Pelargonium TRISTE

Pelargonium TRISTE - Sad pelargonium, Pelargonium triste, Night-scented pelargonium.

Pelargonium is a genus of plants in the cranesbill family (Geraniaceae), native to South Africa. The genus comprises about 250 species represented by subshrubs and herbaceous plants.

The stems are erect or creeping, and branching. The leaves are simple, palmate or palmately divided. The flowers are of varied coloration, gathered in few- or many-flowered umbel-like inflorescences.

Sad pelargonium is a geophyte, a perennial plant up to half a meter (1.6 ft) tall with a massive tuberous caudex hidden beneath the surface of the soil. In cultivation, the tuber can be partially raised above the ground.

The prostrate leaves are deeply divided and slightly pubescent, resembling carrot foliage in appearance. Leaves 10-45 cm (4-18 in) long and up to 15 cm (6 in) wide emerge from a short fleshy stem at the apex of the tuber. Sturdy erect peduncles 15-25 cm (6-10 in) high rise above the rosette of ground-covering leaves. The small leaves appearing on the peduncles are usually much smaller in size than those growing from the tuber.

The modest pale yellow flowers up to 2 cm (0.8 in) in diameter are gathered in terminal inflorescences of 6-20 blooms each. A dark maroon or chocolate shading, or contrasting markings, is often present on the petals. At night, the flowers emit a strong pleasant fragrance. When bruised, the leaves have a resinous aroma.

Natural seed germination conditions for succulent pelargoniums resemble temperate autumn conditions; however, when appropriate conditions are created, germination can be carried out year-round. An important factor is a daily diurnal temperature variation. A nighttime drop in temperature down to 9 °C (48 °F) stimulates germination well. The seeds have strong genetic memory and can remain dormant for a long time waiting for a favorable period, so sowings should not be discarded prematurely before that favorable window arrives.

Seeds are sown on the surface without burying into a mix of sod soil, high-moor peat, and sand in a 2:1:1 ratio, or into pure vermiculite, dusted with a thin layer of clean river sand or substrate mix, moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light, but not in direct sun, at a temperature of 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Sprouts require ventilation. Both overwatering and desiccation of the sowings must be avoided.

Seeds of all types of pelargonium are susceptible to fungal diseases; therefore, for prevention, 5-10% crushed charcoal is added to the potting mix, and sowings are moistened from a spray bottle with a fungicide solution. Seedlings are pricked out into separate containers after treating the root system with a fungicide and root stimulant, once the small bushes reach 12–25 cm (5–10 in) in height.

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Pelargonium grows wonderfully in open sunny locations, but is also tolerant of semi-shaded spots. Without good lighting, flowers and foliage lose color saturation. Sunlight passing through glass can cause burns on leaves and petals. For winter, the plant cannot be left in open garden soil, and fluorescent or grow lights should be used to provide sufficient illumination.

Fertile soil consisting of equal parts humus, sand, peat, and sod soil is preferred. When grown in pots, good drainage is necessary to prevent water stagnation. It can also be cultivated outdoors in open soil during the growing season.

Regular watering of pelargonium is required only during the summer season, while in winter it should be watered in small amounts. The plant possesses moisture-storing properties, and under excessive watering the root system can suffer. Furthermore, with excess moisture the plant does not bloom, and the leaves lose their typical shape.

For rapid growth and an abundance of blooms, feeding with mineral and organic nutrients is required. During the period of active growth, liquid fertilizers should be used; during flowering, phosphorus and potassium should be supplied, and for developing abundant foliage, nitrogen. Feed once a week regularly from late spring to early autumn. After repotting, feeding should only begin after three months.