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Can this scented geranium be saved?

Adam18Adam18 Posts: 8
in Problem solving
Hi all

This is dying from the bottom up 😔 

Any chance of interventions?

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You can take cuttings from the healthy bits. Use gritty compost and don't overwater - a spray/mist of water is best to start with. Don't let them get overheated and sunburnt either. A slightly shadier window is better at this time of year   :)

    Has it got very wet at the roots? Pelargoniums need good drainage, so I expect that might have been the problem. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Yes, as fg says above cuttings are the way to go.
    They'll root quickly this time of year and when they have, you'll notice some new growth at the top of the plant and should see a few roots poking out of the bottom of the pot. That's the time to pot them up.
    The method is described here-
    https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-take-cuttings-from-bedding-geraniums/
     btw - a leaf node is where a leaf joins the stem

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Adam18Adam18 Posts: 8
    Thank you both so much for the fast responses and guidance - I am now about to embark on my first cuttings! 🤞
  • Adam18Adam18 Posts: 8

    cuttings in their new home in a slightly less direct light (next to the butterfly plant):
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    edited July 2021
    Congratulations!!
    In order not to stress them, remove most of the leaves on the cuttings just leaving 2 or 3 leaves at the top.
    The leaves will demand water, and there are no roots (yet) to supply it which will stress your cuttings, and the leaves are not needed atm. If there any flower buds, remove them too (for the same reason)

    PS - also remove the growing tip of the cuttings which will give you nice bushy plants

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Well done!
    I didn't think to say, but, as well as @Pete.8 's advice re the foliage, if you put the cuttings round the edge of the pot, that also helps the drainage. It's much drier at the pot edges   :)
    It would be easy enough to do that now, as they've only just been put in  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Also, make sure they’re pushed in the pot for about 3” and cut off the lower leaves.
    they are a bit big. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • Adam18Adam18 Posts: 8
    Thank you everyone - hopefully I've followed all the advice correctly


  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I would take the inner pots out of the outers and just put them on a plate. That way you can ensure / see you are not overwatering. You can sit the pot on some stones on the plate so the pot drains totally.
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I think they are too tall, you’ll have leggy plants before you start. I would cut them to where I’ve drawn the red line then push them into the compost right up to the first leaves,  nice bushy plants will come,  I wouldn’t have put cuttings in such big pots, all of those round the edge of a 4”  pot would be best.  They need to fill the pots with roots before potting on. 

    It’s up to you of course, but that’s  what I do,  I do loads of pelargonium cuttings a year. 

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

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