How to help geraniums survive the summer safely
This article introduces: Tips and experiences on how to keep geraniums safe during the summer and the precautions for caring for them in hot weather, let's take a look together!
Geraniums are loved by many gardening enthusiasts for their vigorous vitality, easy maintenance, strong flowering ability, bright colors, and abundant flowers. The optimal growing temperature for geraniums is between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. In the summer heat, geraniums enter a semi-dormant state, making the plants very fragile. Negligence can easily lead to diseases, such as withered leaves, yellow leaves, root rot, and even death. Wanting to keep geraniums safe during the summer is not difficult; by paying attention to four points, they can stay healthy throughout the summer.
1. Provide shading and avoid direct sunlight
The intensity of ultraviolet rays in the summer sun is the strongest of the year. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves of geraniums, causing dry and yellow sunburn spots on the leaf surface, and in severe cases, can even kill the entire plant. In early summer when the temperature is not too high, geraniums can still grow and should be exposed to some sunlight. However, when the temperature approaches 30 degrees, the pot of geraniums must be moved to a well-ventilated area with diffused light to avoid direct sunlight and prevent the plant from getting sunburned.
2. Reduce watering appropriately
The roots of geraniums prefer dry conditions and dislike waterlogging. After entering a dormant state in the summer, the roots become more sensitive to water. If watered too frequently, the accumulated water in the potting soil can easily lead to root rot. Regular maintenance should keep the soil slightly dry and reduce watering to allow the soil to be on the drier side.
Before watering in the summer, first observe the moisture level of the potting soil. If the soil surface is white and dry, pick up the pot to feel its weight. Only when the pot's weight is significantly lighter does it indicate that the soil is completely dry, and it is time to water the plant. Otherwise, there is no need to water.
How to help geraniums survive the summer safely
3. Avoid getting wet in the rain
The leaves and stems of geraniums naturally grow a lot of fine hair. After getting wet in the rain, the water can get trapped between the hairs, and combined with the hot summer weather, it can easily lead to bacterial infections and cause leaf rot. During the rainy season, it is best to move outdoor geraniums to a sheltered area to avoid prolonged heavy rain. If geraniums accidentally get wet, immediately pour out the accumulated rainwater in the saucer and place the pot in a well-ventilated area to promote the evaporation of water from the leaves.
4. Do not fertilize, prune more
Geraniums do not grow in high temperatures, so they naturally do not need to be fertilized to supplement nutrients. Fertilizing geraniums when it's hot not only prevents the plant from absorbing the nutrients, but an excess of fertilizer can also increase the plant's burden, which is not conducive to surviving the summer.
To reduce the plant's burden and survive the intense heat, geraniums often shed some old leaves, and there will be many yellow and withered leaves at the bottom of the plant. It is important to prune these yellow and withered leaves in time to maintain good ventilation between the branches and to open windows for ventilation regularly. A well-ventilated environment can greatly reduce the risk of pests and diseases, making it less likely for geraniums to get sick.
The above is from [www.lvzhimi.com] regarding how to help geraniums survive the summer safely during the summer and related precautions for summer care. Hope it brings a little help to your life!