Small-flowered Cranesbill

geranium pusillum

Also known as: ["Dwarf Cranesbill","Small Geranium"]

Family: Geraniaceae Genus: Geranium Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A small, herbaceous annual plant with delicate, five-petaled flowers and deeply lobed leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or containers in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 4–6 weeks during growing season; major pruning annually in late winter or early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily; adjust for intense summer sun by providing some afternoon shade.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun to prevent scorching; for indoor placement, use a south-facing window with filtered light.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves with brown tips; mold or fungus on soil surface; stunted growth despite proper care.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid placing near heat sources.

Watering

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

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam

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

Use a cactus or succulent mix as a base; avoid overwatering even with good drainage; test soil pH annually.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in moderate warmth; reduce watering in cooler temperatures.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing when plant is dormant.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings; division of clumps; seeds (less common for home growers).

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

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

Environment

Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator.

Quick Tips

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

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips; cut stems just above a leaf node; remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth; prune after flowering to promote new blooms.

Tools

Sharp bypass pruners, clean scissors, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead/diseased parts; shape plant evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch); ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for rejuvenation and fresh soil.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water is removed to prevent waterlogging; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the root zone precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting despite adequate water; yellowing leaves; stunted growth; bud drop.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf drop; increases susceptibility to root rot due to reduced water uptake.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots with bubble wrap; reduce watering; apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch; wilting; reduced flowering; increased water demand leading to dehydration.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; mist foliage in the morning; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer label for NPK ratio; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; avoid over-fertilization.

Fertilizing Method

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

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Geranium pusillum can indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or pathogenic infections, often affecting photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant health.

Wilting in Geranium pusillum may result from water stress, root damage, or pathogenic infections, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Geranium pusillum are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in necrotic lesions that can impair photosynthesis and weaken the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Geranium pusillum is often caused by overwatering or fungal pathogens, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Geranium pusillum is not toxic to cats. It does not produce any known harmful effects when ingested by felines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, cats should not be encouraged to consume the plant, as excessive ingestion could lead to mild digestive discomfort.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Geranium pusillum is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion by canines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Although non-toxic, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fibrous nature.
Humans
Non-toxic

Geranium pusillum, commonly known as small-flowered cranesbill, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is not recommended for consumption as it has no culinary or medicinal value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Geranium pusillum toxic to pets?

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

Q: How easy is it to care for Geranium pusillum?

A: It is very easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance.

Q: Does Geranium pusillum attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

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