Geranium
Geranium Detailed Encyclopedia Introduction
Perennial herbaceous plant with long flowering period, rich flower colors, and fragrant leaves, an excellent ornamental plant.
Basic Info
Family：Geraniaceae
Scientific Name：Pelargonium
Origin：South Africa
Flowering Period：Spring to autumn (April-November)
Height：20-60 cm
Lifespan：Perennial
Morphology
Leaves：Alternate, round or kidney-shaped, palmately lobed, with distinctive fragrance
Flowers：Umbel inflorescence, 5 petals, colors include red, pink, white, purple
Roots：Fleshy roots, well-developed root system
Stem：Semi-woody, upright or semi-trailing
Growth Habits
Soil Requirements：Prefers loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam
Watering Needs：Drought tolerant, avoid waterlogging, keep soil slightly dry
Light Requirements：Sun-loving, needs full sunlight, 4-6 hours daily
Temperature Requirements：Warm-loving, optimal growing temperature 15-25°C
Classification & Varieties
Main Classifications
Ornamental Varieties
Professional Care
✂️ Pruning Management
Pruning Timing：Spring and after flowering
Pruning Method：Pinch tips, remove old branches and spent flowers
Pruning Purpose：Promote branching, control plant shape, extend flowering period
Required Tools：Garden shears, gloves
🛡️ Pest & Disease Management
Common Pests：
Common Diseases：
Prevention Measures：Control watering, maintain ventilation, avoid high temperature and humidity
Treatment Methods：Spray fungicides or insecticides promptly when pests and diseases are found
🌱 Fertilization Management
Fertilizer Type：Compound fertilizer, organic fertilizer, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer
Fertilization Frequency：1-2 times monthly during growing season
Fertilization Timing：Spring to autumn growing period
Fertilization Amount：Light and frequent application, 15-20 grams per plant each time
💧 Water Requirements
Watering Frequency：Every 3-5 days in spring/autumn, every 2-3 days in summer, reduce in winter
Watering Amount：Water when dry, better dry than wet
Watering Method：Water at root zone, avoid wetting leaves
Dehydration Signs：Yellowing leaves, wilting, dry leaf edges
Basic Care Tips
- •Prefers full sunlight, at least 4-6 hours of direct light daily
- •Control watering, water thoroughly after soil surface dries
- •Regularly remove spent flowers and yellow leaves to keep plant tidy
- •Fertilize monthly during growing season to promote flowering
- •Reduce watering in winter, maintain indoor temperature above 10°C
Ecology Value
Pollinators：Bees, butterflies and other insects
Wildlife：Provides nectar for pollinating insects
Environmental Value：Beautifies environment, leaves have mosquito-repelling properties
Cultural Symbolism
Symbolic Meaning：Happiness, chance encounter, true friendship
Historical Background：Introduced from South Africa to Europe in 17th century, became important ornamental plant
Related Festivals：Commonly used for balcony and windowsill decoration
Artistic Expression：Classic element in European courtyards and balcony gardens