Geranium: what does a medicinal plant growing on a window look like, a description and photo of a flower, why is its second name a crane?

Geranium is a flowering plant that needs little care. The beauty of the geranium depends on the care of the flower grower, as well as how bright and magnificent its inflorescences will be. For 200 years of growing geraniums as a houseplant, different varieties were bred. Red, pink, white inflorescences are now available, which will become an adornment of a city apartment or summer cottage.

This flower grows in South Africa, so it is not very comfortable in our climate. But, if you try very hard, you can easily grow one or another variety in your house or in a summer cottage.

What it is?

Geranium is an annual type of herbaceous plant whose stems reach a height of 50 cm. Its leaves are bright, green. And, as for the flowers, they are very beautiful, large, have a mint and lemon aroma. On them there is a drawing - a border of a white shade.

Many people love geraniums, as they are not particularly fastidious, but they are very beautiful. In the wild, it is found in Europe and the Caucasus. In order for the plant to have excellent growth, it is important to loosen and water the soil. But in no case should stagnation of water be allowed. Geranium blossom is very beautiful. on a thin stalk there are umbrellas from flowers similar to a human palm. If there is not enough light, the plant itself reduces flowering.

Below you can watch the video:

About how geranium and pelargonium differ, as well as their types, read in this article.

Why is the second name a crane and what other plant names are there?

What is the name of geranium? Translated from Greek, geranium is a stork. This is due to the fact that the shape of the fruit of the plant is somewhat unusual. The Germans call her stork nose, and the British call her crane. As for the Bulgarians, they call the plant a health resort. Such a flower has the meaning of a home doctor, since it cures many diseases.
Starting a conversation about the differences from pelargonium, we can say that these flowers cannot be crossed with each other. This is due to different genetic characteristics.

Tip. Pelargonium came from southern countries. Such a plant is resistant to frost, it can bloom at a temperature of 12 degrees. But for wintering, it is better to transfer it to the conditions of the greenhouse.

What does it look like?

Crane grass can have not only different names, but also appearance: some varieties have a motley color, while others are more delicate. Flowers in their form are rose-like, in the form of buds, simple and double.

Views with title, description and photo

To choose the right variety, it is important to consider the groups and description by which pelargoniums are divided. Below you can see pictures and photos of the types of home plants.

Fringed

It differs in the characteristic color of the leaves. They are dark green and have brown stripes around the edges. This variety is considered to be "grandmother", as it has become very widespread. There are simple, double and semi-double flowers. Depending on the complexity, the number of petals varies.

Ivy

This type of pelargonium is ampelous. It produces many shoots, so it is planted in hanging pots. It must be taken into account that the lashes can reach 1 meter in length. This variety is glossy, smooth. Leaves are similar to an ivy plant.

Angel

The variety refers to ampelous. The flower looks like a viola and looks great in a panicle.

Fragrant

This species has volatile leaves in its leaves, which are responsible for the production of aroma. The smell coming from the plant is very strong, especially when you touch it. In appearance, it is not too attractive. Development is fast, so you need to pinch it often.

Royal

This species is characterized by the most beautiful flowers. They gather in rounded inflorescences, reaching 7 cm in diameter. Flower caps are very large, and color may vary.

Unique

A unique variety has beautiful flowers with patterns and veins. The leaves are decorative, a pleasant aroma comes from them.

Dwarf (miniature)

It looks like a small bush that does not need pruning. The shape of the flower may be different.

Beneficial features

All peoples use geraniums as a natural stimulant. It can neutralize the poison, helps get rid of headaches and stress. The smell soothes and relieves nervous tension. The essential oils of this flower are considered one of the most healing.

Geranium is popular among many healers and doctors, therefore it can be used with:

Rheumatism and gout. Warm compresses will help get rid of pain and relieve inflammatory processes.
Pain in the ears. Apply flower oil, which is instilled with a sore ear.
High blood pressure. In the process of preparing the infusion, it is important to observe a certain proportion. 1 cup of geranium root accounts for one glass of boiling water.
With insomnia. You need to drink an infusion of leaves of the plant. It will also help calm the nervous system.
With gastritis. They use a decoction of geranium, which has a relaxing property. For its preparation use 1 tbsp. spoon of geranium leaves, which are poured with boiling water.
With diarrhea and colic. The decoction is used the same as in the previous recipe.
With skin diseases. It is necessary to knead a sheet of geranium, then attach it to the affected area.
In case of headache, apply oil from the flowers to the whiskey.
To treat a purulent wound, a sheet of geranium is applied, which is fixed with a bandage.
With a cold, a few drops of oil dripped into the nose will be an excellent remedy.

Reference. Indoor geranium is an excellent remedy for stress, insomnia and nervousness. To use its medicinal properties, you need to make decoctions and infusions, as well as squeeze the juice from the leaves. By itself, the aroma calms and also helps people who have suffered a stroke.

Breeding

Geranium can be propagated in two ways - by seed or vegetatively. Each species has good fruiting. When the fruits ripen, the seeds spread across the field. Having collected them, you can immediately sow them in the ground. The best time to plant is winter, as the soil has already passed through frosts. Seedlings are planted in the nursery. When the bushes form they are transplanted into the flower garden.

The easiest way to propagate is dividing the bush. But it is not suitable for all types. In summer, the plant easily shakes off the roots from the soil, and after which the gardener analyzes their condition. Rotten and dried out will not give good growth.

Care

In order for the geranium to grow, it is important to make the right flower garden. In May, before the appearance of new leaves, be sure to weed. Also, it will not be amiss to add ash and fertilizers. Subsequent care consists of regular watering. If the inflorescences wither, you need to cut off the shoots. The leaves of the plant do not winter, and some species need garters.

Read more about caring for geraniums here.

Growing in the house

To grow geraniums at home on the window, you will not need much effort. A plant needs moderately fertile soil. It is important to create an excellent drainage layer, and watering should be done as the soil dries. The plant does not need spraying. He needs dry air, so a good solution would be to take geraniums to the balcony.

On hot days, the plant can be covered from the sun. The temperature in the summer should be about 15 degrees. You need to fertilize the flower 2 times a month from March to November. A good top dressing will be a solution of iodine per liter of water. After that, flowering will be not only beautiful, but also plentiful.

Important. Geranium does not like transplants, the plant does not need them. But, when the root begins to crawl out of the drain hole, you can carry out such a procedure. Do not use too large a capacity for growing.

How to grow on the street?

You can plant a flower on the street only when the soil warms up to 15 degrees. The place you choose should be well lit. The soil is necessarily porous and moderately fertile. I must say that too heavy clay soil is not suitable for geraniums.

Before planting, be sure to add peat, perlite and some compost. Geranium will bloom very well if there is not much fertilizer. When planting a plant, be sure to make furrows for irrigation. It must be produced very carefully, avoiding the formation of rot on the roots. Wilting can be observed with a large amount of water. Leaves and flowers that have faded should be removed.

If this is not done, a fungus begins to form on them. It can affect both leaves and shoots. A good solution is to spray fungicides to maintain the appearance and health of geraniums.

You will find more nuances of growing geraniums at home and outdoors here.

Diseases and Pests

Geranium is a plant resistant to diseases and pests, but if it is not properly maintained, it can become powdery mildew or brown spotted. To protect the plant from such a fate, it is important to immediately remove the affected leaves until the disease has spread throughout the flower.

Important. Fungal diseases do not have a large impact on health status.

Also she may be subject to such diseases:

Blackleg. It appears as a darkening of the trunk at the base. The ground part is responsible for the yellow leaves. Red spots begin to appear on them, as a result of which they can begin to fall. For this disease, the favorite medium is too heavy soil.
Verticillin wilt. Such a disease is also called a fungus. It affects not the plant itself, but the soil. Stains begin to appear on the leaves. Because the disease spreads slowly, if detected as early as possible, geraniums can be saved. You can transplant using new soil.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is worth noting that geranium is an excellent plant that will decorate a house or garden. If you take into account all the subtleties of caring for him, then problems with the cultivation should not arise. It is necessary to take care of good soil in advance, to fertilize 2 times a month and adhere to the watering schedule. In just a few years you will be able to admire such a beautiful, original and fragrant plant that you have grown with your own hands.