Roundleaf Geranium

geranium rotundifolium

Also known as: ["Roundleaf Cranesbill"]

Family: Geraniaceae Genus: Geranium Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing herbaceous plant with rounded leaves and small pinkish-purple flowers, native to parts of North America.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Geraniales
Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Geranium
Botanical Name: Geranium rotundifolium

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sunny spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to maintain shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of foliage at once.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or soil issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains for filtered light; move outdoors in spring/summer for stronger light.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

Use a mix with good aeration; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.

Temperature

Ideal range 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerate 50–85°F (10–29°C); prefer cooler nights in winter.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent room temperature.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer

Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in spring/summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and humid.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm (70–75°F), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy parent stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth; shape plant for aesthetic appeal.

Tools

Clean pruners or scissors, disinfectant.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/leggy stems; shape evenly; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (1–2 inches wider in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow pot; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.

Checklist

Choose new pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water at base; ensure drainage; avoid overwatering.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; allow excess to drain completely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pot has drainage holes.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or yellowing in cold; scorching or stunted growth in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and increases susceptibility to root rot.

Solution: Move to a warmer spot; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow or stop.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging; use shade cloth outdoors.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse pot periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Geranium rotundifolium may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Geranium rotundifolium can be caused by water stress, either due to under or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential root damage.

Leaf spots on Geranium rotundifolium may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic area and potential defoliation if left untreated.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Geranium rotundifolium is often associated with excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they consume Geranium rotundifolium seeds. The toxicity is generally low, but caution is advised.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep cats away from the plant. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Geranium rotundifolium seeds may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent dogs from accessing the plant, especially the seeds. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Geranium rotundifolium contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of seeds. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Geranium rotundifolium toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How often should I water Geranium rotundifolium?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: Does Geranium rotundifolium attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Quick Reference
Family: Geraniaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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