Transplant if it is very root bound then give it a larger pot. It’s not a good idea to use gravel as a base layer as that retains moisture and heat, defeating the purpose of using a potting mix that’s specifically developed to help get rid of excess water. Ideally, use a small trowel to dig as far beneath the seedlings as you can before gently lifting it out by its leaves. cause your seedlings to grow leggy. Geranium and pelargoniums divide into two groups: many types of geranium are hardy, and pelargoniums are half-hardy. Use a potting mix made for containerized plants instead of garden soil. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Pot the pruned geraniums into individual 4- or 5-inch diameter pots using top-quality soil like Miracle-Gro Potting Mix,... Geraniums enjoy being “pot-bound” so don’t use large pots indoors. As mentioned, geraniums thrive indoors, and can actually grow all year round as beautiful houseplants. While geraniums are typically found in outdoor gardens and hanging baskets, they can flower all year. My name is Lisa, and I’m on a mission to expand my plant knowledge. Both require plenty of sunlight, careful watering and light levels of fertilization. % of people told us that this article helped them. You can tell when leaves are ready to be removed by gently tugging them. mix then fill the starter tray or each plant cell. Keep in mind the numbers only refer to the levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium, which is all most plants need, so general all-purpose fertilizers are ideal for starting off with. When snipping, cut a They also need a source of magnesium to keep the foliage green. Plant geranium and pelargonium plants for stunning summer floral displays. Potting your geranium in soil mix that contains 1 part soil, 1 part sand and 1 part peat will provide enough nutrition for the first two to three months of growth. Check the soil moisture periodically. The only thing to definitely avoid using is wire mesh because the moisture will cause it to rust over time. Feeling unproductive while working from home? A good soluble fertilizer in the early stages are balanced ratios from 7-7-7 to 15-15-15, but even at that, diluted to a quarter to a half strength as the plants aren’t fully matured. If you’re the thrifty type, feel free to forego the starter trays and use the likes of egg cartons or used yogurt containers. That takes a lot of work and dedication. 2. I find this method is unreliable—some years the geraniums do fine, other years they don’t—but it’s not a bad choice if… With a wide variety of geranium plant seeds available, whether locally at your florists, garden center, or online, it’s possible to create a spectacle of a floral focal point using geraniums to brighten and fill your home with the pleasant and distinct aroma that geraniums give off. 2. Then, dig up healthy plants and transplant into containers. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Fill your pot with a well-draining soilless potting mix until it’s about three quarters full. For best results, fertilize every couple of weeks, and add a source of magnesium every six weeks. soil, just enough to cover it, but not enough to bury it. Type above and press Enter to search. Do not shade geranium.Give a bright, non-shaded window. Most basements are ideal locations for geraniums during the winter months. One thing you should really keep in mind is not to over water. Outside these areas, you must store the plants indoors near a window during winter if you wish to grow them this way. If keeping geraniums as houseplants, be sure to bring them indoors in late summer or early fall, when nighttime temperatures start to regularly dip below 55°F (13°C). Steps 1. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. More so if they’re leggy, which is what can happen if they’ve germinated slower because of insufficient light. Geranium roots will rot if they sit in water for an … Step Step This will also work with the flower stalks. of bushy, when you’re growing potted geraniums indoors, regular Either bring the entire container indoors in the fall and place it in a sunny window or if you are growing geraniums in your garden, carefully dig up the plant, place in a container that is large enough to accommodate the roots and then prune the plant back to about 6 inches. If you don’t happen to have appropriately sunny windows, you can supplement with artificial grow lights for about … wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. If you do want to use outdoor plants, start with these instructions for overwintering geraniums as houseplants to ensure they are bug-free and disease-free before they enter your house. fragranced flowers throughout the year as each time you cut the plant There are some basic key requirements and geranium care information you need to know. How To Grow Geraniums Indoors. In terms of temperatures, they only need it to be above 650F / 18oC so light is the main barrier you’ll come against, which can be supplemented by artificial light for up to 14 hours per day. 750F / Geraniums can live indoors during the winter if given the proper conditions. Give plenty of light to encourage blooms. appearance. If they do not, then wait a little longer. Window should be a west or south facing for best results. 240C. Geraniums grow best indoors if there’s one plant per pot, instead of multiples in a large pot. Geraniums may be grown as houseplants or as annual flowers. Timing is crucial and geraniums don’t make it easy because the first leaves you see, aren’t the true leaves. An ideal potting mix for geraniums are the soilless varieties, which just means, it’s not the same as garden dirt. When you are potting your geraniums check the plant and leaves, both top and bottom, for insects. Geraniums can be kept from year to year. Each container must have good drainage. Don't over water or the plant will most likely rot. Garden geraniums are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. You spent all growing season loving and caring for your perennial container garden. This article will explain how to grow geraniums. How to Save Geraniums Over the Winter in Pots. If they come off, they are ready. Geranium care outdoors and geranium care indoors are very similar. 45-degree angle to help prevent infections. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, Keep geraniums away from cats or up on a windowsill so a cat will not ingest them. and prune will grow back. In this quick guide, you’ll discover all you need to know about growing geraniums in pots, indoors, so you can enjoy the beautiful scents and gorgeous florals these plants can give year-round. Hi! They need cool temperatures, preferably in the low 60s (F). These days Pelargonium is very popular as a houseplan t, they are excellent for decorating inside and outside the house, especially in hanging baskets. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Geraniums enjoy being “pot-bound” so don’t use large pots indoors. Inadequate light will result in lots of leafs but no blooms. Make sure that the soil is well drained. 4. 1. 3. See our guide here about Growing Plants Indoors with Artificial Lights. Overwatering geraniums is what causes a lot of their problems such as stunted growth, sickly looking leaves and generally looking spindly, rather than bushy. 7: Leave things be until you see green. Get expert advice. Handle them by lifting gently by the leaves instead of the stem. If this is the case, they will placed 6” above the plant pots and powered on for 10-hours a day Geraniums can be grown right in the garden in zones 811 where winters are mild, but they bloom even better where they are slightly root-bound (tightly packed, such as in a container), as long as they have good drainage. If using a north or east window, it is recommended to put the plant outside in summer. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 20,050 times. You may have to try several before you find one that gives good results for your particular growing conditions. Choose a good pot. The plant can repair damaged leaves faster than the stems. Start with a healthy geranium of your choice. This article has been viewed 20,050 times. 3. The only thing needed is enough light. There are many different varieties so try experimenting some may work better than others. Soilless mixes usually have three parts of sphagnum peat moss, which holds water, and then perlite and vermiculite which break the fibers in the peat moss up so that water passes through easier. Using a heat mat helps maintain the temperature and LED grow lights No garden is complete without geraniums (Pelargonium), and theyre so easy to grow that no gardener should be caught without one. Here comes the tricky part… Knowing when the right time is to transplant geranium seedlings. The first leaves will be cotyledons. Every third watering, you can use Epsom salts mixed at 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Learn how to grow a geranium in containers, Growing Geraniums houseplant, and geranium perennial houseplant care in this article. You need to break them in gently by using a diluted soluble fertilizer – nothing granular as that can cause fertilizer burn. The drainage holes in indoor containers helps to keep moisture regulated. Grow indoor geraniums in pots that have drainage holes to prevent moisture from collecting at the bottom. Place one to two seeds maximum per They grow best in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Step Geraniums can be overwintered in your home. A movable flower feast – growing tulips in pots and containers. Something to pay attention to when you’re snipping are the stems that cross over as those are what can make potted geraniums look overcrowded in a single plant pot. Try not to handle the stems as those will be delicate. Geraniums don’t do well in standing water so the plant pot you use needs to have drainage holes and those need material placed over it to prevent them from becoming clogged, which will lead to overwatering problems. Seeds and starter trays. Our exciting range includes the hugely popular Geranium 'Best Red' F1 hybrid and the stunning 'Jackpot Mixed' with blooms that last all summer. Step The roots should be kept at the same depth as they were originally grown in. should see your seeds germinating in just a few days. 6: Put a heat mat under your starter When saving geraniums for the winter in pots, dig up your geraniums and place them in a pot that can comfortably fit their rootball. Preparation Choose a pot with holes in the bottom. To grow geraniums indoors, you can start with a new potted plant from the store or use the same plants you have been growing outdoors in the summer. Prune the geranium back by one-third. Geraniums grow best indoors if there’s one plant per pot, instead of multiples in a large pot. Geraniums in a windowsill, fresh basil for cooking, a cactus that can withstand any kind of neglect…Putting nature in pots and placing it in and around the house is something that people have been doing for millennia. Judging by that size, dig a hole that’s slightly wider than the root mass and pop your seedling in. Definitely yes, although growing geranium indoors is not as easy as other houseplants. So if you hate to see your lovely geraniums killed by frost this fall, read on to find out how to overwinter them indoors. They’re perfect for creating an aroma of outdoor summer, indoors. Do not get water on the leafs because it could result in rot or leaf damage. A sterile potting soil – ideal is to use a seed starting mix. If you’re using a grow dome, you can just put the lid on at this stage but if you aren’t, an alternative is to cover the plant trays with plastic wrap. After they begin to flourish, geraniums need a little extra feeding. Before the first frost, cut back plants to half of their original size and inspect them for signs of insects or disease. lightly water the soil again. The folks working there should be able to suggest to you the ideal fertilizer based on your soil’s results, whether you are growing in pots indoors or outdoors and the type of plant you are planning to plant (most likely geraniums, if you are on this page! These plants are vigorous growers so whatever you pinch Professionally prepared commercial soil mixes may also be satisfactory. Chances are you want to learn how to overwinter perennials growing in containers – after all, you don’t want all that hard work go to waste. back, it encourages new growth. During the warmer months of the year (between your local frost dates), they can be kept outdoors in a sunny location. Just add a fluorescent light fixture or a plant light to provide enough light for your plants. I’ll share what I learn as I develop my green thumb. You just can't beat their bright colors and sturdy, well-shaped foliage. A good mixture might contain equal parts of garden loam, peat moss and coarse sand or perlite. The container just needs to be deep enough for two to three inches of potting soil. Pot the geraniums in clean pots filled with potting soil. As soon as the seeds germinate, remove the cover or plastic wrap and Pot the pruned geraniums into individual 4- or 5-inch diameter pots using top-quality soil like Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, or a mix recommended by your locally owned garden center. Geraniums grown indoors do not typically require frequent fertilizing. They grow well as potted flowering plants indoors, and outdoors in gardens and containers. If you have geraniums that are already potted in containers of a manageable size, then you can simply bring those indoors. Note: When watering, unlike a lot of plants that need consistent misting or light watering, geraniums fair best when they’re drenched after the potting mix is left until it’s nearly dry, then watered until you can see water seeping through the drainage holes in the pot. ). By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. When you can strike the right balance to mimic outdoor growing conditions, you can grow and care for any species of plant indoors, including the many varieties of geraniums. However, they do require coo… Geraniums grow best indoors if there’s one plant per pot, instead of multiples in a large pot. When transplanting geraniums that have just started, the stems are delicate. Choose some good potting soil . tray and grow lights over it. In the winter months, artificial lighting can be used to simulate the effects of the sun. If you’re making your own starter seed mix, the key ingredients to use are vermiculite, peat moss and perlite. Geranium care in pots is very similar to that of garden care. By using our site, you agree to our. Growing geraniums indoors does not need to be difficult. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. snipping double and crossed stems, you can mold the plant into the The Practical Planter is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 5. remove any yellowing leaves when you see them. "I was curious if my geraniums could be moved indoors when weather gets cold (and if they would continue to grow). An east or north window will result in less to no blooms, but the plant will survive. The potting medium should be well-drained and high in organic matter. Do not over fertilize or blooms will be reduced. plant cell. Lightly moisten the seed starting Succulent stems become woody with age, and plants grow into picturesque shrubs. Slightly moisten bottom two inches of stem if using powdered rooting … Water the pot thoroughly and place in a cool but well lit part of your house. framework you want it to grow, which is how you’ll be able to keep If you’re using a saucer or something else to collect the water, dump the excess so the pot isn’t sitting in standing water, which will damage the plant. Tea bags and paper coffee filters can be used but those are biodegradable. If you aren’t using grow lights, the lack of sufficient light can Put a thin layer of soil over the soil, just enough to cover it, but not enough to bury it. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Press Esc to cancel. Dip stem in rooting hormone. A lack of magnesium can cause yellowing leaves on geraniums. Indoor geranium care is easy if you can give your plant the following care: Light – In order to produce sturdy plants indoors and flowering, it is important to place your geranium houseplants where they will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sun. Brush off as much soil from the bulb as possible by hand. Instead, good materials to use to prevent clogging in pots are a plastic mesh liner, or a mesh bag like the ones you get from the supermarket in multipacks of oranges, tangerines etc. Once you’re ready, transplant them in small 4” plant pots ready to plant in the garden or in decorative plant containers for indoors. your plant looking in pristine shape and producing vibrant and By How to Grow Tulips in Pots or Containers? The last part is to add water and when you do, continue watering until you see the water coming out of the drainage holes. Speaking Put a thin layer of soil over the When grown in pots, geraniums can also be relocated at a moments notice, whether to … Step 5. Just like all plants, they need a good feed, but right after transplanting seedlings isn’t the time to go full on with fertilizer thinking it will spur growth. This article has been viewed 20,050 times. pruning is essential so it can maintain its compact and bushy If for any reason you do not have a green thumb then don't worry because geraniums are pretty carefree and are great for beginners and they are cheap to. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Geraniums (Pelargonium) are easy, low maintenance plants. Here’s a brief video that shows the difference between cotyledons and true leaves: The cotyledons are what germinates after a few days under the right light conditions and temperatures. During the summer, this is easy enough as you only need a south facing window to get enough sunlight to encourage the plant to bloom. Geraniums are one of the most popular container and garden plants. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Grow-Geraniums-Indoors-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Geraniums-Indoors-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Grow-Geraniums-Indoors-Step-1.jpg\/aid3513757-v4-728px-Grow-Geraniums-Indoors-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"