Free Pelargonium Domesticum Plants

Pelargoniums are amongst the most popular flowering indoor plants. Not only are they easy to grow, tolerating a certain amount of neglect, but they offer a long and rewarding flowering period. Preferring cool, well-lit positions, they are ideal plants for windowsills, porches and conservatories. There are a number of varieties and cultivars available. P. domesticum has attractively patterned flowers, produced from late spring to early autumn, and pretty, scalloped leaves. It is, however, prone to attack by whitefly. P. hortorum, the Zonal Pelargonium, often called the Geranium, is the most common variety. It produces vibrantly coloured flowers nearly all year round, and is relatively free from problems. P. peltatum is a trailing variety with ivy¬shaped leaves. It is a good plant for hanging pots and planters.

Plant type : Flowering plant with bushy habit
Season of interest : Late spring to early autumn
Size : 15-60cm (6—24in)
Flower : Five-petalled, 5cm (2in), white, pink, lilac or red, clustered on 15-20cm (6-8in) stems
Leaf : Rounded heart-shaped with slightly serrated edge, 5-7.5cm (2-3in)
Temperature : 16-20°C (61 -68°F)
Aspect/Light : Well-lit position with sunlight
Humidity : Moderate
Watering : Evenly moisten compost in spring and summer, allowing to dry a little before re-watering; keep on drier side in autumn and winter, with just enough to prevent drying out
Feeding : Once every two to three weeks with flowering plant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Plant 10cm (4in) tip cuttings in seed and cutting compost at 18-20°C (65—68°F) from early to late summer
Potting : Flouseplant potting compost
Problems : Whitefly, botrytis on fading flowers and leaves in cool, damp conditions
Availability : Commonly available spring and summer
Uses indoors : Windowsill, porch or conservatory plant; patio plant in summer
Other varieties : P. hortorum -'zoned' leaf, P. peltatum - ivy-shaped leaf