Geranium: the trick to have an infinite number from a stem without spending a penny
Which rustic plant do you most often see decorating the balconies of houses during the warm period? Without a doubt the geranium! Star of the summer season, it proudly imposes itself with its sublime abundant and colorful flowers, which bloom from spring and last until the end of summer. Impossible to go unnoticed, geraniums give a wonderful lush character to our environment. Very popular and coveted by all, geranium is the ideal plant to color terraces and planters. Ranging from red to blue, passing through pink and mauve, its chromatic palette brings a real touch of freshness and cheerfulness to the home.
With its slightly rounded leaves and its cachet unique, this plant is very easy to grow. The geranium loves the sun, prefers rich soil or well-drained potting mix, and it needs a little water. But did you know that it is possible to multiply it indefinitely by simple cuttings? You will be able to reproduce all your favorite species from stem cuttings of existing plants. As a bonus, no need to have a green thumb to succeed in this operation. Quickly discover how to proceed by following these quick and easy techniques.
Geraniums on the balcony – Source: spm
For this cutting, you will need a few tools: a very sharp and above all perfectly disinfected pruner, pots of peat, a fertilizer specially dedicated to geraniums (or a homemade mixture of sand, peat and compost).
Here are the steps to follow to propagate geraniums at home:
1. Make a cut
The first thing to do is to choose a branch of the mother plant and cut it: this is called the cutting, that is to say a stem from which a new plant can be born.
Of course, you shouldn’t choose at random! Always go for a healthy, young and healthy stem. Its color should still be greenish. Its height should be approximately to cm in length and it must have at least 5 leaves.
Use the shears and cut the stem above a node (this is where a new branch or leaf develops). Also prefer branches that have not yet flowered and which tend to take root more easily.
2. Prepare the jars
Choose medium-sized terracotta pots and fill them with a mixture of equal parts peat, potting soil and sand: these are the essential elements to make the soil well-draining and well packed.
Make a hole in the center of the pot to put the cutting in. If you want to have very abundant geraniums, just plant several cuttings in the same pot: if it is large enough, plant 3 cuttings at most. However, it is not recommended to plant too many in the same pot, because as they grow, the geraniums could choke each other.
Warning: if you have any doubts or cultivation problems, it is better to seek professional help.
3. Take care of it
Water the soil well and make sure it never dries out completely. Next, place your geraniums in a very bright location, but not in direct sunlight. Make sure to always keep the soil moist, without excessive watering either.
After about 2 weeks, the cuttings should already have developed their first roots. You will then gradually see new geranium plants appear.
4. Repot the plant
If you planted only one cutting per pot, you can keep it until it grows enough to be able to transport it. However, when you have planted several cuttings in the same pot, repotting may quickly become necessary. Then choose a larger pot, preferably in terracotta and with drainage holes.
Concerning the soil, opt for a universal soil or a specific soil for geraniums, in placing a layer of expanded clay or gravel on the bottom.
At this point, your new geranium plant is ready: take special care of it to benefit from flowering abundant.
