Night-scented pelargonium care guide
Pelargonium triste
Also known as: Triste
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Pelargoniums can cause vomiting, loss of appetite or skin irritation in dogs and cats that eat the leaves or stems; keep it out of reach and see a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Night-scented pelargonium
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 14 days
- A winter grower: water when dry in March and April, stretch the gaps as the leaves yellow around May, and in leafless summer only moisten lightly once or twice a month, as a guide.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- Resume when shoots appear as it cools, watering thoroughly two to three days after the topsoil dries, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 14 days
- It is growing, but soil dries slowly in the cold; as a guide, water on a warm morning once the soil is dry.
Light and placement for Night-scented pelargonium
While in leaf from fall to spring, generally full sun outdoors or a south window; once the leaves die back in summer, rest it in airy shade out of the rain, and expect care to vary with conditions.
Overwintering Night-scented pelargonium
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
It is in full leaf in winter and wants sun; it takes light cold, but frost damages the leaves, so as a guide bring it indoors on nights below 5°C.
Fertilizing and repotting Night-scented pelargonium
Fertilizer
Generally a diluted liquid feed once or twice a month from October to March while in leaf, or a little slow-release at repotting; none in leafless summer.
When to repot
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Night-scented pelargonium
- Summer dieback is mistaken for death, and continued watering rots the tuber.
- Too little winter sun stretches the leaf stalks until the leaves flop.
- Left in the rain while dormant, it suffers from heat and wet.
Tips for growing Night-scented pelargonium
- Planting with the top of the tuber above the soil shows it off and keeps it drier.
- The spring flowers are scented at night; do not let it dry out hard as the flower stalks rise.
- Keep the pot in cool shade over summer and repot once shoots appear in fall.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
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