Geranium care guidePelargonium x hortorum
Iconic European balcony flower. Ranked #52 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.
WateringWhen and how much water
Water Geranium when the top 2 cm of soil feel dry. In summer that's typically every 5 to 7 days; in winter slow down to every 10 to 14 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
LightHow bright a spot it needs
Geranium is bright / direct light: needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.
TroubleshootingCommon problems
Most Geranium problems trace back to watering — here's how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for: Yellowing leaves · Blackleg stem rot · Root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for: Wilting leaves · Crispy leaf edges · Red-tinged leaves. Water a little more often and don't let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Pet safetyToxic to pets
Toxic to pets. The plant contains geraniol + linalool (essential oils), which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Geranium out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Pinstripe calathea, Moth orchid, or Boston fern.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light: Pinstripe calathea, Moth orchid, Boston fern. See all pet-safe alternatives →
Pet-safety is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.
Field noteSomething worth knowing
What Europeans call a geranium is actually a Pelargonium; true geraniums are the hardy outdoor cranesbills with very different flowers.
Get the personalised schedule
Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Geranium based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.
Download BotanicalyFAQCommon questions
How often should I water a Geranium?
Water your Geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) when the top 2 cm of soil feel dry. In summer, that's typically every 5 to 7 days; in winter, slow down to every 10 to 14 days. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a Geranium need?
Geranium is bright / direct light: needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.
Is Geranium safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains geraniol + linalool (essential oils), which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Geranium out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Pinstripe calathea, Moth orchid, or Boston fern.
Why are my Geranium's leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Geranium, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering — watch for yellowing leaves, blackleg stem rot, or root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If the leaves are wilting leaves, crispy leaf edges, or red-tinged leaves instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.