Ivy geranium care guidePelargonium peltatum

Trailing balcony classic. Ranked #53 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.

🌿
Scientific name
Pelargonium peltatum
Origin
South Africa
Difficulty
Easy
Light
Bright / direct light
Watering (summer)
every 5 to 7 days
Watering (winter)
every 10 to 14 days
Humidity
50-60%
Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs

WateringWhen and how much water

Water Ivy 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

Ivy 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.

Pet safetyToxic to pets

Toxic to pets. The plant contains geraniol + linalool (essential oils), which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Ivy geranium out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Spider plant, Calathea, or Boston fern.

Get the personalised schedule

Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Ivy geranium based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.

Download Botanicaly

FAQCommon questions

How often should I water a Ivy geranium?

Water your Ivy geranium (Pelargonium peltatum) 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 Ivy geranium need?

Ivy 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 Ivy geranium safe for cats and dogs?

The plant contains geraniol + linalool (essential oils), which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Ivy geranium out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Spider plant, Calathea, or Boston fern.

BrowseMore popular houseplants