Though primarily outdoor plants, pelargoniums can flourish Indoors under ideal conditions. Here are the Best Places to Grow Geraniums!
Geraniums love sunbathing; it is the one thing that gets them to flower happily! But if you don’t have space outdoors or would rather enjoy their decorative blooms hanging from a basket or sprucing up a bare corner, here are the best places to grow geranium indoors!
Types of Geraniums
“Hardy” geraniums, also known as cranesbill, typically grow as perennials in moderate climates and look quite different from annual geraniums that belong to the genus Pelargonium. The latter being the most popular in gardens and homes, this article focuses on them.
Scented, Ivy, and Zonal geraniums all grow as annuals, typically dying back in harsh winters but if you live in a warm climate or ready to keep them indoors, they can grow on for long.
Emerging with vivid blooms, sizes, varied leaf shapes, aromas, textures, and growth habits, pelargoniums are perfect for indoor and outdoor home landscapes.
Best Places to Grow Geranium Indoors
Geraniums like to have at least 5-6 hours of daily sunshine, loamy potting soil which is well-draining as they are prone to diseases like rust, gray mold, and blossom blight. They also prefer warm temperatures above 50 F (10 C).
1. Near a Southwest Window
The best alternative to a sunny location outdoors is a southwest window indoors. This is especially great for overwintering geraniums, as it provides sufficient afternoon light without any risk of getting scorched.
However, during summer, keep your geraniums sheltered from harsh afternoon rays. During this time, use sheer curtains to filter out direct sunrays such that your plant can flourish without getting burned.
2. Bright Corners Near the East or West Facing Windows
Don’t have a southwest-facing window? No worries! You can grow your geraniums near east or west-facing windows. If you experience sunny days and very hot summers in your area, this can actually be a blessing in disguise.
East-facing windows receive the morning sun, which is bright yet not hot enough to scorch your plants. Similarly, west-facing windows will receive sunlight as the sun sets, which again would be bright but won’t harm your plants.
3. Away from Hot or Cold Drafts
This goes for most houseplants. While geraniums are resilient, they do not enjoy the stress of fluctuating extremities, such as constant exposure to hot or cold drafts. Despite proper sunshine, if your plant refuses to bloom, this is the likely culprit.
When growing geranium indoors, keep them well away from air conditioning vents, radiators, or doors and pathways where there’s constant wind or drafts.
4. Perfect for a Sunroom
Made of glass, sunrooms allow plenty of sunlight indoors while also protecting your plants from extreme weather. Also known as solariums, sun porches, or patio rooms, it is not just good for growing your geraniums—you can also lounge, read, or simply relax in there!
Of course, not everyone would have a sunroom. However, if you have the means you can always renovate a pergola or patio room into one of these.
5. Porch, Deck, or Enclosed Balcony
Porches, decks, or even enclosed balconies tend to be sunnier than most rooms inside the house. As geraniums push out their gorgeous spring to early winter blooms, your balcony will come alive with crowds of color, patterns, and scents!
Shelter your geraniums during frost, extreme rain, and heat, or even sudden gusts of wind and temperature fluctuations.
6. Under Grow Lights
If none of the above seem to work for you, this method may be your life-saver. Geraniums can grow well under artificial lights. Place your potted geraniums no more than 12 inches below a full-spectrum LED or fluorescent light. Use a 40-watt cool fluorescent tube or equivalent LED for 12-16 hours daily.
When using artificial lighting, ensure that the temperature lies within the ideal range, as shared above.
Geraniums need overwintering and deadheading for better, healthier blooms. Follow these tips, and you’ll have stunning pelargonium blooms growing indoors in no time!
