Easy Flowering Toxic to pets

Geranium

Pelargonium x hortorum

The Geranium is the undisputed king of balconies and windowsills, offering generous and colorful blooming from spring until the first frosts.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 4 days
Light

Full sun
Humidity

40–60 %
Temperature

10–30 °C

How to care for your Geranium

Everything you need to keep your Geranium healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Pelargonium x hortorum, commonly called Geranium, originates from South Africa and has conquered European balconies since the 18th century. It is a remarkably generous plant that produces round, colorful flower clusters non-stop throughout the growing season. Easy to grow, it only requires sun, regular watering, and fertilizer to give its best. It roots very easily from cuttings in summer, allowing endless propagation.

Watering your Geranium

Every 4 days

Water thoroughly then allow the compost to partially dry out between waterings. Pelargoniums tolerate drought better than overwatering.

How to know it needs water

Compost dry 3–4 cm deep
Lower leaves beginning to yellow
Plant looking less vigorous

How much light a Geranium needs

Full sun

Full sun. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. Tolerates semi-shade but flowers less.

Direct sun tolerated: 6 to 10 h a day
Orientations that suit it: East, South-east, South, South-west, West

Humidity and misting

40–60 %

40–60% Do not mist. Pelargoniums prefer dry air and good ventilation. Excess humidity promotes fungal diseases.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 10 days

Fertilize regularly from April to October. Pelargoniums are heavy feeders and require regular inputs to flower abundantly all summer.

Recommended feed: Liquid fertilizer for flowering plants, high in potassium (NPK 12-12-17). A geranium-specific formula is ideal. · 5-10-5

Repotting your Geranium

Every 12 months

Use well-draining universal compost with added sand or perlite. A pot with drainage holes is essential. Do not over-pot.

When: Spring (March–April)
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots emerging from drainage holes
Plant drying out very quickly between waterings
Stagnant growth

Pruning your Geranium

In late winter (February–March) and regularly throughout the season. Cut back hard in late winter to 10–15 cm to rejuvenate the plant. During the season, deadhead regularly and pinch shoot tips to encourage bushy growth.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 6 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 3 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of leaves can cause vomiting, depression, and dermatitis.

Good to know

The Geranium is not a true Geranium but a Pelargonium! True Geraniums are hardy perennials found in gardens.
Its leaves release a scent that repels mosquitoes, which is why it is so commonly found on Mediterranean windows and balconies.

Frequently asked questions about the Geranium

How do you care for a Geranium?

Water it every 4 days. Give it full sun. Ideal humidity: 40–60 %. Ideal temperature: 10–30 °C. Water thoroughly then allow the compost to partially dry out between waterings. Pelargoniums tolerate drought better than overwatering.

How often should you water a Geranium?

Every 4 days Water thoroughly then allow the compost to partially dry out between waterings. Pelargoniums tolerate drought better than overwatering. How to know it needs water : Compost dry 3–4 cm deep ; Lower leaves beginning to yellow ; Plant looking less vigorous.

How much light does a Geranium need?

Full sun Full sun. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. Tolerates semi-shade but flowers less. 6 to 10 h a day

Is the Geranium toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of leaves can cause vomiting, depression, and dermatitis. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Geranium leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Geranium?

Repot every 12 months, ideally in spring (march–april). Use well-draining universal compost with added sand or perlite. A pot with drainage holes is essential. Do not over-pot.