At a glance
- Light
- Bright / direct light
- Typical interval
- Every 6 to 8 days (summer)
Every 11 to 17 days (winter) - Climate
- 18–24 °C
- Humidity
- 40–60 %
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
- Scientific name
- Pelargonium x hortorum
When and how much water
Water geranium when the top 3 cm of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 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.
Light and placement
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 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
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.
Full Geranium toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a Geranium?
Water your geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) when the top 3 cm of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
How much light does a Geranium need?
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 Geranium safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains geraniol and linalool (essential oils). Chewing it can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Keep geranium out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like sweetheart plant, Gerbera daisy, Echeveria, or donkey’s tail.
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. With Botanicaly Pro, Botanicaly Bot can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · synonym relationship · accepted hybrid name
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxLight · drainage · dry-down · overwintering · ventilation · pests · disease
- Royal Horticultural SocietySun · free drainage · feeding · pruning · overwintering · pests and diseases · Light · peat-free compost · watering · winter care · Indoor position · potting medium · feeding cadence · cuttings
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlPelargonium species pet-safety record under geranium · not exact to the hybrid manifest entry
Last reviewed: 2026-09-21
