Geranium rotundifolium aka Round Leaf Crane's Bill

Taxonomy

Genus Geranium Family Geraniaceae Order Geraniales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Geranium rotundifolium, also known as the roundleaf geranium or round-leaved cranesbill, is an annual herb in the family Geraniaceae. It has a self-supporting growth form and is often found in freshwater habitats. The plant can grow up to 20 cm tall and has simple, broad leaves. Its flowers are visited by sweat bees, Small Carpenter Bees, Myopa, and cabbage butterfly. The stem is tendinous, with nest hairs, and the leaves are matte, round, and ashen green with deep incisions and a small dot at the end. The flowers bloom in spring and summer and are characterized by five tanned and wide petals that do not split. While this plant is rare and desirable as a houseplant, it requires regular watering and direct light within one foot of a window. The soil should be good at retaining moisture, and the plant should be repotted each time it doubles in size. However, it should be noted that the plant may be poisonous. To prevent the spread of herbaceous and floating weeds, uprooting by hand or using weed wrenches can be effective, although it may only be practical for relatively small areas.

Common names

Round Leaf Crane's Bill, Round Leaved Crane's Bill, Roundleaf Geranium

How to care for Round Leaf Crane's Bill

Difficulty

Round Leaf Crane's Bill is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Round Leaf Crane's Bill should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

When growing Round Leaf Crane's Bill, 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 Round Leaf Crane's Bill with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Round Leaf Crane's Bill 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 Round Leaf Crane's Bill regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Round Leaf Crane's Bill will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Round Leaf Crane's Bill prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Round Leaf Crane's Bill should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Round Leaf Crane's Bill’s native range is Britain to E. Asia - Himalayas.

More info:
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More Species in Geranium Genus

Geranium pusillum Small Flowered Cranesbill

Geranium brevicaule Geranium Brevicaule

Geranium tuberosum Tuberous Cranesbill

Geranium sylvaticum Wood Crane's Bill

Geranium potentillifolium Geranium Potentillifolium

Geranium retrorsum Common Crane's Bill

Geranium himalayense Himalayan Crane's Bill

Geranium nepalense Nepalese Crane's Bill

Geranium maderense Giant Herb Robert

Geranium columbinum Long Stalk Crane's Bill