Geranium maculatum aka Spotted Geranium

Taxonomy

Geranium maculatum, also known as the wild geranium, spotted geranium, or wood geranium, is a perennial plant that can be found in woodland areas across eastern North America. Its distribution ranges from southern Manitoba and southwestern Quebec, all the way down to Alabama and Georgia, and westward to Oklahoma and South Dakota. This herbaceous perennial grows up to 35cm in height and features deciduous, deeply lobed leaves. These leaves emerge in spring with a dark red-purple flush before turning glossy green. From late spring to midsummer, Geranium maculatum produces upward-facing, shallowly bowl-shaped flowers that are deep pink-purple with white centers. In addition to its wild habitat, Geranium maculatum can also be grown as a houseplant. Known as the Spotted Geranium, this rare plant is relatively easy to care for. It thrives with regular watering and benefits from being placed in a location with long-lasting, direct light, preferably within one foot of a window. This species prefers soil that retains moisture well. Repotting is recommended each time the plant doubles in size, eliminating the need for additional fertilizers. Native to Eastern North America, the Spotted Geranium belongs to the Geranium genus.

Common names

Spotted Geranium, Wild Crane's Bill, Wild Geranium, Spotted Crane's Bill

How to care for Spotted Geranium

Difficulty

Caring for Spotted Geranium is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Spotted Geranium should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

When growing Spotted Geranium, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Wild Geranium with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Spotted Geranium from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Wild Crane's Bill regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Spotted Geranium will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

Lighting

Spotted Geranium requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Wild Crane's Bill is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Spotted Geranium should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Spotted Geranium as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Spotted Geranium’s native range is Eastern N. America - Maine to Georgia, west to Arkansas, Kansas and Manitoba.


More info:
Wikipedia