Geranium (Pelargonium) Care Guide
Pelargonium x hortorum
Quick Answer
Geranium (Pelargonium) is more forgiving than most people expect, but consistent care makes a big difference. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry rather than on a fixed schedule, give it adequate light for its category, and feed lightly during the growing season. Catching problems early — a change in leaf colour or texture — is the key to keeping it healthy.
⭐Difficulty
Easy
☀️Light
Bright indirect to full sun
💧Watering
Every 5–7 days
🌫️Humidity
Low–Medium (30–50%)
🌡️Temperature
40–85°F
📈Growth Rate
Moderate–Fast
Toxicity
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Watering
Summer
Every 5–7 days
Winter
Every 10–14 days
Method: Allow top inch to dry before watering; water thoroughly; drain; they prefer slightly dry to overwatered conditions; root rot is the main concern
In summer, aim to water geranium (pelargonium) approximately every 5–7 days; in winter cut back to around every 10–14 days. Rather than following a calendar, water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom, then don't water again until the soil passes the dryness check. Yellow leaves often signal overwatering; drooping with dry soil means it needs water now.
Light Requirements
Bright indirect to full sun
Geranium (Pelargonium) does best in a south- or west-facing windowsill where it gets at least 2–4 hours of direct sun. Without direct light, Geranium (Pelargonium) stretches toward the light source, loses its compact shape, and colour or markings may fade.
Soil & Potting
Soil: Well-draining potting mix with perlite; do not use moisture-retentive mixes
Pot: Any pot with excellent drainage; terracotta preferred
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature: 40–85°F (4–29°C)
Humidity: Low–Medium (30–50%)
Fertilizing
Frequency: Every 2 weeks in spring/summer with bloom fertilizer; skip fall/winter
Type: High-potassium bloom fertilizer (10-10-20 or similar)
Common Problems
No blooms
No blooms: Insufficient light or high-nitrogen fertilizer. Fix both. Catching the problem early makes it much easier to fix — watch for early warning signs and act before the plant is in serious distress.
Yellow lower leaves
Yellow lower leaves: Overwatering. Allow to dry between waterings. Check the roots: if they're dark, mushy, or smell off, root rot has set in. Unpot the plant, trim all affected roots with clean scissors, dust with cinnamon, and repot in fresh dry mix before resuming a cautious watering schedule.
Gray mold (botrytis)
Gray mold (botrytis): High humidity + poor air circulation. Improve airflow. Catching the problem early makes it much easier to fix — watch for early warning signs and act before the plant is in serious distress.
Aphids or whitefly
Aphids or whitefly: Common. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Check under leaves and along stems regularly, since pests establish colonies before becoming visible from above. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, covering the undersides of leaves, and repeat every 5–7 days for at least three rounds.
Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Geranium (Pelargonium) is by stem cuttings. Take a 4–6 inch cutting that includes at least one node (the point where a leaf attaches). Remove any leaves that would be submerged, then place it in water or directly into moist potting mix. In water, roots appear within 2–4 weeks; pot up once they reach an inch long. The thing that trips people up most: taking a cutting without a node. Without a node, the cutting stays green for weeks but will never root.
Seasonal Care Calendar
🌸 Spring
Spring is when Geranium (Pelargonium) starts actively pushing new growth as day length and light intensity increase. Increase watering frequency as the plant becomes more active, begin fertilising every 2–4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser, and this is the ideal window for repotting or taking cuttings.
☀️ Summer
Summer is peak growing season — Geranium (Pelargonium) is working hard and using water and nutrients faster than at other times of year. Water more frequently but check the soil rather than going on a fixed schedule, since heat and higher light accelerate drying. If you move it outdoors, introduce it to conditions gradually to prevent sun scorch.
🍂 Fall
Fall is a transition: Geranium (Pelargonium) grows more slowly as light levels decrease. Reduce watering frequency slightly, stop fertilising by late October, and move it closer to a window to compensate for shorter days. Avoid drafts from opening windows as temperatures drop. Watch for flower buds developing around spring through fall with adequate light — avoid repotting or relocating the plant at this time.
❄️ Winter
In winter, Geranium (Pelargonium) enters a slower-growth phase and uses water more slowly than in summer. Water less frequently to avoid root issues from soil staying wet too long in low light. If your home is heated and the air is dry, a pebble tray or humidifier keeps the plant comfortable.