Geranium

An important factor in geranium care is watering. It’s best to water your geranium deeply, but not too often. Geraniums in pots may need to be watered more frequently than those planted in the ground. During hot summer days, your geranium may need to be watered twice a day. When in doubt, stick your finger into the soil. If it feels dry at least an inch deep, go ahead and water. If you overwater it, be sure to drain the excess water and let it dry out more before you water again. In general, you want the soil to be evenly moist.

Geraniums prefer bright sunlight to get the best blooms. However, they do need some respite from the scorching midday sun and prefer to be Indoors during that time between 11:00am and 3:00pm. When outdoors, the ideal amount of light for these plants is 4-6 hours of sun a day. Indoors, you should place the plant in a sunny window, and consider using a full spectrum grow light for supplemental light during the winter or in shady rooms. Too little light can cause the plant to become leggy or even stop blooming. Bright light is an important factor in keeping your geranium vibrant and healthy.

Geraniums do best in moderate temperatures, ideally between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21 degrees Celsius). When kept indoors, cooler temperatures of around 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (10-18 degrees Celsius) can be tolerated. These plants should not be exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius).

Geraniums fairly tolerate most levels of humidity. If your plant is placed in a low humidity environment, mist it with water occasionally. In cases of the room being too humid, frequently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them free from dust and fungal diseases.

Geraniums require light, well-drained soil. The ideal pH for geraniums is between 6.5 and 7.0. If you bought your plant from a garden center, transplant it into a pot filled with all-purpose potting soil. For best results, use soil that is rich in organic matter. Add organic compost to the soil to keep the fertilization levels up.

Geraniums need to be fed once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer for optimum growth. Make sure to use a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen as too much can cause thin, leggy growth rather than big, bright blooms. Fertilizers with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as 10-10-10, work best. Water the plant before fertilizing, and then apply the fertilizer once a month at half-strength according to manufacturer's instructions.

Common pest problems encountered with growing geraniums include whiteflies, mites, aphids, and mealybugs. To get rid of the pests, regularly inspect the underside of the leaves and spray the plant with either insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. If a heavy infestation is present, pick off and dispose of any infected plant parts. To prevent these invaders, inspect any new plants before bringing them inside, and keep limbs and stems away from areas that could be infested by pests.

Geraniums do not need to be repotted often and should only be done when the plants become very root-bound and growth has slowed. Repot geraniums into a slightly larger pot with fresh, light potting soil. If using a fertilizer, only use one that is low in nitrogen. Leave about an inch or more (2 cm. ) of room at the top of the pot so the soil is slightly lower than the rim, is not compacted, and is able to easily take in water.

Prune lightly in late winter or early spring when the geranium is semi-dormant. Cut back any straggly stems to about 4 inches above the soil. This will promote bushy new growth and can help promote more flower growth. Remove the spent flowers and seedpods for the entire growing season, and fertilize after pruning to give the plant an extra boost.

Mulch around the base of the plant to conserve soil moisture. Mulch needs to be applied sparingly, as dense layers can keep water away from the plant.

Geraniums can easily be propagated from both the seed or stem cuttings. Seeds should be planted in the fall or late winter and will germinate between 10-14 days after planting. Propagating geraniums from stem cuttings is one of the most popular methods used. Cuttings should be taken when the plant is semi-dormant in late winter or early to mid spring.

Depending on the variety, some tall, spirited geraniums may require support if provided with adequate sunlight. Stakes and/or cages are helpful in holding up drooping stems and clusters of blooms.

Geraniums need to be in a more dormant state in the winter. This is known as their resting period, and the plants need to be coaxed into dormancy through reduced water and light. This will help the plants remain healthy and ready to grow in the spring.

Geraniums are generally not toxic to pets when eaten, though they may cause mild stomach upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea.