Geranium Pelargonium 'Mystery' (U)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Pelargonium 'Mystery' (U) is a variety of geranium known for its ornamental features. It has an appealing appearance that includes lush green foliage. The leaves are typically rounded with a soft, velvety texture, and may have a slightly lobed or scalloped edge. The plant is admired for its showy flowers, which come in vibrant colors, often displaying various shades like deep purples, reds, or pinks. These blossoms are made up of five petals, frequently adorned with attractive veining or mottled patterns, giving each flower a unique look. The flowers generally cluster together, forming dense, rounded heads that stand out against the greenery, enhancing the visual interest of the plant. The overall impression is one of a lovely, robust plant that can add color and vitality to any garden display or as a potted houseplant.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Geraniaceae.
- Synonyms
  Mystery Geranium, Scented Geranium, Mystery Pelargonium.
- Common names
  Pelargonium 'Mystery' (U)
Toxicity
- To humans
  Geraniums, including Pelargonium 'Mystery,' are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, if ingested in large quantities, they may cause minor symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions like skin irritation in sensitive individuals. These reactions are relatively uncommon, and the plant is not known for being severely toxic.
- To pets
  Geraniums, specifically Pelargonium 'Mystery,' can be toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and depression. In rare cases, it can also cause dermatitis in pets. If a pet ingests a part of a geranium, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian.
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: Pelargonium 'Mystery' boasts vibrant, colorful blooms that enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and indoor spaces.
- Low Maintenance: This variety is known for being hardy and requiring minimal upkeep, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest Resistance: Geraniums are generally resistant to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Long Blooming Period: Pelargonium 'Mystery' flowers over a long season, providing color and interest for an extended period.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in pots, containers, beds, and borders, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Climate Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of climates, though it thrives in warmer temperatures.
- Fragrant Leaves: The leaves of some Pelargoniums are scented, which can add a pleasant aroma to the garden or indoor areas.
- Easy Propagation: Geraniums can be easily propagated from cuttings, making it simple to expand your collection or share with others.
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 flowers can be used to add a vibrant splash of color to cakes or pastries when used as an edible decoration.
- The leaves of the Geranium can be infused in sugar to create a subtly flavored sweetener for teas and baked goods.
- Dried Geranium petals can serve as a natural and fragrant component in homemade potpourri mixes.
- When soaked in water, Geranium leaves can create a scented bath soak that is soothing and refreshing.
- The Geranium can be employed as a natural dye, providing a range of pinkish hues to fabrics or homemade crafts.
- Geranium leaves can be laid among linens to impart a pleasant fragrance and deter insects.
- Pressed Geranium flowers make for beautiful additions to handmade paper or natural craft projects.
- The essential oils extracted from Geraniums can be used in homemade candles for scent and ambiance.
- When used in a classroom or educational setting, Geranium plants can help teach children about plant growth and botany.
- Geranium plants can serve as a living gift that conveys enduring affection, thanks to their long-lasting blooms and easy care.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Geranium is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Geranium is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Mystery: As its name implies, Pelargonium 'Mystery' can represent the unknown or the mystical aspects of life, signifying elements that are not completely understood or are awaiting discovery.
- Comfort: Often associated with home and comfort, the Pelargonium, commonly known as geranium, can symbolize a sense of familiarity and coziness, making it a popular gift to evoke a warm, comforting atmosphere.
- Health: Traditionally, geraniums are known to symbolize good health, partly because they have been used in folk medicine. This can make them an appropriate gift for someone recovering from illness or for promoting well-being.
- Friendship: The geranium can also be a symbol of friendship due to their long-lasting and colorful blooms, which can represent the enduring nature of relationships.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

10000 - 20000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The geranium or Pelargonium 'Mystery' should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry. Generally, this means watering approximately every 7-10 days, but this can vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Use a watering can to pour water evenly around the base of the plant until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. Aim for about 16-24 ounces of water for a medium-sized pot, adjusting for smaller or larger pots as necessary. Always allow the excess water to drain completely to prevent root rot.
Light
Geraniums thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Place Pelargonium 'Mystery' near a south or west-facing window where it can receive plenty of light but is shielded from the harsh direct rays of the midday sun. This spot provides the ideal lighting conditions for robust growth and flowering.
Temperature
Geraniums prefer a temperature range between 55°F and 75°F, with a minimum temperature tolerance of around 50°F and a maximum around 80°F. Pelargonium 'Mystery' will flourish in average room temperatures, avoiding significant fluctuations and drafts.
Pruning
Prune Pelargonium 'Mystery' to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Remove dead flowers and leaves regularly and cut back leggy stems in early spring. The best time for a more extensive pruning is after the last frost when the plant begins active growth.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Geranium 'Mystery' prefers well-draining soil mixed with organic matter like peat moss or compost. A general potting mix with perlite or vermiculite can work well. The ideal soil pH for Geraniums is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.
Repotting
Geranium 'Mystery' should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Early spring, before the growing season begins, is the best time for repotting Geraniums.
Humidity & Misting
Geranium 'Mystery' does well in average home humidity levels. They are adaptable but prefer drier conditions and should be protected from overly humid environments to prevent disease.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
- Outdoor
  Full sun to partial shade, shelter from harsh weather.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
Geranium 'Mystery' begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in warm, well-drained soil and given sufficient light, will germinate and sprout into a seedling. The seedling stage is characterized by the formation of basic leaf structures and establishment of a root system, which typically occurs over a few weeks to a couple of months. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a bushier form with more leaves, stems, and possibly branching, a phase that lasts until the plant is mature enough to bloom. When environmental conditions are favorable, usually in late spring to early summer, the plant will enter the flowering stage, producing vibrant blooms that can last for several weeks or even months, depending on the care and climate. After flowering, if pollination occurs, the plant may produce seeds, thereby completing its reproductive cycle and potentially starting a new generation. At each stage of its life, Geranium 'Mystery' requires adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients, and may enter a period of dormancy in colder seasons, particularly if grown in a climate with cold winters, only to resume growth in spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The most popular method of propagating a Pelargonium 'Mystery', commonly known as geranium, is through stem cuttings. To start, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a section about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. Remove the bottom leaves to expose the nodes, as this is where the roots will develop. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, and water it in well, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the potted cutting in a warm, brightly lit area, but out of direct sunlight to avoid scorching the young plant. In a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be gradually acclimated to normal growing conditions.