Pelargonium - home care, benefits and harms for the home

Flowers

Pelargonium, or Kalachik, is one of the most popular and widespread ornamental plants, actively grown as a houseplant for many years. It is a relatively ancient plant, gaining its worldwide popularity in the 16th century thanks to wandering botanists who brought it to Europe.

Pelargonium is considered native to South Africa, from where it was introduced to English gardens and later spread throughout the world. Pelargonium is an easy-to-grow flower, making it widely grown indoors on every continent. Care is relatively simple, requiring little time or effort, even for novice gardeners.

Characteristics of pelargonium

Pelargonium is a genus of perennial plants belonging to the Geraniaceae family. There are approximately 300 different species of pelargonium, each distinguished by its own distinctive appearance. Furthermore, each geranium species has a distinctive scent: depending on the species, the flower can emit a citrus, nutmeg, or even chocolate aroma.

The shrub's stems can be straight or branched, and the leaves come in a wide variety of shapes, from simple to palmately dissected. Pelargonium flowers are collected in umbel-shaped inflorescences, which, depending on the species, can be either single-flowered or multi-flowered. The texture and color of the petals also depend on the plant species. For this reason, you can find both single-flowered and bicolored pelargoniums, with smooth or double petals. The flowers of the pelargoniums can be colored in a wide variety of colors and shades.

Flowering results in the appearance of capsule-shaped fruits bearing sepals. The flowers' fruits open like a bird's beak, which is why the plant was classified in the Geranium family.

However, contrary to popular belief, pelargonium and geranium are not the same plant species; they are completely different plants belonging to the same family. Geranium is a fairly frost-hardy plant that thrives in the wild, while pelargonium thrives in warm climates and is therefore widely grown indoors.

Pelargonium care at home for beginners

Caring for this plant at home isn't a difficult or time-consuming process, even for novice gardeners. However, despite the plant's low maintenance, following some care recommendations is still necessary.

Lighting

Growing a beautifully blooming pelargonium in partial shade or shade is impossible, as the shrub simply stops producing flowers without sufficient light. Furthermore, in a dark room, the plant's growth slows, and its leaves lose their decorative appearance.

Geranium — During the period when daylight hours are shortening, it is recommended to provide Kalachik with additional lighting.

When choosing a location for Kalachik, keep in mind that it requires bright, diffused light. However, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on the above-ground portion of the plant, as this can cause sunburn.

Temperature and humidity

Pelargonium is a fairly heat-loving plant, recommended for growing at temperatures between 18 and 25°C. During the plant's dormant period, it's best to lower the room temperature to 15-12°C. However, if this temperature is not feasible, supplemental lighting should be provided. The warmer the room where Pelargonium is growing, the longer the daylight hours should be.

The shrub prefers moderate humidity and does not respond well to foliar misting or other direct humidification methods. To ensure optimal humidity, simply prevent the soil from drying out completely.

Watering and fertilizing

Pelargonium is a native of Africa, so it doesn't tolerate overwatering and responds to excess moisture by drooping foliage. Pelargoniums are capable of storing water, so they should be watered only after the top layer of soil has dried out.

Note!

The frequency of watering directly depends on the room temperature: in summer, the plant can be watered every other day, but in winter, it is better to reduce the frequency of watering to 2-3 times every 30 days.

During the active growth period, which lasts from spring to fall, the plant requires additional feeding. It is recommended to feed the plant with liquid fertilizer every two weeks. When feeding, it is important to apply the fertilizer only to slightly moist soil. Any fertilizer for ornamental plants with a high phosphorus and potassium content can be used.

Care during the flowering period

During the flowering period, Kalachik requires more careful care, as providing the flowers with the necessary nutrients depletes them. The plant typically blooms from spring to fall, as it lacks natural light during the winter. Periodic ventilation promotes more vibrant and prolonged blooms.

Advice!

To achieve fuller blooms, experts recommend watering the shrub with iodine water. To prepare an iodine solution, simply add 1 drop of iodine to 1 liter of water.

During bud opening, the plant should not be sprayed, as this will adversely affect the condition of the flowers. While pelargoniums are blooming, it's time to apply a complex mineral fertilizer for flowering ornamental plants at least once a month.

Pruning and pinching

Pruning should be done exclusively in early spring, when the plant has just emerged from dormancy. Annual pruning restores the shrub's decorative appearance and stimulates flowering. Shoots growing from the leaf axils should be removed, as they significantly detract from the plant's appearance. Dead leaves, old and large stems, and other growth points should also be removed, leaving no more than five growth points. After pruning, it is recommended to feed the houseplant with vitamin supplements.

Pinching is best done when the plant emerges from dormancy, which typically occurs in the last month of winter or early spring. Pinching is a process that removes future growth points to promote bushiness.

Pinching depends on the growing method. A bush grown from seed should be pinched at the sixth leaf, while a bush grown from a cutting should be pinched at the eighth leaf. When pinching, you should also remove small shoots growing inward, as they impede air circulation and promote water retention.

Diseases and pests

Most diseases that can affect Kalachik are caused by improper care of the flower:

Overwatering can cause pelargoniums to become infected with gray mold, blackleg, and swelling of the leaf blades. Overwatering and waterlogging also lead to root rot.
Gray rot
The plant is often affected by rust, which appears as clearly defined, reddish spots on the leaves. This disease is caused by poor-quality water or contaminated air. To cure rust from an indoor plant, remove the leaves, stop watering, and treat the plant with fungicides.
The flower can also be attacked by pests, namely aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. You can get rid of these insects by treating the shrub with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or insecticides.

Features of caring for indoor plants in autumn and winter

To ensure abundant and lush flowering, pelargoniums require an adequate dormant period. During the cold season, it is recommended to keep the plant at a temperature of 12-15°C. In autumn and winter, when daylight hours become shorter, sun-loving pelargoniums require additional artificial lighting using phytolamps.

The plant should be prepared for dormancy in the fall. To do this, remove all diseased and yellow leaves, and move the pot to a well-lit location. Supplemental lighting will preserve the shrub's ornamental qualities and ensure vigorous flowering in the spring.

Remember!

When caring for Kalachik during the cold season, the main thing is to avoid a mismatch between temperature and amount of light: the warmer it is, the more light, and vice versa.

During this time of year, it's also necessary to reduce the frequency of watering and stop fertilizing. However, if the plant is kept in a warm room, it won't rest, and reducing the frequency of watering isn't recommended, as this will cause the soil to dry out completely. The plant doesn't tolerate cold air, so it should be removed from the windowsill when airing the room.

Peculiarities of caring for different types of pelargonium

There are many species of pelargonium, grouped into distinct cultivar groups. The most popular varieties of this ornamental plant are Zonal, Royal, Fragrant, and Ivy-leaved pelargoniums.

Ampelous, or Ivy-leaved

Ivy-leaved, or trailing, pelargonium differs from other members of the family with its long stems, making it a popular choice for decorating balconies and verandas. The plant can also be grown in semi-open spaces due to its ability to tolerate direct sunlight.

Growing this flower doesn't require much time or effort, but it's important to remember that while this pelargonium tolerates low temperatures well, frost is detrimental. Therefore, if frost threatens, the plant should be brought indoors.

Trailing varieties respond well to watering with a mixture of milk and water. If the plant will not receive additional light during the winter, it is recommended to prune its above-ground portion. During its dormant period, the shrub can be kept at temperatures up to 7°C. However, a plant kept indoors during the winter will bloom slightly later than after dormancy.

Scented pelargonium

Scented pelargonium gets its name and popularity from the fragrance of its leaves. This species is often grown indoors due to its compact size, and its miniature green leaves only add to its decorative appeal. This species loves light and can even grow in direct sunlight. The shrub requires at least 12 hours of daylight. Insufficient light will cause the leaves of the scented pelargonium to lose the fragrance for which it is so prized in modern gardening.

The flower requires frequent pruning and pinching, otherwise it will lose its decorative appeal and become a straggly, twisting bush. Forming the bush should begin from the first days of its life. Scented pelargoniums thrive in open spaces, so it is recommended to grow them away from other houseplants. During dormancy, the plant should be kept at a temperature of 8 to 10 degrees Celsius; otherwise, its chances of blooming will be significantly reduced.

Zonal pelargonium

The zonal variety is the most common and well-known pelargonium, characterized by its upright stems. This variety is completely undemanding regarding its growing location, so it can be grown both in flowerbeds and indoors. Unlike other varieties, zonal pelargoniums bloom for a relatively long time, lasting over six months.

The flower requires plenty of fresh air and light, so in summer it's recommended to place the shrub outdoors or on a balcony. However, it's important to remember that drafts and sudden temperature changes are harmful to the shrub. In winter, it's recommended to remove this Kalachik variety from the windowsill to prevent its foliage from coming into contact with the cold glass. When choosing a potting mix for this shrub, avoid fertile soils, as these will slow flowering.

Grandiflora

Grandiflora, or Royal Pelargonium, is the most capricious species of the Geraniaceae family. It is distinguished by its large flowers, which can reach 7 cm in diameter. Furthermore, the shrub lacks the fragrance of other species. This variety does not tolerate heat well, so shade is recommended on particularly hot and dry days.

Grandiflora is not suitable for growing on a balcony or in open ground, as it does not tolerate sudden temperature changes, direct sunlight, drafts, or wind. Unlike other members of its genus, the Royal variety does not retain moisture and does not tolerate even the top layer of soil drying out. It is best to prune Grandiflora immediately after flowering, which is usually in early September. Pruning the shrub in early spring may result in a lack of flowering.

The benefits and harms of pelargonium for the home

Pelargonium is a popular indoor plant, loved and appreciated by many gardeners. In addition to its decorative qualities, the shrub possesses medicinal properties that have found application in folk medicine:

Many gardeners grow pelargonium for medicinal purposes, as products made from it are used to treat ear infections, colds, cataracts, migraines, and even depression.
Moreover, simply inhaling the aroma emitted by the shrub can be enough to improve overall health. The essential oils contained in the plant have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, alleviating fatigue and relieving tension.
It is precisely because of this property of essential oils that pelargonium is considered the guardian of the hearth and peace in the home.
The flower purifies the air, which promotes sound sleep, so many gardeners prefer to place it in bedrooms.
Growing Kalachik indoors will help get rid of moths, mosquitoes, flies, and other pests, as the scent it emits repels insects.

However, when choosing a shrub for your home, it is worth understanding that it can bring not only benefit, but also harm to their owners:

Pelargoniums should be brought into homes with children or people prone to allergies with extreme caution. The aroma of the pelargonium is a strong allergen and can trigger a runny nose, watery eyes, and coughing.
The flower pot should be placed in a place inaccessible to animals that might eat its parts, as this could lead to poisoning.

Frequently asked questions about growing

Due to the wide variety of pelargoniums, beginning gardeners do not always know the recommended growing conditions for a particular variety.

Which species is the easiest to keep at home?

Zonal pelargonium is perhaps the most unpretentious species of the Geranium family, which is perfect for growing indoors.

Which variety is best grown in boxes on the balcony and in flowerpots?

For growing on a balcony, it's best to choose a trailing pelargonium, as its long vines will perfectly fill the space around railings or walls. Furthermore, this type of indoor geranium easily tolerates direct UV rays and is more resilient to low temperatures.

Why does a seemingly healthy pelargonium not bloom?

The lack of flowering in Kalachik can be caused by keeping it in a dark room year-round. Flowering can also be absent due to poor lighting and high nitrogen levels in the soil.

What flowers can it be planted next to?

The shrub can only be grown with houseplants that require similar growing conditions. Kalachik pairs well with ornamental foliage plants such as cineraria maritima and coleus.

Pelargonium is a profusely blooming and easy-to-care-for plant that will not only be beautiful but also a useful addition to any home. It's important to remember to provide gentle, moderate watering, bright light, and a resting period. Be aware that this plant can cause allergies.