Geranium Pelargonium 'Little Spikey' (St/min/d)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

'Little Spikey' is a type of geranium known for its distinctive appearance. The plant features succulent leaves that are typically green with a unique, spiky texture, giving the appearance of being somewhat jagged or serrated along the edges. These leaves may also have a slightly glossy or waxy finish, which adds to the plant's overall visual appeal. The leaves can grow in a tight, compact cluster, creating a dense foliage that is both plush and robust. The geranium 'Little Spikey' is also admired for its flowers, which blossom in clusters above the foliage on slender, upright stems. The flowers are generally small and have a rounded shape, showcasing vibrant colors that may include shades of pink, red, purple, or white. These blooms can add a delightful pop of color to the plant, contrasting nicely with the green of the leaves. Overall, the visual contrast between the spiky leaves and the delicate flowers make 'Little Spikey' a striking and attractive choice for gardeners and those looking to add a touch of whimsy to their indoor or outdoor plant collection. Its lush and textured foliage, paired with the charming flowers, gives this plant a unique and eye-catching appearance.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Little Spikey Geranium, Dwarf Spiky Pelargonium.
- Common names
  Pelargonium 'Little Spikey'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Geraniums, such as the Pelargonium 'Little Spikey', are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, if ingested, they may cause minor symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in some individuals. While not generally dangerous, consuming any part of the plant may result in these mild gastrointestinal irritations.
- To pets
  Geraniums, like the Pelargonium 'Little Spikey', are known to be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If ingested, they can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and anorexia. In severe cases, ingestion can potentially lead to more serious effects such as dermatitis or even rare instances of hypotension or hyperthermia, but these extreme reactions are uncommon. Pets should be prevented from chewing on the plant to avoid the possibility of poisoning.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Varies
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  10
- Native area
  South Africa

Benefits

General Benefits
- Decorative Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens and indoor spaces with its unique spiky foliage and colorful flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Can survive with less water, which is beneficial in arid climates or water-restricted areas.
- Pest Resistance: Naturally resists many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Container Gardening: Well-suited for pots and containers, allowing for versatility in placement and garden design.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides a long season of flowers, offering lasting beauty throughout the growing season.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Pelargonium 'Little Spikey' can be used in miniature gardens due to its compact size, providing a unique texture among other small-scale plants.
- This plant can be incorporated into educational settings as an example of successful plant hybridization, demonstrating the diversity of horticultural practices.
- As a source of nectar, the flowers of the Pelargonium 'Little Spikey' can attract beneficial insects to the garden, aiding in pollination of surrounding plants.
- In crafting, the distinct leaves and shape of 'Little Spikey' can be used to create botanical prints or nature-inspired designs.
- The plant can be used in culinary presentations, with the leaves adding an ornamental touch to dishes, although they should not be consumed.
- It serves as a great photography subject for macro and close-up shots, showcasing the intricate details of its foliage and flowers.
- Pelargonium 'Little Spikey' can be an interesting addition to a terrarium, provided its growth is kept in check to fit the confined space.
- The plant could be used as a natural dye source, where the leaves and petals potentially offer coloring agents for fabrics.
- It can be utilized in sensory gardens for its interesting texture, encouraging visitors to engage with the plant through touch.
- Pelargonium 'Little Spikey' can be a living gift or party favor, especially for those interested in gardening or unique plant varieties.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The plant Pelargonium, commonly known as Geranium, can be used in Feng Shui to create a protective shield, as it is believed to ward off negative energies. Place Geraniums at the entrance of your home or in your garden to promote a welcoming and secure space.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Resilience: The robust nature and spiky appearance of 'Little Spikey' Pelargoniums suggest a symbol of resilience and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Protection: The "spiky" attribute hints at a protective symbolism, indicating a guard against negativity or ill will.
- Uniqueness: As a cultivar with a distinctive appearance, the 'Little Spikey' can symbolize the value of being unique or standing out from the crowd.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

500 - 2500 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Pelargonium 'Little Spikey', commonly known as Scented Geranium, requires watering when the soil feels dry to the touch. It's best to water deeply, allowing the water to run through the drainage holes, indicating that the soil has been thoroughly moistened. A good rule of thumb is to offer about 8-12 ounces of water for smaller pots and up to 1 gallon for larger ones every 7 to 10 days, adjusting the frequency based on temperature and humidity levels. During the growing season in spring and summer, the plant may need more frequent watering, while in winter, it should be reduced.
Light
Scented Geraniums thrive in bright, indirect light and can tolerate direct morning sunlight. However, they should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. The ideal spot for a Pelargonium 'Little Spikey' would be near a south-facing window with sheer curtains or a west or east-facing window that receives a few hours of gentle sunlight.
Temperature
Scented Geraniums prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F during the day and no lower than 50°F at night. They can tolerate short periods of temperatures just above freezing, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 30°F can be fatal. The ideal conditions for vibrant growth are a consistently warm temperature without extreme fluctuations.
Pruning
Pruning Scented Geraniums helps maintain their shape and encourages bushier growth. Trim back leggy stems and remove any dead or yellowing leaves as necessary. The best time for a more extensive pruning is in early spring before new growth begins. Prune up to one-third of the plant to keep it compact and invigorate new growth.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Geraniums like the 'Little Spikey' variety prefer well-draining potting soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 6.0 to 7.0. A mix with equal parts peat moss, perlite, and potting compost is ideal to provide proper aeration and moisture retention.
Repotting
Geraniums should be repotted every one to two years or when they become root-bound. The 'Little Spikey' should follow this general guideline for healthy growth.
Humidity & Misting
Geranium 'Little Spikey' thrives in average household humidity levels of around 40-60%. No special humidity adjustments are typically necessary for this plant.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright indirect light, avoid overwatering, and ensure good air circulation.
- Outdoor
  Needs full sun, well-draining soil, and protection from frost.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
Geranium 'Little Spikey' begins its life cycle from seed, where after germination, it develops into a seedling with characteristic lobed leaves and a small root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant focuses on leaf and stem growth, expanding its root network to anchor itself and absorb nutrients and water. The transition to the flowering stage occurs when the plant has sufficient resources and daylight exposure, leading to the development of its unique zonal flowers that may be pink, red or white. After pollination by insects, the flowers produce seeds encased in a beak-like fruit. If conditions become unfavorable, Geranium 'Little Spikey' may go into dormancy, with reduced growth activity until favorable conditions return. The life cycle can repeat with new seed production or vegetatively through cuttings, and with proper care, it can survive for several years as a perennial.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- One of the most popular methods of propagating Geraniums, including the Pelargonium 'Little Spikey', is through stem cuttings. This technique is usually done in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. For successful propagation, a healthy stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long is chosen, making sure it has at least three sets of leaves. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped into rooting hormone powder to stimulate root growth. The cutting is then planted in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, brightly lit area, out of direct sunlight. The soil is kept slightly moist but not soggy. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to its permanent location.