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Habitat:
nearly all the species are
from South Africa.
Description: a family of
dicotyledonous, herbaceous
plants. The leaves are normally opposite, palmate-veined, sometimes covered
in soft hairs. The pentamerous, hermaphrodite flowers are usually borne in
inflorescences. The seeds are pendulous with a curved embryo. The caulescent
species are Pelargonium barhlyi and P. ensatum = oblungatum.
Soil: they need sharp drainage and soil composed of 3/4 of garden
soil, 1/4 of non-calcareous coarse sand or volcanic grit or pumice, pH 6.5.
Young specimens can also be grown in peaty soil but care should be taken not
to let it become dry.
Location: provide good light and ventilation all year round.
Temperature: as for overwintering they can be treated like cacti
(5-6°C/41-43°F the minimum) although succulent species are more delicate
(10°C/50°F).
Water: stop when plants start shedding leaves and keep them dry
during rest.
Cultivation tips: normally the new growth appears either in the
autumn-winter or later in the winter-spring period so watering should be
scheduled accordingly. Do not overwater as they are prone to rot. These
plants might be grown in bonsai containers or clay pots. They can be raised
from seed though germinating them is troublesome; for example it takes at
least three months for seeds of Pelargonium hirtum to sprout, nearly five
years for P. ovale. Make sure the seeds are fresh and have not been attacked
by mildew and scarify before sowing.
Main genera: Pelargonium, Sarcocaulon (subgenus of
Monsonia). The Sarcocaulon subgenus shows stem succulence.
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