Homeland of the room geranium: the history of the plant and its care

Geranium is a wonderful houseplant. But it is also planted in parks and gardens, as it looks beautiful not only on the windowsill, but also on lawns. In nature, geraniums can grow in the forest, in glades. Many people grow this plant at home, unaware of its true origin.

Geranium is also called crane. Often people are mistaken, calling this plant and pelargonium. Despite the fact that there are many similarities, but, nevertheless, some differences can be distinguished. Today there are about 400 varieties of geraniums. They grow all over the world, the plant can be a shrub or grass. Geranium grows up to 60 cm. The leaves are covered with delicate hairs, and the inflorescence is of different colors. But where is the home of the room geranium?

Geranium meadow medicinal properties and contraindications

Medicinal preparations from meadow geranium have analgesic, astringent, anti-inflammatory and hemostatic properties, the ability to dissolve salt deposits in case of kidney stones, rheumatism and gout.

The content of the article

Meadow geranium is used for uterine, pulmonary, nosebleeds, diarrhea, epilepsy, inflammatory skin diseases, as a sedative hypnotic, as an antiseptic for colds.

Meadow geranium, other names are common geranium, crane is a perennial herb, belongs to the geranium family. In nature, it is distributed throughout the temperate regions of Eurasia.

In Russia, it grows throughout the country along country roads, along river banks, in meadows, glades, among shrubs in a forest belt, in light forests, in a forest-steppe. Usually it grows, forming bouquets of meadows with large purple-blue flowers.

Problems when growing a flower

• yellowing and dropping of the lower leaves. Reason: lack of lighting, improper watering. Lack of sunlight provokes blanching of the leaves. Drought causes the tips of the leaves to dry out, and excessive moisture causes them to rot. If this happens, the conditions of detention are adjusted: the plant is illuminated or irrigated;
• redness of the border of the leaves. Reason: frozen. Solution: move to a warmer room;
• lack of flowering... Reason: insufficient lighting or low temperature readings. Solution: adjusting the conditions of detention;
• disease (gray rot, root rot) or exposure to pests: nematodes, aphids, whiteflies and ticks. In order to avoid the development of diseases, it is necessary to provide the correct conditions of detention.

Meadow geranium description

Geranium pratense L.

The plant has an oblique rhizome up to 10 cm long and one or more erect, covered with rigid hairs, stems 20 - 80 cm high, branched in the upper part, with numerous basal long-petiolate seven-part leaves, consisting of seven pinnately incised lobes, 6 - 7 cm long On the stems the leaves are quintuple, the upper ones are sessile, tripartite.

Numerous flowers are collected in corymbose inflorescences, on each peduncle there are 2 flowers with 5 bright purple-blue or violet-blue petals about 2 cm long, peduncles and sepals are pubescent.Geranium blooms in June - August, that is, all summer, the fruits ripen in July - September, spread mainly by seeds.

For medicinal purposes, the aerial part is used - geranium grass and rhizomes with roots. The grass is harvested during flowering, dried in the open air under a canopy, in ventilated rooms or in dryers at a temperature of 40 ÷ 45 ° C. Store raw materials for 1 year. The roots are dug up in the fall, washed, wilted and dried.

All parts of geranium contain a lot of tannins, carbohydrates, saponins, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and carotene. The rhizomes and roots contain up to 38% tannins. The aboveground part contains alkaloids, anthocyanins, minerals: iron, manganese, nickel, zinc.

The scientific name Geranium is derived from the Greek word geranos - "crane"; the upper part of the ovary of the fruit - a box with sepals lengthens when ripe and resembles the beak of a crane, this is the reason for the name. The specific name pratense in translation means "meadow", characterizes the place of growth.

Botanical description [edit | edit code]

Leaves on petioles, dissected very differently, palmate or palmate, rarely pinnate, with three to five leaflets. Leaves of many species are soft-haired.

Peduncles with one to three flowers. The flowers are regular, large and beautiful, of a five-leafed outstretched calyx and five identical almost round corolla petals, also spread almost flat; their color is white, purple, blue and violet of different shades. There are ten stamens, usually all with anthers.

The fruit is a capsule with preserved sepals, which opens in a special way, from the bottom to the top [6].

Geranium meadow medicinal properties application

Geranium has astringent, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties, infusions and decoctions are used internally for inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, dysentery, food poisoning; with kidney stones, gout, joint lesions in rheumatism, in the treatment of malignant neoplasms, bone fractures.

As a hemostatic agent, meadow geranium is used for internal and external bleeding - uterine, pulmonary, hemorrhoidal.

Water extracts have a sedative effect on the central nervous system, therefore, in folk medicine, it is used for insomnia, epilepsy, and increased nervous excitability.

Infusion of meadow geranium:

Pour one tablespoon of chopped herbs or roots with two glasses of cold boiled water, insist in a sealed glass or enamel bowl for 8 hours, strain. Drink the infusion in small portions throughout the day.

Meadow geranium broth:

2 - 3 tablespoons of dry chopped herbs or roots (or 4 tablespoons of fresh grass or roots) pour two glasses of cold boiling water, heat for 15 minutes in a water bath (do not boil), drain. Take 1 ÷ 2 tablespoons chilled several times during the day.

Geranium infusions and decoctions are used externally for rinsing the mouth and throat for tonsillitis, toothache; for douching for female diseases; for washing purulent wounds, ulcers, abscesses; for compresses for eczema, skin diseases accompanied by itching; for shampooing in case of hair loss - rinse hair after washing.

Related article: Red-root sparrow - useful properties, description

It is recommended for nosebleeds to put tampons moistened with geranium infusion or decoction into the nose.

Powder from dry geranium rhizomes stop bleeding.

Tincture of geranium leaves and rhizomes:

Pour 100 g of crushed leaves and rhizomes with 500 g of vodka or 70% alcohol, close tightly with a lid, insist in a cool dark place for two weeks, strain. Take 30 drops 3 times a day, diluted in 1/3 cup of water.Alcohol tincture is used for heart pains as a sedative.

Geranium meadow contraindications:

The use of meadow geranium inside is contraindicated with

• increased blood clotting, with thrombophlebitis,
• with chronic constipation,
• with intestinal atony.

Geranium care

The birthplace of the geranium plant is South Africa. Many indoor crops, such as chlorophytums, clivias, sanseviers and others, originated from there. Being thermophilic and photophilous, finding themselves in Europe, and then in Russia, they could survive only at home.

For several centuries, geraniums have adapted well to our changeable climate, but just like their southern relatives, they love sun and warmth. Therefore, deciding to cultivate this flower, find the brightest place in the apartment for it. Windows should face south or southwest.

In summer, you can decorate a balcony or veranda with pelargonium. This plant loves direct sunlight and will delight you with a lot of flowers. In extreme heat, it is advisable to cover it a little.

Temperature regime

Indoor geranium grows well at 20 - 25 ° volume, 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 is not worth pouring it in. The optimal watering frequency is once every two days. For favorable growth, the flower needs drainage from expanded clay or pebbles. It will absorb excess moisture, which means that the roots of the plant will not rot or get sick.

In winter, geraniums are almost never watered, at which time it "sleeps" until spring.

Forest geranium (Geranium sylvaticum)

In shady mixed and deciduous forests, among shrubs, on rich moist soils, forest geranium grows, its medicinal properties are the same as in meadow geranium. Outwardly, it looks like meadow geranium. The flowers are large, collected in two in the inflorescence, the petals are pink-lilac. The flower stalks always stick up, the flowers are open, in contrast to the meadow geranium, in which the flower stalks hang down before flowering and after flowering.

Watch a video about the properties of these two types of geraniums and the features of the preparation of a medicinal infusion and its use:

In culture [edit | edit code]

In Europe, geranium was introduced into culture in the 17th century, in Russia it appeared at the beginning of the 18th century and became widespread at the beginning of the 19th century, when Russian botanists began to actively study the flora of the Caucasus [7].

Common in culture and resistant to climatic conditions of central Russia species:

The above species, with the exception of Robert's Geranium, can grow in one place without dividing and transplanting for 8-15 years. Signs of aging (dying off of the middle of the bush) begin to appear at 6-7 years.

Flowering time

(for central Russia):

• Flowers bloom in late May, flowering 20-30 days: Geranium large-rhizome, Himalayan, red-brown, forest.
• Flowers bloom in mid-June, flowering 40-45 days: Geranium small-grained, Georgian, Endris, flat-leaved, Roberta, blood red.
• Flowers bloom in early July, flowering 30-40 days: Geranium gorgeous, marsh, Dalmatian, Renard, meadow.
• Flowers bloom in late July, flowering 30-40 days: Ash geranium.

Types of geraniums with a beautiful (yellow or reddish) color of autumn foliage: Geranium Robert, Georgian, flat-leafed, large-rhizome, small-grained. Evergreen species: Geranium blood-red, red-brown.

Photophilous species:

Geranium is magnificent, Himalayan, Georgian, Dalmatian, Endris, small-scale, large-rhizome, Renard, flat-leafed.
Shade-tolerant species
: Blood-red geranium, meadow, marsh.
Shade-loving species
: Geranium red-brown, Roberta, forest.

Drought tolerant species

: Dalmatian geranium, ash, Renard, large rhizome.

The soil

: loose, well-drained, fertile.Most species grow on acidic, slightly acidic and neutral soils. Calcephiles: Blood-red geranium, Dalmatian, ash, Endris, Renard [5].

Some varieties of hybrid origin [edit | edit code]

Seed and vegetatively. Seeds are recommended to be sown before winter or in April. Germination takes place in May. Biennial plants are usually planted in a permanent place. The distance between the bushes is about 40 cm.

Varietal geraniums, in order to avoid splitting, are recommended to propagate vegetatively, by dividing the rhizomes in early spring or late summer.

Marsh geranium (Geranium palustre)

This is a plant with a highly branched rhizome, multiple stems with single flowers, which are supported by grasses growing nearby. The flowers of the marsh geranium are bright pink, consist of 5 petals, like bright lights among the grass. Marsh geranium blooms from July to September.

For medicinal purposes, the rhizomes of marsh geraniums are used, which are harvested in the fall. The rhizome of the plant at the break is pale pink, turns red in the air.

For intestinal inflammation - enterocolitis, for the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery:

1. Dry powder of marsh geranium rhizome - on the tip of a knife. Take 3-4 times a day.
2. Rhizome decoction. Pour one tablespoon of chopped rhizomes with a glass of cold boiled water, heat for 20 minutes in a boiling water bath, drain. Take 3 - 4 times a day for 1/3 ÷ 1/4 glass.

With purulent skin diseases, itchy dermatitis:

Pour two teaspoons of crushed dry rhizome with roots with two glasses of cold water, leave for 8 hours. Use in the form of baths, washings, apply in the form of lotions to the affected areas.

Can be used in the treatment of eczema, purulent wounds and ulcers, with nosebleeds - moisten cotton swabs with infusion.

All geraniums have a characteristic pleasant scent of leaves. Home indoor geranium also has healing properties - the leaves are applied to wounds as a hemostatic agent.

Geranium rhizomes can be used to obtain paint, tanning leather. Green dye can be obtained from meadow geranium.

All geraniums are good honey plants, they give a lot of nectar and pollen.

Wild geranium is a flower of the County of Sheffield in the UK.

In a small article Geranium meadow medicinal properties and contraindications we examined the medicinal properties of meadow geranium, forest geranium, marsh geranium. All summer long, these unpretentious plants delight us with their bright flowers - multi-colored pink-crimson, violet-blue lights flash among the summer yellow-white forbs.

About

Homeland of the plant

Back in the 17th century, geraniums were 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. The British brought it in. In the UK, they began to breed other varieties of this plant, which today many people grow at home. Geraniums are decorated with window sills, a plant is planted in the garden.

Most geraniums are plants that have adapted to dry weather, so they have learned to accumulate a huge amount of moisture in their thick stems.

In the homeland of this plant, there are severe weather conditions. The scorching sun shines there most of the days of the year. Often, drought is replaced by abundant long rains that flood the land for several days.

About 10% of all geranium species grows 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, they began to use it as a decoration in houses, on windows, especially often it could be seen among the nobles.

Ladies in ancient times used inflorescences to decorate the neckline, hats. After a while, the plant gained popularity, so ordinary people began to breed it.

What medicinal properties and contraindications does meadow geranium have?

Field geranium is a true natural doctor. The healing properties of this plant are widely used in folk medicine to fight a number of diseases.

This type of plant is also called the crane. The crane grows on the edges of coniferous and deciduous forests.

Field geraniums often spread in glades, meadows, along river banks and along fences. It is also planted by amateur gardeners in their summer cottages. Found in the European part of Russia, Western Siberia and Central Asia.

Geranium in painting [edit | edit code]

Painting by the artist Rembrandt Peale, Rubens Peale with a Geranium, 1801

Painting by artist Léon Gard, "Géranium rouge dans une coupe de cristal". Paris, 1971

Painting by artist Josep Mirabent Gatell "Estudio de la flor del geranio de pensamiento"

Geranium is a wonderful houseplant. But it is also planted in parks and gardens, as it looks beautiful not only on the windowsill, but also on lawns. In nature, geraniums can grow in the forest, in glades. Many people grow this plant at home, unaware of its true origin.

What is a crane?

Field geranium is a perennial herb that belongs to the geranium family. Other names: meadow geranium, crane.

Field geranium has a thick rhizome and a low, erect stem, branching at the top. It can reach a height of 80 cm. The stem and leaves of the field geranium are covered with small hairs with glands.

The leaves are arranged on long petioles. The crane blooms in June - September. The flowers are large, solitary, lilac-red. They sit on long stalks and have five petals. Fruits appear from August to September. The fruit is a beak-shaped formation that, when fully ripe, divides into smaller, single-seeded fruits.

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Signs and beliefs

Geranium can have a positive impact on the surrounding stop and people. For many, she is associated with old grandmothers and Soviet times, when a flower adorned every window sill. Our grandmothers believed that the plant has truly unique properties. However, even now it does not lose its popularity.

Its appearance in the house also guarantees practical benefits: the flower eliminates negative odors from the air and relieves the apartment of small parasites.

The plant saves families from scandals and quarrels, creating a harmonious atmosphere in the house. The specific scent helps to cope with stressful situations and relieves excessive irritability. The nervous system comes to order under the influence of a miraculous plant, thanks to which a person no longer has terrible dreams, and insomnia goes away. Many believe that it is an excellent amulet that protects against the evil eye and damage.

A variety of beliefs are associated with geraniums, in which our ancestors especially strongly believed. Previously, girls carried with them dried flowers sewn into a bag so that the guy who attracted them would pay attention to them. The girls believed that they were helping to give birth to quivering love. It is believed that the plant has a positive effect on the family budget.

Blooming geranium close up

Of particular benefit is the proximity of geraniums with azaleas - together they attract peace and tranquility to the house. Promotes the development of creativity in children.

White geraniums symbolize purity, innocence and sincerity. They protect family happiness from misfortunes and failures. Couples who want to have a baby should immediately purchase a white geranium: it will help you become parents.

The red ones symbolize passionate love.It is worth making friends with them for single girls who dream of meeting a soul mate. Red geranium will help preserve beauty and youth. Pink plants are presented to girls who cannot get married for a long time.

Chemical composition and pharmacological action

The roots of the plant include:

• saponins;
• phenol carboxylic acid;
• tannins;
• flavonoids;
• catechins;
• carotene;
• vitamin C;
• carbohydrates.

Field geranium herb contains:

1. Glucose.
2. Raffinose.
3. Fructose.
4. Alkaloids.
5. Saponins.
6. Vitamins K and C.
7. Carbohydrates.
8. Carotene.
9. Flavonoids.
10. Tannins.
11. Leukoanthocyanins.
12. Anthocyanins.
13. Minerals:
    manganese;
14. iron;
15. zinc;
16. nickel.

Meadow geranium has numerous pharmacological properties:

• 
  astringent;

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• anti-inflammatory;
• disinfectant;
• antibacterial;
• wound healing;
• antitoxic;
• hemostatic;
• calming;
• antipruritic;
• antipyretic;
• relaxing;
• pain reliever.

In addition, the plant is able to dissolve salt deposits in gout, rheumatism and kidney stones.

Many species have very fragrant leaves.

Geranium is known for its fragrant green foliage, the smell of which varies from plant to plant. According to the Book of the Southern Living Garden, often the names of plants of this species refer to the scent of their leaves:

• almond geranium;
• apple;
• limestone;
• nutmeg;
• mint.

Some varieties produce aromas that are associated with roses and lemons.

Use for diseases

The list of diseases for which meadow geranium is used:

• ulcers;
• purulent wounds;
• abscesses;
• rheumatic joint pain;
• genital and anal fistulas;
• stomatitis;
• pharyngitis;
• angina;
• alopecia;
• leucorrhoea;
• malignant neoplasms;
• bone fractures;
• epilepsy;
• fever;
• upper respiratory tract diseases;
• enteritis;
• gastritis with low acidity;
• food poisoning;
• dysentery;
• prolonged heavy menstruation;
• bleeding with hemorrhoids;
• uterine bleeding;
• inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs;
• urolithiasis disease;
• gout;
• rheumatism;
• heart diseases.

The heat can tire your flowers

However, keep in mind that there are varieties that the summer heat can have a bad effect on. Many common geraniums stop flowering in hot weather and resume when it gets cooler. Therefore, in the southern regions, experienced gardeners recommend planting heat-resistant varieties. These include the Americana and Orbit varieties, as well as Cascade and Summer Rainfall.

Contraindications

In the use of funds based on geranium, field contraindications are in the following cases:

• increased blood viscosity;
• thrombosis;
• thrombophlebitis;
• senile constipation;
• intestinal atony;
• gastritis with high acidity.

Field geranium has a variety of medicinal properties. The beneficial qualities of this plant have found application in numerous recipes for traditional medicine. Before using products based on meadow geranium, it is very important to familiarize yourself with the contraindications.

When treating with drugs intended for internal use, the exact dosages must be observed.

Leaves can be used in the kitchen

Both the flowers and the fragrant foliage of the geranium are edible and can be used for culinary purposes. According to one Western Gardening Book (Southern Living Garden Book), fresh and dried leaves of all types can be used for the following purposes:

• for flavoring jelly and frozen drinks;
• making mixtures with the leaves of other plants;
• flavoring iced tea, lemonade, pastries, filled pies and salads.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of geraniums in cultivation?

Forest geranium (Geranium sylvaticum)

In deciduous, mixed forests, as well as in meadows and even in thickets of shrubs, you can find a perennial herb with purple flowers. This is a forest geranium, which can be found in most of the territory of Russia. Like many plants found in the wild, geranium not only attracts with its appearance, but also has medicinal properties and is used to treat numerous diseases. In folk medicine, the aerial part of the plant is mainly used, which is recommended to be collected during the flowering period, but the root of the plant is often used for medicinal purposes.

Types [edit | edit code]

On the territory of Russia, there are up to 40 species. Most often in northern and central Russia there are:

• Crane meadow ( Geranium pratense
  L.) typus - with light purple flowers
• Marsh crane ( Geranium palustre
  L.) - with purple flowers
• Blood crane ( Geranium sanguineum
  L.) - with small, clawed leaves and blood-red flowers. It grows on open slopes, meadow steppes, forest edges, especially on limestones, in steppe forests.

In horticulture, up to 12 southern European species with their cultivated varieties are well known:

In horticulture, the common Geranium pratense, Geranium sanguineum and Geranium ibericum are also known, but with double flowers.

Composition and useful properties

Forest geranium has a beneficial effect on the human body, which is due to the presence in its composition of such useful substances as tannins, essential oils and alkaloids. They are present in sufficient quantities in another medicinal plant called field bindweed. In small quantities, forest geranium also contains ascorbic acid and other useful substances.

Due to its composition, where most of the components have beneficial properties, forest geranium has an astringent effect on the human body, it is a good wound healing and disinfectant. The plant also has an antibacterial and soothing effect, which is effectively used to eliminate itching.

With the use of preparations based on forest geranium, some relief of well-being in patients with urolithiasis is noted, they are actively used in oncology, as well as for inflammation of the joints and for the treatment of rheumatism and gout. Forest geranium has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract - geranium preparations are taken for gastritis, enteritis and colitis, as well as for food poisoning. Folk remedies based on forest geranium are used if you do not know how to cure hemorrhoidal bleeding, they treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract, heal wounds, ulcers and abrasions, and help in the treatment of epilepsy.

Geranium care

The care of this domestic plant is directly related to the homeland of the geranium. Her fellow countrymen are chlorophytums, sanseviers and other plants. Geranium loves warmth and light, so she could only survive at home. Many years have passed since the moment when the plant was first brought to Europe, so during this period it managed to adapt to new conditions. But, nevertheless, people who decide to breed geraniums at home should choose a place for it that is well lit. The windows should be south-facing.

In summer, geraniums can be quietly on the balconies. The plant will delight you with its beauty if you place it 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 the geranium should be moist, but, again, you need to remember about the measure. The flower should be watered every 2 days. In order for the plant to grow well, drainage from pebbles should be done. With its help, excess moisture will go away, so the roots will be safe, they will not rot.

But in winter, you can do without abundant watering, since the plant is dormant until spring.

Geranium does not require frequent transplantation, it should be carried out only when the roots will break through from the hole. The plant does not require special soil, for this it is enough to use ordinary soil. 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 acquire splendor, and there will be many inflorescences.

What diseases does it help?

Field geranium is used internally in the treatment of neoplasms with:

• oncological diseases;
• diseases of the nasopharynx;
• with fever;
• poisoning;
• diarrhea;
• with menstrual and other bleeding;
• kidney disease;
• rheumatism;
• heart disease;
• gout.

Topical application of the plant helps in treatment:

• sore throat;
• bleeding;
• snake bites;
• purulent wounds and ulcers;
• pain in rheumatism;
• inflammation of the oral mucosa.

The upper part of the geranium is suitable for treatment (rhizomes are also mentioned in some recipes). The tops of the stems are cut off during flowering and dried. The roots are harvested only in autumn. The grass is crushed and stored in glass or wood dishes, the shelf life of raw materials is one year.

What kind of pot do you need?

Choosing the right flowerpot for pelargonium is just as important as the right soil. The appearance of the flower depends on the capacity.

Material

1. The most suitable container for a plant is a ceramic flowerpot. Ceramic promotes an even distribution of air, retains moisture and soil temperature, protecting the roots from overheating.
2. In a plastic pot, the earth dries quickly, however, if pelargonium grew for a long time in such a pot, then when transplanting it should not be replaced with another material, it is only important to preserve the previous growing conditions.

Note! The material of the container can be changed, but at the same time it is necessary to adjust the entire mode of flower care.

The size

The size of the flowerpot for pelargonium should not be large, so it blooms only when the roots are cramped in the pot. In a large flowerpot, pelargonium will not bloom until the root system fills its entire volume. The optimal container size is 10-15 cm in height and 12-14 cm in diameter. The presence of perforation for drainage in the flowerpot is a must.

When transplanting pelargonium into a new flowerpot, its diameter should be larger than the previous maximum by 2-3 cm.

At home, the plant can be grown in wooden boxes, in which case the distance between the bushes should be at least 20 cm.

Plant diseases: what are they and how to treat them?

Gray rot

Brown spots affect areas of leaves close to the soil. The plant does not bloom, the leaves dry up and turn yellow. Some varieties are stained. With high humidity, some diseased areas of the flower are covered with a gray mushroom bloom.

Attention! The cause of the disease is excessive moisture in the soil and air, as well as an increased nitrogen content in the soil or in the composition of fertilizers.

This disease is treated with systemic fungicides (Vitaros, Fundazol, etc.). So you can not only protect the plant, but also resume the flowering process.

Alternaria

The disease makes itself felt in this way: on the edges of the leaves and petioles, and sometimes over the entire area of ​​the leaf plate, brown spots with a light lesion appear.

At high air humidity, the spots become covered with a white coating. The plant does not bloom, the leaves dry up and turn yellow. Proper care, adequate ventilation and drugs such as Skor or Ridomil Gold will help us to cure the disease.

Rhizoctonic rot

The lower part of the stem is covered with sunken spots that can extend up to 25 centimeters. They have a depressed structure and stretch upward by a maximum of twenty-five centimeters. This process interrupts flowering and triggers the yellowing and drying of the leaves. The infection is transmitted through soil.

The disease develops due to an excess of fertilizers, excessive amounts of fertilizers, high air temperature, lack of lighting, high levels of humidity. When the first signs of the disease are found, you need to stop watering the plant, as this will only aggravate the problems and treat with the following drugs - Vitaros, Fundazol, Rovral.

Late blight

This disease stops the growth of the plant, as a result of which it rots and dies. After the death of the plant, on the leaves you can notice spots, a depressed structure, as well as a mycelial gray coating. Even after the death of the plant, the infection remains in the soil.

Reference. The causes of the disease are, first of all, improper care, high planting density per meter2, high ambient temperatures, insufficient lighting, excess fertilizers and additives.

The disease is easier to prevent than to cure, which means we need to use premium substrates, to avoid too much humidity. Treatment is carried out with the drugs Profit-Gold, Ridomil or Previkur.

Spotting and curling foliage

At first, the plant stops growing, then spots appear on young leaves, which subsequently grow and affect the entire plant. The lesion has a yellow color, which is outlined by a silver ring. The edges of the leaves can dry out and curl, the nutrition of the leaves is disrupted.

The infection is transmitted from diseased plants through vegetative reproduction, as well as through insects (usually the whitefly is the carrier). To prevent disease, you need to use only healthy plants for propagation and do not forget about insecticides.

Quote post Your_Cherry How to choose the right soil composition for room geranium

Geranium or Pelargonium is an incredibly beautiful plant often grown at home. Pelargonium has a delightful color of lush flowers, it fits perfectly into any interior, and fills the house with coziness and warmth. Geranium belongs to unpretentious indoor plants, but you need to take care of the flower at home correctly so that it has an excellent appearance. Competent care includes: replanting, temperature, lighting and watering. Each time a geranium is transplanted, the required soil composition should be used for its cultivation.

What soil is needed for indoor geranium?

Pelargonium is not picky about the soil, but you need to know some recommendations. Geranium loves well-drained and loose soil. You can buy soil for a flower at a flower shop; any substrate for flowering indoor plants will do. Professionals usually use a universal primer, and add the necessary components to it.

In such a mixture, washed river sand, vermiculite and perlite must be added. All the ingredients should be mixed, and the soil for planting room pelargonium is ready. When choosing a versatile soil, you need to make sure that it is free of mildew and insects. Still, such soil should not be caked into a lump. The composition of the soil must necessarily include peat, then your plant will develop and grow perfectly. You can buy special soil for geraniums in the store.

You can also prepare the soil for pelargonium yourself at home. For its preparation, the following components should be used:

1. Sod land - 8;
2. Humus - 2;
3. Sand - 1.
   Transfer

A geranium transplant at home is carried out when the root system has grown strongly and occupies the entire space of the pot. In other cases, the transplant is performed when the flower is filled or if the pelargonium does not bloom.

Transplanting room geraniums is usually carried out in the spring, before the active growth of the flower begins.

To properly transplant a plant, you should adhere to some rules: 1. First, you need to prepare at home: soil, a suitable flowerpot and a watering pot. If you do not want to change the pot, then it must be treated with bleach. Pour bleach into a container and leave for a while, and then rinse well with water.2. It is necessary to take care of high-quality drainage, which is laid out at the bottom of the pot. As drainage, you can use brick chips, finely chopped polystyrene or expanded clay of fine fraction. 3. Carefully you need to get the flower out of the old tank without damaging the earthen ball. If you can't pull out the plant, you can use a knife and carefully separate the earth from the walls of the flowerpot. 4. After the geranium has been removed, it is recommended to carefully examine the root system for rot and disease. If there are damaged areas, then they need to be removed with scissors. 5. The plant should be planted in a new pot, and soil should be added to the empty spaces. 6. The flower needs to be watered and put in a shaded place for 1 week. Only you need to water the flower at home correctly so that there is no overflow. After 7 days, the plant should be placed in a place with good lighting and warmth. Geranium is very fond of bright and diffused light. 7. Top dressing should only be applied two months after transplanting. The plant can be grown at home in a pot and box. If you are using boxes for growing pelargonium, then the distance between the bushes should be at least 20 centimeters. This is an important rule. It is necessary to select the size of the container depending on how much the roots have grown. If the diameter of the flowerpot is incorrectly selected, then in this case it is quite difficult to control the growth.

It is best to purchase small pots, 2 cm larger than the previous one. In such a container, geranium will feel great and bloom beautifully with bright and beautiful flowers. The height of the tank should be about 12-15 cm. If you correctly transplant indoor geraniums into fresh and nutritious soil, and then create the right care, in this case the flower will bloom beautifully and delight the eyes of your household. A source: <серия сообщений="" «герани="" и="" другие="" цветущие»:="" >советы,="" как="" подготовить="" правильный="" состав="" грунта="" для="" пеларгонии.="" пошаговая="" инструкция="" по="" посадке="">

common data

Meadow geranium (crane, field geranium) is a herbaceous dicotyledonous plant of the Geranium genus, of the Geranium family. Translated from Greek, the name means "crane". The flower is called “health resort” in Bulgaria due to its rich medicinal properties. The leaves of a bluish-lilac hue are valuable in pharmacology and traditional medicine.

Botanical description of the flower

The flower has a thick, powerful brown root system, from which stems extend. The height of the plant ranges from 60 to 80 cm. The flowers are large, sitting on long stalks, consisting of blue-violet petals, arranged in pairs and forming an umbrella inflorescence. The stems and pedicels of the plant are covered with small glandular hairs.

Leaves are long-petiolate, divided into 7 lobes. The plant needs cross-pollination. Geranium blooms from June to September. The ripening process of the fruits occurs during the period from July to September: they are similar to a crane's beak, which, when fully ripe, divides into 5 single-seeded fruits.

Chemical composition

The plant in all its parts contains tannin (tannin), which has astringent, hemostatic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects on the human body. The root system of meadow geranium is also rich in tannin - more than 30% in dry matter, its aboveground part contains 16%.

Did you know?
To prevent moths, it is recommended to put some pink geranium flowers in the closet. And to prevent the appearance of mold in a jar of jam, leaves of this plant are used.
The root system also contains phenolic compounds, phenol carboxylic acids, starch and catechins. Meadow geranium herb contains minerals (iron, zinc, manganese), essential oils, glucose, raffinose, vitamin K, ascorbic acid, keratin and others.

Spread

The range of the wild plant is extensive, covering the temperate regions of Eurasia. It is cultivated everywhere. It grows in wet meadows, glades, forest edges and in the valleys of mountain rivers.The crane can often be found in the forest-steppe, forest belt, less often in conifers.

Soil requirements

For pelargonium, a loose soil is needed that allows water and air to pass through well and has a weak or neutral acidity (pH 5.5-6.5).

Structure

The most suitable soil composition:

• sod land;
• leafy land;
• humus;
• sand;
• peat.

Important! Young plants need lighter soil than adults with a developed root system.

You can lighten the soil by adding peat, sand, perlite, vermiculite. To increase air permeability, you can add sphagnum moss or coco-soil, and to prevent root rot, crushed coal.

How to prepare?

The soil mixture can be purchased ready-made or prepared on your own. If you choose store-bought soil, you should add chopped moss or humus to it, and peat to maintain moisture.

You can independently prepare a soil mixture for pelargonium by mixing peat and perlite in equal parts, or one part of peat and sand and 2 parts of turf.

For the normal development of the flower, the soil must be moderately nutritious - due to the large amount of fertilizers, the plant begins to grow foliage.

It is worth applying liquid fertilizers every 3 months, with the exception of winter. Before and at the beginning of the flowering period, it is necessary to use top dressing with a high phosphorus content (you can find out how to water and how to feed pelargonium for abundant flowering). You can replace the finished fertilizers with a solution of 1 drop of iodine per 1 liter of water.

A prerequisite is the presence of drainage, which can be used as expanded clay, vermiculite, pebbles.

Features

Geraniums can be single-stemmed or multi-stemmed. This plant is perennial. Geraniums have a tough stem that rises above five-part leaves. The top of the stem is sticky. Blooming stems can be admired until the summer recession.

Then there are fruits that resemble the beaks of birds. In spring, bark leaves appear on long woolly petioles.

Then the stem with leaves practically without petioles goes into growth. Then a loose pinkish inflorescence appears. After the early ripening petals, when the plant finishes blooming, nasal fruits appear. When the fruits are ripe, they dry up, and then the shutters are twisted and the seeds "shoot".

Popular varieties of this flower family

Album

A bush, 50 cm high and approximately 35 cm wide. The flowers are white, small in diameter (20-30 mm). They bloom twice - in May and August. This variety is advised to be planted in partial shade, as it is evolutionarily accustomed to these conditions. What can we say, if it endures the most severe winters with temperatures dropping to -30 degrees below zero!

Amy doncaster

The height of the bush reaches 50 cm, width 35 cm. The flowers are blue with a white circle in the center, the diameter of which is about 30 mm. Blossoming in April, May, August. Just like the previous variety, this one is not afraid of the cold.

Mayflower

The height of the bush is about 50 cm, the width is about 35 cm. The color is lilac blue with a white center. Flowering in April, May, repeated in August. Another variety that can be attributed to the winter.

Meran

The height of the bush is about 50 cm, width is about 35 cm. The flowers are purple with a white center, about 30 mm in diameter. Blooms in April-May, re-blooms in August. Location: partial shade. Recommended stocking density 9 pcs / m2. It tolerates temperature drops down to -29 ° С.

It will be interesting for gardeners to read about other types and varieties of geraniums:

• Geranium is blood red.
• Planting and caring for perennial garden geraniums in the open field.
• Geranium is gray.
• Planting and caring for geraniums is great.
• Garden geranium varieties: perennial, ground cover, undersized, Black Beauty.

Reproduction

The most effective way to propagate geraniums while maintaining their unique color and shape is by cuttings.With this method, the cuttings inherit all the characteristics, preserving the color and shade of the inflorescences, the shape of the bush and other characteristics. The best time of the year for this is autumn, as in August you need to prune and get strong, high-quality cuttings.

The probability of success is not always 100%, even if all conditions are met. No need to get upset, just try again.

Interesting experiments with geraniums

At the dawn of the Soviet era, plant grafting was widely introduced, thanks to the works of IV Michurin. Young Michurinians studied just on the zonal geranium. And now it is quite possible to create a "Michurin" geranium, where inflorescences of various shapes and colors will flaunt on one bush. To do this, it is enough to cut obliquely the trunk and the stalk of the same diameter, combine the cuts, and wrap them carefully with electrical tape or tape. The harness is removed after 2-3 weeks.

The benefits of geranium

Home geraniums are called "grandma's flower" for a reason - its essential oils gently balance the high blood pressure that many elderly people suffer. It is enough to grind and smell one or two geranium leaves to feel relief.

Scientific medicine has found application for the roots of Pelargonium - an extract, Pelargoniumsidoides, is extracted from them, which is used for respiratory tract infections.

The essential oils of the plant have a calming and calming effect on a person. German housewives are sure that the smell of geranium causes aversion to alcohol.

And besides everything else, blooming geraniums are so wonderfully combined with lace curtains and a cat dozing on the windowsill ...

Indications for use

The use of Meadow Geranium in the form of decoctions and infusions from the roots is indicated for:

• Hemorrhoidal bleeding;
• Epilepsy;
• Gastritis;
• Diseases of the stomach;
• Gynecological diseases;
• Insomnia;
• Tumors;
• Urolithiasis and kidney stones;
• Scabies;
• Fractures;
• Diseases of the respiratory organs;
• Enteritis;
• Angina pectoris.

Powder, decoctions, infusions from any part of the plant are used as powders and lotions for abscesses, ulcers, long-term non-healing wounds, they are added to baths.

Also, the use of Meadow Geranium is known for gargling with stomatitis, gingivitis, sore throat.

Fresh leaves of Meadow Geranium are used as a poultice for arthritic or rheumatic joint pains. They are used externally to get rid of dry calluses, as well as for snake bites.

A decoction from the root of the plant is effective in treating dysentery and dyspepsia. The crushed root is used for caries.

The properties of Meadow Geranium are also used in cosmetology. With alopecia and baldness, they wash their hair with a decoction of herbs.

Powder from the leaves is used as a hemostatic and hemostatic agent, sprinkling them on wounds and cuts.

Infusion of Geranium Meadows is used for diarrhea, gastritis, bleeding in the lungs, colic in the stomach and intestines, as well as for dissolving salts for gout and rheumatism.

Photo

In the photo below you can see what the forest geranium looks like.

Growing pelargonium - features and secrets

Many flower lovers love Pelargonium - a beautiful, unpretentious flower that multiplies easily and is easy to care for. Pelargonium is popularly called geranium, although this is not entirely true. Geranium is a completely different flower that is resistant to frost and can be grown in one place for many years. But pelargonium is thermophilic, and it can be kept in the garden only in the warm season. The cultivation of pelargonium does not cause difficulties even for a novice grower, if you have an idea about the features of this flower.

I invite you to the group for "Country Hobbies" growing pelargonium

What are the features of pelargonium?

This flower is considered to be the geranium family. The flower was brought to Europe from Holland in the 18th century. He quickly gained popularity among flower growers. Breeders have managed to breed a large variety of pelargonium species.All varieties can be divided into six large groups: ampelous (ivy), English home-grown large-flowered, garden, fragrant, variegated, succulent.

Moreover, ivy and garden varieties reproduce well by seeds and grow well in open ground, decorating flower arrangements.

Pelargonium - growing conditions

It can be grown in the winter at home, and in the summer in the garden or directly in the ground or in pots, complementing the flowering composition.

• Temperature conditions. Pelargonium is thermophilic, therefore, before the first frosts, it must be transferred to the house. The optimal home temperature in winter should be between 8 and 12 degrees. In summer, the plant requires moderate heat of 17-23 degrees. A plant is planted in the garden in the open air after the threat of recurrent frosts. At a temperature of about 12 degrees, pelargonium stops blooming. But a high temperature is also undesirable for a plant. The plant signals a low uncomfortable temperature by reddening of the leaves. When removing a flower from the garden in the fall, it is necessary to reduce the temperature and the amount of water when watering so that the plant will reduce growth and not deplete in low light.
• Lighting. The plant is light-loving and, with a lack of light, blooms weakly and stretches strongly. Interestingly, when grown in the garden, it perfectly tolerates direct sunlight, but at home, the flower must be protected from the sun by shading the flower. However, with a lack of lighting, the plant begins to turn yellow, losing the lower leaves and exposing the stem, and blooms poorly. At home, it is necessary to turn the flower to the light several times a week for its uniform development.
• The flower loves space, so you don't need to plant other plants close.

pelargonium - variety of species

• Watering. Pelargonium is a drought-resistant flower, but it quickly becomes infected with fungal diseases. Therefore, when watering, it is better to underfill than overflow. Therefore, they usually water the plant when the soil underneath dries up, preventing it from drying out completely. The leaves signal the overflow of the plant: they become lethargic and drooping. With a lack of water in the soil, the leaves turn yellow, the edges dry out, the plant stops blooming. Air humidity does not play a role in the life of pelargonium, so it does not need to be sprayed. An increase in humidity can provoke fungal diseases.
• Experts advise to combine top dressing with each watering, calculating the dose of fertilizer for the number of waterings. Or they are fed once a week until late autumn. If the soil under the plant is dry, then first you need to water it with plain water, and then with the addition of fertilizers. If in winter you managed to create a lower temperature, then feeding is completely unnecessary. If, nevertheless, the flower grows a little, then feeding is carried out with the fourth part of the required dose of fertilizer. 2-2.5 months before flowering, the plant should be fed with mineral fertilizers with a large amount of potassium. If symptoms of leaf chlorosis appear, be sure to include iron chelate and magnesium sulfate in the feeding.
• The soil. For a beautiful flowering and healthy plant, the soil must be fertile. The composition of the soil consists of a mixture in equal proportions of peat, sand, garden soil. It is imperative to drain the stones. Do not forget to loosen the soil more often so that there is good air access to the roots, which will not allow them to rot.
• Pot size. For pelargonium, the flower pot is selected according to the size of the root system. The plant grows much better, and also blooms brighter and more abundantly in small containers. In large pots, the plant itself begins to actively develop to the detriment of flowering.
• For the formation of a bush and rapid branching, it is recommended to pinch the top of the growth around February or March.

pelargonium, growing conditions

Reproduction of pelargonium

The plant develops well within 2-5 years.Therefore, you need to propagate it by cuttings, which can be rooted from early spring to late autumn. Cuttings are taken from the tops 5-7 cm long only from healthy and strong plants. The lower sheets from the cutting are carefully removed and an oblique cut is made below the knot, which must be dried, and then put in a container with water until the roots appear.

That's all about pelargonium. Following our useful tips, growing pelargonium will not cause you problems and difficulties, and the plant will delight you with lush beautiful flowers.

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Scleroderma treatment

Knowing where meadow geranium grows, you can prepare raw materials for the treatment of systemic scleroderma. One scientist, candidate of medical science, has developed a unique method of treating this pathology. He suggested using a collection of herbs, including meadow geranium.

To prepare the medicinal collection you will need:

1. Yarrow and plantain - one hundred grams each.
2. Calendula, St. John's wort, chamomile, sweet clover - fifty grams each.
3. Dandelion leaves and roots, meadow geranium, wormwood, initial letter, ivan tea, raspberry leaf - twenty-five grams each.

All herbs are mixed. Then take a spoonful of the mixture and fill it with half a liter of water. The product is put on fire, brought to a boil, removed from the heat and infused for an hour, after which it is filtered. This medicine is taken in half a glass 4 times a day.

The squeezed gruel is again steamed with a glass of boiling water, after cooling it is used as an external agent, added to the baths.

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How to plant?

• Choosing a landing site. It is necessary to choose a sunny, not shaded area, with nutritious fertile soil. As a rule, this is black soil, clay types of soil are not suitable for us.
• The soil for geranium is chosen with a slightly acidic or neutral composition, the content of peat and river sand in the soil will only be a plus. Also, humus and fertilizers will not be superfluous.
• Geranium grows well from seeds. An abundance of varieties is offered in specialized stores. You can find both classic varieties and hybrid ones. The seeds are placed in loose soil in early April. Seedlings appear in 10-15 days. At the stage of formation of 3-4 leaves, the seedlings dive. They are planted in the ground in early June.

Three simple care tips

1. Watering. Water should be in moderation, too much provokes a number of diseases. In this case, it is better to underfill a little than to overfill. It is recommended to water every other day, in small portions of water.
2. Lighting. Geranium should be grown in the sun or in partial shade, as it tolerates frost perfectly. But a complete lack of light tolerates very badly. Artificial lighting can be used if necessary.
3. Pruning. You need to prune the plant as soon as its branches are bare. It is necessary to cut with a margin, leaving about 5 cm from the soil so that the crown of the plant grows thick and wide.

Output

Geranium is a simple and discreet plant.It will be a great addition to the interior of such spaces as a summer veranda, doctor's office, reception room or kitchen.

The flower is very easy to care for and does not require daily manipulations. In addition, in recent years, it has become too rare to be found in floral arrangements. Therefore, growing Geraniums at home is a great way to add zest to the interior of your apartment.

Flower varieties

To date, more than 250 varieties of Pelargonium are known. Varieties differ in their structure, shape and color of leaves and inflorescences and are conventionally combined into groups according to similar characteristics. Here are the main ones: tulip-shaped, fragrant, royal, unique, rosaceous, zonal, dwarf, variegated. Each variety smells differently: lemon, strawberry, apple, etc.

Among the most interesting varieties and hybrids:

• April Snow. Differs in small stature and flowers similar to roses.

• Fandango. Feature - "torn" coral petals and abundant flowering.
• Noel. Differs in snow-white flowers.
• Calliope Dark Red. A relatively new variety with dark red flowers. Inflorescences are located on thin, bare peduncles.
• Red Pandora. It is easily recognized by its numerous flowers that look like small tulips.

Application features

Studies have shown that preparations based on meadow geranium have a broad spectrum of action. For medicinal purposes, you can use both the aerial part of the plant and the rhizome. Crane is also used as a honey plant and a natural dye.

Healing properties

The value of the plant lies not only in its beautiful flowers, which notify of the onset of summer, - meadow geranium has a variety of medicinal properties, which have been used by traditional healers since ancient times.

• in cardiology in the treatment of angina pectoris and tachycardia;
• in gynecology in the treatment of inflammatory processes, chronic diseases of the female reproductive system, normalization of hormonal levels;
• in oncology in the fight against malignant formations;
• in the treatment of nervous disorders;
• in pulmonology in the treatment of angina and pharyngitis;
• in gastroenterology in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Contraindications and harm

The plant, in addition to medicinal properties, also has contraindications for use. Means prepared on the basis of meadow crane should not be used by people suffering from thromboembolism, gastritis, stomach ulcers, as well as those who have age-related intestinal obstruction and have chronic constipation.

Traditional medicine recipes

In folk medicine, meadow geranium is used in the form of tinctures, decoction and powder.

Let's take a closer look at the most popular recipes:

1. Herbal solution
   from hair loss. You need 2 tbsp. l. dry herbs pour 0.5 liters of cool boiled water, insist for 8-9 hours at room temperature. In case of profuse hair loss, the head should be washed with a strained solution every other day for 3-4 weeks.
2. Decoction of rhizomes
   with menstrual and postpartum bleeding, as well as bloody diarrhea. To prepare the first recipe, you need 3 tbsp. l. Pour 250 ml of water into the crushed roots and bring to a boil, boil over the fire for no more than 5 minutes. The resulting broth must be drained and consumed in 1 tbsp. l. every 2 hours until the bleeding stops. The second recipe for douching is 2 tbsp. l. Dissolve the roots in 0.5 liters of drinking water, boil for 5 minutes. After straining, the solution will be ready for use. For the third recipe, the juice of fresh grass must be applied orally, 20-30 drops at intervals of 2-3 hours until the complete cessation of uterine or hemorrhoidal bleeding.
3. In case of upper respiratory tract disease, 1 tbsp. l. dry raw materials
   pour 200-250 ml of drinking water.Then the resulting solution must be brought to a boil and kept on fire for 5 minutes. It is recommended to use a cooled and filtered infusion during meals for 2 tbsp. l. 3 times a day.

Procurement and storage of medicinal raw materials

For better storage of the medicine, the herbaceous part of the geranium should be collected during the flowering period. Raw materials must be dried in a closed and well-ventilated area or in a professional electric dryer. The temperature regime should be from +40 to + 45 ° С. At higher temperatures, all beneficial essential oils will evaporate from the plant. To increase its medicinal properties, it must be collected in clear sunny weather after the dew has melted.

Important!
Raw materials collected in ecologically clean places should be harvested, and not what grows along highways and near industrial zones.
The resulting blanks should be stored for 2 years in a wooden or glass container. It is recommended to dig out rhizomes for storage in the autumn. It is necessary to dry the roots that have been previously cleaned of the earth and washed.

Traditional medicine recipes

According to the description, meadow geranium has a hemostatic effect, and also helps well in the treatment of cancer patients. Scientists have conducted a series of experiments, as a result of which it was found that this plant has good results in the treatment of malignant pathologies.

For the treatment of neoplasms, the roots of the plant are used. A decoction is made of them: thirty grams of raw materials are poured with two glasses of water and boiled for half an hour. The filtered and cooled product is taken in a tablespoon twice a day.

Infusion of the herb helps in the treatment of various ailments. To prepare it, you need two tablespoons of chopped herbs and a glass of boiling water. Raw materials are steamed, then infused until they cool completely. Taken in a spoon every two hours.

Freshly squeezed juice helps to fight ailments well. He is prescribed thirty drops every three hours.