The pelargoniums of our balconies, often wrongly named geraniums, require very particular care if you wish to have the chance to see them blooming again the following spring. They are not very hardy, and wintering will be necessary for their survival in most of our regions.
At the end of October, when the days get shorter and the cold weather becomes more penetrating, clean your plants by doing a drastic pruning. Do not hesitate to cut back the stems, even if they are still flowering, up to 20 cm from the base of the plant for the ivy varieties. Keep only one third of the height of the stems of zonal pelargoniums and large-flowered species. Don't be afraid to do this: this pruning will make your plant all the more vigorous when it comes back. Moreover, it will be an opportunity for you to offer cuttings to the neighbors, which is always a pleasure!
At the same time, check your plants for pests and diseases. Cut off any damaged or diseased parts and burn them so that they do not contaminate the compost. Be careful, after this operation, disinfect your tools with alcohol so as not to spread the diseases, and if a plant is too sick to be sacrificed, soak its pot in bleached water and rinse it before using it again.
Once cleaned, install your pelargoniums in a cool but frost-free place: a garage, a well insulated garden shed, or better still a slightly heated veranda will do perfectly. Be careful though: the room must have at least one window so that your plants receive a minimum of light to survive, otherwise you will have to install artificial lighting.
Remove all the cups that could maintain a harmful humidity at the roots level and stop watering. Watering will only serve to keep the plant alive as it enters its vegetative resting period. One watering per month should be sufficient, but be sure that the foliage does not wilt. A lack of water is preferable to an excess during this period.
When the weather is fine and there is no risk of frost, you can gradually bring them out into the light, so as not to burn them. Once again, clean the yellowed or diseased parts and repot them in a special geranium potting soil mix already containing fertilizer. Remember to provide good drainage at the bottom of the pot and water after repotting to settle the soil and prevent air bubbles from forming.
Your pelargoniums will then be ready to start a new life for an ever more flowering spring!
Please note that ivy-leaved pelargoniums are often less resistant than zonal pelargoniums. More light will be beneficial to them.
