Geranium
The window-box classic, with rounded scented leaves and clusters of red, pink or white flowers. It can be a houseplant on a very sunny sill, and it is the easiest way to overwinter a patio plant. Toxic to pets.
The geranium of window boxes is a pelargonium from South Africa, and it is tougher than its garden-centre reputation. Indoors it wants the sunniest sill in the house and will flower there most of the year. It also overwinters easily inside, which is how most people end up with one on a windowsill.
The scented-leaf types, in rose, lemon and mint, are the best indoor geraniums: smaller flowers, wonderful leaves.
Light
Full sun. A south or west window with several hours of direct light. Without it the stems stretch and it stops flowering.
Water
Water when the top inch or two is dry, every six days or so in summer and every two weeks in winter, when it rests. It rots in wet soil and forgives being dry.
Soil and potting
A well-draining potting mix. Repot yearly in spring and cut it back by a third to keep it bushy. Pinch tips through the season.
Feeding
A half-strength balanced feed every three weeks in spring and summer.
Propagation
Stem cuttings root easily in early spring or late summer. Let the cut end dry for a few hours, push it into dry mix, and keep it barely moist until it roots.
In a hot, dry home
Very happy here. It is a dry-climate plant that tolerates heat, and a west window in summer suits it. Water a little more in July. It is one of the few flowering plants that genuinely likes an Arizona windowsill.
Problems and fixes
Leggy stems, few flowers
Likely cause: Not enough sun
Fix: Move into direct light; cut back hard in spring.
Yellow lower leaves
Likely cause: Overwatering, or normal ageing
Fix: Let it dry more; remove old leaves.
Grey fuzzy mould on leaves or flowers
Likely cause: Botrytis from still, damp air
Fix: Remove affected parts; improve airflow; water at the soil.
Geranium questions
Is geranium toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Pelargoniums cause vomiting and skin irritation if chewed.
Can I keep a geranium indoors all year?
Yes, on a very sunny window. It flowers most of the year with enough direct sun and rests in winter.
How do I overwinter a geranium?
Bring it in before frost, cut it back by a third, put it on a sunny sill, and water sparingly until spring.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Chrysanthemum
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every few days
- Pets
- Toxic
Crown of Thorns
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 10 days
- Pets
- Toxic
Kalanchoe
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 10 days
- Pets
- Toxic
