Care of the plant Pelargonium tetragonum or Square-stemmed pelargonium |
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The genus Pelargonium, family Geraniaceae, comprises 200 species of herbaceous plants, succulents and shrubs native to southern Africa. Some species are: Pelargonium tetragonum, Pelargonium radens, Pelargonium quercifolium, Pelargonium peltatum, Pelargonium odoratissimum, Pelargonium graveolens, Pelargonium grandiflorum, Pelargonium exstipulatum, Pelargonium cucullatum, Pelargonium crispum, Pelargonium zonale, Pelargonium capitatum. Common name: Square-stemmed pelargonium. This species is native to the South African south coast. They are slow-growing plants with fleshy stems that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. They have few fleshy, lobed leaves with reddish spots. The showy white or cream flowers appear in pairs and have a reddish center. They bloom from mid spring to early summer. They are used in pots, in rockeries and in dry and sunny areas of the garden. Pelargonium tetragonum grows in full sun or light shade exposures and in hot, dry climates such as the Mediterranean climate. In winter, do not expose them to temperatures below 5 ºC (41 ºF). They grow in poor, dry soils; they need excellent drainage. Transplant in spring if the container is too small. They are very resistant to drought plants; water only when the substrate has completely dried. In winter, water once a month if they are grown indoors; outdoors they can grow with the Mediterranean winter rains. They do not need fertilizers. Prune withered stems after flowering. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excessive humidity. They are propagated from cuttings set to root in a sandy substrate. |
Images of the plant Pelargonium tetragonum or Square-stemmed pelargonium |
 Pelargonium tetragonum |