Many people confuse the names of indoor flowers. A plant that is often found on windowsills is often called geranium, although in fact it is pelargonium. These flowers belong to the same family and share many characteristics. However, not everyone knows what the difference is between geranium and pelargonium. It affects the appearance and growing conditions.
Description of plants
Geranium and pelargonium are similar in many ways, but these plants cannot be considered the same.The Dutch scientist Johannes Burman, back in the seventeenth century, suggested that these were different cultures, despite the similarity in appearance. However, to this day, many flower growers are confident that fragrant bushes with decorative inflorescences are geraniums. In fact, this is pelargonium.
This confusion is due to the fact that both flowers belong to the Geraniaceae family. In total, it includes 5 genera and 800 species. The cultures under consideration have a number of characteristic features and differences.
What kind of plant is geranium?
This plant is a herbaceous perennial shrub that is distinguished by carved leaves and many flowers with 5-8 symmetrical petals. Flowers are solitary or form inflorescences. White, pink, crimson, and lilac tones are considered very popular. At the same time, there are no scarlet varieties of garden geraniums.
Another feature of the culture is its strong and branched root system. Some plant varieties can grow quickly and do not require fall pruning. The culture is considered undemanding to soil composition. Even after flowering, the bushes retain their decorative properties and serve as decoration for the area until the end of autumn.
What kind of plant is pelargonium?
Pelargonium is a perennial herbaceous plant with palmate leaves. This means that the leaf veins diverge in a radial manner. This plant is characterized by irregularly shaped flowers. In this case, the upper petals are slightly larger than the lower ones.
During the flowering period, lush inflorescences appear on the bushes. They can be pink, white, scarlet or dark red. However, blue or purple buds are not found on this plant.
Pelargonium is characterized by a fibrous root system. It requires loose, fertile soil with a good drainage layer.The crop tolerates short-term drought well. In general, the flower is considered very unpretentious, but needs pruning and shaping.
Their similarities
Geranium and pelargonium are very similar. However, even when buying one plant and growing it, you also need to understand the difference. The confusion between the flowers is due to the fact that they belong to the same Geraniaceae family. The plants are characterized by erect stems and alternately arranged leaves covered with fine hairs. Almost all specimens are distinguished by a characteristic odor that appears when you touch the leaves. The fertilized pistils of flowers are also similar to each other.
In general, the crops are considered very unpretentious. They breed easily and prefer well-lit areas. Such plants require moderate watering. This is where the cultural similarities end.
Main differences
Many people are interested in how exactly one plant differs from another. Contrary to popular belief, the houseplant on the windowsill is not a geranium, but a pelargonium. These plants differ in the shape of flowers and leaves, methods of propagation, resistance to frost and species diversity.
Bloom
One of the main differences is the color of the buds. Geranium has predominantly blue and purple flowers and shades close to them. In addition, there are garden varieties that are distinguished by pink, crimson and white flowers. However, scarlet geranium is not found.
Pelargonium is most often red, white, or pale pink. At the same time, it is impossible to find blue or light blue buds. Two-color varieties of pelargonium and crops with spotted petals look very interesting.
Flower structure
An important difference between cultures is the structure of the flowers. In geraniums they are symmetrical and contain 5-8 petals. Pelargonium is characterized by some asymmetry. Moreover, in the upper part the flowers are larger compared to the lower ones.
Other differences
An important difference between colors is resistance to cold. Geranium can overwinter in open ground at a temperature of -30 degrees. Pelargonium dies at a temperature of 0...+3 degrees.
There are some differences in the features of care. When growing pelargoniums, you should follow the following rules:
- systematically water the bushes;
- provide the plant with high-quality lighting;
- From time to time, prune and shape the plant;
- maintain the room temperature at least +12 degrees.
An excellent place to place pelargonium in an apartment would be a south-eastern or south-western window sill. The flower requires a little coolness, but it must be protected from drafts. If there is not enough light, there is a risk of buds appearing too small or completely absent. Direct exposure to the sun causes burns on the leaves.
It is necessary to water the bushes as the top layer dries. Otherwise, there is a risk of rotting of the root system. When the roots become uncomfortable, the foliage becomes limp and lifeless. To remove excess moisture at the bottom of the container, drainage must be provided. From time to time it is recommended to loosen the soil in the pot. This will provide the root system with oxygen. Before flowering begins, the crop needs to be fed.
Geranium is considered less demanding to care for. That is why many gardeners appreciate it. The place for the flower garden should be well lit. However, it is important to ensure that there is no strong wind there. The plant needs regular fertilization and weed removal. It is recommended to water the bushes only in case of prolonged drought. Since this crop does not tolerate stagnant moisture, it requires good drainage.
Habitat
Geraniums are found in moderately damp areas on all of Earth's continents except Antarctica. They grow in Asia, Europe, North America. Such crops mainly include perennial frost-resistant plants.
South Africa is considered the birthplace of pelargoniums. Therefore, the crop is considered thermophilic and easily tolerates moisture deficiency in the soil. In their usual habitat, such plants are perennial, but in more severe conditions they grow as annuals. Therefore, these flowers are often grown indoors.
Geraniums and pelargoniums are common plants that are valued by many gardeners. Despite belonging to the same family, they have many differences that must be taken into account when choosing a specific crop for planting.
