Plant care guides
Geranium care guide Pelargonium x hortorum
How to grow and care for Geranium at home. A classic balcony flower.
- Light
- Bright / direct light
- Watering (summer)
- Every 5 to 7 days
- Watering (winter)
- Every 10 to 14 days
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Scientific name
- Pelargonium x hortorum
- Origin
- Hybrid
- Humidity
- 40-60%
Fun fact
What Europeans call a geranium is actually a Pelargonium; true geraniums are the hardy outdoor cranesbills with very different flowers.
When 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.
- Every 10 to 14 days
- Every 5 to 7 days
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.
How bright a spot it needs
Geranium 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.
Feeding
Feed Geranium every 21 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
Geranium is comfortable between 18 and 24 °C. Below 10 °C the leaves start taking damage, so keep it clear of cold drafts and unheated rooms.
It does best at 40–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common 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.
Toxic to pets?
YesToxic 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 information for catalog plants uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Propagation
Grow more Geranium from a cutting.
- Choose a healthy stem with at least one node and one or two leaves.
- Cut just below a node using clean, sharp scissors or a knife.
- Remove any leaves from the bottom 5 cm so they don’t rot in water or soil.
Common 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 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 you see wilting leaves, crispy leaf edges, or red-tinged leaves instead, it’s likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly’s Plant Doctor can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
Botanicaly
A schedule that reads your room.
You don’t need to work out your Geranium’s care from scratch each time. Botanicaly uses its saved setup and care history for the next step. Identifying is free. Pro adds Plant Doctor and Weather-smart care.
Still wet
Check again in 2 days
Botanicaly updates the next step when the soil isn’t dry.
