Madeira Cranesbill

geranium maderense

Also known as: ["Tower Geranium","Madeira Geranium"]

Family: Geraniaceae Genus: Geranium Category: Flowers

Overview

A striking herbaceous perennial native to Madeira, known for its large, deeply lobed leaves and tall spikes of pinkish-white flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot or sheltered outdoor garden
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 months to maintain shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details

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

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter strong light; move outdoors in spring/summer for better light.

Watering

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

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, fertile potting mix

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

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

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); cooler temperatures (50–60°F) during dormancy in winter.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.

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

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand or cactus mix.

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node; remove dead or yellowing leaves.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers and leggy growth to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.

Tools

Clean pruning shears or scissors, gloves.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged parts; shape the plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

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

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Prepare new pot; trim roots if crowded; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

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

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

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, wilting, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme conditions.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering in cold periods.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or flower drop due to excessive heat and dryness.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; stop in dormant season.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; cease in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

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

Wilting in Geranium maderense can result from water stress, either due to overwatering causing root rot or underwatering leading to dehydration, both of which impair nutrient uptake and plant stability.

Leaf spots on Geranium maderense are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthesis, leaf necrosis, and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Geranium maderense due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Geranium maderense. While not highly toxic, the plant can cause discomfort and should be kept out of reach of curious felines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea drooling
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Geranium maderense can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic to canines but can cause discomfort if consumed in significant quantities.

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

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. If ingestion occurs, consult a veterinarian.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Geranium maderense contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon ingestion. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be unpleasant, particularly in sensitive individuals.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea skin irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Wash hands after handling the plant to prevent skin irritation.
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 maderense suitable for indoor cultivation?

A: It is primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in temperate climates with ample space.

Q: How tall does Geranium maderense grow?

A: It can reach up to 1.5 meters in height, with a spread of about 1 meter.

Q: Does it require special care?

A: It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, with protection from extreme cold.

Quick Reference
Family: Geraniaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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