Pelargonium April Snow - growing geraniums
Content:
Pelargonium April Snow is very popular with flower growers. The name of the culture is translated as "April snow". It is characterized by decorative lush inflorescences. In order for a culture to grow and develop normally, it needs to be properly looked after.
Pelargonium April Snow - what is this flower
The culture belongs to the genus Pelargonium from the Geraniev family. This genus includes a large number of different plants that have grown in natural conditions or were bred by breeders. Some flower lovers unknowingly call it the April Snow geranium, it belongs to the zonal type.
The culture is characterized by lush inflorescences of a delicate shade
This geranium variety was obtained from the Swedish nursery Sutarve. The plant belongs to the rosaceous species. It grows rapidly, but at the same time retains a compact structure.
The color of the crop petals depends on the growing conditions. With limited illumination, the petals become white. If the flower is in a sunny place, it becomes pale pink with a red border. The center of each bud is dark salad. There are delicate petals around.
According to the description, April Snow pelargonium is characterized by the following features:
- dense and lush inflorescences that include a large number of buds;
- different shades of petals - white, light green, pink;
- lush and low bush;
- tricolor buds;
- light emerald leaves of large size.
Bushes are compact in size
Features of growing this variety
Pelargonium April snow must be pinched. Otherwise, the stem of the culture will begin to stretch upward. With proper formation, the bush will become lush and neat.
It is recommended to use special soil for planting. It can be purchased at a flower shop. Before carrying out planting work, it is recommended to disinfect the ground - to bake it in the oven or pour it with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
How to care for April snow at home
In order for April Snow Pelargonium to develop normally and bloom magnificently, it must be properly looked after.
Illumination and temperature conditions
Culture needs bright and diffused lighting. In winter, there may be a need for additional lighting.
Almost all varieties of pelargonium require high temperatures. At the same time, + 17-18 degrees is enough for the April Snow culture. In winter, the parameters should be + 12-15 degrees at all.
Watering rules and humidity
The plant needs systematic moistening of the soil. Moreover, it should be moderate. The culture has delicate roots. With an excess of moisture, there is a risk of decay processes.
The need for watering is reduced in such situations:
- growing in a plastic container;
- state of winter dormancy;
- first week after transplant;
- decrease in temperature parameters, winter period of time;
- high humidity, lack of sufficient lighting;
- insufficient ventilation in the room.
In any case, the shrub should be watered at the root. To better moisten the soil, it is recommended to pour water into the pan. It is forbidden to allow excess moisture. This must be controlled by the condition of the soil. If it is dry at a depth of 1 cm, the soil should be watered.
Top dressing and soil quality
For fertilizing pelargonium, it is recommended to use combined formulations. They are sold in all flower shops. You need to make top dressing only in the summer. This should not be done in winter.
Flower container size
The culture does not require a large capacity. The faster the plant develops, the more space it requires. Therefore, the transplant is carried out in a looser pot.
Pruning and replanting
It is recommended to form the bush systematically. In this case, you should cut and pinch the shoots. The plant should be pruned in late February or early March. As it develops, the overgrown shoots should be shortened.
The plant must be properly pruned, taking into account the basic rules of the procedure.
Before transplanting, the soil must be disinfected. This can be done in different ways:
- calcine in the oven or in a frying pan;
- to freeze;
- water the ground with a solution of potassium permanganate;
- pour fungicides over the soil.
To transplant a crop, it must be removed from the old pot, shaken off the soil and moved to a larger container.
Features of flowering plants
Pelargonium April Snow is distinguished by its lush flowering, which is why it has become very popular all over the world.
- A period of activity and rest
Pelargonium of this variety is capable of blooming almost all year round. That is why it is popular with many flower growers.
- Types and shape of flowers
In one bud, 3 flowers appear, resembling roses. Up to 20 buds can be present on 1 bush.
Pelargonium has a lush flowering and high decorativeness.
Flower reproduction methods
April Snow is a pelargonium that reproduces well by cuttings. You can also use the seed method. The procedure is carried out in the spring. This should be done with the arrival of heat. It will take a certain time for the culture to take root.
Seed propagation
First you need to prepare and disinfect the soil. It should have a loose consistency. The seeds of the plant must be rubbed in the palms and soaked twice. First, they should be immersed in a solution of potassium permanganate for 1 hour. After that, keep the same period of time in the growth stimulator.
Then you need to make small indentations in the ground. Their size should be 0.3 mm. A distance of 5-6 cm must be observed between the holes. Place seeds in the holes obtained and thoroughly water the soil. Then cover the container with glass or foil. It needs to be ventilated daily.
Geranium can be propagated by seed
Propagation by cuttings
A simpler and more affordable way of breeding pelargonium is considered to be cuttings. Before carrying out planting work, the soil should certainly be disinfected.
Cuttings 7-8 cm in size should be cut from the shoots of healthy bushes. It is advisable to clean them of all leaves and dry them in the air for several hours.After that, place the plant in moist soil.
Almost all varieties of pelargonium are kept in water before rooting. However, when propagating the April Snow variety, this is strictly prohibited. Water will cause rotting and death of the cuttings. Therefore, it immediately needs to be rooted in the ground.
Growing problems, diseases and pests
Pelargonium hardly tolerates excess moisture. Therefore, when watering, you need to control the volume of water. Excess fluid provokes the development of fungal infections. In addition, the culture can be affected by viruses. Dry and yellow leaves are considered a key symptom of such pathologies.
With the development of diseases, the leaves become stained and turn yellow.
With the development of a fungal infection, it is recommended to remove the foliage and treat the culture with fungicides. After that, it needs to be fed and transplanted into a new soil. If the culture is severely damaged, it will not be possible to rectify the situation. You can try to cut healthy branches, treat them with an antifungal drug and grow a new bush.
Pests practically do not infect this culture. It has an intense scent that repels parasites.
Pelargonium April snow is popular with many flower growers. This culture can be kept in a wide variety of conditions. To avoid problems when growing a plant, you need to establish an irrigation regime and fertilize in a timely manner. Treatment of bushes from diseases is of no small importance.
