What to Add to Water When Watering Geraniums
The garden geranium, scientifically known as pelargonium, is a perennial plant with evergreen foliage that flowers from April to October. These vibrant flowers come in various colors, including white, pink, red, and purple. To enjoy spectacular blooming even in winter, here’s what you can add to the water when watering your geraniums.
3 Natural Fertilizers for Abundant Flowering
To stimulate the flowering of geraniums and achieve beautiful blooms year-round, consider these natural additions to your watering routine:
1. Iodine for Blooming Geraniums
To encourage blooming, dilute one drop of medical iodine in 1 liter of room-temperature water. Water each plant with about 50 ml of this solution every two weeks during the growth period.
- Key Points:
- Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent root burn.
- Moisten the soil a day prior to application.
Iodine is beneficial for geraniums as it provides essential nutrients, promotes faster stem growth, and increases the number of flower buds. Additionally, it acts as an antiseptic for the soil, protecting roots from rot, fungi, and pests such as whiteflies and red spiders.
2. Banana Peels for Flowering Promotion
Banana peels are an excellent natural fertilizer for geraniums. To use them:
- Cut the banana peels into pieces.
- Soak them in boiling water in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days in a dark place.
- Filter the solution and mix it equally with the water used for watering geraniums.
You can also bury pieces of banana peel in the soil, where they decompose slowly and release essential nutrients.
3. Milk to Stimulate Flowering
Milk is another effective nutrient for promoting geranium flowering. To prepare:
- Dilute 100 ml of milk in 1 liter of water and water your geraniums with this mixture.
For optimal results, consider using a special geranium fertilizer in addition to regular watering, especially if the plants are exposed to full sun.
How to Successfully Water Geraniums
Geraniums require regular and copious watering, especially from March to October during their vegetative growth period. However, be cautious of overwatering, which can lead to root rot and yellowing foliage.
- Tips:
- Water only when the soil is dry on the surface.
- Remove any excess water from pots or saucers.
- During winter, reduce watering initially and then stop completely as the plant enters dormancy.
By adding simple ingredients to the water for your geraniums, you create a liquid fertilizer that not only nourishes your plants but also provides the humidity they need to stimulate flowering, resulting in beautiful, vibrant blooms.
