Geranium is a flower known to almost every person. Inflorescences of an unusual shape and a wide palette of shades will decorate any home or office. There are many varieties of culture that differ not only in color, but also in the shape of the leaves and the size of the plant itself.
Tulip-shaped geranium - what kind of flower it is, to which family it belongs
The flower belongs to the geranium family. Tulip-like varieties have several differences from ordinary geraniums. Inflorescences of the species consist of numerous flowers that look like tiny tulips.
Tulip-shaped geranium
On a note! There is a misconception that tulip geraniums are very difficult to care for. Florists prove the opposite. Observance of elementary rules of care will allow to preserve the individual characteristics of the species.
Brief description, history of origin and selection
Tulip geranium was bred by breeders. The first mention of the species was found in the editorial office of a horticultural magazine, published in 1966 in Boston. In Europe, geranium first appeared only after 10 years. Florists believe that this species was obtained as a result of a natural mutation of other varieties.
Varieties of indoor plants with names that look like
There are many varieties of tulip-shaped pelargonium that can be grown both at home and in the garden. Varietal varieties can have different colors and leaf shapes.
Patricia Andrea
Small flowers of a red-pink hue and dark green leaves are the hallmarks of this variety. The outer part of the petal has white veins.
Variety Patricia Andrea
Red pandora
Red Pandora Pelargonium is of medium size. Inflorescences of this geranium consist of a large number of pink-colored petals with red, pronounced veins. The velvety stem and leaves are painted dark green. With timely top dressing, pelargonium Red Pandora can grow up to one meter.
Geranium Red Pandora
Conny
The most dense inflorescences of this variety are collected in a ball. Pink flowers look like an unopened bud. The petals inside are darker, and the pink outside has dark streaks.
Conny Flowers
Pelargonium Emma fran Bengtsbo
Pelargonium Emma fran Benstigo or Bengsbo - the most spectacular and elegant variety of flower. The plant has long and sharp buds. Pelargonium Emma is painted in light pink and has a pastel shade. The green leaves are velvety.
For many years this variety of culture has been the most demanded, albeit expensive. Only in the pelargonium of the Emma tulip cultivar, the size of the bush can vary from 40 to 60 cm.
Geranium emma
Herma
Herma Pelargonium is the smallest representative of the species. The flowers of the plant are orange-red in a very lush inflorescence, which can consist of 30-40 flowers. Sheet plates have carved edges and a light green tint.
Pelargonium Herm
Marbacka tulpan
A distinctive feature of the variety is beautiful creamy pink flowers. Terry inflorescences externally resemble a rose. Varietal feature - low peduncles and green leaves covered with hairs.
Note! This is the most capricious of the tulip-shaped varieties of geranium. He categorically does not tolerate drafts and open air.
Flowering Geranium Marbacka Tulpan
How to care for geraniums at home
Caring for tulip-like varieties is identical to the rules for caring for ordinary geranium. Compliance with temperature, lighting and watering are the most important aspects of growing a beautiful healthy flower.
Illumination and temperature
Geraniums require diffused light. When exposed to direct sunlight, the plant will inevitably receive burns. In winter, daylight should be at least 12 hours, phytolamps are great for this. The elongated stem and unhealthy appearance of the plant are the main signs of insufficient illumination of pelargonium.
In summer, during flowering, the air temperature should be kept at +22 degrees, and in winter it can be reduced to +14 degrees.
Watering rules and humidity
Home care for tulip-shaped geraniums implies timely watering of the plant. The flower is extremely sensitive to excess moisture. At elevated temperatures, watering is carried out no more than 3 times a week, in winter - 1 time in 7 days. The lack of watering can be determined by the presence of brown spots on the lower leaves of the tulip-shaped geranium.
Advice! The use of expanded clay tray to drain excess water will protect the plant from overmoistening.
Top dressing and soil quality
Pelargonium tulip is very sensitive to excess fertilizer. The plant instantly grows and practically ceases to bloom. In spring and summer, liquid fertilizers containing potassium and phosphorus must be applied to the soil. Frequency of top dressing - twice a month.
Types of fertilizers for geraniums
Flower Tank Size
Clay or wooden containers are considered the best capacity for a flower. The size of the pot should be slightly larger than the root system of the plant. The most suitable size for a tulip-shaped geranium pot:
- 15 cm in height;
- 12 cm in diameter.
If it is planned to grow several bushes in one pot at once, then the size of the pot should be proportionally larger.
Attention! Too much capacity will lead to a complete absence of flowers.
Pruning and transplanting
Tulip-shaped geranium is trimmed in spring. During this period, carefully remove the old and too long shoots. After the procedure, the sections are treated with charcoal, and the flower is fed with fertilizers to maintain immunity.
Important! When pruning, at least 5 buds should remain on each branch.
Features of flowering plants
If the rules of care are not followed, the inflorescences change their shape and turn into flowers of ordinary geraniums. To preserve the specifics of the variety, you must adhere to these rules:
- Timely pinching of the shoots will help maintain the bushiness of pelargonium.
- Careful and constant control of the plant should include the removal of dried or wilted flowers.
- When several ordinary flowers appear, they must be cut off.
- Ventilating the room and drafts can destroy the plant.
Period of activity and rest
At the time of active growth, geraniums need to be fed with potash and phosphorus fertilizers.
In winter, the tulip-shaped geranium begins a dormant period. At this time, the flower must be moved to a cool place. The most acceptable temperature is + 10 ... +12 degrees.
Types and shape of flowers
Geranium flowers are painted in a wide variety of colors and are mainly collected in large inflorescences. Each flower of the plant is endowed with several petals, the edges of which can have notches or remain smooth. Inflorescences consist of 20-30 flowers. The name of the species is due to the outward resemblance to tulips. Of the variety of varieties of tulip-shaped geraniums, the most unusual stands out, the flowers of which are more like small roses. Due to this, it is called Pelargonium rosea Emma.
Tulip Flowers
Flower propagation methods
There are two methods for propagating tulip-shaped geraniums: cuttings and seeds. To select a specific method, you should study the description of the reproduction process.
Seed propagation
Winter time is best for propagating geranium seeds. Sowing of seed material is carried out superficially. Greenhouse conditions are a prerequisite for the survival of a flower. When the first leaves appear, a pick is necessary. Only after 50-60 days can young plants be transplanted into pots.
Propagation by cuttings
Apical cuttings for propagation can be used only in the summer. Cutting is carried out on the site. For rooting, at least 3 leaves must remain on the sprout.
Seedlings are lowered into the water until the root system is formed. When the cuttings appear roots, they must be transplanted into a pot. For pelargonium, you need to use nutritious soil. After planting, the plant is placed on the sunniest window sill.
Advice! Inflorescences on cuttings before planting must be removed.
Growing problems, diseases and pests
Geranium is not protected from disease. The main signs of ailments of a flower:
- The appearance of white circles on geranium leaf plates. This is the first sign of rust.
- Gray loose spots on the bottom of the sheet. This symptom indicates infection with gray mold.
- The stems and leaves acquire an unhealthy red hue if the flower is frozen.
Signs of Geranium Disease
Most often, pelargonium is affected by the following pests:
- butterfly whitefly;
- spider mite;
- powdery worm.
Remember! When the first signs of the disease appear, it is urgent to conduct treatment.
How to deal with them
Upon the invasion of any harmful insects, treatment with a soapy solution or spraying with insecticides will help save the plant. The most effective remedies:
- Fitoverm;
- Fufa Nova;
- Actara.
New generation products perfectly protect flowers not only as a preventive measure, but even during the period of illness. If signs of disease are detected, it is imperative to remove all infected leaves.
Pelargonium tulip
The tulip-shaped subspecies of geranium requires care and attention, but following all the rules will invariably allow you to grow a beautiful flower with the most abundant flowering. Huge caps of inflorescences of this amazing species will not leave anyone indifferent.
