British. In Great Britain, other varieties of this plant began to be developed, which many people still grow at home today. Geraniums are decorated with window sills and planted in the garden.
Most geraniums are plants that have adapted to dry weather, so they have learned to accumulate great amount moisture in their thick stems.
In the homeland of this plant there are harsh weather conditions. Most days a year the scorching sun shines there. Drought is often replaced by heavy, long rains that flood the ground for several days.
About 10% of all geranium species grow in other areas.
This plant can be found:
- In Madagascar
- In Australia
- In California
- In New Zealand
As soon as geranium was brought to Europe, it began to be used as decoration in houses, on windows, and this could especially often be seen among nobles.
In ancient times, ladies used inflorescences to decorate necklines and headdresses. After some time, the plant gained popularity, so ordinary people began to grow it.
History of a flower
As already mentioned, geranium originally grew in South Africa. But, often, seafarers who visited various places, was interested not only in culture, infrastructure, but also in the plants that appear in a given area. Therefore, a flower like geranium could not go unnoticed. Naturalists drew attention to the amazing inflorescence that they contemplated in such a warm climate. After this, they had a desire to adapt the plant to new living conditions. So the geranium began to spread throughout different corners world, she adapted to the varied climates in which she found herself. Because of this, people are now surprised by the fact that the birthplace of geranium is a country where the weather is hot almost all year round.
The flower reached Russia somewhere in the 18th-19th century. Some types of geraniums were left to grow in the wild, while they tolerated cold weather. But many varieties of plants began to decorate people's rooms.
As a result, geranium was developed by breeders who began to breed different varieties. Each plant has a difference in color and shape. But even in its homeland, geranium continues to please the eye; it looks the same as indoor plant.
Geranium care
Caring for this home plant is directly related to the homeland of geranium. Its fellow countrymen are chlorophytums, sansevierias and other plants. Geranium loves warmth and light, so it could only survive at home. Many years have passed since the plant was first brought to Europe, so during this period it was able to adapt to new conditions. But, nevertheless, people who decide to grow geranium at home should choose a place for it that is well lit. The windows should be south facing.
In summer, geraniums can easily be placed on balconies. The plant will delight you with its beauty if it is placed where there will be direct rays of the sun. But don't overdo it. In extreme heat, it is better to hide the flower in the shade.
The soil of geraniums should be moist, but, again, you need to remember in moderation. The flower should be watered once every 2 days. In order for the plant to grow well, you should make drainage from pebbles. With its help, excess moisture will be removed, so the roots will be safe and will not rot.
But in winter you can do without abundant watering, since the plant is dormant until spring.
Geranium does not require frequent replanting; it should be done only when roots emerge from the hole. The plant does not require special soil; all you need to do is apply ordinary land. The number of flowers may decrease if the geranium grows tall. Because of this, it is recommended to systematically prune branches. From this, the bush will become lush and there will be many inflorescences.
If you follow all these rules, geranium for a long time will delight you with its beautiful flowers. But propagation of the plant is generally simple. To do this, the torn twig is placed in a container of water. It can be planted when the first roots are visible.
This one is beautiful and useful flower, which came to our country from Europe back in the 17th century, very quickly gained unprecedented popularity. However, the birthplace of the geranium plant is hot South Africa and spice-scented India. Most botanists agree that this flower was distributed on the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, which united India, Australia and Africa.
It was not until the late 16th century that geraniums were brought to Britain from South Africa. It should be noted that it was at this time that Europe became the center of selection and cultivation of rare species of edible and ornamental plants. This was facilitated by the exploration of new exotic lands in Africa and India by English and Spanish sailors. The homeland we know and grow today is Great Britain. In those distant times it was popular to bring interesting representatives flora and fauna to expand catalogs royal gardens and menageries, as well as to meet the needs of wealthy breeders.
The huge Geranium family includes two genera of plants. The first representative is pelargonium, which can be found on the windowsills of many in our country. The second genus is the geranium itself. This flower is suitable both for growing at home and for planting in the front garden in open ground. Many beginners and experienced flower growers pelargonium and geranium are often confused: the homeland of the plant, appearance and their conditions of detention are almost identical, but still not the same. The first genus has about 280 species, and the second - more than 430, but every year new representatives of this home beauty appear thanks to the tireless work of breeders from all over the world. To distinguish one plant from another, you need to carefully examine the flowers: in geranium they will be radially symmetrical, collected in small semi-umbrellas and almost correct form. But the inflorescences of pelargonium are bilaterally symmetrical
Popular types
The birthplace of the geranium plant is India, the most popular varieties come from there. It is also found in Africa. Let us dwell in more detail on several common plant species, which are the most beautiful representatives of this family.
Geranium quadrangular is a bush 30-70 cm high. Flowers appear in spring and summer (depending on the planting date) and look like a butterfly. South Africa is the birthplace of the geranium quadrangular plant. The color of the flowers can range from soft cream to light pink. The plant prefers well-lit window sills and temperatures not lower than +10 o C. In spring and summer, geranium is watered abundantly, and in the cool season - moderately. Nutritious soil with good drainage is suitable as soil.
Curly geranium - excellent variety for growing at home. This shrub reaches a height of 30-60 cm and has a very branched leaf system. The birthplace of the curly geranium plant is South Africa (Cape Province). The flowers are brightly colored from pink to deep purple, and have fairly short stems. The first buds appear in July, and complete wilting and ripening of microseeds occurs at the end of August.
Any selected variety of pelargonium or geranium requires high-quality watering and a bright, well-ventilated place in the house or area. Despite the plant’s resistance to various diseases, the roots should not be allowed to rot.
Pelargonium- belongs to the geranium family. The birthplace of pelargoniums is South Africa, where there are about 350 natural varieties of plants of this family.
Pelargonium is a perennial herb with straight or creeping stems. The leaves of the plant are various shapes(depending on the variety) - whole, lobed and deeply dissected.
The aroma of pelargonium flowers and leaves is specific, slightly pungent, but has medicinal properties. In aromatherapy, geranium oil is used to relieve nervous tension, to restore strength and healthy sleep. In addition, the smell of this plant repels moths and mosquitoes.
Indoor floriculture
The most widespread hybrids and varieties in culture are:
Pelargonium grandiflorum
Pelargonium grandiflora– subshrubs and shrubs whose shoots quickly become woody. The leaves are green, jagged along the edges, with a faint aroma. The flowers are very large (up to 5 cm), with dark specks on the petals, and are found in pink, red and white colors.
Pelargonium zonale
Pelargonium zonal- a plant with straight stems, semi-lignified below. The leaves are light green, softly pubescent, with a brown border along the edges.
Zonal pelargoniums are very hardy; they are grown in rooms, on balconies and in open ground, where they bloom from May to October. The plant can be shaped into a lush tree. The lifespan of zonal pelargonium reaches 20 years or more.
Pelargonium ivy (Pelargonium peltatum)
Pelargonium ivy- a plant with hanging or creeping shoots. The leaves are dense and shiny, resembling ivy leaves in shape. The inflorescence consists of 8-15 flowers average size. At proper care can bloom all year round. Used to decorate balconies and as potted plants.
Pelargonium feels good in bright places, but can also grow in partial shade. Perfect option– place the plant on a south window or balcony. In the summer, pelargonium can be taken out into the garden to a bright place or planted in open ground.
In spring and summer, the plant needs regular, abundant watering and fertilizing. Complex ones are suitable mineral fertilizers for flowering plants, which need to be applied once every 10-14 days. Does not require spraying or washing the leaves. In summer, it is kept at room temperature.
In winter, geraniums need to be provided with rest. To do this, it needs to be kept cool (at a temperature of 8-12 ° C); it can be placed on the windowsill closer to the glass. Watering is reduced, fertilizing is stopped completely.
At the end of winter, pruning is useful, which will subsequently provide more lush flowering and will make the bush compact.
Among the pests, pelargonium can be affected by whiteflies, mites (spider mites and cyclamen mites), aphids and weevils. Leaves affected by insects should be washed with green soap, especially carefully on the underside. Among herbal preparations, you can use garlic infusion.
It is more difficult to fight whiteflies, as they multiply quickly. To combat it, it is necessary to regularly (once every 6-7 days) wash off the eggs and larvae from the leaves. If this does not help, then once every 3 days you need to treat the leaves with an aqueous solution of nicotine sulfate or Nurell-D.
Weevil larvae infect the roots of pelargonium. If root system If it is not badly damaged, the plant can still be saved. It is necessary to water the soil with an insecticide solution (inta-vir, fufan, etc.), and also treat the leaves. Then you need to transplant the pelargonium into fresh soil.
Unfavorable living conditions (lack of light, excess humidity air, excessive watering) can cause rotting of the roots and root collar of plants. With a lack of moisture, pelargoniums turn yellow and fall off. lower leaves. The cause of redness of the edges of the leaves may be low temperature, so in frosty weather you need to move the pot with the plant away from the glass.
Rust may appear on geranium leaves, in which the leaves first become covered yellow spots, then dry out. Affected leaves of the plant must be removed, as well as providing fresh air and reducing humidity.
When a plant is infected with blackleg, its stem darkens at the base. Diseased geraniums must be destroyed. To prevent this disease, it is necessary to use sterilized soil and avoid overmoistening it.
Gray rot on pelargonium leaves appears due to excessive watering. Infected leaves must be removed to prevent the disease from spreading.
To combat all fungal and bacterial diseases, the plant is treated with fungicides (topaz, phytosporin-M, etc.).
Reproduction
Pelargonium is propagated by seeds and cuttings. Plants grown from seeds bloom more profusely than those propagated from cuttings. In addition, they get sick less. Sowing seeds for seedlings is carried out in January - February in a small container. The seeds must be spread on moist soil, lightly sprinkled, then cover the pot with glass or film. Crops need regular watering; drying out of the soil is unacceptable; frequent ventilation is advisable. The room temperature must be maintained within 20-24 °C. The seeds germinate in one or two weeks. When 2-4 leaves appear on young plants, the seedlings need to be picked, and it is better to plant them at the same depth at which they grew before picking. Plants are grown at a temperature of 16-18 ° C for 1.5-2 months, then they are transplanted into another container. Young geraniums will bloom in mid-summer.
When pelargonium is propagated by cuttings, flowering will occur even faster. Cuttings are cut in early spring or late summer. It must be taken into account that they do not take root well when high temperature(above 25 °C). The tops of shoots 5-7 cm long are cut into cuttings and dried in the shade for 24 hours. To prevent rotting of the cuttings, its cut is dipped in crushed coal. Plant the cuttings in light soil containing at least 1/3 sand. After planting, it is necessary to water abundantly, then water less so that the cuttings do not rot. When the plant has roots, it is transplanted into a pot.
Pelargoniums require nutritious soil. You can take a mixture of garden soil, sand and peat in equal parts. Needs to be done in a pot good drainage so that water does not stagnate in the roots of the plant. The soil in pots must be loosened regularly to ensure air access to the roots.
Pelargonium needs to be replanted once every 1-2 years in early spring; the pot for this purpose should not be large, since the roots of the plant are small. The optimal diameter of the pot for young geranium is from 12 to 14 cm, height – 15 cm. If you plant the plant in a larger container, many shoots and leaves will develop, and the buds may not set at all.
Video.
Potted-plants.ru
Real woman
Homeland of the geranium plant
The birthplace of the geranium plant. When wondering about the birthplace of the geranium flower, it is impossible not to remember its history. After all, only in it can one find the answer to this question. Having two names, and the second name of this flower is pelargonium, it has a very interesting story. Its homeland is considered to be South Africa, or rather the continent that united Australia, India and South Africa.
Homeland of the geranium plant
Geranium is a name of ancient Greek origin; translated it means “stork”. Presumably, it received this name due to some similarity with a bird with a long beak. And different nations its names are similar, for example, among the Germans it became the “stork nose”, and the British call it the “crane bird”.
Homeland of indoor geranium
In its current form, geranium was developed by the English gardener and breeder George Tradescan. After all, samples of this flower were originally brought to England by sailors from India. The pinnacle of his creations among geraniums is the royal geranium. Having relieved the king of insomnia with her calming aroma, she became the king's favorite. And in our time, this feature of the aroma of geranium inflorescences is often used. By placing such a flower in your bedroom, you can get rid of insomnia.
Due to its appearance, the flower has gained immense popularity in England. Ladies-in-waiting decorated their hats and necklines with it, and men placed it behind the cuff of their sleeves.
Geranium came to Russia by helping Peter the Great treat an ingrown toenail. Thanks to this, he received universal recognition among doctors, and then appeared in Russia own recipes on its use.
Naturally having such rich history, the flower could not help but be surrounded by myths and legends. Here, for example, is a legend that explains the Russian folk name of the flower - “crane bird”. It says that flocks of cranes have been nesting in the Vogul rocks for a long time. One day, hunters shot a female crane. The crane, which had been circling over the place of his girlfriend’s death for three days, folded its wings and threw itself like a stone onto the rocks. And soon, in the place where the lifeless body of the crane lay, fragrant flowers appeared, the fruits of which resembled crane beaks.
In Germany, the legend has a naturally Germanic flavor. The shoemaker, who loved to knock back more than one glass of schnapps, returned home, imagining how he was about to get it from his wife. Suddenly he noticed a lovely flower under his feet. Picking up the plant, the shoemaker presented it to his wife as a gift. Having inhaled the aroma of the flower, the wife forgot about how she wanted to scold her husband. She put the flower in the water. A few days later it gave roots and was transplanted into a pot. From that time on, peace reigned in the house. The shoemaker stopped drinking, and his wife naturally no longer scolded him.
Thus, determining the homeland of geranium is quite difficult. Having been brought from South Africa in the wild, it was modified by English breeders to its current form. And already in this guise it pleases us with its appearance and aroma.
nastoyashhaya-zhenshhina.ru
What is the homeland of the violet plant?
For those who identify lilac forest flowers with homemade violet, we want to say right away that these are completely different types of plants. Indoor variety It is called “Saintpaulia” and is very different in its structure and properties. As already mentioned, the birthplace of Saintpaulia is East Africa. The story of its discovery can be called romantic and noble: back in 1892, one of the state governors, Adalbert von Saint-Paul, was walking with his bride at the foot of the Uzambara Mountains, and noticed strangers between the stones purple flowers. The young couple liked them, and the future seeds were sent to the governor’s father, a collector and florist, and then registered and named in honor of the discoverer. 
In Europe, the beauty of this flower was quickly appreciated, and after it was first presented at the international flower exhibition in Belgium, the violet instantly scattered throughout different countries. At the beginning of the next century, the seeds of this plant came to America, where they also gained popularity. Moreover, residents of the USA the new kind I liked it so much that in one of the states a society of flower growers was organized who were engaged in breeding beautiful flower. Maybe because of this, today several thousand species of this plant are officially registered in America alone.
Today there are about 8 thousand species of flowers in the world, and breeders continue to develop new Saintpaulias, delighting their fans.
At first, in mass breeding, the inflorescences had shades close to natural ones - lilac, purple, blue. But later, breeders managed to develop the reddish-purple color of the indoor plant, and then fluffy double flowers. Later, pink, white, ruffled and edged inflorescences, yellowish flowers and flowers with variegated foliage appeared. 
The violet came to us only in the middle of the last century, and it was the simplest variety, with small purple flowers, since there was nowhere to get varieties of imported origin. But domestic specialists were happy to start breeding Saintpaulia, and very soon the first society of violet lovers was created in Moscow.
Where does it grow
Every florist has his own perfect recipe the composition of the soil for the growth of this amazing flower. Under natural conditions, Saintpaulia can be found on the slopes of the Uzambian Mountains. This plant loves when the soil composition is well moistened, and therefore prefers places near streams, rivers and waterfalls. Different types can be found in different places in Tanzania; unfortunately, you won’t find Saintpaulia in the wild. 
For good growth and development of Saintpaulia, the soil composition must be loose and air can circulate freely, allowing the roots to breathe. The soil contains turf land, leaf humus, sand and moss. Soil from coniferous forests, with a small proportion of leafy soil, is also well absorbed. Of course, in order to achieve the perfect composition, you will have to experiment a little, but the final result is definitely worth it. Decorating your home with delicate violet inflorescences is an excellent solution for any interior.
Video “Propagation of Saintpaulias”
On the recording, the famous collector of Gesneriaceae, Olga Artyomova, talks about how she propagates Saintpaulias at home.
Homeland of the geranium plant
Geraniums are popular not only among indoor plants, but also among park plants, garden crops, as they look perfect on window sills, flower beds, and lawns. These plants belong to the geranium family, and in the wild they can be found in forests, wetlands and clearings. But, despite the fact that everyone is familiar with geranium, nevertheless, not everyone knows about the places of its origin, but its homeland is South Africa and India.
The second name of the plant is cranebird, but many believe that geranium is the same pelargonium. But in fact, this opinion is a misconception, and although the difference between plants is insignificant, it still exists.
So, at the moment there are more than 400 species of geranium, which are scattered all over the world, and they can be found both in the form of herbs and shrubs. On average, the height of the plant reaches 40-60cm. Its leaves have soft hairs and various dissections. And the flower itself has a 5-leaf, outstretched calyx and the same number of rounded corolla petals. The color of the plant can be white, blue, violet and purple.
As already mentioned, South Africa and India are considered to be the place of origin of geranium, although there is an opinion that this information is not reliable. But then where did geranium come from? There is one assumption that the plant’s homeland is an ancient continent that once united Africa, Australia and India, but, unfortunately, it is no longer possible to fully know this secret.
Despite its secret, which only geranium knows. Many other mysterious events and legends are also associated with this flower. For example, one of them explains why geranium is sometimes called crane grass.
Once, when a female crane was shot by hunters, her “friend” could not bear such a loss. At first he circled over the place of her death for three days, and then suddenly he rushed onto the stones, folding his wings. After some time, flowers sprouted at the site of his death that looked like crane beaks. As you might have guessed, it was geranium. This plant is also attributed magical power fill the house with positive energy, comfort and kindness. And it has already been noted that if there is geranium in the apartment, then, as a rule, there will no longer be serious quarrels and scandals in your family.
Geranium: the birthplace of the plant
We know geranium as an unpretentious indoor plant that delights with its numerous bright flowers from spring until the snow. Not everyone knows that there is another type of geranium that grows quietly in open ground. The frost-resistant “sister” can be found in the garden, forest or swamp. Botanists divided them into two varieties, one of which is called “geranium”, and the other was given the name “pelargonium”. It is she who has become the pet of almost everyone who breeds flowers. Both genera belong to the same Geranium family and have the same origin.
The geranium plant is native to South Africa. IN different parts The Republic of South Africa has several climate types: Mediterranean, tropical, subtropical and temperate. As a result, the flora turned out to be very diverse and variegated. Unusual representatives of the plant world have been transported from here since the 16th century. Trade ships from the Old World began to land on the shores of Africa.
Sailors often stopped at the Cape of Good Hope during long journeys. At that time, Europeans were interested not only in the culture of the local population and trade with them, but also in the flora and fauna of the mainland. Naturalists immediately noticed the bright and varied flowers growing freely underfoot, and took specimens home for further breeding. Among the plants was geranium. Breeders became interested in unusual and beautiful flower and began to actively engage in its adaptation to new living conditions. Gradually it spread throughout the world, perfectly adapting to the climate in which it found itself. That is why today it is so unusual for us to hear that the birthplace of the geranium plant was a hot country.
The first mentions of geranium appeared in Europe around the 17th century. It appeared in Russia at the beginning of the 18th century, and in the 19th century. became a house plant in every aristocratic house. Selected species geraniums remained “wild”, grew in forests, meadows, swamps, calmly enduring harsh climatic conditions. Others “turned” into indoor heat-loving beauties. This is how the view stood out homemade geranium, which was called pelargonium. Over time, he became completely different from his meadow “sister”. Today the two flowers are very different from each other, despite their shared ancestry.
Breeders have developed many varieties of geranium. They differ in color and flower shape. There are about 400 species of this plant on earth. In nature, it can be found in New Zealand, Turkey, Madagascar, other species grow in Russia.
Currently, many varieties of geranium can be seen in the plant’s homeland, Africa. There it looks like our usual indoor pelargonium.
We will tell you about it in more detail. House pelargonium is divided into two main types:
- bush (these are lush, low plants);
- ampelous (ivy-leaved pelargonium with long shoots creeping like a grapevine).
Among the bush pelargoniums there are flowering varieties with bright lush inflorescences and fragrant, which are valued for their fragrant leaves.
The most popular among gardeners are bush geraniums:
- zonal (with a border around the edge of the flower);
- royal (with large flowers).
Geranium care
The geranium plant is native to South Africa. Many indoor crops, such as chlorophytums, clivias, sansevierias and others, originated from there. Being thermophilic and light-loving, finding themselves in Europe and then in Russia, they could only survive at home.
Over several centuries, geranium has adapted well to our changeable climate, but just like its southern relatives, it loves the sun and warmth. Therefore, if you decide to grow this flower, find the brightest place for it in the apartment. Windows should face south or southwest.
In the summer, you can decorate your balcony or veranda with pelargonium. This plant loves direct sunlight and will delight you with a large number of flowers. In extreme heat, it is advisable to cover it a little.
Temperature
Indoor geranium grows well at 20 - 25°, but in winter it is better to place it in a cooler place. She will feel great at 10 - 15°.
Pelargonium loves moisture, although it should not be flooded. The optimal frequency of watering is once every two days. For favorable growth, the flower requires drainage from expanded clay or pebbles. It will absorb excess moisture, which means that the roots of the plant will not rot or become sick.
In winter, geranium is almost not watered; at this time it “sleeps” until spring.
Do I need to replant geraniums?
This plant does not like to be disturbed unnecessarily, so replanting can be done only when roots emerge from the drainage hole. Regular garden soil can be used for planting. Do not let geraniums grow high, as this will reduce the number of flowers. It needs to be pruned periodically, then the bushes will be lush, and many inflorescences will appear on them.
If all these conditions are met, your geranium will bloom from spring until late autumn. Propagating the plant at home is very simple: just cut off a small branch with a few leaves from the top in the spring and place it in a glass of water. When roots appear, it can be planted in a small pot.
Benefits of geranium
Centuries ago, people discovered that geranium has medicinal properties. Using a compress from its leaves, abscesses were removed and wounds healed. It turned out that it has an anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect.
It was for the treatment of patients that geranium was used in its homeland. She disinfected wounds and protected against infection. It was often used as a folk remedy for runny nose and headaches.
It has been noted that fragrant geranium can calm the nervous system and improve a person’s mood. It’s not for nothing that this flower was grown in almost every home. There was an opinion that this plant brings peace and well-being to the family. Pelargonium was cherished not only as a home decoration, but also as a talisman.
Homeland of the geranium plant and popular types of flower
This beautiful and useful flower, which came to our country from Europe back in the 17th century, very quickly gained unprecedented popularity. However, the birthplace of the geranium plant is hot South Africa and spice-scented India. Most botanists agree that this flower was distributed on the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, which united India, Australia and Africa.
It was not until the late 16th century that geraniums were brought to Britain from South Africa. It should be noted that it was at this time that Europe became a center for the selection and cultivation of rare species of edible and ornamental plants. This was facilitated by the exploration of new exotic lands in Africa and India by English and Spanish sailors. The birthplace of geranium, the varieties of which we know and grow today, is Great Britain. In those distant times, it was popular to bring interesting representatives of flora and fauna to expand the catalogs of royal gardens and menageries, as well as to satisfy the needs of wealthy breeders.
The huge Geranium family includes two genera of plants. The first representative is pelargonium, which can be found on the windowsills of many in our country. The second genus is the geranium itself. This flower is suitable both for growing at home and for planting in the front garden in open ground. Many novice and experienced gardeners often confuse pelargonium and geranium: the plant’s homeland, appearance and maintenance conditions are almost identical, but still not the same. The first genus has about 280 species, and the second - more than 430, but every year new representatives of this home beauty appear thanks to the tireless work of breeders from all over the world. To distinguish one plant from another, you need to carefully examine the flowers: in geranium they will be radially symmetrical, collected in small semi-umbrellas and almost regular in shape. But the inflorescences of pelargonium have bilaterally symmetrical zygomorphic flowers.
Popular types
The birthplace of the geranium plant is India, the most popular varieties come from there. It is also found in Africa. Let us dwell in more detail on several common plant species, which are the most beautiful representatives of this family.
Geranium quadrangular is a bush 30-70 cm high. Flowers appear in spring and summer (depending on the planting date) and look like a butterfly. South Africa is the birthplace of the geranium quadrangular plant. The color of the flowers can range from soft cream to light pink. The plant prefers well-lit window sills and temperatures not lower than +10 o C. In spring and summer, geranium is watered abundantly, and in the cool season - moderately. Nutritious soil with good drainage is suitable as soil.
Curly geranium is an excellent variety for growing at home. This shrub reaches a height of 30-60 cm and has a very branched leaf system. The birthplace of the curly geranium plant is South Africa (Cape Province). The flowers are brightly colored from pink to deep purple, and have fairly short stems. The first buds appear in July, and complete wilting and ripening of microseeds occurs at the end of August.
Any selected variety of pelargonium or geranium requires fertile soil, high-quality watering and a bright, well-ventilated place in the house or area. Despite the plant’s resistance to various diseases, the roots should not be allowed to rot.