Fancy leaf geranium Pelargonium 'Morval' (Dw/c/d)

Water

Geraniums, including the Pelargonium 'Morval', require regular watering but dislike sitting in water. Water your geraniums deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, which may be about once a week. However, this can vary depending on climate conditions and indoor temperature. Approximately 16 ounces per square foot should suffice, adjusting for very hot and dry or cool and wet conditions. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spot diseases and provide water directly to the soil to keep the roots evenly moist.

Light

Geraniums prefer bright, indirect sunlight and can tolerate some direct sun, but harsh afternoon rays may scorch their leaves. A spot near an east or west-facing window is often ideal, providing the Pelargonium 'Morval' with the light it thrives in without excessive heat. Ensure the plant receives at least four to six hours of light daily for optimal growth.

Temperature

Geraniums are happiest in temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive temporarily in temperatures as low as 30 degrees and as high as about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperatures for prolonged periods can negatively impact the plant's health. The ideal conditions for Pelargonium 'Morval' would be a consistent temperature with minimal fluctuations.

Pruning

Geraniums benefit from regular pruning to encourage bushy growth and more blooms. Prune Pelargonium 'Morval' by cutting away dead or leggy stems, spent flowers, and yellowing leaves. The best time for a major prune is early spring or after the blooming cycle, with lighter maintenance pruning throughout the growing season to remove deadheads and shape the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for a Scented Geranium (Pelargonium 'Morval') is well-draining potting soil with added perlite or sand to improve drainage. The ideal pH for Scented Geraniums should be between 6.0 and 7.0. It's important to ensure the soil is not too heavy or clay-rich, as this can lead to water retention and root rot.

Repotting

Scented Geraniums should be repotted annually to replenish the soil and facilitate growth, ideally during spring before the onset of the growing season. If the plant is not outgrowing its container, repotting can be done every two years instead.

Humidity & Misting

Scented Geraniums prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable. They usually do well in average household humidity conditions, around 40-50%. Avoid placing them in overly dry environments or where drafts can cause rapid changes in humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect sunlight and water when soil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil; protect from frost.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Geranium 'Morval', commonly known as a type of garden geranium or zonal pelargonium, starts its life cycle when its seeds are sown in well-drained soil and germinate, typically during spring or early summer. Seedlings emerge and grow into young plants, developing a characteristic bushy shape with lobed leaves that may display zonal patterns. As the plants mature, they produce clusters of flowers in a variety of colors including shades of pink, red, or white, usually blooming from late spring to early autumn. After flowering, if conditions allow, seeds may form within the spent blooms and can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow. Throughout the growing season, Geranium 'Morval' requires regular watering, feeding, and deadheading to promote continuous blooming and maintain vigor. In regions with cold winters, this perennial is often treated as an annual or overwintered indoors to protect it from frost; otherwise, it enters a dormant period to survive the colder months and resumes growth as temperatures rise in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Pelargonium 'Morval', commonly known as a type of geranium, is through stem cuttings. This typically occurs in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a healthy non-flowering stem is selected and cut at a length of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm). The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix and placed in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight. The soil is kept moist but not soggy to prevent rot. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to more direct light and eventually moved to its permanent location.