Geranium
pelargonium spp
Also known as: ["Storksbill","Crane's-bill"]
Overview
A genus of flowering plants in the family Geraniaceae, widely cultivated for ornamental purposes.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Geraniales |
| Family: | Geraniaceae |
| Genus: | Pelargonium |
| Botanical Name: | Pelargonium |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot near bright window or outdoor garden bed in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 months to maintain shape
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 6–8 hours/day; adjust to direct morning sun in cooler months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh afternoon rays; move indoors if outdoor conditions are extreme.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct midday sun.
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, loamy potting mix with added perlite or sand
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; top-dress with compost annually
Temperature
65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerate mild frosts but thrive in moderate warmth.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), every 3 months with slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cutting, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active
Environment
High humidity, indirect light, and warm temperatures (70–75°F)
Medium
Perlite and peat mix or cactus soil
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster roots
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems and remove dead or overcrowded branches
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers and leggy growth to encourage bushier plants and more blooms.
Tools
Clean pruners or scissors
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune after flowering, remove dead growth, shape evenly
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring before active growth begins
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it’s not too big to avoid waterlogging
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, ensure drainage
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot; promotes fresh soil and growth.
Checklist
Choose right pot, prepare soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess to drain; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply 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
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering due to excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, and water more frequently in heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during active growth, stop in dormancy
Fertilizing Method
Balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; cease in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Pelargonium spp. The toxic compounds can cause irritation to the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Pelargonium spp. can lead to mild gastrointestinal distress in dogs. The compounds present may irritate the stomach lining and intestines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicPelargonium species contain various compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are geraniums toxic to pets?
A: Mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water geraniums?
A: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Q: Can geraniums be grown indoors?
A: Yes, they thrive in bright, indirect light indoors and require good air circulation.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Geraniaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
