Pelargonium ivy - home care

Many people think that geranium is a somewhat old-fashioned plant, whose modest red and white flowers are unlikely to decorate a home. But in fact, this is not the case, geraniums have many beautiful varieties, and one of them is Pelargonium ivy. It is a very attractive flower, lush, blooming profusely, with many cascading shoots. This is an ampelous variety, a pots with such geraniums will surely decorate a gazebo in the garden, a terrace or a balcony.

Description of the plant

Ivy geranium is also called creeping, which in itself reflects the characteristics of this plant. The stems of this variety are ampelous, the leaves are similar to ivy not only in shape. They have a smooth surface with a subtle, subtle shine. Geranium of this species has quite powerful shoots. In most varieties, they can reach 1 m in length. At the same time, the shoots cling well to any protrusions on vertical surfaces, quickly rise up, and in the future, fading away, they can scatter seeds around.

Pink and white pelargonium ivy

This variety also has elongated peduncles. They are characterized by umbellate inflorescences, uniting 10-15 relatively small flowers. The buds of this species of geranium are bright. But the flowers of most varieties are already lighter in color. Although both dark purple and scarlet varieties are found, white-pink and lilac predominate.

Advantages and disadvantages of ivy pelargonium

Ivy geranium is popular with many flower growers due to the following benefits:

• the presence of a large number of varieties with a varied shape and color of flowers. There are also variegated varieties that look attractive even when they fade;
• ease of growing, since it is a very undemanding plant that even a novice florist can handle;
• abundant flowering;
• most varieties root well both in the ground and in the water.

As for the shortcomings, this type of geranium practically does not have them, with the exception of one. Pelargonium ivy hibernates difficult in an ordinary city apartment. But this is a solvable problem, experienced florists advise in such cases to use additional ultraviolet lamps for lighting.

Features of ivy geranium care

Many novice growers, buying a flower such as pelargonium, think that since this plant is native to the subtropics of South Africa, then it needs well-humidified air and sunlight, and also tolerates heat well. In fact, this is not the case, and below we will consider the nuances of growing this flower at home.

Pelargonium ivy care: what to consider

In order for pelargonium to literally give a waterfall of flowers, you need to find the right place for it. It should be open and sufficiently sunny, but with the assumption that it is a moderately photophilous plant.Ivy geranium tolerates direct sunlight well, but she likes diffused light more.

Blooming ampelous pelargonium

In addition, it needs reliable protection from wind and temperature extremes. The peculiarity of this plant is that it often tolerates a slight cold snap worse than a strong cold. As for the high temperatures, the summer heat does not harm the aboveground part of the flower, but the roots do not like it. Some growers advise on such days to put the plant pots on trays with a damp substrate.

Features of growing ivy geranium and home care

Pelargonium is the same geranium, so soil mixtures for flowering indoor plants are suitable for it. You can also find a special mixture for pelargonium in stores. It is advisable to use a light loamy soil mixture for this plant. It should contain a lot of potassium, but there should be a minimum amount of nitrogen. The fact is that ivy geranium (creeping) ampelous with an abundance of nitrogen forms many green leaves, but it blooms much worse.

Watering should be moderate. This plant tolerates dry air well. It is clear that if the rain has passed, and geraniums are growing behind the balcony in a special box, they do not need to be watered for a few days after that. This flower will easily survive an insufficient amount of moisture in the air or soil. The situation is much worse with excessive moisture. It can easily lead to the appearance of rot, and then the whole bush will disappear.

Pelargonium ivy-leaved terry variety

Propagation by cuttings

Ivy geranium, that is, ampelous, is most often propagated by stem cuttings. It is best to carry out this procedure in August-September. The average length of a stem cuttings suitable for propagation should be 5-15 cm.

Cuttings should be separated from the mother bush with a sharp knife. You cannot tear them off, since this can damage the plant. The trim obtained in this way is left for a day, waiting for the slices to dry properly. Then, for the purpose of disinfection, they are treated with activated carbon (although it is better to take wood).

To root the cuttings, it is recommended to pre-calcine the soil in the oven so that no infection or pests can get there. Cuttings are planted at a distance of 2 cm from each other.

Seed reproduction

This breeding method is considered too difficult for beginner growers, it is only suitable for professionals. If you still want to use the seed of the plant, then the best time for this comes in February and lasts until mid-April.

You can plant seedlings both in ordinary light loose soil, and in special peat tablets, but only large ones. Sowing is carried out in pits with depths of up to 10 mm. In this case, the soil should be well moistened, just it can be pre-sprayed with a spray bottle. Then the container with the planted seedlings is turned into an impromptu greenhouse, covered with a transparent film. These pots are placed in a well-lit place, but not in direct sunlight. The first shoots should appear in about a week. And after a month, geraniums can be transplanted into permanent containers.

Pruning and shaping the bush

Basically, the formation of the ivy-leaved pelargonium bush is that you need to remove wilted flowers in time, as well as cut off the shoots in the fall. Don't feel sorry for them. In order for the plant to bloom well, they are strongly cut off, leaving seven leaves each, but the root shoots cannot be removed. If the bush has grown over the winter, then it will have to be cut in the spring.

Diseases and pests of ivy geranium

This flower is practically not susceptible to disease. But when growing outdoors, you need to constantly monitor so that it is not eaten by parasites. If a problem is identified at the initial stage, they can even be removed manually, but if the situation is started, you will have to apply insecticides.

Pelargonium ivy: the best varieties

Over the years of plant cultivation, flower growers have bred many varieties. Perhaps, every editorial office of gardening magazines has its favorites, but there are also recognized leaders. Also, if you wish, you can choose a mix in which a variety of shades of petals will be presented.

Great balls of fire burgundy

This variety has a surprisingly white-burgundy petals. This variety blooms from late spring to late autumn. You can also grow it indoors. Shoots grow by about 40 cm per year. This variety is very fond of the sun.

Pelargonium ivy Great Balls of Fire Burgundy

Bernardo

It is a terry variety with beautiful pink-red flowers. The reverse side of the petals has a lighter shade, often almost white.

Great balls of fire red velvet

Another beautiful terry variety with red flowers. The height of the bush is 30-40 cm.

Toscana Boneta

There are various color options, but the flowers will be large anyway, and the shoots are long. The most beautiful option is with white flowers that form a spectacular cascade.

Pac vicky

These are large flowers of a coral shade, in the center the petals are much shorter than at the edges. In general, the plant is as unpretentious as other varieties.

Malayan

This is one of the varieties of Tuscany mentioned above. Differs in bright shades of petals in red tones.

Great balls of fire light lavender

A variety with dense leaves and large inflorescences. Its flowers are pale lilac, lavender.

Pink chart

Luxurious variety with bright pink flowers, collected in large inflorescences.

Great balls of fire melon

A very beautiful plant variety. Its flowers are distinguished by a deep crimson-red shade, the inflorescences are dense and large. The variety blooms for a long time and abundantly. It can be grown both in pots and in balcony boxes.

Pelargonium ivy Great Balls of Fire Melon

In general, if the grower is interested in ivy-leaved pelargonium, easy care and abundant flowering are the main arguments in favor of the plant. It will decorate the east and west sides of the terrace. This variety is also used for aromatherapy. No wonder its flowers contain essential oil, the active ingredient of which - geraniol - is used in the perfumery industry.