Geranium Plant Care

geranium plant care involves planting correctly and fertilizing properly. The common geranium (Pelargonium) can be easily planted in garden beds and planters outdoors while the Regal geranium is better suited to indoor containers.

geranium plant care is similar for plants in beds and containers. When planting geraniums in your garden beds, wait until after the last frost. These plants can be damaged in strong winds so make sure you plant in a somewhat sheltered area. Use a well drained soil and a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day. Fertilize monthly with a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Water weekly.

geranium plant care for Planters

Geraniums can be grown in planters on the porch, patio or garden. The ivy type geraniums are great for hanging baskets and window boxes. Make sure you use a container that is big enough for the plant or it will wilt (you may need to replant to prevent wilting as the plant grows). Use a soil that has enough aeration – either a commercial made mix or garden soil mixed with peat moss or perlite. Plant in a spot that is protected from strong wind and gets 6 hours sun a day. Make sure you water it frequently but do not let it sit in water.

geranium plant care for Indoor Plants

The Regal or Martha Washington geranium is not suited for outdoor use but perfect for the indoors! Put your plant in a sunny window for best results. Perfect temperatures for your indoor geranium are mid 60’s during day time hours and mid 50’s at night. Fertilize once a month in spring and summer and every 2 months in fall and winter. Water weekly and use a container that has good drainage.

Find out about pests and diseases

More On Geraniums:

Healing Properties Of Geraniums
Explore the medicinal uses of this plant from healing skin to repelling insects to relieveing symptoms of PMS.

Geranium Care
How to plant and care for your Geraniums.

Geranium Pests And Disease
What's making your plant turn yellow? Find out what it could be and how to treat it.

Using Geraniums For Healthy Skin and Hair
The wild geranium has antiseptic properties that are said to help balance oily or dry sking and hair. It is also said to help relieve acne. A tea can be made that can be applied topically or a compress can be used to help heal bruises, cuts, sunburn and other skin ailments. A hot steam facial over a geranium tea or using it as a wash for your hair can help even out your complexion and hair texture.

Geraniums And PMS
Among the medicinal properties attributed to geraniums is the ability to help relieve the symptoms of PMS and menopause. Geraniums have astringent and antiseptic properties and have been used for healing and to repel insects for centuries. Native to South Africa, the plant produces essential oils in small glands around the foliage and flowers. The best time to harvest the oil is when the plant is just starting to flower.