Passport for indoor plants in preschool institutions

What is the essence of a house plant passport?

A houseplant passport is usually understood as a document that lists the most significant biological characteristics of the corresponding plant. This document is not of an official nature; the maintenance of such sources is not regulated in any Russian sources of law. At the same time, indoor plant passports are widely used unofficially. Thus, their use is widespread in preschool educational organizations - both for the purpose of regulating the provision of these organizations with a sufficient number of plants in the desired biological diversity, and for the purpose of teaching children basic knowledge in the field of biology and classification of plants.

It may be noted that one passport may contain information not on one, but on a group of plants. And not necessarily similar in biological characteristics. A passport for indoor plants can be presented as a catalogue, which will reflect a variety of types of flowers.

It can also be noted that in the legislation of other states the concept of a plant passport may be enshrined. So, one of the laws of Estonia has a similar legal category, but we will get acquainted with its specifics a little later. For now, let us study, therefore, the unofficial interpretation of the term in question, as well as how a passport for indoor plants can be created.

Creating a plant passport

So, a plant passport is a document that contains its main biological characteristics. These can be presented:

• the name of the plant - in Russian and, for example, Latin, which corresponds to the biological species, variety;
• name of the plant family;
• the territory of origin of the corresponding biological species - in a formulation convenient for the owner of the flower;
• information about the conditions of detention, as well as about caring for the plant;
• other comments - for example, information about the store where the plant was purchased or other information about how the owner got it.

A passport for indoor plants, compiled according to the scheme discussed above, can be issued on a small card made of paper or cardboard. You can generate a form for the corresponding document on the computer, as well as fill it out, print it, and then stick it, for example, on a flower pot or place it in a plant passport file if it is maintained, for example, by a preschool institution. If it is not underway, you can initiate its creation.

Information about plant passports of a preschool or other educational institution can be maintained entirely electronically. To do this, you can, for example, develop a separate passport for indoor plants, take a photograph of the flower and place it in one document with the appropriate form. You can use both options for storing plant information - both paper and electronic. A separate specialist from an educational institution may be responsible for the registration and storage of passports - in accordance with the order of the head or other local legal act.

Application of plant passports in Estonian legislation

We noted above that a passport for indoor plants can be a document, the use of which is regulated in regulations. An example of a state where such a law is in force is Estonia. The legislation of this state has adopted norms in accordance with which passports, as well as phytosanitary certificates, can be drawn up for various plants.

According to Estonian legislation, a houseplant passport is an internal document that confirms the fact that the plant is characterized by an appropriate quarantine condition. In addition, the corresponding document can be issued for goods of plant origin, as well as other objects, if required.

The phytosanitary certificate is similar to the first document: it also confirms the fact that the quarantine condition of the plant or product of plant origin is in order, however, this source is used when importing and exporting plants. In this sense, a passport for indoor plants in a kindergarten in the Russian sense (despite the fact that it is unofficial) will, of course, have little in common with the corresponding permitting documents. However, the head of a preschool or other educational institution, in principle, can extract a lot of useful information from the provisions of Estonian legislation regarding the regulation of handling plants. For example, you can pay attention to those features that characterize the issuance of the corresponding passport.

Pedagogical project in kindergarten “Veselaya Klumba”

• July 29, 2019

International and All-Russian competitions
Laureate of the All-Russian conference “Pedagogical project in a preschool educational institution”

Relevance of the project

The priority of environmental education is today recognized by the entire world community. Therefore, nowadays people have begun to pay more and more attention to the condition of the territories adjacent to their home, place of work, educational institutions and other objects of social significance. And many of these areas often require significant improvement.

“The theater begins with a hanger,” and a kindergarten begins with flower beds and an entrance, because flower beds and an entrance are the face of a kindergarten.” The problem of improving the territory of a preschool educational institution is relevant for us, as it contributes to the development of aesthetic taste in children, the formation of a sense of responsibility for their kindergarten and the desire to change its appearance for the better. Our territory is becoming an effective means of forming the ecological culture of pupils, the formation of their new civic consciousness.

While conducting the tour, I drew the children’s attention to the empty area in front of the kindergarten; the front entrance to the kindergarten does not look aesthetically pleasing. In a conversation with the children, we came to the conclusion that we need to decorate and create new flower beds and plant them with flowers. This is how our project for landscaping and improving the corner of the territory in front of the kindergarten was born.

Problem: “Our flowerbed is not landscaped or decorated.”

Hypothesis: If the project is implemented, children’s understanding of flowering plants will expand, the level of environmental culture and respect for nature will develop.

Project passport

Project type:

1) by dominant activity: research and creative;

2) according to the scope of application of the results: practice-oriented;

3) by working time: medium-term (April-June);

4) by the nature of contacts: within the preschool institution.

List of participants:

1) pupils of the preparatory group

2) educators;

3) parents.

Project location: MDOU "Kindergarten No. 1". Address: Shuya, st. Teatralnaya, house 25.

Goal of the project : Creation of a well-groomed, aesthetically correctly designed (with elements of landscape design) lawn-flower garden on the territory of the preschool educational institution.

Long-term: improving the aesthetic and environmental condition of the territory of the preschool educational institution in accordance with modern requirements to create an emotionally favorable mood among employees, students of the preschool educational institution, and their parents.

Short-term: activation of teachers and parents in the improvement of the kindergarten, formation of a caring attitude towards the environment.

The idea of ​​creating an ecological space in a preschool educational institution formed the basis for the following tasks.

Tasks:

1. Formation of skills and principles of conscious, environmentally appropriate behavior in nature, a culture of communication with the outside world, development of an aesthetic and emotional attitude towards nature.

2. Creation of a flowerbed “Merry flowerbed”.

3. Development of a sense of beauty.

Expected results:

• environmental awareness of children has been developed; • children's understanding of ornamental plants has been expanded; • an active position as an active and cultural participant in the process of solving environmental problems has been formed: a flowerbed has been created in front of the kindergarten; • a caring attitude towards people’s work and a desire to communicate with nature have been formed.

Final result:

• Creation of an ecological and aesthetic appearance of the territory of the preschool educational institution in accordance with the design project.
• Creation of a flower bed on the territory of a kindergarten.
• Improving the environmental culture of children and their parents and teachers.
• Increasing the level of environmental knowledge, skills and abilities in preschool children.

Intermediate result:

• Development of a design project by a creative group of a kindergarten.
• Growing and purchasing flower seedlings for flower beds.
• Project duration: from April to June 2022.
• Sources of funding: city budget Shuya, sponsorship from parents.

Project manager: Elena Vladimirovna Fioshkina, teacher at the Municipal Preschool Educational Institution “Kindergarten No. 1”, Shuya.

Appendix: Presentation of the project “Merry Flowerbed”

Example: registration of a plant passport at the legislative level

Estonian laws require that a plant passport be issued only to a person whose information is included in the quarantine register. In this case, the analogy could be as follows: a passport for indoor plants in a kindergarten or other educational institution can only be issued to a specialist who has the necessary permits to care for flowers.

Of course, in most cases you can do without the relevant formalities, but very expensive tropical plants that require special care can be purchased for a kindergarten. Accordingly, recording them, as well as caring for them, may require special skills from an employee of the institution: management must make sure of this, and only after that allow him to work with plants. According to Estonian law, the issuance of a passport must be carried out by an authorized inspector.

In turn, a passport for indoor plants in a kindergarten group can be issued by the responsible teacher. Of course, when considering the wording given in Estonian legislation, it is quite difficult to adapt them to the practice of using plant passports in institutions that are not related to the activities of, albeit not Estonian, but, in principle, any supervisory authorities that are supposed to issue and issue appropriate passports. But nevertheless, when organizing systematic care for expensive tropical flowers, increased control over this process by the management of the institution may not be superfluous.

In this sense, of course, the wording given in an official legal act (even if of a foreign state) may well be reflected in the everyday practice of organizing the work of a preschool or other educational institution. Thus, it is useful to pay attention to a number of other formulations of Estonian legislation in terms of ensuring the circulation of plant passports - related to determining the validity period of the relevant documents.

Validity period of the plant passport

The wording in question is quite simple: it is assumed that the plant passport will be stored for a certain period, after which it may need to be replaced. In Estonia - for 1 year. In practice - in relation to how a passport will be used in a kindergarten or other educational institution in Russia - this norm can be useful from the point of view of the establishment by the head of the institution of a rule on the periodic revision of the relevant passports. It may be required if, for example, plants are to be placed in other conditions.

If, for example, the lesson plan in a kindergarten is to study tropical flowers, then the specialist responsible for organizing them will have to check whether the plants placed in the premises of the institution correspond to those that are supposed to be taught to children. For these purposes, when preparing for classes, the teacher can compare the data given in the textbook and the information that is reflected in the plant passport. It may well turn out that the passport of indoor plants for the senior group of kindergarten will contain not entirely correct information, and it will need to be promptly replaced so that children receive reliable knowledge about a particular plant.

In turn, it is useful to audit the information in the relevant document in order to determine whether certain flowers are placed correctly in the kindergarten in principle. It is possible that it will be undesirable to place specific types of the same tropical plants in those rooms in which classes are conducted for children of middle age, since, for example, flowers can cause allergies in them. Thus, the teacher may again need to revise a document such as a passport for indoor plants. Middle group or senior - in all cases, the reflection of current information about the plant in the passport can be significant.

One way or another, the practical significance of using the documents in question in a kindergarten or other educational institution can be traced in many aspects. Let's look at them in more detail.

Abstract of GCD on the topic: Planting flower seedlings. Senior group

Abstract of educational activities with children of senior preschool age on the topic “Planting flower seedlings”
Author: Kramnaya Lyudmila Viktorovna Place of work:
MBDOU “Kindergarten No. 6 of Kalininsk, Saratov Region” The abstract was compiled and implemented during the environmental project “Green Circle” within the framework of the regional environmental campaign “United by good deeds.”
The team of students and the leader were awarded a winner's diploma. Purpose: To generalize children’s knowledge about the conditions of growth, reproduction and development of plants. Objectives: 1. Deepen children's knowledge about colors and their diversity. 2. Exercise in the classification of flowers according to the method of reproduction, consolidate the concepts: indoor plants and garden plants. 3. Teach how to grow seedlings using seeds. Develop a caring attitude towards flowers, develop a desire to care for them. 4. Expand children's vocabulary and develop coherent speech. 5. To cultivate a love of beauty, the beauty of the surrounding world, responsibility for planted plants, hard work and neatness. Materials and equipment required for the nodes: an apron for each child, petunia seeds, spray bottles, pots of soil, oilcloth, film, invitation, images of indoor plants and methods of their propagation, images of garden plants, a tray with colorful petals of different shapes, soundtrack “Waltz” flowers" P.I. Chaikovsky. Vocabulary work:
plant, flower, names of flowers, sow, seeds, soil, water, light, heat.
Preliminary work: GCD, observations, walks in accordance with complex thematic planning, individual work with students. Progress of the GCD: 1. Organizational moment of problem formulation, individual solution to the problem.
The teacher brings to the group an invitation (position) to the regional environmental action “United by good deeds”, offers to take part in it, finds out “What good deeds can children do?”, leads to the proposal “Decorate the kindergarten area with flowers”, “Grow flowers” .
2. Identifying difficulties:
- What method of growing flowers do you know?
(vegetative, leaf cuttings, bush division, stem cuttings, bulb, flower arrow). D/i “Distribute the flowers according to the method of cultivation” - children choose an image of a flower and attach it around the image of the method of cultivation, name it. Children are offered indoor plants (leaf cuttings - begonia rex, Uzumbara violet, sansevieria, stem cuttings - tradescantia, balsam, geranium, bush division - aspidistra, asparagus, amaryllis bulb, clivia, flower arrow - chlorophytum). - Guys, you completed the task correctly. What flowers are grown this way? (indoor) - Is it possible to plant indoor plants outside in flower beds? (No - indoor flowers, that’s why they are called indoor flowers. They must be kept indoors. The plant can be destroyed. The sun’s rays can have a bad effect on the plant. In a flowerbed in the open ground there are many different pests that can destroy the roots of the plant. Frosts can occur at night, But the plant is indoors, it is accustomed to a constant temperature. The plant will get sick if it is replanted often.) - How should we deal with this situation? (Grow seedlings of garden flowers). Where can we get the seeds? (In a flower shop). D/i “Flower Shop” - children come to the store, where a large selection of flowers is presented. On the table is a tray with colorful petals of different shapes. Children choose the petals they like, name their color, and find a flower that matches the selected petals in both color and shape. Children are offered “Pansies”, “Asters”, “Cornflower”, “Calendula”, “Petunia”. Petunia is chosen by a pre-prepared child. Reads a poem. On a clear evening, a chirping bird flew to Petunia. And the chirper said to the very pink petunia: “What a wonderful aroma!” You smell like a whole garden. I agreed with Taya’s bird: “I don’t know a sweeter smell!” Nastya agreed with Taya: “This is probably what happiness smells like!” And from such praise the flower lost its peace. He doesn't rest at all, he smells fragrant day and night. On the tenth floor the aroma is already there. — Guys, did you smell the aroma of petunia? The teacher offers to grow petunia seedlings and asks the children to remind them what plants need to grow. (Seeds, soil, water, light). Physical exercise “Wreath” - to the music, children squat down, slowly rise, straighten, raise their arms, spin, stand in a circle. 3. Practical - discovery of a new way of action.
- Now we will sow the seeds.
Children examine petunia seeds. The teacher shows and explains that petunia is propagated through seedlings. Seeds for seedlings are sown in March. Since petunia seeds are very small, they are not sprinkled with earth, but simply scattered over the surface of the earth and sprinkled with a thin layer of earth 1-2mm. To create the necessary microclimate, the box is covered with film on top. Children, divided into groups of 4, sow seeds on their own, the teacher makes sure that everything is planted correctly, evaluates it, and makes comments as necessary. - Well done, guys, you planted flowers, and now we will take care of them. In the spring, when it gets warm, we will plant it in a flowerbed on the site, and in the summer and autumn we will admire the beautiful flowers and feel their aroma. 4. Reflection.
— Guys, tell me, what new did you learn in today’s lesson? What was difficult? Light? Interesting? What else would you like to know? (children answer). - But you can ask your parents how to care for small petunias, or bring a book to the group and we will read it together.

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The importance of drawing up plant passports in kindergartens

Firstly, the use of the correct passport of indoor plants in the older group is necessary from the point of view that the studying children, who can read the contents of the corresponding document, should receive correct knowledge about the plant, even if not in class. In turn, if students are supposed to be introduced to flowers in class, then the information reflected in the plant passport must be up-to-date so that the teacher himself is sure that he is telling the children the correct information about the flower.

Secondly, if any plants require special placement conditions, then it is simply necessary to draw up indoor plant passports for them. Whether the younger group or the older group will study in the appropriate room, it doesn’t matter. It is necessary to provide the proper conditions for the flower to grow, and if necessary, isolate it from children, for example, during the flowering period. But in order to know when to do this, it is useful to reflect information about the flowering periods of a houseplant in its passport.

Thirdly, the document in question may be useful for organizing plant care. Regardless of the region of origin, it may require special maintenance conditions, watering regimes, and fertilizers. Some plants are very unpretentious, others, on the contrary, are sensitive to any deviations from optimal conditions. Information about unpretentiousness or, conversely, high sensitivity of flowers should be reflected in the passport. They can be useful not only to kindergarten employees.

It may well turn out that caring for flowers (as part of the educational process) will be entrusted to older children. It is quite possible that they will be able to read the passport of indoor plants - the preparatory group can include such activities, since children corresponding to their age usually know how to read. Thus, the correct reflection of information about flowers will be useful in this case as well - so that children can independently become familiar with the features of caring for specific flowers.

Drawing up a plant passport: nuances

It is advisable to draw up passports for indoor plants in the senior or preparatory group in a uniform form, in a single copy for each plant. This will avoid possible questions from children about which sources of information about caring for flowers to focus on. It should not be that the passport of a houseplant (it could be a violet, for example), compiled for one flower, differs in content from the form pasted on a pot with another similar plant. It should not be the case that several plant passports are stuck on one pot.

The compiler should carefully check the issued houseplant passport. An orchid or, for example, a cactus is characterized by special conditions of maintenance and care, and therefore it is extremely undesirable for their passports to mistakenly contain data on how to care for, for example, begonia.

The compiler of the document in question needs to be careful when reflecting information about a specific plant variety in the passport. It happens that flowers belong to the same biological species, but to different varieties that require maintenance in very different conditions. In addition, different varieties of the same plant can vary significantly in appearance. It is therefore advisable, when filling out a passport, to check the appearance of the plant with pictures corresponding to its supposed name. If they clearly do not look like a flower, you should check its biological species or variety with a specialist.

Let us now consider several examples of the structure of plant passports, which are often bred in kindergartens and other educational institutions in Russia - begonias, ficus, cactus in common varieties.

Passport of indoor plants in the group “Stars” presentation for a lesson (middle group) on the topic

Slide 1

State budgetary preschool educational institution kindergarten No. 39, Moskovsky district of St. Petersburg (Violet, Ficus, Geranium, Balsam, Chlorophytum, Sansevieria, Tredescantia, Peperomia obtufolia) Prepared by 1st category teacher Yusubova I.I. St. Petersburg 2022

Slide 2

Benefits of indoor plants Properly placed plants have a good effect on the emotions and health of children, relieve fatigue, and cause joy. In addition, perennials create freshness and soften dry indoor air. This is especially important during the heating season. With the help of plants, it is quite possible to improve the psychological climate and hygienic environment in the group. For kindergarten premises, plants that produce phytoncides - light, natural substances that have bactericidal properties - are of great importance. We know that babies are very sensitive to various infections; they often carry and spread bacteria and viruses. To do this, they just need to cough or sneeze. Perennials with phytoncidal properties improve the air environment in groups.

Slide 3

Indoor plants allowed in kindergarten - aloe, crassula, peperomia, Japanese aucuba; - chlorophytum crested; - fuchsia, begonia, azalea; - geogenanthus; - gasthenia; - Kalanchoe; - Chinese rose; - gloxinia; - Crassula; - coleus; - two-color caladium; - hyposthes with multi-colored leaves.

Slide 4

The following types of plants cannot be kept in gardens: - Dieffenbachia. It is forbidden to touch them; the juice of the leaves contains poison. - all types of cacti. Plants have thorns and thorns, and children can be seriously injured if they touch them out of curiosity. - oleander, lilies. If a child comes into contact with these flowers, undesirable consequences are possible. Their smell may well cause a severe headache. — Fragrant geranium. Surprisingly, this plant, familiar to everyone since childhood, can provoke an asthma attack or cause allergies, as it releases essential oils.

Slide 5

Conventions Air humidity Relation to light Endurance Watering Hardy Capricious Normal temperature Regular spraying Good drying of the soil Light drying of the soil Constantly moist soil Water level in the pan Direct rays Diffused light Penumbra Shade 18 C

Slide 6

UZUMBAR VIOLET A perennial herbaceous plant with a short, succulent stem bearing a rosette of leaves. Leaves are up to 8 cm long, petiolate, heart-shaped at the base, broadly oval or rounded, with a wavy edge, dark green, reddish, heavily pubescent underneath. Flowers are collected in 2-7 flowering inflorescences, on long axillary peduncles. The corolla is dark purple with a five-lobed, two-lipped limb (2 lobes are shorter than the other 3). Light: bright. The plant can tolerate direct sunlight. Temperature: during the period of active growth 18-25°C. Watering: water is poured into the pan every other day in the summer, twice a week in the winter. Air humidity: does not play a significant role. 18 C

Slide 7

FICUS rubber Light: bright diffused. Temperature: in spring and summer 23-25°C, in winter most species need a temperature of 12-15°C, but they tolerate wintering well in the warmth of a living room. Watering: abundant in spring and summer. In autumn, watering is reduced; in winter, watering is moderate. Air humidity: the plant can tolerate dry air, but responds well to spraying. Ficus does not like change, so it is better to immediately determine a permanent place for it and, if possible, not move, move or disturb it. In summer, ficus can be taken out into the fresh air, onto a balcony or terrace. A bright place with shade from direct sunlight in summer is suitable for ficus.

Slide 8

GERANIUM (pelargonium) Geranium can be grown on the windowsill, in the garden or on the balcony. In addition to its beauty, geranium creates a positive aura around itself. It is easy to care for, it is rarely susceptible to disease, requires moderate watering and a not too nutritious soil mixture, is resistant to drought, and has high vitality. They bloom for a long time with large and colorful inflorescences. Light: bright. The plant tolerates direct sunlight. Temperature: in summer - room temperature. In winter, pelargoniums are kept as cool as possible, at a temperature of 8-12°C. Watering: moderate, as pelargoniums do not like waterlogging. In winter, plants are watered very sparingly. Air humidity: On hot days you can spray. 18 C

Slide 9

BALSAM Light - bright light Temperature - In winter, keep at a temperature of 10-16C. The plant can tolerate higher temperatures with good lighting and high humidity. In summer it is recommended to take it out into the open air. Watering - plentiful, the soil should be constantly moist, air humidity - moderate, from time to time the leaves should be sprayed, avoiding water getting on the open flowers. A herbaceous plant up to 60 cm tall from the balsam family, native to the tropics of East Africa. It first appeared in Europe in 1596. It is popularly called the light - for the bright color of the flowers that bloom most of the year. The stems are fragile and juicy, break easily, and juice flows out of the break. The leaves are fleshy, ovate, and with a lack of moisture they quickly droop. The flowers in the leaf axils are red, purple-pink, with a long curved spur.

Slide 10

CHLOROPHYTUUM Light: Bright diffused light. Grows well near an east or west window. In a place that is too dark, the plant loses its decorative appeal. Temperature: Moderate. In winter, not lower than 18°C. Of course, the unpretentious chlorophytum will not die at unfavorable temperatures, but this will certainly affect its appearance. Watering: Abundant from spring to autumn. The soil should be kept moist all the time. Moderate in winter. Air humidity: In summer, it is useful to spray the leaves from time to time and give them a warm shower. Spraying is required if the plant is kept near a heating system. Homeland - South America. Chlorophytum is one of the most common indoor plants. This is not surprising: it grows quickly, has beautiful curved leaves, and in spring and summer, first small white flowers and then tiny rosettes of leaves appear on thin stems. They can be separated and rooted. Another reason for the popularity of chlorophytum is its hardiness. Chlorophytum is a light-loving plant.

Slide 11

Tradescantia Light: This plant loves light. Therefore, it is necessary in a room with maximum illumination from sunlight and artificial lighting. Temperature: the optimal temperature required for comfortable growth of Tradescantia is considered to be 24-26 degrees, in winter 10-12 degrees. Watering: Tradescantia is considered a marsh plant, so it requires frequent watering. Air humidity: in summer, it is useful to spray the leaves from time to time and take a warm shower. Spraying is required if the plant is kept near a heating system. The Tradescantia flower belongs to the Commelinaceae family. Homeland: North and South America. This is a genus of perennial evergreen herbaceous plants of the Commelinaceae family. Many species are popular indoor plants.

Slide 12

Clivia Light: this plant reacts extremely negatively to direct rays of the sun, so it needs to be shaded from them Temperature: feels very good at normal room temperature. During the growing season, it is best to provide the plant with a temperature within 20–25 degrees. Watering: This plant should be watered moderately, and care should be taken to ensure that water does not accumulate in the pan. Air humidity: this flower does not have any special requirements for air humidity. A perennial plant from the amaryllis family. When they see it, most people freeze in delight at the unusually growing leaves. The wide, belt-shaped leaves are dark green in color and arranged in an unusual manner. They form 2 absolutely even rows on opposite sides; the shape of the leaves resembles an unfolded fan or a kind of plume. 18 C

Slide 13

Sansevieria Light: in nature, the sansevieria flower grows in bright light, but it must be diffused. Temperature: The plant is not capricious, so it is not demanding to maintain only a certain temperature. Watering: it should be moderate. Air humidity: too low a temperature is not suitable for such a plant. 18 Sansevieria is a stemless evergreen plant belonging to the Asparagus family (formerly this genus was called Agave). Naturally found in rocky and dry regions of the subtropics and tropics of Madagascar, Africa, Indonesia and South Florida.

Slide 14

Peperomia obtufolia Light: peperomia obtufolia does not tolerate direct sunlight, however, insufficient lighting can cause the leaves to become shredded and lose their usual color. Temperature: Peperomia requires sufficient heat. Watering: Peperomia obtufolia requires regular and abundant watering, but the substrate should not be allowed to become waterlogged or dry out. In summer, the plant needs to be watered once every 10 days, and in winter - once every 2-3 weeks. Air humidity: the optimal temperature for its cultivation is 20–25 ºС, but not less than 16 ºС. 18 C Peperomia obtufolia is a low-growing evergreen plant. The genus Peperomia belongs to the pepper family, and is considered the most numerous, with about nine hundred species. This is a low, about 45 centimeters in height, evergreen plant with many thick shoots.

Slide 15

18 C Violet 18 C Clivia 18 C Sansevieria 18 C Tradescantia Impatiens Ficus 18 C Geranium

Slide 16

18 C Violet 18 C Clivia 18 C Sansevieria 18 C Peperomia obtufolia Chlorophytum Ficus 18 C

Slide 17

Violet

Example of a houseplant passport: begonia

Let our passport reflect the following information about flowers: name, family according to biological classification, storage temperature, lighting, watering regime, desired air humidity, transplant order, fertilizer, propagation.

If the flower for which a houseplant passport is being drawn up is begonia, then the information about it in the corresponding document will be as follows:

• name: begonia;
• biological species: royal begonia;
• family: begoniaceae;
• storage temperature: up to 20 degrees;
• lighting: bright, not in direct sunlight;
• Watering mode: in the warm season, abundantly, use soft water;
• Desirable air humidity: the higher the better, but no need to spray;
• transplant order: in spring into fresh soil;
• fertilizer: immediately after the buds appear, once every two weeks;
• propagation: using cuttings and seeds.

Now - ficus passport.

Pelargonium zonal: how to grow in the garden, varieties and photos

The largest and most diverse group of pelargoniums are zonal. They come from the zonal pelargonium species (Pelargonia zonale), with a dark concentric pattern on the leaves. Almost all plants in this group can be grown not only on the windowsill, but also outdoors as an annual plant from May to October.

Pelargoniums zonal Eve and Orange Ice in a garden container

• Pelargonium zonal: how to choose a place in the garden
• Zonal pelargoniums for open ground and garden
• Recommended varieties of zonal pelargoniums for the garden
• Conditions for growing zonal pelargoniums
• How to water and feed zonal pelargoniums
• Cuttings of zonal pelargoniums
• Possible problems when growing zonal pelargoniums

Pelargonium zonal: how to choose a place in the garden

In the garden, zonal pelargoniums look beautiful in flower beds and parterre compositions. They can be placed in large pots throughout the site or planted in original containers - old basins, pots, cans and wooden barrels.

Pelargoniums thrive in large flowerpots and containers

Zonal pelargoniums go well with fragrant pelargoniums or herbs and look great against the backdrop of a neat green lawn. It is better if there are no other bright flowers next to the pelargoniums, then the beautiful pattern of their inflorescences will not be lost.

In the garden, it is better not to mix pelargoniums with brightly colored plants.

For example, luxurious flower beds with red pelargoniums at Buckingham Palace in London are framed by ideal lawns and decorative foliage plants. It looks very solemn: like ribbons of the highest awards of the kingdom.

Zonal pelargoniums for open ground and garden

According to the type of growth, varieties of zonal pelargoniums are standard (average plant height 30 cm), dwarf (up to 20 cm) and miniature (12–13 cm). It is recommended to keep the latter under shelter from the rain - their delicate small bushes need to be protected from changeable weather conditions.

As a rule, plants of the standard type are planted in open ground. A bright place is chosen for them, but preferably not in the sun. Some varieties of pelargonium, especially variegated ones, do not like direct sun - the beautiful ornament of their leaves fades. It is also not recommended to get too carried away with varieties with white flowers - in the event of prolonged rains, their bushes with rotten inflorescences will look extremely unattractive.

Pelargoniums with snow-white flowers may suffer from rain

Recommended varieties of zonal pelargoniums for the garden

Pelargonium inflorescences may suffer from rain. Therefore, in plantings in open areas, rather unpretentious varieties of PAC selection are often used, such as Shocking Violet, Сalais, Blue Wonder, Emilia, Victor, Robe, Salmon Queen and others.

For greater effect, you can plant variegated varieties of zonal pelargoniums, the colorful leaves of which will compensate a hundredfold for the modest flowering of their non-double flowers. In natural light, the contrast of the leaves of such pelargoniums appears much better than in greenhouses or on a windowsill.

Pelargonium x hortorum, Zonal Geranium Indian Dunes

But you need to remember that in the scorching sun their shades can fade. The color combinations of pelargoniums with variegated leaves are very different - gold, two- and three-color, and even with a “butterfly” pattern in the center of the leaf, like the Happy Thought variety.

Not all variegated varieties are suitable for outdoor use. Some are quite capricious even in indoor conditions and grow very slowly, so in the garden it is better to experiment with the more unassuming Butterfly Lorely, Distinction, Pink Dolly Varden, Hill's of Snow, Mr. Henry Cox, Contrast and the well-known star-shaped zonal pelargonium Vancouver Centennial.

Pelargonium x hortorum, Zonal Geranium Velma Cox, also known as Mr. Henry Cox

Beautiful harmonious bushes are formed by the variegated pelargonium Madam Saleron, which never blooms. And I would also pay attention to the Medalion and Occold Shield varieties - they have a horizontal growth pattern and very beautiful foliage with a golden-green base and a wide brown-burgundy zone.

Pelargoniums of the Deacon variety series form beautiful inflorescences. Deacon Coral Reef, Deacon Moonlight, Deacon Finale will look beautiful in the garden. They are best kept in pots and garden boxes. Well, if you want something unusual, try rose-flowered pelargoniums. They will bloom beautifully in large flowerpots on the leeward side of the house. The most famous old varieties are Apple Blossom Rosebud and Denise. And among the relatively new ones, I would highlight Swanland Pink Rosebud and Rushmoor Golden Rosebud.

Pelargoniums and marigolds in the foreground of an extended flower garden along the path

Conditions for growing zonal pelargoniums

Pelargoniums are quite loyal to the composition of the soil. On loamy and sandy loam soils, they will bloom well everywhere if the necessary agricultural practices are followed. It is advisable to avoid areas where water can accumulate - here pelargoniums will develop poorly and become sick. An alternative to open ground can be container keeping - pelargoniums will look great in large pots, flowerpots, garden boxes or hanging baskets. In this case, the soil should be well-drained and nutritious.

Pelargonium bushes that have grown up and are ready to bloom can be planted in the garden in late May - early June, when the danger of night frosts has passed. When planting, the root collar may become slightly deeper. Try to bury part of the stem into the soil - young roots will begin to grow from its base, which will have a beneficial effect on the further development of the plant.

Planting pelargonium seedlings in the ground

How to water and feed zonal pelargoniums

In summer, pelargoniums require regular watering. It is advisable to water the plants either in the morning or in the afternoon, after 5 o’clock. In hot weather - every day, on cloudy days - as needed. It must be remembered that in hot weather you cannot skip watering. During the period of growth of young rooted plants in pots and the formation of a bush, it is necessary to fertilize 1-2 times with a complex fertilizer with a predominance of nitrogen. In the future, in the summer, it is better not to use this fertilizer for bushes planted in the ground.

Caring for pelargoniums is not difficult

During the flowering period, pelargoniums will form more flower stalks if you add fertilizer with a high content of phosphorus and potassium once every two weeks when watering according to the manufacturer's instructions. You can also use organic fertilizer in the same way as for other flowering plants. For pelargoniums in containers, I alternate watering with the recommended dose of fertilizer and half of this dose per feeding. You can also use fertilizer for succulents. Interestingly, English experts advise using tomato fertilizer for pelargoniums - it really does a great job of stimulating their flowering.

Cuttings of zonal pelargoniums

In spring, young pelargoniums are sold in all garden centers. But you can also take care of your own seedlings to save your favorite varieties for the garden next year. To do this, in August-September, take cuttings from strong and healthy plants. They will take root fairly quickly in water or a mixture of peat and perlite. Then they are first transplanted into small pots with a diameter of up to 8 cm and, as they develop - in January-March - into peas 12-15 cm. And in May-June, rooted pelargoniums are planted in the ground or containers.

Pelargonium zonalis Divas Ripple Mixed

Mature bushes can be dug out of the ground at the end of September and kept in pots until the new season in the house. For wintering, it is better for them to choose a cool place (ideally +12...+16 C) and water them moderately. In February, wintering bushes need to be pruned so that they produce more new shoots, leaving 3-4 buds from the base of the stem to stimulate the growth of new shoots. To prevent the plant from experiencing too much stress from pruning, I sometimes only shorten half the stems first, after making sure. Since the new buds have started to grow on them, I cut off the rest. There is an opinion that pelargoniums reveal their greatest flowering potential in the first 2-3 years of life, so it is better to renew adult bushes after 3-4 years by taking cuttings for new plants.

Pelargonium zonalis Toscana Tammo

For more information on how to easily and quickly cut pelargoniums, see here >>>>>

Pelargoniums for the garden can also be propagated by seeds - I prefer to sow them in December-January, but you can also sow them in February-March. True, the seedlings will have to be carefully looked after - kept in the brightest place, including under lamps, so that they do not stretch. As they grow, around April, the seedlings will need to be transplanted into larger pots and pinched to develop fluffier bushes. If the plants have nevertheless formed a rather long main stem, it can be buried 2-3 cm when planted in open ground or cut to the desired height.

Seedlings of zonal pelargoniums grown from seeds

Possible problems when growing zonal pelargoniums

Pelargoniums are practically not susceptible to pests and diseases if the basic conditions of their maintenance are observed. With excess humidity and low temperature in plantings with poor ventilation, gray rot and mold can develop on leaves and stems. Among the insects in the garden, they may be bothered by aphids, slugs, snails and caterpillars. Methods of dealing with them are generally accepted. Otherwise, caring for pelargoniums is very simple - for a beautiful shape and constant lush flowering, it is necessary to remove dried leaves and wilted inflorescences along with peduncles.

Zonal pelargoniums are incredibly diverse and stylish plants. You can find a lot of useful information about their varieties, propagation and cultivation, as well as garden design ideas on Ekaterina Kotskaya’s website: www.pelargonium-club.ru

Zonal pelargoniums are traditionally grown in hanging pots

Example of a houseplant passport: ficus

If the type of flora for which we are drawing up a houseplant passport is ficus, using the technology discussed above, the corresponding document may reflect the following information:

• name: rubber ficus;
• biological species: ficus elastica;
• family: mulberry;
• storage temperature: not lower than 18 degrees, place in a pot on a warm surface;
• lighting: bright, but protected from direct sunlight;
• Irrigation mode: without waterlogging the soil with settled water at room temperature;
• Desirable air humidity: the higher the better; additionally, wipe the leaves with a damp sponge;
• transplant order: in spring, after root germination;
• fertilizer: in spring and summer once every two weeks;
• propagation: using apical cuttings.

Of course, the structure of the passport may contain other information. For example, the place of origin of the plant, especially if it is exotic - like the Schlumberger cactus.

Reproduction of zonal pelargonium

Pelargonium zonalis reproduces by seeds and cuttings. Both methods have their advantages.

Pelargoniums grown from seeds are more compact and better resistant to various adverse factors and diseases. These hybrids are planted in flower arrangements in well-lit areas. They retain their evenness and beautiful appearance until autumn, and also tolerate light frosts well.

In large flower beds, plants obtained from cuttings require more careful and painstaking care, since they react more sharply to changes in temperature and humidity. In addition, flowering in such pelargoniums decreases with the onset of cold nights.

Plants obtained from seeds are more resistant to heat, and specimens from cuttings grow and develop better in the shade.

Growing zonal pelargonium from seeds

1. Pelargonium zonalis seeds have a dense leathery shell, so before sowing them you need to carry out scarification:
   rub between two sheets of fine sandpaper,
2. soak the seeds for 3 hours in warm water;
3. Another method of scarification: alternately pour boiling water and cold water over the seeds (can be repeated several times), then place in boiling water and leave for 24 hours.
4. Seeds can be sown without scarification, but this reduces germination and increases germination time to 1-3 months.
5. If you purchased seeds in the form of pills in a store, scarification is not necessary for such seeds; proceed immediately to planting.
6. Zonal pelargonium seeds are sown in December - March. The deadline is April.
7. The seeds are sown in a substrate consisting of a mixture of peat with coarse sand or vermiculite, or turf soil with the addition of peat, sand or vermiculite. It is convenient to use peat tablets for sowing.
8. Before sowing, the substrate (peat tablets) is moistened. At the same time, it is useful to treat with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or a fungicide to prevent blackleg.
9. When sowing in boxes, the soil is lightly compacted, the seeds are laid out on the surface, lightly sprinkled with substrate on top and additionally moistened with lukewarm water from a spray bottle.
10. The plantings are placed under plastic bags, which are removed once a day for ventilation. The substrate is kept moist, but without a “swamp”.
11. Containers with sown seeds are kept at a temperature of 20 to 24 degrees.
12. Dried and scarified seeds usually germinate in 7-12 days, but can take up to 3 weeks to germinate.
13. The seedlings are sprayed daily with water at room temperature, sufficient soil moisture is monitored, and fungal diseases are prevented once a week (watering with potassium permanganate or fungicide).
14. In the phase of 3 true leaves, seedlings can be picked. When picking, soil cultivation is also carried out against the black leg. Subsequently, you need to carry out 1-2 more waterings with potassium permanganate (fungicide).
15. To form lush bushes above the 6th leaf, plants are pinched.
16. Before planting in the garden (at least 2-3, preferably 10-14 days in advance), you need to harden the seedlings. To do this, it is moved outside for a while (first to a covered loggia, if available). The air temperature should not be lower than 10-12 degrees. The first time the “walk” takes 2 hours (in partial shade), then the time is increased and the plants are gradually accustomed to the sun.

Video about picking pelargonium seedlings:

Propagation by cuttings

Pelargonium cuttings can be planted from January to April. It is convenient to combine this procedure with spring pruning.

• Cuttings are taken from existing plants; each cutting should have 2-3 internodes (pairs of leaves).
• It is preferable to use apical cuttings. They take root better.
• The lower cut is made oblique, the upper cut is made straight (for stem cuttings).
• The resulting cuttings are kept in the air for 2-3 hours in the shade so that the cuts dry.
• Place for rooting in water or a light substrate (coarse sand, peat, vermiculite).
• When planting, the substrate should be shed with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or a fungicide (prevention of blackleg).
• Plantings are placed in a bright place at a temperature of 20 to 24 degrees.
• Rooting occurs within 3 weeks. After this, the cuttings are planted in separate containers and placed in a well-lit place so that the plants do not stretch.

In mid-May, you can plant the plants in a permanent place in the garden.

Video about the propagation of zonal pelargonium by cuttings:

Example of a houseplant passport: cactus

If the type of flora for which a houseplant passport is being drawn up is a Schlumberger cactus, then you can indicate that this plant was brought from Brazil, where it grows in the humid tropics. The rest of the information will be as follows:

• title: Schlumberger, or Decembrist;
• biological species: Schlumbergera Bouclei;
• family: cactaceae;
• storage temperature: optimally 17-20 degrees, in winter - preferably no higher than 18 degrees;
• lighting: bright light;
• watering regime: regular during the flowering period;
• Desirable air humidity: moderate;
• transplant order: once every 1-2 years from mid-March to the end of April;
• fertilizer: moderate using a mixture for flowering plants;
• propagation: using stem cuttings.

Thus, the document in question may look quite unified. If the type of flora for which a houseplant passport is being drawn up is violet, then you just need to enter the necessary information about the flower using special literature or by contacting a specialist for advice.

You can supplement your passport with any required information. For example, if the flower for which a houseplant passport is being drawn up is an orchid, then you can indicate its specific variety in relation to the region, since these flowers are present in nature in a wide variety of varieties, depending on the place in which they grow. There are also quite a few hybrid orchids - it makes sense to make a note in the passport that the flower can be classified based on its attribution to a specific variety bred by florists during the selection process.

Planting zonal pelargonium

Pelargonium can be used for planting in flower beds, mixborders and borders. It is perfect for hanging containers, portable containers, balcony boxes and a variety of large pots, stone and concrete flower beds.

Pelargonium is planted in open ground in seedlings. Seedlings are grown as described in the propagation section.

Selecting a location

Like all geranium crops, pelargonium loves an abundance of light and grows well in areas of the garden exposed to sunlight. When cultivating pelargonium in slightly shaded areas, the splendor of flowering decreases, but the size of the flower becomes larger.

Soil preparation

This culture develops best on loose, breathable, nutritious soils with neutral acidity (pH 5.8-6.2). In addition, fertilizer with nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus must be added to the soil. It needs to be dissolved little by little over a long period of time.

Before planting, the soil in flowerbeds and ridges must be dug up to a depth of 25 to 30 cm, then carefully leveled with a rake.

Landing dates

Zonal pelargonium is planted in flower beds or garden beds only after May 15, and it can be taken out to a closed balcony or loggia a few weeks earlier, but be sure to take care of protection from frost.

Landing technology

1. The finished seedlings are planted in flower beds so that the distance between plants in a row and between rows is 20 or 25 cm, depending on the height and width of the bush. In portable containers and hanging flowerpots, plants are planted fairly close, but be sure to ensure that their leaves do not touch each other.
2. When planting, pelargonium is placed 2-3 cm deeper than it grew in seedling pots. This helps the formation of new additional roots in young plants.
3. It is advisable to pinch out elongated specimens when planting. This agricultural technique will slightly delay the appearance of flowers, but the bushes will quickly become stronger and their summer flowering will be more luxuriant.