Zone geranium is one of the beautiful indoor plants. This delicate flower looks good in the interior of the house. The plant stands out for its long flowering.
In addition to the beautiful appearance, zonal geranium has a number of medicinal properties that are highly valued in traditional medicine.
Plus, it is scientifically proven that the presence of this plant in the house prevents the appearance of insects and flies in it - especially in the summer.
What is it - botanical characteristics and history
Geranium is home to South Africa. In the 16th century, it was brought to Europe. But since the flower was not adapted to the local climate, breeders made efforts to adapt it. After that, the plant became very popular. In Russia, it appeared in the 18th century.
Geranium flowers and leaves have a characteristic smell. Although the plant is perennial, it needs to be updated. Over time, the lower leaves fall, the stems become bare, the appearance deteriorates. Geranium zone is growing rapidly. For a year it can grow up to 30 cm. With proper care and comfortable conditions, the plant blooms throughout the year.
Appearance
Zonal geranium has the largest varietal diversity. She was called so for the specific coloring of the leaves. The leaves have a light edge. On them in the center or on their edge are visible circles in the form of a donut or horseshoe, different from the color of the sheet itself. There are lighter or darker, there are diametrically opposed tones of semirings, sometimes they are specks of red-brown or purple color.
There are varieties in which the edging is thin or wide. It must be borne in mind that If there is a lack of light, the place painted in a different color may disappear. For example, often in winter the leaves of the zonal geranium have the same color as the main one, and in spring the colored area appears again.
This upright chic shrub is a perennial with flowers collected in lush inflorescences. In room conditions, the plant grows up to 50 cm, and in open ground - up to 1.5 meters. Bushes can be easily formed.
Popular varieties: description and photo
Below you can find a description of the varieties of geraniums and see photos.
One of the popular varieties of geranium zonal is Rafaella. The bush of this beautiful plant:
- compact;
- well branched;
- thick;
- strong;
- dense.
Flowers varieties geranium Rafaella have different colors.Thanks to this, everyone can choose a flower that will suit him according to the color of the buds.
Attention! This hybrid is easy to grow from seed. It can grow indoors, as well as in the garden.
The plant is resistant to heat and short-term lowering of temperature.
A great variety of geranium zone is the Chandelier Mix. This perennial plants are large, collected in a ball-shaped inflorescence, flowers that have multiple shades. The leaves are rounded. Chandelier Mix loves sunny places and loose, fertile land.
White zonal geranium is a low plant growing in height up to 30 cm. This delightful and delicate flower grows well in a flowerbed and at home in a pot.
Another popular variety is zonal geranium Meteor. She has bright dark green leaves, they almost can not distinguish the zoning zone. Flowers painted in juicy red with dark longitudinal stripes. This variety is perfect for growing in the garden.
Where and how to plant it?
Plant a flower in spring. To do this, take a small pot, where the drainage is placed. The choice for planting a small pot is explained by the fact that it will better bloom in it.
Then half of the pot is filled with prepared, it is possible and not very nutritious substrate, which deepen the cutting, the roots. Water the plant with distilled water. It is advisable to add to it a special tool designed to grow roots better.
Important! The flower should be put in a bright warm place. After 2 weeks it is necessary to fertilize feedings with a high content of potassium and phosphorus.
To the appearance of geranium zonal was more attractive, branchy and lush need to deal with the formation of the bush. Such work consists in systematically removing wilted flowers and periodically pinching tops.
Young plants are transplanted every year before their growth begins. You do not need to take a very large pot, because shoots will develop well in it, many leaves will appear, and flowering will stop.
When zonal geranium reaches a height of 25 cm, it is not necessary to replant it. The flower is only necessary to fertilize. If the transplant is done frequently, the geranium will not bloom..
Lighting and location
Zonal geranium grows well in illuminated places, if it does not have enough light, then it weakens and practically does not bloom. But the intense sun rays are contraindicated to it, as they lead to burns on the leaves.
On the windowsills on the south side, a flower can be placed if there is an obstacle to direct sunlight. Eastern and western windows are perfect for placing a geranium zone with one condition, so that the lighting lasts at least 16 hours. The flower is adversely affected by drafts.
Soil requirements
For planting a flower, you can buy ready-made soil or prepare the soil composition yourself. To do this, you need to mix 2 parts of garden soil and peat, 1 part of coarse sand.
There is another option 1 part of the sand and 2 parts:
- sod land;
- humus;
- peat
Prerequisite is a good drainage layer. If you add a lot of peat, the water will stagnate, and this will harm the flower.
Attention! In too fertile soil the flower will bloom badly.
Home care
Zonal geranium negatively relates to sudden temperature changes and overdried air. In summer, the temperature for its excellent growth and development is considered to be + 20 ° C ... + 25 ° C, winter - 13 ° C ... 16 ° C. In summer, watering should be done every other day, in winter 1 time in 7 days. Water that drains into the pan must be poured.
The flower needs feeding, especially during the period when it blooms. Zonal geranium fertilized in the spring and summer season. However, in this matter it is necessary to adhere to the balance, as the excess and deficiency of nutrients can lead to geranium disease.
In winter, the plant is not needed fertilizing, as it rests. Future buds are born in the winter.
Zonal geranium loves fresh air, so for the summer it can be brought into the garden. In the spring, the plant should be cut off weak and long shoots. Using the flower pinching procedure:
- will become bushy;
- will get a beautiful and neat appearance;
- it will be better to bloom.
Removing wilted flowers contributes to a better formation of new ones. Geranium can not splash, pubescent leaves fall ill when they fall on water droplets. A good prevention of fungal diseases is year-round airing of the room where this flower grows.
Common diseases and pests
Zone geranium in most cases begins to fall ill from improper courtship. With an excess amount of water, the foot of the flower becomes black. Sometimes the leaves become red, this indicates that the temperature in the room is too low, and if yellow - not enough light. In case of excess fertilizer zonal geranium stops blooming.
Very rarely, zonal geranium suffers from scutes or spider mites. Most likely, it is the characteristic smell of essential oil, which is present in flowers and leaves, scares off these pests. However, there are insects that harm geraniums, these are:
- mealy and root scarlet;
- aphid;
- whitefly.
Breeding features
Zonal geranium can be propagated both in the summer and winter season. This procedure is best carried out from November to April. In the remaining months will have to resort to lighting up.
This flower can be propagated by seeds and cuttings. The method of grafting is best suited for breeding varietal species that are bred as a result of breeding. The fact is that the quality of the mother flower is not incorporated in their seeds or they are sterile. For example, when breeding in this way, the terry of a flower is not transmitted. Only by cutting the geraniums can be obtained:
- cactus;
- tulip flowers;
- rozbudnye
It must be borne in mind that if a variety can be diluted by these two methods, it is best to use seeds. In this case, the plant will be strong, stocky, able to adapt well to natural conditions.
The cutting method is very simple. Zonal geranium cuttings quickly take root and at the same time almost do not rot. Before proceeding to seed multiplication, the husks are removed from them. This will help improve their germination. Peeled seeds should be sown in a wet substrate of sand and peat.
Zonal geranium is not only amazing in appearance, but also a very useful plant. Its leaves make the surrounding air cleaner because they are able to eliminate harmful bacteria. Beauty and benefits are those qualities that make a flower very popular.
