How to Care for a Geranium

Geraniums are plants that need a lot of sun. Regardless of what type of geranium it is, it is important that they be in full sun in both summer and winter.

It is equally important that during the coldest periods they are sufficiently protected from low temperatures and especially from frost. If you live in a place where winters are particularly cold, you should bring geraniums indoors during these cold periods. In such places, it is better to always keep them in a pot. Once they are in the house, you should place them near a window with plenty of light.

As for watering, it is important to water them frequently, especially in the summer months when evaporation from the soil is greater. They generally do well with moist soils. However, it is recommended not to flood the pots to avoid the possibility of root rot.

Geranium is a plant that needs regular fertilizing if you want the geranium flowers and the plant itself to be strong and bright. To do this, it is best to dilute a small natural fertilizer suitable for geraniums in the water for watering every 15 days or once a month, especially in the spring and summer months.

The geranium plant needs to be pruned at regular intervals. There are two times of the year when pruning the geranium is especially important: early spring and early or mid-autumn. In the spring, so that the plant gains strength in anticipation of the new flowering season, and in the fall to remove the remains of branches and withered flowers.

Also, keep in mind that the flower of geranium usually dries up after a few days. When this happens, it is essential to prune these dried flowers independently of the rest of the plant. In this way, the geranium plant can best focus on new flowers and grow healthy and strong.

Pests of geraniums are very common. The defoliating caterpillar, one of the most common pests of geraniums, is easily recognized by its size and the bite marks it leaves after eating the leaves.

Geraniums are also susceptible to pests such as geranium butterflies, ants, aphids, whiteflies and spider mites. For this reason, it is important to use an organic insecticide as soon as these pests are detected, as they can irreparably damage the geraniums.

The common name geranium has an interesting history. The name geranium comes from the Greek word geranos, meaning crane, because the seedpods of the plant resemble the beak of a crane. Geraniums symbolize good luck, good health and friendship. The flowers are often given as housewarming gifts and bring good cheer to the home all year round.

We find that the geranium can have different cultural meanings depending on the color of its flower:

• Red: I prefer you or I like you.
  
  
• Dark red or garnet: melancholy.
  
  
• Pink: affection and harmony.
  
  
• White: purity and happiness.
  
  
• Yellow and orange: joy and positivity.

Although usually associated with positive emotions, this is not always the case. In Victorian times, a geranium was often seen as a symbol of stupidity or folly.

The essential oil of geranium has similar properties to rose oil, but it is much cheaper because it is more readily available. Geranium essential oil is used, among other things, as a facial tonic for the care and treatment of skin diseases such as acne or atopic skin.

Likewise, it has the ability to relieve pain and inflammation when applied directly to the skin after a blow or bruise. Finally, geranium essential oil is also an excellent tonic that moisturizes the skin and can be used for both the face and the rest of the body.

Here are some of the properties and benefits of geranium essential oil:

Properties

• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial
• Antiseptic
• Astringent
• Haemostatic
• Spasmolytic
• Vulnerary
• Relaxing
• Febrifuge

Benefits and uses

• Facilitates relaxation
• Relieves muscle pain and neuralgia
• Helps stop minor bleeding
• Relieves menstrual cramps
• Improves blood circulation
• Relieves the pain of varicose veins
• Soothes tired legs
• Reduces fatigue
• Helps reduce fever

If you want to read similar articles to How to Care for a Geranium, we recommend you visit our Plant care and cultivation category.