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. Square-stemmed pelargonium is 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 it to temperatures below 5 ºC (41 ºF). Square-stemmed pelargonium grows in poor, dry soils; they need excellent drainage. Transplant in spring if the container is too small. Pelargonium tetragonum is a very resistant to drought plant; water only when the substrate has completely dried. In winter, water once a month if it's grown indoors; outdoors it can grow with the Mediterranean winter rains. Square-stemmed pelargonium does not need fertilizers. Prune withered stems after flowering. Pelargonium tetragonum is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excessive humidity. Square-stemmed pelargonium is propagated from cuttings set to root in a sandy substrate. |
Images of the plant Pelargonium tetragonum or Square-stemmed pelargonium |
 Pelargonium tetragonum |