Are your geraniums slow to flower? However, their rooting is not that complicated. A banana peel and a plastic bottle will do the trick. Quickly discover this tip to obtain the first lush leaves and very beautiful flowering in just three months.
Geraniums or pelargoniums are wonderful ornamental plants with colorful flowers that will look great on your terraces or balconies. But, many people think that it is difficult to root them. However, the simplest way to proceed is to shoot from the side and use stem cuttings that are not too tender. Quite easy to maintain, your geraniums however require some special attention to shine throughout the summer. A little help? Bet on bananas to enjoy abundant flowering!
How to root geraniums by cuttings?
First, cut the lower leaves of the cuttings: the cut should be made diagonally so that the cutting, which is without roots, can absorb as many nutrients as possible.
Take a banana and cut it into small pieces, taking care to keep the skin on. Each piece should be approximately 1.5-2 cm high. Then plant the cuttings directly into the banana, this will help the roots grow quickly. The first buds will soon appear.
Once the cuttings in the banana have grown their first roots, move them into the pot with the banana. Make a separate hole for each of them so that the banana fits well. The distance between the cuttings should be approximately 10 cm. Cut out a plastic bottle and cover the planted geraniums with it. The moisture in the banana will give the root system a good base to grow.
Remove the bottle as soon as you see the appearance of lush leaves. After 3 months, the geranium will begin to bloom.
Principles of successful geranium cultivation
The place should be sufficiently bright and sunny. In fall and winter, find a place where it is cooler and the temperature is between 10 and 15°C. If you leave your geraniums on a balcony in summer, they will need plenty of humidity. You must therefore water them daily, although these plants can go several days without water.
Also fertilize them regularly and abundantly, especially between late spring and early fall. The best way is to spray the plants with a highly diluted mixture from good compost. In winter, leave geraniums dormant, that is, limit watering and fertilizing. Remember, they always tolerate dry soil better than excessive watering.
When do geraniums bloom?
Geranium needs a lot of sun to improve its flowering. The best time for it to bloom profusely is in spring and summer. It can be placed in full sun or partial shade, always ensuring that it receives good sunlight and, at the same time, protection during the hottest hours of the day. Be careful, too much shade can cause the plant to have fewer flowers. To keep it indoors, it is better to place it next to a window to benefit from sunlight.
Why don’t geraniums bloom?
So that you can appreciate the beauty of these flowers you must take into account these two recommendations:
- As they are plants from warm regions, they need good lighting, at least between six and seven hours a day. Whether you grow it in a pot or in the garden, always place it in a sunny location. In winter or in very cold areas, protect the plant by placing it inside the house, but if it cannot be moved, find a place next to a wall and cover it with plastic with holes.
- Proper pruning is another way to achieve good flowering. To do this, you need to remove dry shoots and wilted flowers every week, with pruning shears or with your hands. Remove yellow or dry bits as soon as you see them in the potting soil or on the stem itself. Prune from below so that new flowers can grow properly.
