As a geranium, I feel the days growing shorter and the air turning crisp. My vibrant summer growth begins to slow, and a deep, instinctual need for rest settles within my stems. To see me through the cold months, you must understand my natural cycle and provide the conditions that mimic my dormant period.
Before the first frost blackens my tender leaves, I must be brought inside. This sudden change is a shock to my system. Please, acclimate me gradually over a week or two by moving me to a shadier, sheltered spot outdoors first. This helps me adjust to lower light levels and prevents my leaves from scorching or dropping in protest. When you finally move me inside, a bright, sunny windowsill facing south is my ideal haven. I still crave light, even in my slumber.
I do not wish to grow during winter; I only wish to survive. My metabolism slows to a near halt. Therefore, you must drastically reduce your watering. Please water me only when the soil is completely dry to the touch, and even then, provide just enough to moisten the roots without drenching them. Soggy soil will cause my roots to rot and decay in the cold, dark environment. Do not fertilize me at all. Feeding me now would encourage weak, spindly new growth that is vulnerable to pests like whitefly and is of no use to me while I rest.
If space is limited, you can help me enter an even deeper sleep. Gently remove me from my pot and shake the soil from my roots. Then, hang me upside down in a cool, dark place like a basement or garage, where the temperature stays consistently between 45-50°F (7-10°C). Alternatively, you can place my bare roots in a paper bag. Once a month, briefly take me down and soak my roots in water for an hour or two to prevent them from desiccating completely. I may look dead—my leaves will yellow and drop—but trust that I am merely sleeping, conserving every ounce of energy in my stems.
As the sun strengthens in early spring, I will begin to stir. For potted plants, gradually increase watering. For bare-root plants, it's time to wake up. Prune back my leggy growth to a healthy node, repot me in fresh potting mix, and water me thoroughly. Place me back in that bright window, and soon you will see tiny green leaves emerge, signaling my successful journey through winter and my readiness to burst into growth once more.
