Pelargonium Family Care Instructions

Pelargonium Common Symptoms

• Yellowing Leaves: often caused by overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Be sure to check that your plant is draining sufficiently and that you are not allowing it to stand in water, which leads to root rot and yellowing foliage. If you have ruled out soggy soil, be sure to provide your plant with a quality balanced fertiliser to help your plant with its nutrient needs.
• Wilting: Typically due to underwatering, overwatering, or root problems, which prevent the plant from absorbing water properly. Once roots are lost, the plant will start to droop and look lacklustre. However, if the soil is bone dry, give your plant a deep drink, and this should rectify any wilting due to dry soil. For more on watering, checkout: Guide to Watering Houseplants.
• Leaf Spots: Brown or black spots on leaves can indicate fungal or bacterial infections, often due to poor air circulation or wet leaves. Be sure to water early in the morning, this allows any water caught on leaves to dry out quickly. Avoid overly humid spaces or spritzing your Pelorgoniums; they do not like water on their leaves for long periods of time.
• Stunted Growth: This can result from insufficient light, poor soil quality, or nutrient deficiencies. Check that your Pelargonium is receiving a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight a day for a full, lush plant and strong growth. If light is not the issue, be sure that you are feeding on a regular basis.
• Lack of flowers: If your Pelargonium is not blooming, it may be too shaded. Relocate so that it can receive more light. Other causes of lack of blooms are waterlogged potting soil, too much fertiliser (yes, it’s a thing), or temperatures are too low. Try also pruning your plant regularly to encourage blooming.
• Leggy Stems: When Pelargoniums stretch out with sparse foliage, it's usually a sign of insufficient light, requiring brighter conditions. Relocate your plant to a position where it receives a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight for a fully lush, thriving plant. Note that some varieties, such as Peppermint Pelargonium, are shade lovers; however, they still need a few hours of direct sun to thrive.
• Pests: Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which can cause discoloured, distorted leaves and weaken the plant. Check regularly for pests, and treat immediately with a quality pesticide such as Pyrol once an infestation is found. Be sure to also check environmental factors such as light and watering, which may be weakening your plant and making it susceptible to pests.

Pelargonium Care Instructions

• Origin: South Africa
• Height: Can grow to up to 2 m in favourable conditions.
• Light: Full sun is ideal for most species, some like semi-shade so be sure to check in on the variety. Avoid placing right up against windows, which can cause discoloration on the foliage, give at least a 30 cm gap.
• Water: Avoid overly wet potting soil and aim for allowing the soil to dry out completely between each watering for best results.
• Humidity: Prefers average room humidity, however, if leaf crisping occurs, check in on watering, avoiding very dry conditions.
• Temperature: Pelargoniums prefer warm environments between 21°C and 29°C with nighttime lows around 13°C and 18°C .
• Soil: A very well-draining organic potting soil.
• Fertiliser: Fertilise every two weeks from spring to autumn with a balanced liquid fertiliser.
• Pruning: Prune your Pelargoniums regularly to promote lush growth. This should be done in the late summer after flowering. Be sure to deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Use the stem cutting for propagation, see below.
• Repotting: Repotting Pelargoniums is essential to keep them healthy and thriving. Repot in spring or early summer when roots outgrow their planter, showing signs like root circling or poor drainage. Choose a slightly larger pot (around 3-5cm bigger) with good drainage holes, and use fresh, well-draining potting mix. Gently loosen the roots, place the plant in the new pot, and water thoroughly. This refreshes nutrients and encourages robust growth and blooming.
• Propagation: Propagating Pelargoniums is super simple and really fun to do. It is best undertaken in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The most effective method is through stem cuttings from healthy, mature branches. Cuttings should be 8–14 cm long, with at least two leaf nodes. Use clean, sharp scissors or a knife to make a clean cut just below a node. Remove any lower leaves, then dip the cut end into a rooting hormone suitable for semi-hardwood cuttings to boost success rates. Plant the cutting in a well-draining mix of lightly moist potting soil and perlite, ensuring only the top leaves remain above the soil surface. Place in bright, indirect light, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and avoid direct sunlight or cold drafts. Cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag or place it in a mini greenhouse to maintain humidity, and use a heating pad to keep temperatures above 18°C. Once roots establish and new growth appears, usually within four to six weeks, transfer the cutting into its own pot with fresh soil. Continue to care for it like the parent plant, and with patience, you’ll enjoy a thriving new Pelargonium within a few months.

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