Nectarine Geranium

The Nectarine Geranium should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. If the soil is saturated at every watering, the plant can suffer from root rot. Be sure to also water the plant moderately during weekly intervals and then reduce the watering frequency in winter. If the soil is dry to the touch or the leaves lose their vibrant color, it’s probably time to add water.

Nectarine Geraniums prefer bright indirect light, so place them near a window shielded from direct sunlight. These plants can also tolerate medium to low light conditions, so don’t worry if you haven’t found an ideal location yet. Additionally, the Nectarine Geranium can also benefit from light coming from grow lights.

The Nectarine Geranium prefers warmer temperatures of 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Avoid cold drafts and temperatures lower than 50°F (10°C), even in winter months when the plant is dormant.

The Nectarine Geranium prefers high humidity. To create a more favorable environment, try placing it in a terrarium or misting the leaves weekly. You can also place the pot on a humidity tray filled with small rocks and water or use a room humidifier.

The Nectarine Geranium needs a soil mix that is nutrient-rich and well-draining. A good potting mix should contain compost or manure, peat moss, and perlite. Use a pot large enough to properly accommodate the root system and make sure to allow for adequate drainage.

The Nectarine Geranium should be fertilized in the spring and summer months every three or four weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to leaf-burn or other negative effects. Use a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer, or a slow-release granular fertilizer, to give the plant a nutrient boost.

Nectarine Geraniums are relatively pest-resistant plants, but can still be susceptible to common houseplant pests. To spot pests, check all leaves and stems thoroughly. Common pests include mealybugs, aphids, and whiteflies. To treat these pests, use a cotton swab dampened with rubbing alcohol or a spray bottle with water and a few drops of dish soap. Make sure to rinse the plant after spraying it with water to avoid pesticide burn.

The Nectarine Geranium should be repotted every two or three years to ensure proper growth. When repotting, use an appropriately sized pot and soil mix. Be sure to pick up a potting mix that is well-draining as these plants do not like “wet feet”. After repotting, allow the soil to dry out between watering.

Pruning or trimming Nectarine Geraniums should be done during the summer months, after flowering has finished or the plant has reached your desired size. Pruning helps keep the plant looking neat and tidy as well as encourages healthy new growth. Use scissors to prune off any dead, brown, or wilted leaves or stems.

Mulching the Nectarine Geranium should be done to help control soil temperature and retain moisture. Use organic mulch such as pine needles or bark to protect the plant's roots. Avoid using inorganic or non-biodegradable materials such as plastic or stones.

The Nectarine Geranium can be propagated relatively easily from stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or even division. For propagation, use a clean pair of scissors to take a cutting of 4-6 inches from a healthy stem. Remove any dead or wilted leaves and dip the end of the stem into rooting hormone before planting it in moist potting mix. Place the pot in an area with bright indirect light and water it steadily. After a few weeks, new growth should appear.

When planted outdoors, the Nectarine Geranium can reach 2-3 meters in height, so it may need a stake or support pole to keep it from toppling over. When kept indoors, it typically only grows to about 30 cm, although it can reach up to 90 cm, so it may still need to be evenly supported.

To ensure proper growth, the Nectarine Geranium needs a rest period during the winter months. During its dormancy period, decrease watering and keep the plant in a cooler spot, ideally a temperature between 50°F – 65°F (10°C – 18°C). The Nectarine Geranium should not be repotted or pruned during its rest period, as the plant will revive when temperatures begin to rise in the spring.

The Nectarine Geranium is not considered toxic to pets. However, it is best to keep all houseplants out of reach of both kids and pets to avoid accidental ingestion.