Small geranium (Geranium pusillum)

Also known as: Small-flowered geranium

Geranium pusillum, often referred to as small geranium or small-flowered crane's bill, is a prevalent weed across North America. It typically thrives in disturbed grounds and woodland environments.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Small geranium

Lifespan

Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

10 cm to 30 cm

Spread

30 cm

Leaf Color

Green Blue

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Red Pink Purple Blue

Images of Small geranium

Quickly Identify Small geranium

Geranium pusillum can be identified by its small, pale pink to purple flowers, which typically have five petals. The stems are usually slender and hairy, and the leaves are deeply lobed and palmate.

Scientific Classification of Small geranium

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Geraniales

Family

Geranium

Genus

Geraniums

Species

Small geranium

Planting and Growing of Small geranium

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Small geranium?

For Geranium pusillum, each watering session should involve about 150 milliliters. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, allowing excess water to drain freely. Watering should saturate the soil evenly, reaching the roots without creating standing water.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Small geranium? ›

What should I do if my Small geranium is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Small geranium? ›

How to save an overwatered Small geranium? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Small geranium?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 4-6 hours daily

Partial sun provides enough light for Geranium pusillum's photosynthesis needs, aiding in robust growth and flowering without the risk of leaf scorch.

What is the ideal setting for Geranium pusillum? ›

How can you provide ideal lighting for this plant? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting conditions? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Small geranium?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Geranium pusillum is between 60°F and 75°F. These temperatures provide the optimal conditions for growth and flowering. Within this range, the plant can effectively perform photosynthesis, lead to vibrant foliage, and produce blossoms. Maintaining a stable temperature within this range ensures the plant's metabolism functions efficiently.

What Soil is Best for Small geranium?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Sandy soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Geranium pusillum thrives in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Ensuring good drainage aids in maintaining healthy roots and maximizes nutrient uptake. This plant prefers moderately fertile soils that provide essential nutrients without excess nutrition, which could promote leggy growth. Balanced fertility supports compact, robust development. A neutral to slightly acidic pH range is optimal for Geranium pusillum, encouraging nutrient availability and overall plant vitality. This pH balance supports enzymatic and microbial activity beneficial for the plant. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Small geranium?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Geranium pusillum, it's best to use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply about 100-150 ml of this diluted solution per plant. This ensures that the plant receives enough nutrients without being overwhelmed and encourages steady and healthy growth.

How to Prune Small geranium?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start by removing any diseased, dead, or damaged stems. Cut these stems back to the nearest healthy branch or to the soil level to promote new, healthy growth. Trim back any excessively long stems to maintain a compact and tidy appearance. This should be done with a focus on preserving the natural shape of the plant. To encourage more flowering, trim spent blooms regularly. By removing faded flowers, the plant redirects its energy towards producing new blossoms.

How to Propagate Small geranium plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring

Begin by collecting seeds from mature plants. Sow the seeds in a seed tray filled with well-draining potting mix. Cover lightly with soil and water gently to maintain moisture. Place the tray in a warm, well-lit area, keeping the soil consistently moist until germination.

Select a healthy, non-flowering stem and use sharp pruning shears to take a 10cm cutting just below a node. Remove the lower leaves to expose the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting it into a pot filled with a mixture of sand and peat.

Carefully dig up the entire plant, taking care not to damage the roots. Use a clean, sharp knife to divide the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each section has roots and shoots. Replant the new divisions into prepared soil and water thoroughly.

How to Repot Small geranium plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Look for signs like roots poking out of the drainage holes or the plant becoming root-bound. These indicate that Geranium pusillum needs more space to thrive, and spring or autumn is ideal for repotting as the plant is less stressed.

Select a pot slightly larger than the current one with proper drainage holes. This allows for better aeration and water flow, preventing root rot while providing enough space for root growth and development.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix which is crucial for Geranium pusillum to avoid waterlogged roots. Such soil ensures adequate moisture retention while also providing necessary nutrients and oxygen to the roots.