Pelargonium quercifolium aka Oakleaf Geranium

Taxonomy

Pelargonium quercifolium, also known as oakleaf geranium or oak-geranium, is a tender evergreen sub-shrub native to South Africa. It belongs to the subgenus pelargonium, along with Pelargonium crispum and Pelargonium tomentosum. This ornamental plant has young stems that are soft and covered with fine hairs, which become woody as they age. The leaves are aromatic, deeply lobed, incised, and sticky to the touch. In late spring and summer, clusters of lilac pink flowers with reddish-purple markings adorn the plant. The oak leaf-shaped leaves, which have dark central markings, give this species the name "quercifolium." It is sometimes referred to as Royal Oak. Although it is often sold as a scented plant, its fragrance is more akin to balsam than sweetness. Pelargonium quercifolium is versatile, serving well as a container plant due to its dense foliage, as well as a houseplant. It is a resilient species that can be easily overwintered at cool temperatures, even as low as 5 or 6 degrees Celsius. With higher temperatures and ample light, it will continue to grow and bloom throughout the winter.

Common names

Oakleaf Geranium, Almond Geranium, Oak Leaf Geranium

How to care for Oakleaf Geranium

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

Oakleaf 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

Oakleaf 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 Almond Geranium is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Oakleaf Geranium to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

The Oakleaf 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 Oakleaf 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

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


More info:
Wikipedia