Drugs for Geranium Growth: Medications that Encourage Pelargonium Flowering
In a surprising turn of events, it appears that almost every household medicine cabinet can double as a gardener's toolbox. A few common substances, when used carefully, can significantly improve the health and vitality of your geraniums.
Iodine stands out as a helpful pharmacy product for geranium fertilization. By preparing a very dilute iodine solution and using it as a foliar spray or mild soil drench, you can stimulate flower production without harming the plant [1][2]. This method encourages active blooming, strengthens the immune system, and stimulates growth, resulting in lush flowers and vibrant green foliage.
Hydrogen peroxide can sometimes be used to oxygenate soil and reduce root rot. Diluted solutions (around 3%) might be mixed with water and applied to the soil carefully, but overdosing can damage roots. This substance helps improve nutrient absorption and prevents root rot in geraniums.
However, when it comes to Glycine, an amino acid, Citric acid, and Aspartame, there is limited direct evidence or reliable horticultural guidance on their safe or effective use as fertilizers for geraniums. Glycine, an amino acid, is sometimes used in foliar sprays in agriculture as a growth stimulant, but specific dosing for geraniums is not well documented or standard practice. Citric acid is acidic and generally not used as a fertilizer; it can lower soil pH when applied but may harm plants if concentrations are too high. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener and does not provide nutrients for plants; it is not used as fertilizer.
Borax contains boron, a micronutrient important for plant growth in very small amounts. Excess boron is toxic, so it must be applied very cautiously and ideally based on a soil test indicating boron deficiency. When used correctly, it promotes abundant blooming in geranium plants.
In summary, iodine and hydrogen peroxide solutions are the most promising household substances for fertilizing geraniums. Glycine, citric acid, and aspartame do not have recognized roles in fertilizing geraniums, and borax requires careful handling. For best results, use standard geranium fertilizers high in phosphorus and potassium and apply any pharmacy products sparingly and carefully to avoid phytotoxicity or nutrient imbalances.
Here's how to prepare some of these solutions:
- For Glycine, dissolve 2 tablets in 1 cup of water and apply during watering.
- For Citric acid, dissolve 2 tablets in 4 cups of water.
- For an excellent all-round fertilizer, mix 3 drops of iodine and 3 drops of hydrogen peroxide in 1 liter of water.
It's recommended to water the geranium at the base, avoiding the leaves, 1-2 times a month when using these homemade fertilizers. Regular use of these solutions can lead to improved overall health and growth of the geranium plant.
Remember, these new remedies (Glycine, Citric acid, Aspartame, and Borax) are DIY approaches, not commercial fertilizer products. They are not specific to the home variety of geraniums and may potentially be used for other types as well. Happy gardening!
[1] The Spruce, "How to Fertilize Geraniums," accessed on 2022-03-30, https://www.thespruce.com/fertilizing-geraniums-1412219
[2] The Oregon State University Extension Service, "Geranium Culture and Management," accessed on 2022-03-30, https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/growing-geraniums
Home-and-garden enthusiasts might find iodine beneficial for their geranium gardening, as it can be used as a foliar spray or soil drench to stimulate flower production and improve overall plant health. In contrast, when it comes to hydrogen peroxide and the home-related products of Glycine, Citric acid, and Aspartame, their roles as garden fertilizers for geraniums are either not well-documented or not usually applied to geraniums.
