How to Grow and Care for Geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum) Indoors
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Geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum) blossom in bright light with some direct sunlight, average warmth, average room humidity and consistently moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Pelargonium x hortorum are some of the popular flowering plants due to their ease of care, large colourful blooms and long flowering period.
Geraniums are sun-loving plants that they will bloom almost all year-round if kept on a sunny window at average room temperature.
Botanical name: Pelargonium x hortorum
Family: Geraniaceae
Origin
Pelargonium x hortorum is a hybrid between Pelargonium zonale and Pelargonium inquinans. Pelargonium x hortorum belongs to the group of Pelargoniums called Zonal (or common) Pelargonium. This refers to the brown annular zone around the leaves. The parent plants are native to South Africa.
Size
Pelargonium x hortorum grows to a height of 1-2 feet but some can reach 4 feet or more. On account of their compact size and love for direct sunshine, Geraniums are some of the best plants for a sunny balcony.
Flower
Some Geraniums have small insignificant flowers and are grown for their colourful foliage but majority bear large flowers which may be single, semi-double or double.
Pelargonium x hortorum like its relative Pelargonium peltatum (Ivy Geranium) bears large clusters of flowers which come in white, red, pink, orange and purple. The whole plant except the flowers gives off a characteristic smell. Numerous varieties of Pelargonium x hortorum for growing indoors are available.
Toxicity
Pelargonium x hortorum plants are non-toxic to humans and pets. They are known to be used in teas and cakes.
Where to Buy
Geraniums are a great addition to your collection, you may acquire these plants online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Pelargonium x hortorum care Indoors
Geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum) bloom in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, average warmth of 18-270C, average room humidity of 50-55% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained, all purpose soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Pelargonium x hortorum requires regular pruning to keep it neat, discourage pest and disease infestations as well as encourage a bushy compact growth. Repotting is only necessary when the plant is extremely pot-bound as it blooms best when the roots are confined. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how best to provide them.
Light requirements
Geranium Plant grows best in bright light with at least 4-6 hours direct sunshine to encourage flowering. Keep it away from hot midday sunlight to prevent scorching of the leaves.
The plant will not bloom if the light is not enough. Therefore, where natural light is inadequate, you may grow Pelargonium x hortorum under a grow light. Take a look at these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Regularly turn the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and also prevent legginess.
Watering
Water Geranium Plant liberally during the growing season and allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moist at all times.
Reduce watering during the cold period as growth is minimal at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to avoid soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot and loss of the plant.
Temperature and Humidity
The best temperature for Geranium Plant is an average warmth of 18-270C. The cool nights and warm days are necessary to trigger flower buds. Keep it away from drafts as the sudden changes in temperatures can cause reddening leaf edges, leaf drop, wilting and reduced growth.
Average room humidity of 50-55% is ideal for Geraniums. Where the air is too dry, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity. Do not mist the leaves as it can lead to fungal diseases.
Potting Soil
The best soil for Geranium Plant should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Most all purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant.
Fertilizer
Feed Geranium Plant with a phosphorous-rich, water-soluble fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season to enhance flowering. Withhold feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal and it can lead to fertilizer burn and eventual death of the plant.
Repotting
Repot Geranium Plant during the growing season only when the plant is extremely pot-bound as it blooms more when the roots are confined.
Use a pot 1 size larger and one that has a drainage hole and free-draining soil to avoid getting soggy soil which can lead to root-rot disease. Check out these pots with drainage holes on Amazon.
Do not repot a plant that is in flower as the repotting shock can shorten the flowering period.
Pruning
Pruning Geranium Plant is easy. Remove dead flowers and leaves to maintain the plant tidy as well as minimize pest and disease infestations. Pinch off the growing tips to encourage compact growth and prevent the plant from getting unruly. After flowering, lightly cutback the stems to rejuvenate growth and keep the plant compact.
Propagation
Geranium Plant (Pelargonium x hortorum) propagation can be done at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings or by seeds.
How to propagate Geranium Plant from stem cuttings
Take a 4-6 inches stem cuttings from a healthy Geranium plant. Strip off the lower leaves.
Insert the cuttings in moist free-draining soil. Ensure the rooting container has proper drainage to prevent the soil from becoming soggy to avoid rotting.
Place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot and maintain the soil moist through out until the new Geraniums plants are well established.
How to propagate Geranium Plant from seeds
Spread Geranium seeds evenly on moist free-draining soil and cover lightly with some soil. Cover the set up with a plastic sheet to create a greenhouse effect.
Position the set up in a warm, brightly-lit place and maintain the soil moist through out by gently misting the soil surface until the seedlings are well established.
When the seedlings are a reasonable size, transplant them into individual pots.
Place the pots in a cool well-lit spot and maintain the soil moist until the new Geranium plants are well established.
Pelargonium x hortorum Problems
Geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) problems are yellow leaves, wilting, leaf drop, leggy growth, reddening leaf edges, mold, pests and diseases. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to solve them.
Pests
Common pests in Geranium are whiteflies, aphids and vine weevil. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it for the pests.
Blackening at the base of the stem
The cause of blackening of the stem base in Geranium is black leg disease which is enhanced by soggy soil. Stop overwatering the plant and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil.
Water-soaked, corky patches on leaves
Water-soaked, corky patches on the leaves of Geranium are an indication of oedema disease which is promoted by soggy soil. Reduce watering and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil.
Grey mold on the leaves
Grey mold on the leaves of Geranium are a sign of botrytis disease which is associated with soggy soil. Cut down on watering and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to avoid getting soggy soil.
Lower leaves yellowing, firm and scorched
The cause of yellow, firm and scorched lower leaves in Geranium is underwatering. Water the plant thoroughly during the growing period and allow the soil to dry out between waterings to maintain it moist at all times.
Cut down on watering in the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely. Read more on how to water indoor plants the right way.
Leggy growth and leaf drop
Leggy growth and leaf drop in Geranium is due to too little light; the plant is not getting adequate light. Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright light with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Reddening leaf edges
Very low temperature is the cause of reddening leaf edges in Geranium. Move it to a warmer spot and maintain average warmth of 18-270C and protect it or keep it away from cold drafts like windy doors, drafty windows, air conditioning units among others. Check out this guide on understanding temperature for houseplants.
Lower leaves yellowing, wilted and rotten
Overwatering is the cause of yellow, wilted and rotten lower leaves in Geranium. Maintain the soil moist but not soggy. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to avoid getting soggy soil.
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