How to propagate geraniums in the fall using cuttings at home: timing

Propagating geraniums vegetatively is easy. Even a novice gardener can handle it. This is an excellent way to rejuvenate an old pelargonium and obtain several healthy flowering plants at once. Unlike growing from seed, cuttings preserve all the varietal characteristics of the mother geranium. This is especially valuable when propagating a rare variety.

Methods of reproduction

Pelargoniums first appeared in European countries in the 17th century and immediately became very popular. Breeders are constantly developing new varieties, and their number now exceeds 400. The most popular varieties among gardeners are the large-flowered, zonal, scented, corymbose, unicum, and angel geraniums.

Pelargonium reproduces:

• seeds;
• stem cuttings;
• dividing the bush.

Growing from seed is the most labor-intensive process, as it doesn't always preserve the characteristics of the parent geranium variety. Dividing a mature plant is most often done when transplanting it to a new location.

Zonal geraniums grow best when propagated from cuttings. Young plants begin to bloom within three months of planting. For other varieties, this process is much slower, and they are ready to bloom only six to fifteen months after propagation.

Another purpose of cuttings is to rejuvenate an adult plant. If this is not done, within a few years, a beautiful, strong plant will turn into a stretched, bare stem with few inflorescences at the ends of the shoots.

Cutting period

All procedures involving mechanical damage to the plant must be carried out taking into account the annual cycle and biological characteristics of the species. Otherwise, the pelargonium's survival rate is impaired, varietal characteristics are lost, and its immunity to disease is reduced.

Cuttings taken from older pelargoniums have a much harder time taking root. With age, the plant's ability to root decreases due to its reduced water-holding capacity and slower metabolic processes. Therefore, it's best to take cuttings quickly.

Pelargonium cuttings are taken in the fall and spring. Although some commercial nurseries take geranium cuttings year-round, including in winter, the optimal time to do so is August-September or March-April.

Cuttings taken in the spring have a better chance of successfully rooting. These factors include consistently high temperatures, the absence of drafts, and the right amount of sunlight required for auxin synthesis. The downside of spring cuttings is that the planting material is cut with flower buds already formed, which reduces the decorative value of the mother plant.

In autumn, pelargoniums enter a dormant phase, and their metabolic rate slows down. Therefore, propagating geraniums from cuttings indoors in the fall is a bit more difficult and slower if the cuttings are taken from a bush older than six years. Planting material from young pelargoniums develops quickly and blooms the following year.

Preparing cuttings

For better survival, select mother plants and take cuttings, following these rules:

• healthy and strong pelargoniums are suitable for propagation;
• cuttings are cut from the upper part of the bush;
• for work use a sharp knife with a disinfected blade;
• cuttings 8 cm long with 2-3 internodes are cut at an angle;
• if the stem is long, 2 cuttings are cut from it, making the upper cut directly above the bud;
• the stump above the bud is made minimal to avoid causing rotting;
• the leaves are torn off from below, leaving 3 to 5 leaves on the stem;
• All flower stalks with buds are plucked to improve survival.

Preparing planting material for rooting

Pelargonium cuttings usually take root well without any preparation, but to increase the chances of successful propagation, several measures are taken:

1. After cutting, the cuttings are laid out on a flat surface in a darkened room for 2-3 hours to dry.
2. Dried cuttings are treated with crushed activated charcoal, wood ash, or Kornevin. The same procedure is used for cuttings on the mother plant.
3. Before planting, the cuttings are additionally treated with a root formation stimulator.

Rooting in water

This method of propagating pelargonium cuttings is the simplest. To encourage root growth, the cuttings are placed in containers of clean water, burying the lower ends 2-3 cm deep to maintain the shoot's breathing space. To disinfect, add powdered activated charcoal to the cups. This will prevent the cuttings from rotting.

The rooting room is maintained at a temperature of 14 to 16 degrees Celsius. At lower temperatures, the cutting will not root and will rot. After 7 to 10 days, roots will appear at the lower end. After two weeks, they will have grown to a sufficient length, and the young plant is transplanted into the ground. The seedling is then cared for as usual.

Rooting in soil

For most geranium varieties, cuttings are planted directly into the substrate. Various soil mixtures are suitable for rooting:

• self-mixed soil from equal parts of garden soil with neutral acidity, humus, sand and turf;
• a soil mixture of ready-made universal soil for indoor flowers with the addition of sand and vermiculite;
• coconut substrate;
• a mixture of equal amounts of perlite and peat;
• sphagnum;
• ready-made peat tablets.

To plant the cuttings, use small pots, disposable cups, or other suitable containers with a capacity of 100-200 ml. Be sure to make holes in the bottom and add a drainage layer. Place the selected soil in disinfected containers and water them with boiling water or a pinkish solution of potassium permanganate.

Make a 3-cm-deep hole in the potting soil in the center of the pot and place the bottom cut of the prepared cutting into it. Then cover with soil and firm it down. Place the containers with the planted cuttings on a well-lit windowsill, out of direct sunlight. Maintain a room temperature of 18 to 25 degrees Celsius during rooting.

During rooting, water the cuttings moderately. Avoid allowing the soil to dry out or become overwatered. Avoid watering the leaves. Successful rooting is indicated by the growth of new leaves on the cutting. The young plant can then be transplanted into its permanent pot.

Reproduction in a greenhouse

Those involved in massgrowing geraniums Gardeners often use mini-greenhouses to root cuttings. These devices consist of a wide container filled with soil, covered with glass or film. A greenhouse speeds up the rooting process and allows for working with several cuttings simultaneously, saving space on the windowsill. You can build one yourself from household items or purchase a ready-made one.

Fill the greenhouse tray with nutritious soil, plant several cuttings, and cover with a lid. Water the soil regularly to prevent it from drying out. Avoid overwatering, as this will cause the cuttings to rot. Remove the lid after two weeks of rooting.

Each pelargonium takes its own time to root. For example, regal geraniums take a month to root, while ivy geraniums only need two weeks. Successful rooting is indicated by young leaves growing on the cutting. Once these appear, the seedling is transplanted to its permanent container. This is done by replanting the plant with its root ball.

Transfer

Pelargoniums are grown in pots, with a capacity of no more than 0.75 liters. A container that's too large encourages the plant to develop a root system and foliage, which reduces flowering. For the same reason, geraniums shouldn't be fed with nitrogen fertilizers. The chosen pot must have holes in the bottom. Fill it 15% with expanded clay drainage.

For growing geraniums, a soil mixture consisting of:

• 2 parts turf soil;
• 1 part peat;
• 1 part sand.

The prepared soil is watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate to disinfect and structure it, and then the prepared pot is filled two-thirds full. The rooted cutting is then transferred to the pot. It's best to do this by transshipment to avoid disturbing the root system. The remaining space is filled with soil, shaking the container occasionally to avoid creating air pockets. The plant is then watered with lukewarm, settled water.

Caring for young plants

For the young geraniums are being looked after The same care is given to mature plants. Place pots with bushes on south-facing windowsills with good light or partial shade. During particularly hot periods, shade the geraniums to prevent sunburn.

During the hot season, geraniums need frequent watering. In winter, waterings are reduced to 1-2 times a week. This depends on the variety and the air quality in the room. Additional moisture such as misting or sprinkling is not necessary. Regularly loosen the soil in the container and remove wilted leaves and faded buds.

To stimulate growth and encourage flowering, geraniums are fed twice a month in spring and summer with mineral fertilizers containing a small amount of nitrogen. To promote a fuller bush, pinch off the top of the geranium and a few side shoots.

Tips and recommendations

To ensure successful propagation by cuttings, experienced gardeners advise:

• a few days before cutting the cuttings, stop watering the mother plant;
• To protect against fungus, cover the planted cuttings with plastic bags or glass jars for 2 days;
• for planting cuttings, use small pots or place several in flowerpots;
• do not use for growing geraniums clay pots with a porous structure, as they provoke evaporation of moisture;
• In summer, geraniums can be transplanted into a flowerbed in the garden or simply taken out into the open air.

In conclusion

Propagation by cuttings is a wonderful way to quickly create a veritable geranium garden on your windowsill without significant investment. It's also a great way to rejuvenate beloved plants that have lost their decorative appeal.