Do you like geraniums and want to have many? It’s simple, cut them! Through this action, you can multiply this plant from a plant fragment, taken from the mother plant. In the case of geraniums, you can make it from a stem! Find out how in this article.
Pelargonium, also called garden geranium, is a flowering plant, characterized by its summer flowering, in different colors. If you have a geranium at home, you can multiply it to have other beautiful colored flowers! For this you will need only one rod!
garden geraniums. source: spm
When to take geranium cuttings?
Do you enjoy the summer? Pelargonium too! The best time to take pelargonium or balcony geranium cuttings is in summer, at the end of July or August. During this period, the soil temperature is favorable for the growth of new roots, from the cuttings taken. In fact, the summer sun favors the rooting of the cuttings of this flowering plant. Also, geranium is a perennial plant, native to South Africa. This herbaceous plant appreciates sunny exposures and only develops at temperatures above 13°C. You can also take your cuttings in spring, when the vegetation sprouts again.
Also read: 4 indoor plants that eliminate moisture and avoid the risk of mold at home
Where to cut to make pelargonium cuttings?
To take cuttings, first choose a hardy geranium that is not damaged;
Then, cut a stem 10 to 20 cm long with a pruner. Of course, your scissors must be sanitized and the cut must be made above a knot. The latter means the point of union or intersection of a leaf on a stem;
The stem taken and that will serve as a cutting must have a maximum of 5 leaves. Do not stay with the large leaves that are towards the base, and also remove the buds, since they can weaken the future plant. A bud is a small body that evolves to give rise to a flower, a stem, or a leaf.
Geraniums. source: spm
After taking the stem, these are the steps to get a new geranium plant.
- Apply rooting hormone to the stem. To do this, dip the end of the stem in water, before immersing it in the envelope containing the rooting hormone. Water allows dust to easily adhere to the cut. Lightly tap the stem to remove excess. Rooting hormone, either chemical or natural, is effective for cuttings. This is used for:
- promote healing of cuts
- promote the development of new roots and accelerate rooting
- prevent disease development
Rooting hormone. source: spm
- After applying the rooting hormone, take a bucket and fill it with a special rooting soil, or prepare your own soil by mixing peat with sand. Avoid using a plastic bucket, so you can place your pot directly in the ground when transplanting. Then a biodegradable cup is preferred.
- Then water the soil;
- Wait for the soil to absorb the water well, then make a hole in the center;
- Plant the stem and tamp down the soil;
- All you have to do is place your pot in partial shade. Exposure to direct sunlight can dry out the plant. Don’t forget to water your plant regularly.
Keep in mind that to obtain abundant geraniums, you can plant up to 3 cuttings in the same pot, as long as it is large.
Also read: How to prepare roses for winter? Maintenance and care to know
Don’t want to root your plant using rooting hormone? No problem ! Test geranium cuttings in water.
This technique, on the other hand, requires you to pay attention to the appearance of the roots, to prevent them from rotting. The method is simple:
- Place its healthy and clean stem in a glass full of water;
- Add a small piece of charcoal to the glass or jar. This will protect the roots from rotting;
- Change the water regularly.
Little by little you will see roots appear. When they reach a minimum of 3 cm, transplant your cuttings into potting soil.
Using a stem, you’ll be able to multiply your geranium, at a lower cost, and enjoy fragrant and colorful summer blooms, even if you don’t have a green thumb!
Also read: How to set up a Japanese garden at home?
