Balsam and geranium at home

Balsam (touch-me-not)

A modest plant with juicy green leaves and flowers of white, pink or red color is more popularly known as “Vanka wet”. The name comes from the special “sensitivity” of the flower to changes in the weather – before rain, drops of moisture appear along the edge of the leaves and on the stem of the balsam.

However, modern hybrids are unlikely to want to try on such a “rustic” name. Fashionable balsams flaunt variegated leaves and large double flowers, which can be coral and even purple. There are hybrids with striped petals and red leaves. Among the particularly striking novelties are the New Guinea hybrids: their dark emerald leaves have a light stripe in the center, and their flat orange flowers are very large in size. Balsams are extremely unpretentious: they can bloom all year round, they feel equally good on the window, in the garden, on the glazed loggia or balcony.

Success secrets:

• balsam is easily rooted by cuttings;
• to create a lush bush, it is recommended to pinch the ends of the stems;
• for flowering in winter, you need to keep it in a sunny window;
• the soil should always remain moist;
• blooms well only if the roots fill the pot tightly.

Begonia

There is a whole group of begonias, which have long been grown for the sake of beautiful leaves (even the popular names have come down from history: “Napoleon’s ear”, “Bear’s ear”). This is, first of all, the royal begonia with asymmetrical rainbow-colored leaves. There are species with oval, star-shaped (like maple) and pointed leaves. The latter can be smooth and shiny or matte and rough, with a variety of specks, patterns and tints, as well as a contrasting color on the underside of the leaf.

For the sake of flowers, other begonias are grown – tuberous. Terry, varied flowers of this species reach a diameter of 8-10 cm.

The most undemanding species, grown in pots and in flower beds, is the ever-flowering begonia. The name speaks for itself: the plant blooms all year round, without the need for special care. This begonia can have double flowers – white, yellow, pink, orange or red.

Success secrets:

• begonias cannot stand heat (above +20 ° С) and winter cold (below +15 ° С);
• watering: abundant, but avoid stagnant water;
• all begonias love moist air – put containers of water next to the pot or regularly spray the air around the plant (not the leaves themselves!);
• grow well in bright light, but direct sunlight is dangerous for them;
• easily rooted by leafy cuttings .;
• transplant a plant dug from a flower bed in the fall into a pot and use it as an indoor plant.

Pelargonium (geranium)

It is difficult to find a plant that is easier to care for, which multiplies so easily (by cuttings rooted in water) and blooms for a long time. The most popular type is garden, or zonal geranium, which can bloom on a sunny windowsill all year round, and outdoors all summer. In many countries, flowerpots with garden geraniums are used to decorate courtyards and balconies. However, the most luxurious plant in the genus is the royal, or domestic, pelargonium. She has larger and brighter flowers with wavy edges. One thing is bad – the royal geranium does not bloom as long as the garden one: from early spring to mid-summer.

Another popular type is scented geranium, whose carved leaves smell strongly of lemon, mint, rose or apple. They are dried and used in aromatic sachets, as well as as a seasoning for dishes.

By the way, mosquitoes can’t stand the smell of geranium.

Success secrets:

• waterlogged soil is the main enemy of geranium;
• Pelargoniums love direct sun, fresh and rather dry air;
• transplant – only if absolutely necessary;
• young shoots should be pinched to enhance branching, wilted flowers should be removed;
• easily propagated by stem cuttings.

Fuchsia

Fuchsia flowers are sophistication embodied. Drooping bells “in skirts”, suspended on soft stems, are deservedly considered one of the most beautiful flowers grown on the windowsill. Although fuchsia is also used for outdoor decoration – in hanging baskets or pots. Especially enthusiastic natures, with the help of pruning, form a flowering tree from it.

Hundreds of varieties have been bred by breeders, differing in various colors of sepals and petals. Fuchsia flowers are non-double, semi-double and double – white, pink, red or purple. And if you want to know what “fuchsia” is – take a look at the sepals.

Success secrets:

• fuchsia does not tolerate heat – temperatures above 20 ° C can be destructive for it;
• requires abundant watering and protection from direct sunlight;
• transplant – annual, in spring;
• reproduction – stem cuttings.

Gloxinia

Huge (up to 7 cm in diameter) red, crimson, white, pink, purple and violet “gramophones” of blooming gloxinia are an ideal decoration for a summer window. Velvet bells can have a smooth or ruffled edge. Flowers with a contrasting white edging look especially impressive. Hybrids with drooping flowers have been bred, and there are – with large and upward ones.

If you buy a plant with unblown buds, it will delight you with flowers for more than two months. After flowering, watering is reduced, and when the leaves dry up, they stop altogether. For the winter, gloxinia is removed to a cool, dark room. In the spring, the tuber is transplanted into new soil.

Success secrets:

• gloxinia loves bright diffused light;
• high humidity is required (regular spraying of the air around the plant is required);
• careful watering – avoid getting moisture on leaves and flowers.
• Gloxinia is propagated by leafy cuttings in early summer.