Amethyst Pelargonium Pelargonium Amethyst = 'Fisdel' (PBR) (I/d)

Water

The plant commonly known as "Amethyst Improved" pelargonium should be watered deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be approximately once a week, depending on environmental conditions. During hotter and drier periods, more frequent watering may be necessary, possibly increasing to twice a week. Provide about one to two gallons of water per plant per watering session, ensuring that water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage strong root development. During winter or cooler seasons, reduce watering to every other week as growth slows and the plant requires less moisture.

Light

"Amethyst Improved" pelargonium thrives in bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate some direct sunlight, especially if it's during the cooler parts of the day. The best spot for this plant would be near a south-facing or west-facing window where it receives plenty of light without being exposed to the harshest midday sun, which could scorch its leaves.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for "Amethyst Improved" pelargonium is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and no lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. They can survive temperatures up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit but may require additional care at higher temperatures. It's important to protect these plants from frost, which can be damaging, so bringing them indoors or providing some form of frost protection is essential when temperatures start to dip.

Pruning

"Amethyst Improved" pelargonium benefits from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and to remove spent blooms and leggy stems. Prune these plants in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, which helps to stimulate fresh growth and more prolific flowering. It's usually enough to prune once a year, but occasional trimming of dead flowers and leaves can be done throughout the growing season to maintain plant health and appearance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Pelargonium 'Amethyst', commonly known as Martha Washington Geranium, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix composed of peat, perlite, and compost with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Martha Washington Geraniums should be repotted annually to refresh the soil and accommodate growth, ideally in spring before the onset of the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Martha Washington Geraniums prefer moderate to slightly above average humidity levels, around 40-60%, but are adaptable to lower humidity conditions found in most homes.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure proper drainage.

• Outdoor

  Place in part sun to light shade, protect from afternoon heat.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA.

Life cycle

The Pelargonium Amethyst, commonly known as 'Mystery', begins its life cycle as a seed, which, once sown, germinates into a small seedling under adequate conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling grows into a vegetative state where leaves and stems develop, becoming a young plant that can photosynthesize and grow steadily. With proper care, 'Mystery' reaches maturity and blooms, showcasing its distinctive purple flowers that attract pollinators and aid in the plant's reproductive process. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, eventually releasing seeds once they mature and dry, completing the reproductive cycle. In favorable climates, 'Mystery' can persist as an evergreen, continuing to grow and produce flowers for several years, although in colder regions, it may be treated as an annual or overwintered indoors. Over time, older plants may become woody and may require pruning or propagation through cuttings to rejuvenate and extend their life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the Pelargonium Amethyst 'Fisdel', commonly known as the Amethyst Ice Geranium, is through stem cuttings. This is typically done in late summer to early fall. You will select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a piece about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. Strip off the lower leaves to leave a clean stem, which can then be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should be inserted into a well-draining soil mix, ensuring the lower nodes where the leaves were removed are buried. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the cutting in a bright, indirect light location until it roots, which often takes a few weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted and begin to show new growth, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.