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In February, in the heart of winter, when everything around still seems to be asleep, experienced flower growers are already preparing for spring. If you want to get abundant flowering and beautiful, healthy bushes by summer, do not put this matter off for later! Let's figure out how to properly propagate pelargonium at home.
Basic rules
For cuttings, a strong, healthy pelargonium that has already formed a beautiful bush is suitable. It is important that the plant has no signs of disease or pests. It is best to choose shoots that have recently started growing: they are the most viable.
So, first choose a strong shoot 7-10 cm long. Cut it with a sharp knife or pruners just below the node (the place where the leaves are attached). Then remove the lower leaves, leaving only the 2-3 upper ones. If there are flower buds, be sure to pinch them so that the cutting does not waste energy on flowering. After that, place the cutting in a shaded place for a few hours so that the cut site dries out and a protective film forms to prevent rotting.
As for rooting, pelargonium easily takes root both in water and in soil. The choice is yours! If you decide to plant it directly in the ground, make a drainage layer in the pot, which you cover with a light, breathable substrate (a mixture of peat and sand), and then stick the cutting into moist soil by 2-3 cm. After that, slightly compact the soil around it, but do not press it too hard. Of course, water it and leave it in a warm, well-lit place.
In short, further care for young plants consists of the following:
- Temperature: +18…+22°C.
- Light: bright, but without direct sunlight.
- Watering: moderate, without excess moisture.
- Transplant: after strong roots appear (after 3-4 weeks), transplant into a permanent pot.
