Pelargonium zonal

Pelargonium zonal is one of the most popular indoor plants. Not so long ago, this flower was forgotten by the flower growers and it could be found only on the windowsills in educational institutions. Today the fashion for pelargonium returns.

Pelargonium zonal - varieties

This species got its name for the characteristic coloring of leaflets. On the edge or in the center of the leaves of the pelargonium of the zonal there is a rim. There are varieties with a wide or thin edging, darker or lighter than the base color of the greens, sometimes these are spots of purple or reddish brown. Conditionally all varieties are divided according to the characteristic features:

• stellate varieties have petals with pointed edges, can be simple or terry;
• Cactus-flower varieties differ twisted along the petals;
• Rosaceous varieties have chic dense-marigold inflorescences, which, in the open form, very much resemble rosebuds.

Also distinguish varieties of pelargonium zonal depending on the height of growth from miniature to high. The latter are often used for small ornamental trees. There are varieties that are not covered by inflorescences.

Cultivation of pelargonium zonal

To the plant was pleased with its flowering, it should be properly taken care of. Pelargonium zonal does not belong to whimsical, but some features need to be taken into account.

1. Location . It is advisable to choose a fairly light or slightly darkened place. In the summer, flowerpots can be carried to the balcony and placed in the shade. In winter, the temperature of the content should be within 15-16 ° C.
2. Watering . In summer, the plant needs abundant watering. With the advent of winter, it is replaced by a moderate one. The flowers of this species have the ability to accumulate water, so they will transfer a small drought without problems.
3. The soil . The earth should be selected fertile and well drained. Best of all is a mixture of turf, humus, peat and sand in equal parts. Instead of sod land, you can take a compost.
4. Top dressing . It is good to care for pelargonium zonal periodically to make flower fertilizers with the addition of trace elements. In specialized stores, sometimes there is a ready-fed topical pelargonite.
5. Formation of a bush . Always remove all faded flowers, so that the bush is lush and branched, the tops should be periodically plucked.
6. Transplantation . Young plants are transplanted annually. Work should begin in the spring, but before the start of growth. The flowerpot should not be too big, since the shoots with this will be massive and leafy, but the plant will not start blooming.

Pelargonium zonal - growing from seeds

If you want to multiply zonal pelargonium from seeds, be prepared for the fact that the varietal properties are likely not to survive and the seedlings will have new decorative qualities. This is manifested in the height of the plant, the shape and color of the leaves.

For sowing, a loose and fertile soil is required. If possible, it is always better to add some sand or peat. Seeds can be sown from the beginning of March. If you want to start earlier, you will have to prepare artificial lighting.

In small containers, drainage holes are made and a layer of gravel or expanded clay is poured. Then pour the earth and water it. red solution of potassium permanganate. Seeds are laid out on the surface and very slightly pressed. For cultivation of pelargonium zonal from seeds, containers are placed in a warm place, previously covering all the crops with transparent film.

As soon as the first shoots appear, the film can be removed. We put all the containers on a window sill with good lighting and watered moderately. As soon as two or three real leaves grow, you can start diving. Reproduction of zonal pelargonium in this way is the simplest. In the future, flowerpots are put on a bright spot and moderately watered.