Pelargonium peltatum aka Ivy Geranium

Taxonomy

Pelargonium peltatum, also referred to as ivy-leaved pelargonium or cascading geranium, is a scrambling perennial plant native to southern and eastern South Africa. It belongs to the cranesbill family and features fleshy, circular- to heart-shaped leaves that are either shallow or deeply lobed. These leaves may have a distinct semicircular band of a different color. The plant produces umbel-like inflorescences with bilateral symmetrical flowers ranging from white to mauve. Each flower is adorned with a "spur" that merges with the flower stalk. Flowering occurs year-round in its native range but is most abundant from August to October. This bushy evergreen trailing perennial showcases light green foliage with pointed lobes. It is characterized by single pink flowers. Gardeners who appreciate geraniums and hanging baskets will find the ivy geranium to be a delightful addition. It is a member of the Pelargonium genus, known for its abundant blooms and low maintenance requirements. The ivy geranium grows quickly during the warm spring months, making it an ideal choice for filling up large containers or baskets with smaller, more affordable plants that mature rapidly. However, it is important to note that this species can become invasive in certain regions like Europe and Australia.

Common names

Ivy Geranium, Ivyleaf Geranium, Peltated Geranium

How to care for Ivy Geranium

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Ivy Geranium is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

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

Soil

Ivy Geranium loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Ivy 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 Ivyleaf Geranium is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ivy Geranium is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

The Ivy Geranium does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Ivy Geranium should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Ivy Geranium’s native range is Tropical and Subtropical regions worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia