From my perspective as a geranium, I crave sunlight. It is my source of energy and the very thing that fuels my vibrant blooms. Please place me in a spot where I can bask in at least six hours of bright, direct sunlight each day. A south or west-facing windowsill is my idea of paradise. Without enough light, I become leggy, my stems stretching weakly for any available ray, and my flowering will be sparse. If you keep me outdoors for the summer, a sunny patio or balcony is perfect. Just remember, I am not a fan of the harsh, scorching afternoon sun in extremely hot climates; a little dappled shade during that time is a welcome relief.
My relationship with water is simple: I prefer to be thirsty rather than drowned. My roots are susceptible to rot if left sitting in soggy, waterlogged soil. The best way to care for me is to check the soil itself. Push your finger about an inch into the potting mix. If it feels dry to the touch, that is my signal for a drink. When you do water, please do so thoroughly until you see water escaping from the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot. Then, allow all the excess water to drain away completely. Empty the saucer beneath me; I do not like wet feet. In the cooler winter months, I am resting and will require even less water.
I need a comfortable home to put down roots. A well-draining potting mix is essential for my health. Many commercial potting soils designed for containers work well, especially those with added perlite or vermiculite to ensure good drainage and aeration. To support my energy-intensive blooming, I appreciate a regular meal. During my active growing season (spring and summer), please feed me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer mixed into my soil at the beginning of the season will provide a steady supply of nutrients. This fuel is crucial for me to produce my beautiful, colorful flowers for you.
To keep me looking my best and encourage continuous blooming, a little grooming goes a long way. As my individual flower clusters begin to fade and turn brown, this process is called deadheading. By gently pinching or snipping off the spent flower head just below the cluster and above the first set of leaves, you send me a clear signal. It tells me to stop putting energy into producing seeds and to instead focus my efforts on creating new, fresh blooms. In late fall or early spring, a more vigorous pruning helps me maintain a bushy, compact shape. Do not be afraid to cut back up to one-third of my growth; it invigorates me and promotes lush new stems.
As a tender perennial, I cannot survive freezing temperatures. Before the first frost arrives, please bring me indoors. Find me a cool, bright spot like a sunny garage or a cool room near a window. My growth will slow dramatically, and I will need very little water during this dormant period. Come spring, you might notice I have become a bit root-bound. If my roots are circling the inside of the pot, it is time to repot me into a container only one or two inches larger. This gives my roots new space to grow, which in turn supports a healthier and more vibrant plant above the soil.
