Geranium
Also called Zonal pelargonium, Bedding geranium.
| Light | full sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Every 7 days in the growing season, every 21 in winter |
| Humidity | low |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Height | Up to 45 cm (18 in) tall |
| Pets | Cats toxic, dogs toxic |
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, toxic and non-toxic plants, Geranium entry.
Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The principles are geraniol and linalool, causing vomiting, loss of appetite, depression and skin irritation. Keep it where an animal that eats houseplants cannot reach it, and speak to a vet if one does. In South Africa telephone the Poison Information Helpline on 0861 555 777; in the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
These are South African plants, from dry rocky places in the Cape, and the whole of their care follows from that. They want sun, sharp drainage, and a proper dry spell between waterings. Seed is sown in late winter under glass in the north, which means January to March, because the plants need a long run to flower in their first summer. In South Africa they are planted out in the spring months, appearing on the September list under their common name of geranium. Most people propagate them from cuttings instead, which root easily in gritty compost at almost any time in the growing season. To keep a plant over winter, cut it back by half, let it dry, and hold it somewhere frost free and bright with barely any water until spring.
Ailments observed
| A blackened stem at soil level | Blackleg, a rot at the base caused by cold wet compost. There is no cure for an affected plant. Take healthy cuttings from the top, root them in gritty compost, and water far less. |
|---|---|
| It will not flower | Too much nitrogen, too little light, or a pot several sizes too big. Move it into full sun, swap to a potash rich feed, and pot it back down into something snug. Deadhead by snapping the whole flower stalk off at its base. |
Filed underPlants that forgive a beginner, Plants for infrequent watering, Plants for a balcony or a small space
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