Lemon Scented Geranium

These plants require regular watering but should never be soaked. Ideally you should water your Lemon Scented Geranium when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering this particular type of pelargonium will lead to rot, fungus, and root death. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again, checking soil humidity with a moisture meter if available.

Lemon Scented Geranium plant should be placed in an area where it gets partial shade. Lighthouse geraniums need sunlight for at least six hours daily. Avoid leaving lighthouse plants outdoors or in a south or west window, where they may become scorched by the hot afternoon sunlight. The Lemon Scented Geranium should also be kept on the dry side. In other words, it doesn't have to be in moist soil all the time and actually tends to suffer if it is.

This plant prefers a moderate to warm temperature, between 65 to 75 °F (18-24 °C). During the cooler months Lemon Scented Geranium will tolerate lower temperatures as long as they do not drop below 40 °F (5 °C). The geranium will suffer damage to its leaves or blooms if exposed to a temperature of more than 85 °F (29 °C). Geraniums head into dormancy during winter, so they require less water and temperature control.

Lemon Scented Geraniums do not thrive in very humid or very dry conditions. The level of moisture in the air surrounding the plant needs to stay within a certain range or the plant will suffer. Too much moisture can lead to fungus or rot and too little moisture can lead to dry, crispy leaves. Ideal levels are between 30 – 70%, best being around 40-50%. Increase humidity levels by misting regularly and using a humidifier, pebble trays or a humidity tent.

Lemon Scented Geraniums prefer a clay-like soil that is light and airy. It should also be slightly acidic, about 6.1 to 6.5 on the pH scale, and drain well. This type of soil drys out quickly, yet retains just enough moisture to sustain healthy root growth. Add a light layer of mulch and mix in bone meal or blood meal for extra nutrition.

Lemon Scented Geraniums should be fertilized with a general-purpose fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring to fall). Apply a balanced fertilizer with an NPK rating of 10-10-10 or a low-nitrogen fertilizer like 3-7-7. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer as this can promote excessive leaf growth. After the first three applications, switch to a higher phosphorous fertilizer with an NPK rating of 5-10-10 or 5-10-15 to promote blooming.

Lemon Scented Geraniums can suffer from a variety of pests and fungi, such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, scale, whitefly, and powdery mildew. To prevent pests and fungi, keep the leaves dry and ensure the plant is far away from other plants that may be infected with a pest or disease. To get rid of pests, first try to remove them by hand. To help with this process, use a damp cloth, warm soapy water, or neem oil, and then rinse with clean water. If there are still pests, you can consider using an insecticidal soap.

When Lemon Scented Geranium plants become root-bound, re-pot them in the spring or early summer. Use a pot that is one size bigger than the original and choose high quality, well-draining soil. Make sure the pot is 3-4 inches bigger than the original pot and place it slightly above the existing soil level. Fit two-thirds of the new soil into the pot and then gently pack down around the root ball and set it firmly into the soil. Choose a pot that has holes in the bottom so that water can pass through it freely.

Regular pruning will help maintain healthy and vigorous growth and also promote blooms. Prune lightly in early spring and also remove dead or diseased branches and stems as they appear. Make sure all your tools are properly sanitized to avoid transferring diseases to your plant. Pruning too heavily can shock the plant and delay blooming so it is important to prune responsibly.

This plant should be given a light layer of mulch every spring. You can use straw, grass clippings, bark, or pine needles. Keeping the area around the plant mulched will help retain moisture and reduce weeds. Avoid using mulch near the base of the plant as it may cause rot and mold.

Lemon Scented Geraniums can be propagated easily through stem cuttings. Take a cutting from a mature stem that is at least 4-6 inches long and has two sets of leaves. Make sure the stem cutting is free of pests and disease, and has no flowers or buds. Trim off the bottom leaves and lightly scratch the outside layer of the stem. Dip the stem cutting in rooting hormone and plant in well-drained potting soil. Keep the soil moist and place in indirect sunlight.

Lemon Scented Geraniums usually have thick and strong stems that don't require much support. If plant growth becomes too large or top-heavy, use wire supports (like plant stakes or bamboo poles) and gently and securely tie in the stems to keep them upright. Make sure wires are not too tight and be sure the plant has enough room to spread outwards.

Lemon Scented Geraniums go into a semi-dormant state over winter and require less water. During this time, reduce water gradually until no water is needed for several weeks. You can also stop fertilizing during this time and move the plant to an area with cooler temperature. When spring arrives, gradually reintroduce water and resume fertilizing.

No, Lemon Scented Geraniums are not toxic to pets. However, the leaves are known to be slightly irritating if ingested, so it's best to keep them away from pets.