From my perspective as a geranium, light is my primary source of energy and the single biggest difference between your indoor and outdoor worlds. Outdoors, I bask in the glorious, full-spectrum sunlight for hours. This abundant energy allows me to photosynthesize efficiently, producing strong stems, lush leaves, and a prolific number of vibrant blooms. I can orient my leaves to follow the sun's path, maximizing my intake.
Indoors, however, is a different story. The light is often filtered through windows, significantly reducing its intensity. I yearn for a south or west-facing window where I can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sun. Without it, I become leggy, stretching my stems weakly toward the light source in a desperate search for energy. My flowering will be sparse, and my green foliage may pale. You might need to rotate my pot regularly to prevent me from growing lopsided.
I thrive in the moderate temperatures that humans also enjoy, but I have no love for extremes. Outdoors, I relish the gentle breeze that strengthens my stems and helps prevent fungal diseases by keeping my leaves dry. I am, however, a tender perennial. When temperatures dip near freezing, my cells freeze and rupture, which is fatal. A sudden frost means the end for me.
Indoors, I appreciate your climate control. The consistent, frost-free environment keeps me safe from the cold. But be wary of your modern comforts. Placing me directly over a heat vent or in the path of a cold draft from an air conditioner or door causes immense stress. This shock can cause my lower leaves to yellow and drop as I struggle to adapt to the sudden changes in my microclimate.
My watering needs are dictated almost entirely by my environment. Outdoor life means my soil dries out more quickly due to wind and sun. I prefer a deep, thorough drink that reaches all my roots, followed by a period where the top inch of soil dries out before the next watering. I despise having my feet constantly wet, as soggy soil suffocates my roots and leads to fatal root rot.
Inside, evaporation happens much more slowly. You must be far more cautious. Always check my soil before watering. The same rule applies: water deeply, then allow me to dry out. Overwatering is the most common threat to my indoor existence. Regarding food, an outdoor planting often provides rich soil, but I will still appreciate a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks during my growing season. Indoors, with my roots confined to a pot, regular feeding every 4-6 weeks is essential for me to have the nutrients to flower for you.
My root system requires a home that balances moisture retention with excellent drainage. Outdoors, you can plant me directly in the garden bed, ideally in a spot with well-draining soil amended with compost. This gives my roots room to explore and access to natural nutrients.
When you keep me indoors, my world is the pot you choose. A container with drainage holes is non-negotiable; it is my lifeline against overwatering. Please use a light, fast-draining potting mix, not heavy garden soil, which will compact and strangle my roots. This specialized mix ensures the perfect balance of air, moisture, and support that I need to be happy and healthy inside your home.
