Pelargonium hystrix
Pelarg@aol.com (Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:11:52 PDT)

Hi Pamela,
In the past I have grown P. hystrix in a cool greenhouse during the winter,
when I was researching the genus at college and when I worked at the NY
Botanic Garden. It is an obligate winter grower, and needs coolish conditions to
grow well. It is not fond of water on the foliage, it can get botrytis fungus
if it is too wet or air movement is poor. The plant does need reasonable
soil moisture when growing, and as much sun as possible. In late winter
inflorescences appear and elongate, flowers should appear around March or April or
so. If you hand pollinate the flowers, they will set seeds as it is self
fertile. The flowers are at their best as the foliage begins to fade, and then
the whole plant needs to be dried off after setting seed or flowering. As
the leaves begin to die back, reduce watering frequency. Fungicide
applications can also be helpful if the plant does develop botrytis or root rot at any
stage.
P. hystrix can be started from cuttings taken early in the growing season
(Sept or Oct), treated with rooting powder and planted in a well drained mix. As
for pots, I'd recommend a simple clay pot at least 4 inches in diameter, if
pelargoniums are grown in pots that are too small, they may remain stunted
and not develop to their full potential.
Good luck, it is an interesting species.
Ernie DeMarie
Tuckahoe, Z 6/7

In a message dated 10/20/2008 9:41:30 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
pjstegmaier@atlanticbb.net writes:

Greetings to all,

I am a new member here and this is my first post. I
have acquired a new plant from Steven Hammer by the name
of Pelargonium hystrix and I find that it's hard to find
any specific information on the culture for this plant.
If anyone could enlighten me on the subject it would be
much appreciated. Currently, I have it planted in a
mesemb soil mix with a touch of orchid soil called 'Aussie
Gold'. The caudex is slightly above the level of the soil
and it's in a Zisha pot that is small and round. I'd post
a picture but just recently I lost my camera and have to
replace it soon. Does anyone here have pictures to share?

Best regards,
Pamela
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