The passion for geraniums (Pelargonium), plants that almost seem like a distinctive sign in Northern European homes, has exploded beyond the Scandinavian borders. The trend of bringing them back indoors for the winter, or even keeping them as houseplants year-round, is a practice that goes far beyond simple floral decor. In Sweden and Norway, for example, the word “Pelargonsjuka”, which means “pelargonium disease”, describes a real obsession with these flowers. The trend is slowly gaining popularity in other corners of the world too, including Italy, where the desire to keep things green even in the colder months has become a growing pleasure.
Advantages of growing geraniums at home
Geranium is an incredibly versatile flower. Given the right conditions, it can flower all year round, making it ideal for those looking to bring color and vitality into their home. Unlike other houseplants, such as African violets, which have well-defined dormant periods, geraniums are able to continue producing flowers, sometimes for months at a time. In winter, when the plant enters a state of natural rest, it is reborn with new blooms during spring, offering a spectacle that can last for years if treated with the right attention.
Growing geraniums inside your home is not just an aesthetic pleasure: it is a way to extend the green season. Unlike other plants that require constant attention, geraniums can easily be kept indoors even during the colder months, continuing to grow without major difficulties. If preserved correctly, geraniums can survive for years, always giving the possibility of seeing them rebloom cyclically.
How to prepare and maintain geraniums at home
If you have outdoor geraniums that you want to bring back inside over the winter, the first step is to make sure they are free of pests and diseases. Once they are safe, you can prepare them for inside. Geraniums prefer a bright location, preferably in a south or west-facing window, where they can receive at least six hours of direct light each day. If the light conditions are not ideal, the plant may not flower or may even become long and leggy, with weak stems and less lush leaves.
As for the pot, it is essential to choose one with drainage holes to prevent standing water from damaging the plant. The soil must be well-draining, capable of maintaining adequate humidity without causing root rot. A light potting mix for flowering plants is ideal, while repotting is not necessary until the roots begin to emerge from the bottom of the pot.
Geranium care at home: the secrets to continuous flowering
The maintenance of geraniums at home requires few but important precautions. The first is watering: geraniums prefer infrequent but deep watering. When the top inch of soil is dry, it’s time to water them, making sure the water drains completely. Excessive humidity can lead to the formation of root rot, so it is important to empty the saucer after each watering.
Fertilizer also plays a fundamental role. During the growing season, applying a balanced fertilizer helps the plant maintain its vigor and flowering. A 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer, for example, can be used before the growing season begins to stimulate new blooms. However, during the winter months, it is best to reduce the use of fertilizer, as the plant tends to grow more slowly.
Pruning is also a regular activity. Removing dry leaves or wilted flowers not only improves the plant’s appearance but also encourages new blooms. Additionally, if the geranium tends to become too tall or woody, periodic pruning can help it stay more compact and healthy.
When and how to bring geraniums back outdoors
While the trend of bringing geraniums back indoors can extend the greening season, it doesn’t mean you have to keep them indoors year-round. When the risk of frost has passed, the geraniums can return outside to enjoy the light and fresh air. However, it is important to gradually accustom them to the outside environment, especially if they have been indoors for a long time, to avoid damage from thermal shock or sudden exposure to direct light.
In general, caring for geraniums indoors and out follows similar principles: adequate light, moderate watering and regular pruning. And if you decide to keep them as houseplants during the winter, you can prolong their beauty for many years. With a little care, geraniums will become not only a floral decoration but also an integral part of your decor.
The magic of geraniums inside the house
The tendency to grow geraniums at home is not just a way to beautify the environment, but a real philosophy of life that brings a piece of nature inside our homes, especially in the colder months. By harnessing the resilience and beauty of these plants, we can extend the season of greenery and flowers, creating an atmosphere of comfort and warmth that goes far beyond the fleeting beauty of a season. If cared for correctly, geraniums will be a flowering company that will give you color and freshness for years, regardless of the season.
