From our perspective as geranium plants, achieving optimal hydration is a delicate dance between our needs and our environment. We are not high-maintenance, but we are particular. Our succulent-like leaves and stems store water, making us more tolerant of dry conditions than many of our floral companions. The most common mistake our caretakers make is loving us a little too much with the watering can. To truly help us thrive, you must learn to listen to what we are telling you.
Forget the calendar. The single most important signal we send is through the soil we call home. Our roots need a cycle of moisture and air. The ideal practice is to wait until the top inch to two inches of soil feels completely dry to your touch. Push your finger into the soil; if it feels dry at your fingertip, it is time for a drink. If it feels cool or damp, please wait. Constantly wet soil suffocates our roots, creating an environment where rot-causing pathogens thrive, which is a death sentence for us.
Our water consumption is directly tied to our growth cycle and the amount of light and heat we receive. During our active growing season in the spring and summer, when the sun is strong and we are actively producing blooms, our thirst increases. You may find yourself watering us every few days, especially if we are in containers outdoors in full sun. However, as the days shorten and temperatures drop in the fall and winter, we enter a period of dormancy. Our growth slows dramatically, and our water needs plummet. During this time, you may only need to water us every two to three weeks, or even less. Always go back to the first rule: check our soil.
We demand excellent drainage. Whether we are planted in a pot or in a garden bed, sitting in water is our worst nightmare. When choosing a container for us, ensure it has ample drainage holes in the bottom. Use a well-aerated, loose potting mix, not heavy garden soil. A mix designed for containers, perhaps with some added perlite or coarse sand, is perfect. When you water, do so thoroughly until you see water freely running out of the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root ball has been moistened. Crucially, never let us sit in a saucer full of water; empty it after watering.
We communicate our discomfort through our foliage. Pay close attention, as we will show you if we are getting too much or too little water. If our leaves are turning yellow, particularly the lower, older leaves, and they feel soft and mushy, you are giving us too much water. This is a classic sign of overwatering and the onset of root rot. Conversely, if our leaves are wilting, looking dull, and the edges are becoming crispy and brown, we are severely dehydrated. An underwatered geranium will often perk up quickly after a thorough drink, but recovery from overwatering is much more difficult.
Several external factors will change how often we need water. We will drink more frequently if we are in a hot, sunny, and windy location. If we are in a larger pot, the soil will retain moisture longer than in a small, cramped pot. The type of pot also matters; our soil in a porous terracotta pot will dry out faster than in a plastic or glazed ceramic pot. Hotter weather means more frequent watering, while cool, cloudy periods mean the soil will stay moist for much longer. Adjust your care accordingly.
