Meet my friend 'beauty'

10 years ago

I got this zonal geranium from lowes past summer. She was a tiny little plant back then. She grew all through the summer and bloomed nicely.

In fall I reported her in a bigger planter and brought indoors. Since then she has doubled in size and never seized to bloom. The only thing is the leaves are almost green and zoning marks have almost vanished.

the bright red flowers are our constant companions and a very welcoming sight amidst the cold winter colorless days. I could not be happier. Did I tell you all that I named her beauty?

Featured Answer

natureinspiredM_ 6B NJ
Original Author

10 years ago

Thanks for your appreciation Laurie. This geranium did exceptionally well indoors. As the outside weather became favorable I transplanted it on the ground. She definitely is enjoying the outdoors more.

I try to bring some of my tropical and non cold hardy plants indoors for the long winter months. I'm in northern NJ and the plants stay indoors from late October to early April. Some die off, some look all bettered by the end of six months but manage to survive. But there are a few which really do not show any sign of stress. I'd been bringing plants indoors for past four winters and so far I noticed the geranium, Indian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac), Rosemary, colocasia and Malabar spinach (an edible vine with tender stems and leafy greens used in Indian cooking) remain happy throughout.

The jasmine too blooms intermittently the entire time it's indoors. If you like fragrant flowers like gardenia you would fall in love with this plant too. Perfect way to naturally perfume your house during winter months :)

One thing to note is that all these plants need direct sunlight for atleast a few hours to survive indoors. I am blessed enough to get 4-5 hours of direct sun indoors during the winter and I feel that is the biggest factor in keeping plants happy. I do not really do any thing special apart from rotating them once in a while for even sunlight reception, watering regularly and giving a light feed (only to those plants which are thriving) once in every two months.

Hope this information is helpful. Now back to my geranium, the zonal marks are intense and there are more flower spikes. Here are a couple of pictures:

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Comments (8)

cakbu z9 CA
10 years ago
Beautiful, happy looking plant!
natureinspiredM_ 6B NJ
Original Author
10 years ago
I was able to set the plant out in sun for past few days thanks to the sudden warm temperatures and the zoning marks came back dramatically fast. It will have to stay indoor for next few days though as night temp is going to be below freezing starting tomorrow.

Notice how the leaves changed color :)
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Laurie (8A)
10 years ago
I am amazed how it did so well indoors so long. You should share details of conditions and care. Having a summer annual blooming all year in my house would put a smile on my face. Nice job! Your photo's have amazing shadow and light as well.
Laurie (8A)
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Thank you for all the tips, Nature! Were this a houseplant, the marking on the leaves would be enough, but the flowers put it over the top. Beauty is a good name.

Sadly, I have to face I do not have the indoor light to manage this with the success you have. I did winter over a Jasmine for a few years, but not with the success you have. Still, It is so fun to see your successes. It has me looking around to a place to install growing lights. (oh gosh, dh will kill me) Can't wait to see what you have saved next spring. It is fun watching your posts.
GreenLarry
10 years ago
Easy to keep indoors over winter. Just cut it back hard and watch it grow back. I'm in the gloomy north of England and Ive had plenty of Pelargoniums over the years.
natureinspiredM_ 6B NJ
Original Author
10 years ago
Yes Laurie the leaves are absolutely gorgeous but unfortunately they loose the markings and fade to ordinary green once indoors (even with direct sun).

You can definitely keep a geranium alive indoors through the winter months without direct sun light (if hubby is totally against grow lights ). It will become leggy and probably not bloom but once outdoor it will catchup on appearance pretty soon. I am tempted to grow many other kinds as I realized they need minimum care and generally are not bothered by pests.
GreenLarry
10 years ago
Indoors just cut back hard. By spring it'll be well on its way again ready to go outside