The Spruce / Kara Riley
No garden is complete without colorful, easy-to-grow geraniums (Pelargonium).
These plants are great for container life, blooming better when slightlyroot-boundor tightly packed in a pot.
ensure the container soil has good drainage.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Types of Geraniums
These popular perennials are available in many species and hybrids, each with benefits.
Whatever species ofgeranium you grow, geraniums need protection from winter freezes, summer heat, and soggy soil.
Provide Full Sun
Geraniums need six to eight hours of sun each day to bloom well.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Potted geraniums do best when placed in a spot that will receive some afternoon shade.
It’s better to keep geraniums drier than to risk waterlogging the roots.
To prevent overwatering, water only when the top inch of the soil is dry.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Ensure moisture can easily drain through drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
Geraniums are relatively drought-tolerant plants.
They can survive a fair amount of neglect but should never be allowed to dry out completely.
Water directly onto the soil and not over the leaves and flowers when watering.
Remove the entire flower stalk down to where it meets the main stem.
Geraniums bloom best when they’re somewhatroot-bound, so repot your geraniums into a larger container only when necessary.
Use a container that is only one size bigger than the previous one.
Stop feeding at the end of summer.
Geraniums thrive indoors in temperatures above 50F and with at least six to eight hours of sun daily.
Ensure they have a south or west-facing window exposure for the most sun and warmth.
Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out to avoid giving too much water.
Also, note any diseases or pests.
Watch Out for Spider Mites
Keep an eye on youroverwintering geraniumsfor signs of aspider miteinfestation.
You might notice parched leaves, webbing, or specks that resemble spiders when viewed with a magnifying glass.
Spider mites are best treated early, so move quickly when you spot the problem.
Soak both the plant and the top inch of the soil for best results.
Let the soil dry out so that it remains only barely moist.
With ample sun and warmth, geraniums indoors have an average lifespan of several years.
But in ideal conditions, some can even live a couple of decades.
Too much sun and heat will slow down flower production.
Consider moving your geranium to a partial shade spot to shield it from harsh sun.
A high-quality, compost-enriched potting mix is adequate.
Geraniums prefer slightly acidic soil in the 6.0 to 6.5 range.
