pelargonium (commonly called geranium)
Pelargonium
Genus of flowering plants in the Geraniaceae family, commonly called pelargoniums or geraniums; popular, easy-to-grow ornamentals with clustered showy flowers and scented foliage.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: mildly toxic
Leaves and sap can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested by cats and dogs and may irritate skin. Symptoms are usually mild vomiting or drooling, rarely severe.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Place pelargoniums in a bright, sunny spot: a south or west window is ideal. They need at least 4–6 hours of direct sun for best flowering. In very hot climates provide light afternoon shade and rotate pots for even growth.
Water
Allow the top 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) of soil to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly until excess drains, then empty saucers. Avoid constant soggy soil; reduce watering in cooler months and increase slightly in active growth.
Humidity
Pelargoniums tolerate average indoor humidity and prefer good air circulation. Avoid high humidity to reduce rot risk. Use a pebble tray or brief misting only in very dry air, but keep foliage mostly dry.
Temperature
Best between 7–29 °C (45–84 °F). Keep above freezing; cool nights around 10–15 °C (50–59 °F) encourage compact growth and flowering, avoid sustained heat above mid-80s °F.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Yellow, mushy leaves and stem collapse
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage leading to root rot
Solution: Reduce watering, repot in fresh well-draining mix, trim rotten roots, improve drainage and allow soil to dry between waterings
Leggy growth and few flowers
Cause: Insufficient light or lack of pruning
Solution: Move to a brighter spot with direct sun, pinch back stems to promote bushiness and deadhead spent blooms regularly
Brown, crispy leaf edges
Cause: Underwatering, high heat or salty build-up from fertilizer
Solution: Increase watering frequency slightly, flush potting mix to remove salts, provide afternoon shade in extreme heat
Sticky leaves or sooty mold
Cause: Sap-sucking pests like aphids, whiteflies or scale
Solution: Inspect and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, isolate affected plants and repeat treatments until pests are gone
✂️How to Propagate pelargonium (commonly called geranium)
Take 5–10 cm stem cuttings from healthy growth. Remove lower leaves and any flowers, let cut end callus 12–24 hours. Insert into a free-draining mix (perlite:peat or seed compost), keep bright indirect light and 18–22 °C. Keep slightly moist but not wet; roots form in 2–4 weeks. For division, separate clumps at repotting; sow seeds thinly and keep warm and humid until germination.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Geraniaceae
Native to: Native to southern Africa, especially South Africa and Namibia; many species originate from Cape Provinces.
Natural Habitat: Pelargoniums naturally grow on sunny rocky slopes, well-drained soils and scrubby grasslands in Mediterranean-type climates with dry summers and cool, wet winters.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Reduce watering and stop fertilizing. Keep plants cool (7–15 °C) with bright light; consider moving indoors to avoid frost. Cut back leggy growth if needed.
Spring
Repot or freshen topsoil, begin regular feeding every 4–6 weeks, pinch growing tips to encourage branching and plant out after last frost for outdoor plants.
Summer
Provide full morning and midday sun, water thoroughly when topsoil dries, deadhead spent blooms and stake tall varieties. Watch for heat stress during extreme highs.
Fall
Gradually reduce feeding and water as growth slows. Move container plants indoors before first frost and prune back long stems for easier overwintering.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my geranium?
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry, typically every 7–14 days depending on pot size, light and temperature.
How much sunlight do pelargoniums need?
They need bright light and at least 4–6 hours of direct sun daily for best flowering; morning sun is ideal.
Are geraniums poisonous to cats and dogs?
Pelargoniums are mildly toxic—ingestion can cause vomiting or drooling. Keep curious pets from chewing leaves.
Can I overwinter geraniums indoors?
Yes. Move indoors before frost, keep cool and bright, reduce watering and prune back to conserve energy over winter.
What's the easiest way to propagate pelargoniums?
Stem cuttings are easiest: take 5–10 cm stems, let callus, insert into a free-draining mix and keep warm and bright until rooted.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025