About Geranium
A beloved container plant producing rounded clusters of vibrant flowers in red, pink, salmon, white, and bicolor shades above aromatic, scallop-edged leaves often marked with a dark horseshoe pattern. Though commonly called 'geranium,' these garden favorites are technically Pelargoniums. They are among the most popular flowering potted plants worldwide for window boxes, balconies, and garden beds. Geranium belongs to the Geraniaceae family and originates from South Africa; extensively hybridized in Europe since the 17th century. Widely cultivated in Philippine highlands..
Geraniums are a staple of highland Filipino gardens, particularly in Baguio, La Trinidad, and Tagaytay, where the cooler climate allows them to thrive year-round. In Metro Manila and other lowland areas, geraniums are best treated as dry-season plants (November to February) or kept in air-conditioned spaces. The scented-leaf varieties (malvarrosa) are used by Filipino grandmothers as insect repellent and traditional herbal remedy. Potted geraniums are commonly sold at Baguio's Burnham Park and at highland plant markets. For lowland growers, choosing heat-tolerant zonal types and providing afternoon shade is key to success.
Also known as: Pelargonium, Malvarrosa.
Popular Varieties
- Pelargonium × hortorum 'Zonal' (classic horseshoe-leaved garden geranium)
- Pelargonium peltatum (Ivy Geranium — trailing, for hanging baskets)
- Pelargonium graveolens (Scented Geranium — citronella-scented leaves)
- Pelargonium 'Regal' (Martha Washington — large, showy flowers)
How to Plant Geranium in the Philippines
Geranium can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds. The recommended method is stem cuttings (preserves parent plant characteristics).
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Take 10-12 cm cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems.
- Step 2: Remove lower leaves and any flower buds.
- Step 3: Allow the cut end to dry for a few hours to prevent rot.
- Step 4: Insert into moist perlite or sandy potting mix — do NOT use rooting hormone (geraniums root better without it).
- Step 5: Place in bright indirect light. Avoid covering with plastic — geraniums dislike excessive moisture.
- Step 6: Roots form in 2-3 weeks. Pot up when well-rooted.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours direct sun for best flowering). Position your geranium where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Geraniums prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 18-28°C (prefers cooler conditions — struggles in extreme lowland heat above 32°C). Low to moderate preferred — high humidity can cause fungal problems. Good air circulation is essential. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing geranium outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer (15-15-15) every 2-3 weeks during blooming season. Too much nitrogen produces lush leaves but fewer flowers.
Pruning
Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly. Pinch growing tips to encourage branching. Cut back leggy plants by one-third to rejuvenate.
Toxicity & Safety
Mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Safe for humans. Scented varieties are used in cooking and teas.
Common Problems & Solutions
Stem rot (blackleg)
Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or high humidity
Solution: Water less frequently. Use well-draining potting mix. Remove and discard affected plants to prevent spread.
Yellowing lower leaves
Cause: Overwatering or natural aging of lower leaves
Solution: Reduce watering frequency. Remove yellow leaves for tidiness. Ensure pot drains freely.
Rust (orange spots on leaf undersides)
Cause: Fungal infection favored by warm, humid conditions
Solution: Remove affected leaves immediately. Improve air circulation. Apply fungicide if widespread.
Plants wilting in extreme Philippine summer heat
Cause: Heat stress — geraniums prefer cooler conditions
Solution: Move to afternoon shade during the hottest months. Grow in cooler highland areas if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Geranium in the Philippines?
Geranium needs full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours direct sun for best flowering). Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. geraniums prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. overwatering is the most common cause of failure.. Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer (15-15-15) every 2-3 weeks during blooming season. too much nitrogen produces lush leaves but fewer flowers.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 18-28°C (prefers cooler conditions — struggles in extreme lowland heat above 32°C) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Geranium?
The recommended method is stem cuttings (preserves parent plant characteristics). Take 10-12 cm cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems. Remove lower leaves and any flower buds.
Is Geranium toxic to pets or children?
Mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Safe for humans. Scented varieties are used in cooking and teas.
Can Geranium grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Geranium grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Geranium?
Common issues include: Stem rot (blackleg) (caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or high humidity — water less frequently. use well-draining potting mix. remove and discard affected plants to prevent spread); Yellowing lower leaves (caused by overwatering or natural aging of lower leaves — reduce watering frequency. remove yellow leaves for tidiness. ensure pot drains freely); Rust (orange spots on leaf undersides) (caused by fungal infection favored by warm, humid conditions — remove affected leaves immediately. improve air circulation. apply fungicide if widespread).
Growing geranium in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!