Geranium molle aka Awnless Geranium

Taxonomy

Geranium molle, also known as Dove's-foot Crane's-bill or Dovesfoot Geranium, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family. It typically grows to a height of 5-30 centimeters and has hairy, grey-green, deeply lobed leaves. The plant produces tiny pink flowers from spring to autumn and has explosive seed pods. The flowers, which bloom from April to September, are pinkish-purple with jagged petals and are primarily pollinated by Hymenoptera. The fruits are glabrous with 6-9 transverse ridges. It is worth noting that this plant may be poisonous. To eliminate it, uprooting by hand pulling is an effective method for preventing its spread. Weed wrenches can also be used for larger saplings and shrubs. However, perennial weeds with deep underground stems may require alternative methods. Pulling has advantages such as minimal damage to surrounding plants, low cost, and ecological impact, although it can be labor-intensive and only suitable for small areas.

Common names

Awnless Geranium, Dovefoot Geranium, Dovesfoot Geranium

How to care for Awnless Geranium

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Awnless Geranium due to its easy-going nature.

Water

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

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Awnless Geranium is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

Awnless Geranium thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Dovesfoot Geranium.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The Awnless Geranium should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Awnless Geranium’s native range is Britain, Europe to the Himalayas.


More info:
Wikipedia