Follow the Martha Washington Geranium Care Guide and keep this pretty plant healthy and vibrant with expert advice.
Martha Washington geraniums are a popular ornamental plant known for their colorful blooms and fragrant foliage. However, they require proper care and attention to thrive. In this Martha Washington Geranium Care Guide, we will provide you with essential tips to help your plant grow healthy and pest-free.
Common Names: Martha Washington Geranium, Regal Geraniums
Botanical Name: Pelargonium x domesticum
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Martha Washington Geranium Plant
The Martha Washington Geranium, a perennial flowering plant, gained popularity in the early 1800s for its striking flowers and extended blooming period. Although indigenous to South Africa, it is grown as an annual in most temperate regions.
This geranium was named after Martha Washington, the wife of the first President of the United States, George Washington. The plant was developed in England by crossbreeding different wild geranium species, such as the Pelargonium zonale and Pelargonium cucullatum, with the aim of producing geranium that would bloom for a longer duration.
Martha Washington Geranium plants have bright green, slightly ruffled leaves with toothed edges that emit a citrus scent when crushed. These plants typically grow 12-18 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide. The flowers, which grow in clusters similar to zonal geraniums, often overwhelm the shorter stems, giving the impression of an overloaded plant.
They exhibit a variety of colors, primarily falling into the red-purple range, such as lavender, pink, burgundy, and purple. The flowers also showcase white hues, along with eye-catching bicolor patterns. Some flowers have solid-colored petals with either white edges or white centers.
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Propagating Martha Washington Geranium
You can propagate Martha Washington Geranium easily through stem cuttings;
- Choose a healthy stem with 2-3 sets of leaves, about 4-6 inches long, from the parent Martha Washington Geranium.
- Cut the stem just below a node using sharp scissors or pruning shears.
- Discard leaves from the bottom half of the stem, leaving the top leaves intact.
- Dip cut end in rooting hormone powder (optional).
- Place the stem into the potting mix, burying the bottom half of the stem.
- Water thoroughly and cover the pot with plastic to create a humid environment.
- Keep the pot in a warm, bright area away from direct sunlight.
- Mist with water regularly if the soil feels dry.
- After 3-4 weeks, new growth should appear.
- Transplant the new plant into a larger pot or garden once it’s a few inches tall.
- If you are growing Martha Washington Geranium plants in a container, the perfect pot size will be 10-12 inches deep and wide.
Growing Needs of Martha Washington Geraniums
Light
For optimal growth and flowering of Martha Washington geranium plants, it is advisable to place them in a location that receives direct sunlight. However, in all regions, it is important to shield them from the intense heat of the afternoon sun.
Note: When these plants are not exposed to sufficient sunlight, the number of flowers they produce can significantly decrease.
Soil
Use fertile, well-drained soil for growing this plant in pots. For landscape beds, it is advisable to incorporate ample organic matter into the soil before planting. In the case of container gardening, it’s best to use a commercial soil-less mix designed specifically for planters.
It’s crucial to avoid overwatering and refrain from planting them in dense clay soils, as these conditions make the plants more susceptible to root rot.
Water
Martha Washington Geranium plants need to be watered moderately. It is essential to avoid watering them daily, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. To water these plants, moisten the soil at the base of the plant only when the top layer feels slightly dry to the touch.
Tip: It is important to prevent the leaves from getting wet during watering to avoid any possibility of disease.
Temperature and Humidity
It prefers moderate temperatures ranging between 60-70°F (15-21°C) during the day and 50-60°F (10-15°C) at night. Although they can withstand temperatures as high as 100°F (38°C) if grown in shaded areas, they are sensitive to frost and freezing temperatures, with the lowest tolerable temperature being 40°F (4°C).
While it’s ideal for these plants to grow in a relative humidity level of 50% or more, they can still grow in dry air conditions. To increase the humidity level around the plant, one can mist them regularly with water or place a humidifier nearby.
Martha Washington Geranium Care Guide
Fertilizer
It’s important to avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers on this plant, as they are not helping their growth. Instead, it is advisable to opt for bloom booster-type fertilizers that facilitate flower formation. A high-potassium fertilizer that is typically formulated for vegetables is also suitable for these plants.
When selecting a fertilizer, it is crucial to check the nutrient content listed on the bag. The first number on the label represents nitrogen content, and it should not be more than half of the other two numbers. For example, a fertilizer labeled 10-10-10 is not recommended for use on these plants. Instead, fertilizers such as 4-8-10, which are typically designed for flowers and/or vegetables, or 2-4-1, a fish-based plant food, should be used.
Pests and Diseases
Regular inspection is crucial to detect pest infestations such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites in susceptible plants. Signs of infestation, like yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or sticky residue on leaves, must be checked for. The use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can aid in the treatment of infested plants.
Diseases such as botrytis blight, leaf spot, and bacterial wilt can affect plants. Adequate watering and air circulation are essential measures to prevent these diseases. Timely removal of infected leaves and flowers can prevent the spread of the disease. In case of infection, a fungicide or bactericide can be used to treat the affected plants.
How to Promote Flowering in Martha Washington Geraniums
Insufficient sunlight can cause a decline in the number of flowers produced by Martha Washington Geranium plants. To promote flower formation, it is recommended to eliminate withered blooms, which can also prevent the growth of fungus on decaying flowers.