Ivy-Leaf Geranium

Ivy-Leaf Geraniums do better when the soil is slightly dry. You should water them when the top inch of the soil starts to feel dry. It might need water more often in summer, depending on your location, but it’s best to water it thoroughly, rather than o it often. Overwatering will strangle the roots and can lead to root rot. Avoid keeping the soil overly wet – it should be airy and porous, to facilitate drainage. During their dormant period, reduce watering significantly.

The best location for an Ivy-Leaf Geranium is a sunny one, with bright, but indirect light. In locations that are too dark, their leaves loose their color intensity and you might notice a lesser amount of flowering. The less light it gets, the more you should be careful not to overwater your plant. On the other hand, too much direct sunlight might scorch the leaves, so it’s best to keep them away from south and west-facing windows.

The ideal temperature range for Ivy-Leaf Geraniums is between 55 to 85°F (13-29°C). You should protect the plant from cold temperatures, as it might be detrimental to its health. If temperatures drop too low, it will likely enter a dormancy phase and will not produce as much foliage until the spring. Move it away from any direct drafts or air the circulation from air conditioning.

Ivy-Leaf Geraniums prefer a humid environment, but they are tolerant of a wide range of humidity. Regular misting or placing it on a humidity tray will keep it healthy and happy. If your indoor environment is very dry, a humidifier might be necessary.

The ideal soil for Ivy-Leaf Geraniums is a light, well-draining potting mix. You should add a tablespoon of lime to the mix to adjust the pH. When you water, make sure the soil is always moist, but not wet. During its dormant period, the watering should be reduced significantly.

Ivy Leaf Geraniums benefit from regular fertilization. Use an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer every two to four weeks, during their active growing period. If you notice the foliage is pale green, you can increase the fertilization frequency. During the rest period, stop fertilizing completely and wait for the plant to re-emerge in spring.

Ivy-Leaf Geraniums are prone to aphids, scale, mealybugs, spider mites, whiteflies and ants. Regularly checking your plants for any pests is a good way to stay one step ahead of them. If you notice any of these pests, prune off the infected plant parts and spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Try to avoid using chemical pesticides, as they can harm the delicate balance of your houseplant garden.

You should repot your Geraniums every two to three years. When the roots become potbound, the plant will not be able to take up enough nutrients and water, and its growth will be affected. When repotting, use a well-draining potting mix and move it into a container that is only slightly bigger than the original one.

Prune your Ivy-Leaf Geraniums to keep their shape and size. You should trim off any dead, brown or diseased stems and leaves. It’s best to perform pruning during early spring, before the plant begins to flower. You can also pinch off the flower stems below the first bloom to encourage a new set of blooms.

Mulching your Ivy-Leaf Geranium is beneficial in order to help maintain the moisture and temperature of the soil. You can use organic mulch such as sphagnum moss, peat, shredded bark, or leaves. Make sure not to use synthetic materials such as plastic.

You can easily propagate your Ivy-Leaf Geranium by taking a cutting from a healthy plant. Take a cutting that is about 4-6 inches long and remove any leaves from the lower third of the stem. Place the cutting in a cup of room-temperature water and wait for the roots to start growing. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can transfer them to a pot filled with a light, well-draining soil mix.

You might need to provide additional support for your Ivy-Leaf Geranium, depending on where you place it. Staking, or a trellis will keep it upright as it grows and you can weave its branches through them. This will also give it an interesting look.

Ivy-Leaf Geraniums enter a rest period in the late summer, during which they are less active. You will notice some stem length reduction and fewer flowers. During this time, you should reduce the watering and make sure the soil is mostly dry before watering again.

Ivy-Leaf Geraniums are non-toxic to cats and dogs, so it is safe to have in a household with pets.