Whether with pink, white, red or violet flowers - the scented geranium (also called scented pelargonium) only remains blooming as long as it is properly cared for. The motto is that nothing comes from nothing. But which procedures are crucial?
How do you properly care for a scented geranium?
Caring for the scented geranium includes regular watering after the upper layer of soil has dried, fertilizing every two weeks from March to September, pruning before overwintering and in spring, as well as a cool, bright place to overwinter at 5-10 °C.
What role does watering this potted plant play?
This popular potted plant for rooms, balconies and terraces can tolerate drought due to its origin (Mediterranean region). If you ever see limp leaves, there is no reason to panic. This plant usually recovers quickly.
While it can handle dryness well, it cannot tolerate wetness. It should therefore only be watered when the top layer of soil has dried. It is better to water little more often than too much rarely.
How often and with what should the scented geranium be fertilized?
It is enough to fertilize the scented geranium every two weeks. But not outside of their growing season! Fertilization will be stopped from mid-September. In winter, this plant does not need fertilizer. If you neglect fertilizing, sooner or later you will notice that the scented geranium no longer blooms.
During the period between March and September, it can be supplied with a suitable flowering plant fertilizer (€14.00 on Amazon). Whether in liquid form in water or in stick form is up to you. The fertilizer is dosed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Does this plant need pruning?
- cut back weak shoots before overwintering
- cut down to 10 cm in spring
- Why? Only blooms on the new shoots
- Clean out old leaves and flowers regularly
Where can it be overwintered?
Since the scented geranium is extremely sensitive to frost, it should be overwintered:
- put in towards the end of October
- Wintering location: 5 to 10 °C cool and bright
- take from old soil and place in a mixture of soil and sand
- water little
- do not fertilize
- move out to the Ice Saints
- if applicable repot immediately
Which diseases and pests can harm her?
Geranium rust manifests itself in brown leaves. Pests rarely appear on the scented geranium because they are repelled by its smell. Sometimes an aphid or spider mite infestation can occur. Sick or infected specimens should not be propagated.
Tips & Tricks
If the roots of the scented pelargonium are sticking out of the bottom of the pot, it's high time to repot.
