Other Names:  Umckaloabo

Description:

Long stalked, heart shaped velvety leaves are mildly aromatic; dainty clusters of deep red, nearly black flowers dot the plant all season; perfect for indoor or patio containers

Features & Attributes

South African Geranium features dainty clusters of dark red orchid-like flowers with black overtones at the ends of the stems from late spring to early fall. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its tomentose heart-shaped leaves remain grayish green in color throughout the year.

This is an herbaceous evergreen houseplant with an upright spreading habit of growth. You may trim off the flower heads after they fade and die to encourage releat blooming.

Planting & Growing

When grown indoors, South African Geranium can be expected to grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 1 years. This houseplant will do well in a location that gets either direct or indirect sunlight, although it will usually require a more brightly-lit environment than what artificial indoor lighting alone can provide. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist soil, but will not tolerate any standing water. The surface of the soil shouldn't be allowed to dry out completely, and so you should expect to water this plant once and possibly even twice each week. Be aware that your particular watering schedule may vary depending on its location in the room, the pot size, plant size and other conditions; if in doubt, ask one of our experts in the store for advice. It is not particular as to soil type or pH; an average potting soil should work just fine.

There are many factors that will affect the ultimate height, spread and overall performance of a plant when grown indoors; among them, the size of the pot it's growing in, the amount of light it receives, watering frequency, the pruning regimen and repotting schedule. Use the information described here as a guideline only; individual performance can and will vary. Please contact the store to speak with one of our experts if you are interested in further details concerning recommendations on pot size, watering, pruning, repotting, etc.

-- THIS IS A HOUSEPLANT AND IS NOT MEANT TO SURVIVE THE WINTER OUTDOORS IN OUR CLIMATE --