Before getting to the essence of the article, I want to say a few words about the name of the plant shown above. Many growers call it geranium, which is actually not true. This is pelargonium - a potted indoor perennial with palm leaves and lush inflorescences. It is about him that will be discussed in this short article.
Pelargonium cannot be called a demanding plant, but it needs a lot of light and warmth for a healthy appearance and abundant flowering. The flower prefers loamy fertile soil and does not tolerate drafts at all. Pelargonium should be watered with warm, settled water. To add decorative effect, the plant is regularly fed with complex fertilizers. In winter, the flower should be removed from the heating devices and, preferably, supplemented with a phytolamp.
Why pinch pelargonium
One of the important stages of caring for pelargonium is the regular pinching of the tops of the shoots, the timely removal of faded (thickening) brushes, as well as pruning of excess leaves. This complex of procedures not only forms the correct crown of the plant, but also provides an incentive for decorative dense flowering. Another important goal of thinning is to create living space for young shoots.
How to pinch pelargonium
The first pinching of a young plant is carried out already at the stage of 3-4 leaves, but no later than 6-8 leaves. The procedure is carried out with sharp scissors treated with alcohol or with clean hands. In the latter case, you need to have long nails, otherwise you can severely damage the plant. Gently remove the very tips of the stem (growth points). In the place where the pelargonium was pinched, several young shoots will soon appear.
An adult pelargonium is pinched as excess lateral shoots appear. The optimal time for the procedure is the end of winter (February) and the beginning of spring (March).
Read also on my website -Fertilizing indoor flowers with hydrogen peroxide in winter
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