Geranium sylvaticum aka Wood Crane's Bill

Taxonomy

Geranium sylvaticum, also known as wood cranesbill or woodland geranium, is a hardy flowering plant that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. This plant is native to Europe and northern Turkey, and its name is derived from the Latin specific epithet sylvaticum, which means "of woodland," reflecting its natural habitat. The plant grows up to 75 cm tall and 60 cm wide, forming a mound of deeply cut and toothed 7-lobed basal leaves. Its flowers bloom in the summer on stalks with ruffs of leaves and range in color from mauve to sky blue, depending on the soil conditions. G. sylvaticum is one of many Geranium species that are popular in gardens and is suitable for cultivation in temperate climates in reliably moist, lightly shaded positions, as its name suggests. While some may confuse it with the super rare houseplant that needs regular watering, the Wood Crane's-Bill plant prefers soil that retains moisture and does not require added fertilizers. It is best kept in long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than 1 foot from a window to thrive.

Common names

Wood Crane's Bill, Wood Cranesbill Or Woodland Geranium

How to care for Wood Crane's Bill

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Wood Crane's Bill due to its easy-going nature.

Water

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

Soil

Wood Crane's Bill requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Wood Crane's Bill, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Wood Crane's Bill will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

Wood Crane's Bill 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 Wood Crane's Bill.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Wood Crane's Bill is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Wood Crane's Bill’s native range is Europe, including Britain from the Arctic to Spain east to the Caucasus and Siberia.


More info:
Wikipedia