Regal Geranium Pelargonium 'Lawrenceanum'

Water

Geraniums, including the Pelargonium 'Lawrenceanum', should be watered thoroughly once the soil has dried out, usually every 7 to 10 days, depending on the environmental conditions. To water, pour gently at the base of the plant until excess water drains out, using about one to two gallons for an outdoor plant in a large container. During the active growing season, in spring and summer, watering frequency may increase, especially if the weather is warm and sunny. Cut back on watering in the autumn and winter when the plant is not growing vigorously. Always avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf and stem diseases.

Light

Geraniums prefer bright, indirect sunlight and can tolerate direct morning sun. The best spot for a Pelargonium 'Lawrenceanum' would be a location where it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, such as a south or west-facing windowsill. Avoid placing it in full afternoon sun, which can be too intense and may cause leaf scorch.

Temperature

Geraniums thrive in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a range from 50 to 80 degrees. They should not be exposed to temperatures below 30 degrees, as frost can severely damage or kill the plant. The ideal temperature range for Pelargonium 'Lawrenceanum' is on the warmer end, to encourage steady growth and flowering.

Pruning

Prune geraniums regularly to encourage bushy growth and to remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers. For Pelargonium 'Lawrenceanum', the best time to prune is in early spring, just before new growth begins. Cut back up to one third of the plant to promote new, healthy stems and leaves. Pinch off flower stalks after blooms fade to encourage more blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Geranium 'Lawrenceanum' prefers a well-draining soil mix composed of 2 parts peat moss or coco coir, 1 part perlite or sand, and 1 part garden loam or potting soil. The ideal soil pH for geraniums should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Geranium 'Lawrenceanum' should typically be repotted every 1 to 2 years, or when it outgrows its current container. Springtime is the best season to repot to allow the plant time to establish in its new pot before winter.

Humidity & Misting

Geranium 'Lawrenceanum' thrives in average room humidity levels, generally between 40-60%. They don't require high humidity and can tolerate the drier air found in most homes.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Geranium 'Lawrenceanum' in bright, indirect light and water when soil feels dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant Geranium 'Lawrenceanum' in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  9-12 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Pelargonium 'Lawrenceanum', commonly known as Regal Geranium, begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions and can take a few days to a couple of weeks. After germination, the seedling emerges and enters the vegetative stage, developing a rosette of leaves and a sturdy stem over several weeks to months. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing ornate and colorful blooms that are often used ornamentally; this stage can last for a prolonged period with proper care and deadheading. Following the flowering phase, the plant produces seeds, completing its reproductive cycle; however, many cultivators propagate Regal Geraniums vegetatively through cuttings to maintain desired characteristics. During the senescence stage, if not maintained by pruning or if the environmental conditions are not ideal, the plant may show signs of aging such as yellowing leaves and reduced vigor. The plant then either enters a period of dormancy, particularly in cooler climates, or it may die if the conditions are not met for survival, after which the cycle can begin anew with the propagation of seeds or cuttings.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Pelargonium 'Lawrenceanum', commonly known as Geranium, is through stem cuttings. This is usually done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, a healthy stem about 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) long is cut just below a leaf node – the part of the stem where leaves emerge. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root formation, although this step is not mandatory. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, and the soil is kept lightly moist until roots develop, which typically takes a few weeks. After rooting, the new Geranium plant can be transferred to a larger pot or the garden. It is important to keep the newly potted plant in a bright area with indirect light to promote healthy growth.