How To Water Geraniums: A Comprehensive Guide

Geraniums are beautiful plants, so many people want to know how to care for them. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as watering the plants and forgetting about them!

Geraniums need lots of attention or they can quickly turn brown and die. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to water geraniums properly in order to maintain their vibrant color.

How Often Should I Water Geraniums?

It’s best to water geraniums when the top inch of soil is dry. This will ensure that the plant is getting enough water to survive, but it’s also not so much that the roots rot.

It’s hard to give an exact frequency as there are many factors at play. For example, different species of geraniums require different amounts of water. It’s also important to note that watering frequency can change depending on the season (more in summer, less in winter).

Also, indoor geraniums will usually require more frequent waterings as they aren’t receiving any rainwater. However, the opposite is true during heatwaves in the summer, where outside geraniums will need to be watered daily.

You can test the soil by sticking your finger in the dirt. If it is dry and crumbly, give the plant a good drink of water. If the soil feels wet and slimy, wait until tomorrow to water it.

How Much Water Should I Give My Geraniums?

Give your geraniums enough water to fully saturate the soil. This will ensure that the roots are able to stay hydrated. If you don’t give them enough water, they can quickly dry out and die. Since geraniums are made up of mostly water, they need plenty of it in order to survive.

What Type of Water Should I Give My Geraniums?

Filtered or tap water is usually fine, but if your water has a high level of chlorine you should let it sit overnight so the chlorine dissipates. If you don’t have filtered or bottled water available, rainwater can also be used for geraniums.

Can I Give Tap Water to My Geraniums?

No, I don’t recommend using tap water. Tap water contains chemicals that are harmful to plants. If you do want to use tap water, let it sit overnight so the chemicals have time to dissipate.

Can I Use Cold Water on My Geraniums?

No, geraniums should never be watered with cold water. However, it depends on how cold the water is. Slightly chilly water should be fine, but water from the tap during winter will shock the plant and can cause them to die or turn yellow. Always use room-temperature water that won’t cause any damage to the plant.

Do I Need to Water My Geraniums in the Winter?

In general, you don’t need to water your geraniums during the winter months if they are healthy. The plant will go into a dormant state where it requires less water, so refrain from giving them any unless their soil is completely dry.

How Do I Know If My Geraniums Need Water?

The best way to know if your geranium needs water is by testing the soil with your finger. It should be moist, but never soggy or wet. Too much water can cause root rot and kill the plant.

Can I Use Distilled Water on My Geraniums?

Yes, you can use distilled water on your geraniums. It won’t damage the plant and is better than using no water at all. However, it’s also not as effective as filtered water because of its lack of minerals.

What Happens if I Overwater My Geraniums?

Overwatering is one of the main reasons why geraniums die. If you overwater them, they can become root-bound and their roots will rot away. This leads to wilting leaves that turn brown or black, as well as mold on their soil surface.

While this sounds like a cosmetic issue, brown leaves and root rot can result in your plant never recovering. This is why it’s so important to only give your geraniums water when they really need it (when the soil is dry).

Signs That Geraniums Are Overwatered

  • Wilting
  • Moldy soil
  • Rotten roots
  • Excess water
  • Discolored leaves

What Happens if I Underwater My Geraniums?

Underwatering is another common reason why geraniums die. If you don’t give them enough water, their roots will dry out and they won’t be able to get the nutrients they need from the soil. This causes the leaves to start to wrinkle, along with a decrease in flowering and blooming abilities.

Signs That Geraniums Are Underwatered

  • Crispy leaves
  • Leaf drop
  • Discolored leaves

Conclusion

In conclusion, geraniums need plenty of water to stay healthy. They are made up mostly of water, so they require a lot in order to survive. However, too much can kill them just as easily as not enough.

Be sure that you always test the soil with your finger before giving geraniums any type of water because it’s important for their survival. You should also never use cold water or tap water on your geraniums.

I hope this post was helpful and answered your questions about how to water geraniums!

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