How to properly use iodine to fertilize geraniums

The incredible popularity of geranium can easily be explained by its ease of care, long flowering time and rich coloring. By following the basic rules, you can enjoy the fabulous flowering of this homemade beauty from early spring days until late winter. Fertilizing plays an important role in plant care. For example, fertilizing a crop with regular iodine stimulates abundant flowering. How to prepare fertilizer with iodine and peroxide to feed geraniums and water them correctly?

What is geranium iodine for?

The number of flowers will increase if you feed the plant with magnesium sulfate a couple of times during the summer.
But most gardeners choose a different method. They mix two components: regular iodine purchased at the pharmacy and hydrogen peroxide. With a solution of three elements (the third is water), geraniums that are weakened or do not want to bloom are watered once every 7 days.

The described solution is very useful for indoor flowers. It significantly strengthens the root system. Strong roots provide the plant with nutrition, which is immediately visible: the leaves become larger and their color is brighter.

It is impossible not to notice how the appearance of the flower changes:

• its colors are saturated;
• the appearance of ovaries accelerates;
• the number of buds increases;
• flowers become larger;
• the flowering period is extended.

Like real “living water”, the mixture works wonders. It destroys bacteria that appear on the plant, helps to overcome diseases, and protects the root system from rotting. A flower fertilized with iodine is transformed, showing all its advantages, all the brightness of its colors, all its tenderness and irresistibility.

You should not use this fertilizer too often. If the plant is doing well, you can be content with regular watering.

When and why do you need to feed a plant?

Healthy geraniums, subject to a comfortable temperature regime and regular feeding with nutritional complexes, bloom often and profusely. If any of these conditions are not met, the flower may not bloom for years.

A lack of nutrients makes the flower weak, vulnerable, and it stops producing buds. The pet is starting to get sick. This is reflected in its appearance - the leaves will become pale and lethargic, and will grow more slowly. In a neglected situation, the leaves may dry out and fall off. If appropriate measures are not taken in time, then your favorite flower will be left with a bare trunk.

To prevent burns on the roots, be sure to water the soil before fertilizing.

If the geranium has been in the sun for a long time, it is better not to fertilize it. Extreme heat is stressful for a houseplant. Move the flower to a shady place for at least an hour. The slightly rested pet should then be watered and only then should fertilizer be applied.

How to prepare fertilizer?

Medical iodine is used as plant fertilizer - an alcohol solution of iodine 5%. The recipe for preparing the solution is simple: add one drop of iodine to a liter of water and mix thoroughly. It is advisable to use settled or rainwater.

Iodine cannot be used in its pure form for watering geraniums. For very weakened flowers, you can increase the iodine concentration to 3 drops.

Watering

Here's how to properly water a flower:

1. Prepare the solution.
2. Water the soil with plain water.
3. About an hour after the water has soaked into the soil, gradually pour in the iodine solution.

Pour the iodine solution as close to the side wall of the pot as possible. On average, one flower pot requires 50 ml of solution.

Frequent fertilizing with iodine can damage the root system. It is advisable to carry out such watering no more than once a month. if something went wrong...

Iodine fertilizer often ends up on the foliage of the plant.

If you do not pay attention to this and do not take action, the leaves will wither and dry out.

Attention! If a solution with iodine gets on the leaves, you must immediately remove it with a soft cloth.

An excess of iodine can negatively affect the indoor beauty - lead to its violent flowering and the appearance of yellow buds and leaves.

Even novice gardeners can achieve abundant and beautiful flowering of geraniums.

It is important not to forget about feeding the plant. Such a valuable microelement as iodine is an excellent activator of the life processes of indoor plants

But it is worth remembering that the flower requires not only watering with a solution of iodine, but also fertilizing with mineral fertilizers.

Do you want to learn more about growing geraniums at home and in the open ground? Read articles from our experts on how to properly trim and pinch a plant, how to choose soil and pot, and also learn tips for caring for a flower in the winter.

How to prepare the solution?

To prepare the nutritional mixture you will need :

• hydrogen peroxide (there is no need to stock up on the composition, you will definitely find it in your home medicine cabinet);
• iodine;
• settled water at room temperature;
• syringe or pipette for precise determination of components;
• container with a lid for mixing components.

The need for water is 1 liter, iodine - 0.6 ml, and hydrogen peroxide - 1 ml.

Proportions must not be violated! An excess of components will only harm the flower.

In the absence of a graduated instrument (beaker, syringe, pipette), the dose can be determined in drops. There are 23 drops in 1 ml of hydrogen peroxide, and 48 drops in 1 ml of iodine. Using simple calculations, we obtain the required number of iodine drops: 48 x 0.6: 1 = 28.8 drops.

Properly measured ingredients should be mixed thoroughly until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. If iodine is used without hydrogen peroxide, then there will be only one drop per liter of water. It is very important not just to water the flower with a nutrient solution, but to do it correctly. Otherwise, you can cause significant harm to the plant.

It's easy to remember the rules. First, the lower dried leaves are removed from the plant, allowing access to the ground. At the second stage, the nutrient solution is prepared. After this, the earth is loosened and thoroughly moistened. Thorough hydration does not mean watering with a large volume of water, but waiting for the poured liquid to be completely absorbed.

After thoroughly preparing the soil, fertilizing with a solution of iodine and hydrogen peroxide is applied. The dose of solution per plant is no more than 50 ml. If the solution is poured onto dry soil, the roots of the flower will be damaged. They will literally burn from the caustic “drink.”

Watering should be done carefully, avoiding drops of solution getting on the leaves. If a few drops do fall on green vegetation, they should be blotted up immediately with a soft cloth or napkin. And then it is advisable to rinse the sheet with water. Untreated leaves dry out and fall off.

Description of the plant

This is an annual and perennial plant.
The height of the stems reaches 50 cm. The leaves are bright dark green. The flowers of the plant are very beautiful and large. In some types of geraniums they are collected in inflorescences. The leaves of the plant have a refreshing, mint and lemon aroma. The leaves have a pattern, presented in the form of a white border or stripes of various colors. Geranium is distinguished by incredibly beautiful flowering. Umbrellas of flowers are concentrated on a thin stem, and the leaves look like a human palm. If there is not enough lighting for geraniums, then its flowering decreases, and the leaves and flowers become faded.

Similarities and differences between species

Both flowers belong to the Geraniaceae family. The total number of species studied is about eight hundred. Externally, the flowers are very similar, however, research shows obvious differences. The main evidence is the impossibility of crossing. The biggest difference is in the areas where the plants grow. Pelargonium is a heat-loving flower; it is comfortable in southern lands and warm apartments. Geranium is more cold-resistant and unpretentious, capable of growing at low temperatures in the forests and meadows of the northern hemisphere. It grows well in gardens and parks and does not require shelter for the winter.

The stems and leaves of the plants are the same, but the flowers are different.

In geraniums they are formed by five or eight single petals; they are rarely collected in inflorescences. Pelargonium is distinguished by the corolla of the flower: two larger petals protrude upward, three smaller ones are located below. The flowers themselves form into large inflorescences. There are also differences in color. For example, geranium does not have a scarlet color, and pelargonium cannot have bluish tints.

So, geranium is a garden plant, pelargonium is an indoor plant. Since the first name is most often used, we will not deviate from it. We will talk about an indoor flower, although we will call it by both “names”.

What fertilizers are needed for lush flowering of geraniums?

For abundant flowering, pelargonium needs to be fed with mineral fertilizers. One-component fertilizers required:

Nitrogen promotes the growth of the vegetative part of the plant - stem, leaves, roots. It is used in the first months of spring. Phosphorus is required for the formation of buds. Its lack slows down the process. Potassium increases endurance. With its deficiency, growth stops.

When the buds open, reduce the amount of nitrogen and increase the amount of potassium. You can also use complex fertilizers, which contain many minerals. Benefits for geranium:

These minerals are an additional source of strength for its good growth. Thanks to sulfur and magnesium, it will bloom regularly. All substances should be applied in accordance with the attached instructions. Iodine is one of the most necessary elements for pelargonium. It is necessary for lush flowering.

Tips for gardeners:

• Fertilizers in liquid form can only be used after watering, as there is a risk of burning the roots of the plant.
• After adding minerals, the soil under the flower needs to be loosened.
• Pelargonium cannot be fed 2 weeks before transplantation and 1 week after.
• The flower has buds - it cannot be disturbed or moved to another place. This will be stressful for her.
• Sick pelargoniums cannot be fertilized.

There are many ways to feed geraniums at home. The two most famous:

1. with the addition of iodine, peroxide;
2. using pharmaceutical vitamins.

Feeding with iodine and peroxide

Regular iodine from a medicine cabinet can cause vigorous flowering of pelargonium. The process does not take much time, but gives good results. After such fertilizer, the effect can be noticed after 2 – 3 procedures.

How to water geraniums with iodine:

1. It is necessary to moisten the soil in the pot.
2. It is necessary to make a solution. Proportions – 1 drop of iodine per 1 liter of water. You can add 1 ml of hydrogen peroxide to this solution.
3. Watering - along the edges of the walls of the container. Avoid getting liquid on the leaves. For 1 procedure, you can use 50 g of solution.
4. The number of feedings is 1 time every 3 weeks. Frequent use is not recommended - it causes damage to the roots.
5. Time: May - September. This must be done extremely carefully. Excessive amounts of solution components can burn the roots of the flower.

Video: How to feed geraniums with iodine

The water for preparing folk feeding must be settled. Rainwater is ideal.

Vitamins

Fertilizer for geraniums so that they bloom can be purchased at the pharmacy. In addition to iodine, geraniums use B vitamins - B1, B6, B12. This is a folk remedy, one of the budget methods.

In the first months of spring, it needs nitrogen. Vitamins begin to be used closer to June. For one time use 1 ampoule of vitamin per 2 liters of water. Water the flower abundantly. Vitamins are changed every 3 weeks. Pelargonium can bloom well without fertilizers. The main thing is not to overdo it. Excessive amounts of added substances can destroy it. This feeding of pelargonium gives it the opportunity to bloom profusely and strengthens the plant’s defenses.

Organic feeding

Fertilizing of animal or plant origin for geranium is required once every 3 years. If the question arises about how to feed geranium to bloom better, you should give preference to mineral substances.

In order for the geranium to bloom magnificently, you can water it with well-fermented bird droppings (1 liter per 2 buckets of water), cow manure (1 liter per 1 bucket of water). It is not recommended to use fresh manure.

If you have a choice between chicken manure and mullein, it is better to choose the second option - it is more gentle. Lush flowering of geranium is ensured by mineral substances. Almost no organic matter is required.

At the beginning of May, nitrogen is added to the soil, and at the end - complex fertilizers for flowering plants. They use vitamins and increase the volume of potassium and phosphorus fertilizers.

It can tolerate mild drought. But excess moisture will destroy it. Feeding period: March – September. The soil must be moist. At the time of illness, if the plant has stood in the sun for a long time, fertilizers cannot be applied.

Hello, dear readers! I am the creator of the Fertilizers.NET project. I am glad to see each of you on its pages. I hope the information from the article was useful. Always open to communication - comments, suggestions, what else you want to see on the site, and even criticism, you can write to me on VKontakte, Instagram or Facebook (round icons below). Peace and happiness to everyone!

What errors might there be?

It must be remembered that an excess of nutrients and mineral elements is no less harmful than their deficiency. Excessive amounts of fertilizing, exceeding the specified concentration, threatens the loss of young and adult pelargoniums. It is not recommended to feed complementary foods on dry ground.

Fertilizer application should be preceded by protecting plants from the hot rays of the sun.

It is not recommended to feed the rolls more than once. in ten days. The correct selection of the necessary elements and the selection of their optimal concentration will ensure colorful, long-lasting flowering of pelargonium bushes.

Key points to note

Pelargonium, like any other flower, loves some things and doesn’t like others. For example, it grows well in the sun. A light shadow is not a problem for her. She is able to survive slight autumn frosts, but at the same time she loves warmth very much. It needs rare but abundant watering. It cannot do without good drainage in the container where it is planted. If the soil is poor, there will be fewer flowers. Otherwise, there will be a lot of green on the sprout. It cannot do without fertilizer. Do not forget about such a drug as iodine.

In order for the sprout to bloom better, remove the inflorescences that have faded. When fertilizing, be careful. So, without causing harm, you can promote good growth of pelargonium. By following these simple rules, you can ensure a long life for your favorite house flower. This way you can enjoy its flowering for a very long time. This will create a pleasant, cozy atmosphere in your home. After all, beautiful flowers always decorate the interior.

Effect of iodine solution on plants

An iodine-based solution is not only capable of stimulating flowering, accelerating the formation of ovaries, but also helps geraniums actively develop, especially in the spring and autumn.

In addition, this useful microelement improves the absorption of nitrogen by the plant, which in turn has a positive effect on the growth of foliage and strengthens the immunity of geraniums against diseases such as powdery mildew and late blight.

A signal that pelargonium needs feeding is a change in the state of the leaf mass: the leaves become lethargic, begin to dry out, or completely fall off. If urgent measures are not taken, there is a risk that the plant will be left with only a bare stem or, even worse, it will completely wither.

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You can grow geranium from seeds, but I prefer cuttings, which are carried out from mid-February to early March. At this time, it is already necessary to prune geraniums.

After all, geranium is light-loving, but in winter there is little light, and the plant stretches out and becomes not very beautiful. In geraniums you need to trim the bare shoots to the height you need, new branches will come from them.

A drop of iodine - and you won’t recognize your geranium!

Or you can renew geraniums every year by replanting them from new cuttings, as our great-grandmothers did in the old days. For propagation of geraniums, apical cuttings approximately 7 cm long with three or five leaves are suitable.

We cut the cuttings, making an oblique cut under the bud, tear off the lower pair of leaves, dry the cut and the place where the leaves are broken for 2 - 3 hours, so that the cut is covered with a film, and plant immediately in prepared pots with soil, water lightly.

To form a lush bush, we pinch the apical bud. We put it in a bright place, but not in the sun.

Many people simply cut the cuttings and place them in water; I advise you to put activated carbon tablets in a jar of water to prevent rotting. Roots form very quickly. Then they are planted in pots.

You need to take a small pot. Geraniums don’t need a lot of soil. The faster the roots entwine a clod of earth, the faster the plant will bloom, and the smaller the pot, the more abundant the flowering will be. In large pots, the plant may not bloom at all, it doesn’t need it - life is already good, why bother? You can even plant several cuttings in one pot.

To form a beautiful lush bush, pinch the top on the 8-10th leaf, the side shoots on the 6-8th and constantly turn the pot so that the bush is even.

Geranium loves:

- sun (but tolerates light shade);

— warm (but will survive very light autumn frosts);

- not frequent, but abundant watering;

- good drainage in the pot;

- moderately fertile, even poor soil (otherwise there will be a lot of greenery, but few flowers);

- regular feeding;

- removing faded inflorescences to continue flowering.

A very good feeding is iodine water: dissolve 1 drop of iodine in 1 liter of water and pour 50 ml of this composition over the walls of the pot. Don't overdo it so you don't burn the roots! After such watering, the geranium blooms continuously and gorgeously!

If the leaves turn yellow, the reasons may be as follows:

- if only the edges of the leaves dry out, the cause is lack of moisture;

- if the leaves are limp or rotting, the reason is excess moisture.

In summer, geranium loves to live in the fresh air - take it out onto the balcony or into the garden and plant it well in the ground. At first, having experienced the stress associated with a change of place, the geranium will hurt, its leaves may turn yellow and fall off. But then she will delight you with abundant flowering.

The geranium blooms amazingly outside, and the bush grows strongly like never at home. In the sun, sometimes geranium leaves turn pink - this is a normal phenomenon, like a “tan”, the plant is no better or worse from this.

In autumn, when the weather is cool at 10-12 degrees, geraniums “go crazy” from this temperature!

You can keep geraniums outside until frost begins, until the temperature drops to +2 -5 degrees. Then it will need to be cut, transplanted into pots and placed in a cool place (10-12 degrees) for winter hibernation or, gradually accustoming it to higher temperatures, brought into a room where it will continue to bloom.

Onion peel

This is the best natural fertilizer for geraniums and is easy to prepare. They can easily replace or simply supplement the main feeding. Cover the onion peel with water and leave for 1-2 days. Then strain the infusion and water the flower. The proportions are not important - an overdose is not dangerous for the plant.

Onion infusion stimulates the flower's immunity and increases its ability to withstand stress. The product will not allow roots to rot, killing dangerous microflora in the soil. The infusion also protects against diseases and pests.

Pinching and pruning geraniums at home

How to properly pinch pelargonium at home

Pinching (pinching) is the removal of the top part of a plant with young shoots. At the same time, apical growth slows down and branching of the lower lateral shoots is stimulated. Pinching is done with clean fingers.

You need to pinch the plant from the very beginning of its development.

Particularly important for geraniums grown from seeds

Pinching pelargonium

It is done in several stages.

First you need to pin the apical bud of the main shoot above the stem node. The lateral buds located below awaken after this procedure and begin to grow and lengthen.

The next stage is pinching the tops of the ivy-leaved side shoots until the bush takes the desired shape. If you do not do all this at the very beginning of the plant’s growth, then there is a high probability of getting an ugly plant with a long bare stem and a small number of flowers located at the very top.

It is geranium that differs from many flowers in that it produces lateral shoots after the forced awakening of dormant buds into the node, if forced.

How to prune to form lush flowering and fluffy crown?

Pruning is the removal of part of the shoots that have stem nodes.

Autumn pruning is carried out at the end of the growth period. This condition allows the formation of a lush and fluffy crown.

If the flowers were outside in the summer, then they need to be brought into the house before cutting off the indoor pelargonium. Make sanitary pruning, removing damaged, diseased shoots. To ensure good ventilation, shoots directed into the crown should be cut, and the stems should be shortened by a third.

To ensure that the shoots do not interfere with each other after waking up, you need to prepare them and cut them at an angle above the leaf node, which is located outward. A clean, sharp knife or blade is suitable for these purposes.

In winter, geraniums have a dormant period. Frequent watering is reduced and fertilizing is stopped completely. The air temperature should be no more than 10-12 degrees. Water and feed according to recommendations.

Spring pruning comes down to the final formation of the bush. You can start it at the end of February or at the beginning of March. At this time, the active growing season begins. If you are late, the flowering period will be delayed.

Why apply fertilizer?

Feeding is an important process when growing a plant, thanks to which it is saturated with useful components for active growth and flowering.

When applying fertilizing, the season is taken into account:

• in spring and summer, fertilizer is applied once every 2 weeks;
• in winter - do not use fertilizing (it is allowed to add only ½ of the usual dose of stimulants in the middle of the winter months).

Important! The choice of drugs must be taken carefully. The fact is that geranium will not tolerate organic matter.

For its flowering, mineral fertilizers are used, the main ones of which are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

They must be applied in equal proportions, but by the beginning of flowering the dosage of nitrogen decreases, but the concentration of potassium increases.

If it is impossible to apply fertilizers separately, then you should use ready-made mineral subcrusts. They contain additional minerals

Particular attention should be paid to iodine, to which the plant responds with abundant flowering.

You should not apply liquid fertilizers without first watering the soil. Otherwise, the roots will get burned and die. Fertilizers for geraniums must be applied an hour after the main moistening.

When should you feed?

Before you begin fertilizing and considering possible methods, it is worth determining when the plant needs it. This can be determined by the features that are noticeable in their complex manifestation.

If geranium becomes vulnerable to disease, then this is the first signal that it does not have enough nutritional minerals in the soil. Because of this, the flower often gets sick, as there is a lack of nutrients in the body.

But here it is important not to overdo it with feeding. It is unacceptable to apply it too often for geraniums.

You can determine the lack of nutrients by looking at the leaves. They become lethargic, pale, and their growth slows down. If a flower is affected by disease, the leaves begin to dry out. In severe cases of the disease, the leaves fall off.

Geranium will bloom only if two important conditions are met:

• correctly selected temperature mode;
• feeding that contains all the necessary nutrients.

If these conditions are not met, the crop will not bloom for years. There are no buds on geraniums if they are fed incorrectly. In spring, apply fertilizer every 2 weeks, and in summer and autumn - once a month. Before applying fertilizing, you need to water the soil. This will prevent the development of burns on the roots.

You can find out more about when to use fertilizers and what is the best way to feed them here.

What can you use?

Attention. When choosing a fertilizer, you need to take into account that during specific periods of geranium development, different concentrations of minerals in the composition of fertilizing are necessary. If at the beginning of spring the proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium can be equal, then after the growth of green mass the percentage of nitrogen is minimal

During this period, it is necessary to use fertilizers containing potassium and phosphorus, which affect flowering

If at the beginning of spring the proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium may be equal, then after the growth of green mass the percentage of nitrogen is minimal. During this period, it is necessary to use fertilizers containing potassium and phosphorus, which affect flowering.

The next important microelement that is necessary for abundant flowering of geraniums is magnesium sulfate. It is necessary to apply it 2-3 times in the summer so that the flowers acquire a rich color, the number of buds increases, and the flowering period extends.

To stimulate the growth of the crop, you can water it once a week with an iodine solution (1-2 drops per 1 liter of water). The components contained in iodine strengthen the root system, and this has a positive effect on the appearance of geraniums.

You can learn more about how to feed geraniums for lush flowering in this material.

What is used for this?

The choice of fertilizers for geraniums must be approached wisely. The flower does not like organic matter.

For flowering indoor plants, mineral fertilizers such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are used. It is advisable to add them in equal proportions, but by the beginning of flowering the potassium dosage must be increased and the nitrogen concentration reduced.

You can achieve lush, abundant flowering with the help of regular iodine. The elements contained in iodine help strengthen the root system. The main thing is to observe moderation.

You can use ready-made mineral complexes. This is convenient when separate addition of fertilizers is not possible.

Hydrogen peroxide and iodine solution for flowering

Why do you water geraniums using iodine and hydrogen peroxide? This is necessary to eliminate such ailments as bacteria, root rot, and slower crop growth.

Recipe: Thoroughly mix a liter of settled water, 0.6 ml of iodine and 1 ml of hydrogen peroxide.

Before watering, you need to get rid of damaged areas on the leaves and loosen the soil a little.

The importance of proper fertilizer

The right choice of fertilizer for pelargonium is the key to a healthy plant and abundant flowering. Organic fertilizers solve some problems.

Pelargonium needs a complex of minerals such as potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus. The proportion of nitrogen is reduced closer to the flowering period with a simultaneous increase in the amount of potassium. Pelargonium responds well to the addition of iodine before flowering.

When and in what cases is feeding required?

In winter, pelargonium hibernates. For this reason, it does not require additional nutrition. They begin to apply fertilizers in the spring and continue throughout the summer. Applying complex fertilizers 2 times a month will provide the plant with nutrients in full.

Important! Applying fertilizers before watering is prohibited. The roots of the flower will get burned and die

Fertilizer is added after watering one hour later.

Situations in which fertilizing is not carried out:

• in case of flower disease;
• after prolonged exposure to the sun;
• 2 weeks before and a week after the transplant.

What and how to fertilize?

The main purpose of feeding the plant is lush and long-lasting flowering. The use of nitrate, phosphate, potassium and iodine-containing substances will help achieve the goal.

A comprehensive nutritional “diet” includes:

• iron supplements;
• sulfur;
• potassium permanganate;
• magnesium-containing substances;
• calcium.

Ready-made formulations

Fertilizers in finished form are found in dry and liquid form. Preparations from Pokon are popular among flower growers.

When used, the growth and flowering of pelargonium is accelerated. You should not be overzealous with fertilizers that contain a large proportion of nitrogen.

This will lead to abundant foliage growth and the formation of powerful shoots, preventing the onset of the flowering process.

Hydrogen peroxide

Monthly use of hydrogen peroxide:

• disinfects the soil;
• prevents root rotting;
• saturates the soil with oxygen;
• accelerates the formation of buds.

Reference! Dissolve 50 ml of the drug in 2 liters of water. The mixture is used for watering and spraying pelargonium.

Boric acid

The drug will help increase the chlorophyll content in pelargonium and stimulate the flowering process. Fertilizing is carried out during the active growth phase at the rate of 10 g of boric acid per 10 liters of water with the addition of 1 cup of ash.

Formula milk

Adjustment of the volume of pelargonium flowering is carried out by alternating watering with plain water and a milk solution. Prepare a solution of 1/2 cup milk and 1 liter of warm water.

Sugar

Pelargonium responds positively to feeding with sugar. Applying a sugar solution in winter will cause the plant to bloom. The frequency of feeding with sugar is once a week. To obtain a sugar solution, take 2 tablespoons of sugar per 1 liter of water.

Ash

Adding ash disinfects the soil and forms beautiful buds. Top dressing is prepared from 40 grams of ash and 1 liter of water. The frequency of “feeding” is once every two weeks.

Yeast

Dry yeast is diluted in warm water at the rate of 1 gram of the drug, 20 grams of sugar and 1 liter of water. After the start of fermentation, dilute with water in a ratio of 1:5. This feeding will form massive and healthy pelargonium.

Important! Fertilize only in spring. No more than 2 times per season.

What to feed for abundant flowering?

Abundant flowering is promoted by the application of mineral fertilizers:

• nitrogen;
• potash;
• phosphorus;
• iodine

Options for nutrient mixtures to obtain lush and long-lasting flowering:

1. Wood ash and water. A solution of 20 grams of ash and 1 liter of warm water will increase the number of buds.
2. B vitamins. An increase in the number of buds when using vitamins is achieved by alternating fertilizing:
   • the first using B1;

   three weeks later, the second - B6;

3. three weeks later the third was B12.

Prepare a solution from 1 ampoule of vitamin and 1 liter of water. The composition is watered along the edge of the pot, around the root system.

4. Magnesium sulfate solution. Dissolve 1.5 tablespoons of the drug in 10 liters of water.

Iodine

Iodine can ensure vigorous flowering of pelargoniums. Using regular pharmacy iodine will not take much time, and the result will be good. The effect of iodine supplementation is noticeable after 2-3 applications.

Algorithm for using iodine for feeding pelargoniums:

1. Pre-moisten the soil in the pot.
2. Prepare a solution of 1 drop of iodine, 1 ml of hydrogen peroxide and 1 liter of water.
3. Water 50 grams of solution without touching the root system and leaves along the edge of the pot.
4. The frequency of nutrient watering is once every 3 weeks. Increasing feeding will cause damage and death of roots.
5. Start feeding in May and finish in September.

In the video about fertilizing pelargonium with iodine and peroxide:

Why is iodine solution used?

A solution of ordinary iodine has a beneficial effect on the flowering of geraniums - it stimulates it, helps (especially in spring and autumn) the development of the plant, and accelerates the process of ovary formation.

This affordable product, used as a fertilizer for indoor flowers, has great advantages. Iodine promotes better absorption of nitrogen by the plant. As a result, the green mass is actively growing, and the flower’s immunity to various diseases is strengthened.

Geraniums are often affected by various types of fungi, the most popular of which are powdery mildew and late blight. Iodine is an excellent antiseptic and helps get rid of harmful microorganisms.

Major fungal diseases and eggs of various parasites accumulate in the soil. Iodine solutions not only have a beneficial effect on the crop itself, but also help disinfect the soil, fighting various infections.

In addition to the pharmaceutical alcohol composition for fertilizer, you can purchase ready-made Bioiodis fertilizer . The eco-substrate contains beneficial flora in the form of endophyte fungi, vermicompost and microelements, including iodine. If you follow the rules for diluting the drug in the required proportions with water, an overdose is impossible.

Some tips for caring for geraniums

Geranium does not require special care. But you still have to follow a few rules:

1. Watering. It is necessary to ensure that the soil in the pot is always moist. But when planting a flower, be sure to provide a drainage layer. If this is not done, the water will begin to stagnate, which will cause the development of putrefactive processes in the root system and the death of the plant. With insufficient watering, metabolic processes in flower cells do not proceed correctly, and the formation of buds stops.
2. Geraniums need a constant source of ultraviolet light. The lack of sun affects the condition of the flower: the shoots become elongated, the leaves dry out and fall off, and flowering stops. It is recommended to place pots on windowsills on the south side.
3. Temperature changes negatively affect geraniums. The flower's immunity decreases if the plant is in a draft. As a result, the flower begins to hurt and ceases to resist pests.

Symptoms that geranium needs feeding

A lack of certain substances is manifested in the following external signs:

• Due to weakened immunity, the plant begins to get sick. Most often it is affected by rust, late blight or root rot.
• Pale, limp leaves are also a consequence of a lack of beneficial microelements.
• Complete absence of budding.
• Slow growth of geranium and obvious underdevelopment of the flower.

Decay of the species

How to plant geraniums and care for them at home

Geranium is not demanding in terms of self-care.

To plant it, choose a small container. In a large pot, the flower puts all its energy into root growth, which interferes with flowering. You can plant several flowers in a large container.

The soil chosen is not very fertile. Fertile soil causes rapid growth of stems and leaves, which slows down the flowering process. You can use a mixture of sand, leaf soil, turf soil, and humus.

When planting, you need to use drainage: small pebbles, gravel, broken bricks, etc. There should be holes at the bottom of the container.

Replant and prune once a year. If pruning is done closer to winter, the stem is shortened by 1/3. Without this, it is impossible to achieve lush flowering.

Geranium care includes:

Geraniums are fertilized only in the spring and summer. This can be done 2 times a month, 1 hour after abundant watering. In winter, fertilizers are not required.

For it to bloom, it is necessary to create favorable conditions:

• Sufficient amount of sunlight - required to be placed on a windowsill on the south side;
• Not frequent, but abundant watering - once every 2 - 3 days;
• Timely feeding;
• Room temperature – at least 20 o C;
• Well ventilated room.

Yellowed leaves or a wilting plant may be a sign of improper watering. The soil in the pot should be slightly moist. You can't overwater a flower. There is no need to spray the leaves.

Video: Proper care of geraniums

In winter it is dormant. It must be moved to a cool room - 10 o C. Daylight hours at this time should not exceed 5 hours. This promotes good flowering in spring.

Faded buds and dried leaves must be removed in a timely manner. In summer, pelargonium can be taken out onto the balcony or into the garden.

Consequences of improper fertilization

Frequent addition of additives is not recommended, as it can harm the plant, and it will begin to hurt and wither. Main consequences:

• yellowness and spots appear on the leaves;
• the root system gets burned;
• the growth of greenery increases, while the buds do not bloom lushly;
• flowers are completely absent;
• leaves fall.

Every gardener’s goal is to achieve bright and abundant flowering. It turned out that this is not so difficult to do, especially when it comes to geraniums. The main feature is this: geranium initially grows in soil sufficiently enriched with useful substances.

In summer and spring, it is recommended to give complex supplements containing minerals . Also, do not forget about watering with iodine. A properly calculated volume and optimal mode of fertilizing will ensure long-term flowering of the pet, which cannot but please the owner’s eye.

Planting and growing geraniums

The homeland of geranium is South Africa, where the climate has a number of peculiarities. Thanks to this, the flower in question easily adapts to apartment conditions. In order for the plant to bloom all summer long, it is necessary to take into account the following factors:

1. It is better to choose a soil for planting that is light, loose, and has a neutral pH level. It’s good if the composition contains peat, river sand and humus.
2. The pot should be small, otherwise the foliage and stem will rapidly grow, and the process of bud formation will slow down. It is necessary to pour drainage at the bottom: broken bricks, pebbles or gravel.
3. The flower should be watered rarely, not abundantly. Geranium tolerates drought better than excessive moisture.

Optimum temperature +15/+20 degrees. Also, we must not forget about pinching and pruning, because they contribute to the correct formation of the bush.

Why don't geraniums bloom?

It often happens that geraniums, having extensive, lush, green foliage, do not bloom for a long time. There may be several reasons for this:

1. Inappropriate pot size. If the container in which the flower is planted is too large, then the plant puts all its energy into developing the root system and forming foliage. To correct this situation, you just need to change the pot to a more suitable volume.
2. Unsuitable soil. The ideal soil for planting is a mixture of soil, sand, peat and humus. Once a year, the soil must be replaced with fresh, nutritious soil.
3. Lack of light. Geranium prefers a well-lit place, but does not tolerate direct sunlight. The south or west side is perfect.
4. Excessive soil moisture. Water rarely, waiting until the top layer of soil dries. Do not allow water to stagnate in a pot or tray. Excess moisture will lead to plant disease and fungal development.
5. Insufficient feeding. During the growing season, geranium requires additional nutrition. From March to September it is necessary to apply fertilizers to the soil in a timely manner, otherwise you may not wait for flowering at all.
6. High temperature and dry air. In spring, it is advisable to take the pot with the plant out onto the balcony. The temperature difference between day and night activates the release of buds. It is better to cut off fading flowers immediately, this will help extend the flowering period.

General feeding rules

The principle of fertilizing geraniums differs little from applying fertilizers for other flower crops. You need to adhere to three basic rules.

1. The plant is very difficult to tolerate heat, so watering and fertilizing at this moment cannot be done. You need to wait until the plant is in the shade and away from the high temperatures and scorching sun.
2. The soil must be moist before application. Adding mineral compounds to dry soil can cause burns to the root system.
3. Fertilizing is carried out exclusively during the warm period. In winter, any options for applying fertilizers are excluded.

It is recommended to carry out the first feeding in March, when the plant wakes up from winter and begins to grow actively.

On a note! Timely application of fertilizers in the spring guarantees abundant and bright flowering of geraniums all summer long.