Ivy geranium care guide
Pelargonium peltatum
Quick answer
Water your ivy geranium when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 5 to 7 days.
- WateringEvery 5 to 7 days · summer
Every 10 to 14 days · winter - LightBright / direct light
- Climate10–24 °C (50–75 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
3 cm (1.2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 5 to 7 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 10 to 14 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright / direct light
Ivy geranium needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your ivy geranium every 14 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate10–24 °C (50–75 °F)
Humidity40–60%
Ivy geranium is comfortable between 10 and 24 °C (50–75 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above 5 °C (41 °F).
It does best at 40–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice. ASPCA lists the whole Pelargonium genus, so this applies to every Pelargonium species, including this one.
Full ivy geranium toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water an ivy geranium?
Water your ivy geranium (Pelargonium peltatum) when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 5 to 7 days. In winter, slow down to every 10 to 14 days.
How much light does an ivy geranium need?
Ivy geranium needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Is ivy geranium safe for cats and dogs?
The source reports vomiting, loss of appetite, depression (low energy), skin irritation (dermatitis). Keep ivy geranium out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like bunny ear cactus, ghost plant, old man cactus, or basil.
Why is my ivy geranium turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources
- This guide follows established plant-care guidance and official ASPCA pet-safety references. How we verify our plant data →
- How we check our plant advice
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