Contents
Description
Geraniales is an order of flowering plants that consists of around 830 species. These plants are mostly herbs, but some can be subshrubs or small trees. They are characterized by their symmetrical flowers that have five sepals, five petals, ten stamens, and five carpels. Geraniales are distributed across the world, but most species are found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Geranium |
Appearance
Geraniales have a wide range of appearances, but they are generally characterized by their symmetrical flowers with five petals. The leaves are usually palmately lobed or divided and have a distinctive scent when crushed. The plants can range in size from small herbs to subshrubs or small trees. Some common examples of Geraniales include the Geranium sanguineum, which has pink flowers and lobed leaves, and the Pelargonium peltatum, which has trailing stems and five-petaled flowers in shades of pink, red, or white.
Care Guide
Geraniales are relatively easy to care for and are great plants for beginners. Here are some tips for taking care of Geraniales:- Water: Geraniales prefer well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure not to let the soil become too saturated.- Fertilization: Geraniales benefit from a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to weak growth and reduced flowering.- Soil: Geraniales prefer a well-draining soil mix that is high in organic matter. They can tolerate a range of soil pH levels.- Sunlight: Geraniales prefer full sun to partial shade. Be sure to provide them with at least six hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Geraniales are generally hardy in USDA zones 8-11, but some species can tolerate colder temperatures.
Common Pests & Diseases
Geraniales can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Aphids: These small insects can cause distorted growth and sticky residue on the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can be controlled with a fungicide.- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause gray mold on the leaves and flowers. It can be controlled with a fungicide.
Habitat
Geraniales can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodlands, and rocky areas. They are distributed across the world, but most species are found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Question and Answer
Q: Are Geraniales poisonous?
A: Most Geraniales are not poisonous, but some species of Geranium and Pelargonium can be toxic to pets if ingested.
Q: Can Geraniales be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Geraniales can be grown indoors as long as they are provided with enough sunlight and well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Geraniales?
A: Geraniales should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Geraniales tolerate drought?
A: Some species of Geraniales can tolerate drought, but most prefer consistent moisture.
Related Plants
– Erodium- Pelargonium- Oxalis- Impatiens- Begonia
References
– “Geraniales.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web.- “Geranium.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web.- “Pelargonium.” Royal Horticultural Society. Royal Horticultural Society, n.d. Web.
