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**** The Gardener's Forum ****]
Winter Care of Geraniums
Pelargonium
Barbara wrote:
After lifting geraniums (also hanging ivy geraniums and citronella), how do
I store for the winter? Thanks - Barbara (in NE Ohio)
The most important thing I can tell you is to keep all of your plants away
from heat sources in the house. Also be aware that there may be insects
on the plant, which could migrate to your houseplants, so you might want
to spray them before exposing them to your others.
The best way is to try to re-create the same conditions indoors that the geraniums
were growing in, outdoors. Try to provide as much light and humidity as you
can. The best temperature range would be from 60-70 degrees, which is cooler
than a typical house in the winter, so if you have a spare room, that might
be cooler, with sufficient light, you have it made.
Even in these conditions, your geraniums may begin to get leggy and less attractive
by the end of winter. If this is the case,simply take cuttings from the mother
plant. If you are inclined to try cuttings, geraniums are a very easy plant
to restart...... Take cuttings in September from healthy plants which have
been kept rather dry for a couple weeks. Use a clean, sharp knife and make
a cutting 3 to 4 inches in length from the growing tips. Trim off the lower
leaves from the cutting, and stick it into a coarse, sandy medium in a small
pots or in flats, and water well. Place them in indirect light. Do not allow
the cuttings to dry out. After roots are formed, move the new plants into
full sun and water only enough to keep them from shriveling. Fertilize with
a weak solution of liquid fertilizer every two weeks once the new plant shows
signs of new growth.
Not only will the mother plants become bushier, you'll increase your stock
of geraniums just in time for spring! The winter care for the ivy geranium,
or citronella would be the same.
Bill
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