Geranium Pelargonium 'South American Bronze' (R)

Water

Geraniums, such as Pelargonium 'South American Bronze', prefer their soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Generally, water thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In most indoor environments, this may translate to roughly once every 7 to 10 days, but always check the soil moisture before watering. When you water, add enough to saturate the soil until it just begins to drain from the bottom of the pot; for an average-sized plant, this might be around 16-32 ounces depending on pot size and environmental conditions.

Light

Geraniums require bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Place your Pelargonium 'South American Bronze' near a window that gets plenty of light but is shielded from the intense midday sun, which can scorch its leaves. An east or west-facing window is often ideal, providing the ample light these plants love without the risk of direct, harsh sunlight.

Temperature

Geraniums do best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and not lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Pelargonium 'South American Bronze' can tolerate short periods of time outside this range but should be protected from frosts and hot weather extremes above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which can stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning geraniums encourages bushier growth and promotes more blooms. For your Pelargonium 'South American Bronze', carefully snip off any dead or yellowing leaves or flowers at their base to maintain plant health and appearance. The best time to prune extensively is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Regular pruning throughout the growing season will keep your geranium looking tidy and can be done every few weeks or as needed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for geraniums, such as 'South American Bronze', should be well-draining and fertile, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of peat, perlite, and compost is ideal for providing adequate drainage and nutrients. Add sand for improved drainage if necessary.

Repotting

Geraniums, like the 'South American Bronze', should be repotted annually to refresh the soil. If the plant has outgrown its pot, repot it in the spring into a slightly larger container to encourage healthy growth.

Humidity & Misting

Geraniums, including the 'South American Bronze', prefer moderate humidity levels. They are tolerant of dry air, so ambient indoor humidity is generally sufficient. Avoid high humidity environments to reduce the risk of disease.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow 'South American Bronze' geraniums in bright, indirect light with well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Place 'South American Bronze' geraniums in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Pelargonium 'South American Bronze', commonly known as Geranium, begins with seed germination, which requires light, warmth, and moisture to initiate. When conditions are favorable, typically in spring, the seed sprouts and develops into a seedling with characteristic lobed leaves. As the plant grows, it enters the vegetative stage, producing more leaves and stems, and eventually forming a bushy structure. Upon maturity, the Geranium starts to flower, showcasing clusters of bronze leaves and presenting an array of colorful blooms that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant produces seeds, completing the reproductive stage of its life cycle. The Geranium may then enter a period of dormancy, particularly in cooler climates, where it can survive through a mild winter to regrow the following season, or it may perish if the conditions are too harsh, leaving the seeds to continue the next generation.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Pelargonium 'South American Bronze', commonly known as a type of Geranium, is through stem cuttings. To propagate, select a healthy stem of about 4 to 6 inches long (10-15 cm) and cut it just below a leaf node, ensuring there are at least two or three nodes on the cutting. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes, and allow the cut end to callous for a few hours or overnight. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone for faster rooting. Plant the cutting in a moist potting mix, and place it in a warm, well-lit area, avoiding direct sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, and once established, the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden.