Geranium Pelargonium 'Flakey' (I/min/d/v)

Water

Geraniums require moderate watering, usually about once a week. During hot or dry periods, watering frequency may increase to twice a week. Provide enough water to soak the soil around the roots thoroughly, which typically amounts to around 12-16 ounces for small pots or up to 1 gallon for larger pots per watering session. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf spot diseases and do not let the plant sit in water as this could lead to root rot. Check the soil before watering; it should be dry to the touch an inch below the surface for potted geraniums or slightly moist for in-ground plants.

Light

Geraniums thrive in bright, sunny conditions. Place them in a location where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south or west-facing window is ideal when grown indoors; outdoor plants should be positioned in a sunny spot that receives ample daylight. Avoid too much direct, hot afternoon sun in summer, which may cause the leaves to yellow and burn.

Temperature

Geraniums prefer temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and should not be exposed to temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night. They can survive a brief period of colder weather, but continuous exposure to temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit can be lethal. Ideal growing conditions include warm days and cooler nights.

Pruning

Pruning geraniums helps to promote bushier growth and more prolific blooming. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new ones. In spring or early summer, pinch back new growth to stimulate branching. Pruning should be done with clean, sharp shears, cutting just above a leaf node. Pruning is best avoided in late fall or winter when the plant is not actively growing.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Geraniums like well-draining soil mixed with peat, perlite, and compost. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for the Geranium 'Flakey'.

Repotting

Geranium 'Flakey' should be repotted annually to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth, typically in spring before new growth starts.

Humidity & Misting

Geranium 'Flakey' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable and can tolerate the low humidity commonly found in home environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, avoiding direct hot sun; allow soil to dry between waterings.

• Outdoor

  Full to partial sun; shelter from winds; water when top soil is dry.

• Hardiness zone

  9-12 USDA

Life cycle

Geranium 'Flakey' begins its life cycle as a seed, which when planted in well-draining soil and given appropriate warmth and moisture, germinates and sprouts into a seedling. As the seedling grows, it develops a rosette of leaves and establishes a root system. Following the vegetative stage, the plant enters the flowering phase, during which it produces characteristic flowers that can be various colors based on the variety, often with intricately patterned petals. After pollination, which may be facilitated by insects or wind, the flowers develop into fruit that contains seeds, completing the plant's reproductive cycle. The plant's vegetative growth continues throughout the growing season, and it may enter a period of dormancy during colder months if not protected from frost. With proper care, Geranium 'Flakey' can live for several years, either as an annual that completes its life cycle within one season or as a perennial that returns yearly, depending on the climate.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• The Pelargonium 'Flakey', commonly known as a type of Geranium, is conventionally propagated through cuttings. The optimal time to take cuttings is late summer to early fall or in the spring for temperate climates, aiming for a period of active growth which provides the best conditions for rooting. To propagate Geraniums via cuttings, a healthy, non-flowering shoot should be selected. The cutting, about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length, is made just below a leaf node, and the lower leaves are removed. The cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development before planting the cutting in a well-draining potting mix. It is then important to maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging, and provide bright, indirect light until the cutting has rooted firmly, which typically takes several weeks.