Do you want to solve your doubt of how to plant a rootless geranium? We already anticipate that this is one of the most popular ways to propagate this variety, since it grows very easily from cuttings. However, when we start from scratch without any roots, we must be especially cautious.
With the advice that we are going to see below, and all the love that you always give to your plants, we are sure that a small geranium branch can become a beautiful plant in your hands that will brighten up your garden.
Geranium, the perfect plant for your garden or balcony
Geranium is a plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa that has perfectly adapted to other warmer climates, such as ours. A good example of this is that the famous Cordovan patios are full of precious geraniums that delight visitors.
It is a very resistant plant that requires little care, and available in a wide variety of colors. It grows well both in the ground and in a pot, so it's always a welcome addition to your garden or balcony. if you put some colored geraniums in your home, you will not regret it.
How to plant a rootless geranium step by step
Our goal is that a simple branch becomes a new plant. This way you make sure you have more than one copy of that geranium that you like so much. If you follow the instructions that we are going to see, it should not take long to have a geranium ready to grow.
Plant preparation
It does not matter if you have cut the branch directly from the mother plant, if it has broken or you have found it fallen during a walk, the main thing is that the cut is healthy and contains the node, which is the part of the plant from which the roots and leaves originate.
If the cut is very recent, let it dry for a couple of days so that you believe callus at the end that has suffered the cut.
For the chances of success to increase, the branch should have between 5 and 7 centimeters in length, and it is recommended that the plant from which it comes is in good condition, free of pests and infections.
Preparation of culture medium
The substrate in which our geranium branch will spend its first stages of life is very important in its growth. It is best to use a light mix of potting soil along with perlite or vermiculite. This favors both aeration and drainage.
When it comes to how to plant a rootless geranium, keep in mind that it needs moisture, but it is not advisable to have too much water.
Plantation
In the next step we introduce the end with the cut into the earth and lightly press the substrate so that the branch remains straight. It is not necessary to make a wide hole, it will be enough to dig a little with the help of a pencil or a toothpick.
If you are going to use a pot, be sure to choose one that is small in size.. A bigger pot will not make your geranium grow bigger or faster.
humidity and location
An unrooted geranium branch is very weak, so it requires a very controlled environment. Place it in a warm and bright place, but without receiving direct sunlight in an intense way. If it gets a lot of sun, the cutting may dry out before it starts to root.
As far as watering is concerned, make sure that the earth always has a touch of moistureDon't let it get completely dry. But in no case do you water by flooding.
Coverage
To stimulate root growth and protect your new plant, you can create a small homemade greenhouse. It is as simple as cutting a plastic bottle and placing it on top of the branch, thus creating a microclimate that maintains humidity and prevents the action of insects that may be interested in attacking the geranium.
Yes, lift the bottle from time to time and let the plant air outBecause if you keep it covered for a long time, the humidity can become excessive.
The importance of patience when it comes to how to plant a rootless geranium
With the steps we have seen, your geranium should start to develop roots. Now, keep in mind that this is a process that requires time, you are not going to go from having a simple cut branch to having a plant ready to give flowers in a couple of days, you have to be patient.
rooting it may take several weeks and, during this time, you have to check your plant from time to time and check if everything is going well.
After three or four weeks, lightly pull the branch (very slightly). If it opposes resistance, it is because it is beginning to anchor itself to the earth through its new roots.
Transplantation and aftercare of geranium
If you have reached this step, it means that you have managed to make that branch that you collected some time ago develop roots. Now you have a little plant that will soon be a beautiful geranium. But first, you must take one more step.
When you are sure that the roots are strong, you can transplant the geranium to its final pot with the substrate that you usually use for this type of plant.
Our recommendation is that you do not rush with this process. If you see that the sprout is growing well in the place where you originally planted it, leave it there until it gains more size.
Once the geranium is in its final place, even if it is young, you can apply the same care that you give to other specimens of this species:
- Sunlight for several hours a day.
- Periodic watering.
- Fertilization according to your needs.
You already know how to plant a rootless geranium, so we encourage you to get down to work to get a beautiful plant. Can you tell us about your experience growing a geranium from scratch?