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The Geranium Plant: A Complete Guide and Care Tips
Introduction
If you’re a gardener, chances are you’ve heard of the geranium plant. This popular perennial has been a staple in gardens for centuries, admired for its bright colors and beautiful blooms. However, caring for this plant requires some knowledge and attention. In this guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about growing and maintaining geraniums.
What is a Geranium Plant?
Geraniums are flowering plants that belong to the family Geraniaceae. They come in many different shapes and sizes, with over 400 different species available today. The most common types of geraniums include zonal geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum), ivy-leaved geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum), scented-leafed geraniums (Pelargonium graveolens), and wild cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum).
Zonal Geraniums
Zonal geraniums are perhaps the most well-known type of geranium plant. These plants feature circular or zoned foliage patterns on their leaves’ edges that vary from green to deep burgundy.
Ivy-Leaved Geraninums
The name ivy-leaved refers to the trailing habit of these plants’ branches rather than their leaves’ shape or texture. Ivy-leaved varieties have smaller flowers than other types of pelargonium but offer longer-lasting colour displays.
Scented-Leafed Geraninums
These Pelargonium species have various aromatic leaves used as seasoning herbs by some cultures globally because they contain high levels of essential oils.
Where Do They Grow Best?
Geraniaceae thrive in full sunlight to partial shade and require well-drained soil. They are tolerant of drought conditions but can be sensitive to waterlogging roots. 
Soil
Geraniums grow best in a slightly acidic, well-draining soil mix with good organic content.
Watering
Water your geraniums regularly, ensuring the pot or garden bed has proper drainage. Avoid watering from overhead as it may lead to plant diseases and leaf damage.
Care Tips for Geranium Plants
Here are some care tips that will help keep your geranium plants healthy and beautiful:
- Deadhead spent blooms by pinching off the faded flowers regularly.
- Fertilize during growing season with a balanced fertilizer mix (e.g., N-P-K 10-10-10).
- Prune leggy stems back by one-third periodically.
- Mulch around the plants’ bases to retain moisture, suppress weeds and protect their root systems from extreme temperatures.
- Pot-bound specimens need repotting yearly in fresh soil mixes or upgrading into larger containers as needed.
Pests and Diseases That Affect Geranium Plants
Geraniums are relatively easy-care plants that have few pest problems when grown under optimal conditions. However, here are some potential issues you might face:
- Aphids: Small green or black insects that suck sap from leaves causing yellowing, wilting or distortion of new growth, curling of leaves among others symptoms
- Caterpillars: The larvae of butterflies and moths that feed on leaves causing large holes which leads eventually leads to death of plant parts if not controlled timely.
In terms of diseases, geraniums are susceptible to root rot caused by overwatering, powdery mildew due to high humidity or drought stress symptoms, and botrytis blight from poor air circulation.
Conclusion
Geranium plants are a wonderful addition to any garden. They come in numerous species with flowers of varying colors and sizes. The care tips provided here will help you grow healthy and beautiful geraniums for years to come. Remember that proper soil mix, regular watering routine, fertilizing regularly during the growing season and pruning back leggy stems will help keep these lovely plants thriving throughout their life cycle.
