Why geraniums don't bloom - what needs to be done: secrets of experienced gardeners for lush flowering

Geranium, a popular houseplant, is known for its vibrant colors and low maintenance.

Sometimes flower lovers are faced with the fact that geraniums do not bloom.

There are several reasons why this may happen and ways to solve the problem.

Insufficient lighting

One of the main reasons why geranium does not bloom is a lack of light. Geranium is a very light-loving plant: it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.

If there is insufficient light, the plant may actively grow green mass, but not form flower buds.

To solve this problem, you should move the geranium to a more illuminated place, for example, to a south or southeast window.

Incorrect watering

Watering regime plays an important role in geranium flowering. Both excess and lack of moisture can negatively affect the plant's ability to form flowers.

Geranium prefers moderate watering: the soil should have time to dry out between waterings.

In summer, watering can be done 2-3 times a week, and in winter – once every 7-10 days.

It is also important to ensure good drainage to avoid water stagnation in the pot.

Nutrient deficiencies

To ensure abundant flowering, geraniums require regular fertilization.

If there is a lack of nutrients, the plant may direct all its energy to maintaining life, without having the resources to form flowers.

During the period of active growth (spring-summer), geraniums should be fed every two weeks with a complex fertilizer for flowering plants.

In autumn and winter, the frequency of feeding can be reduced to once a month.

Incorrect pruning

Regular pruning of geraniums stimulates the formation of new shoots and flower buds.

However, if pruning is done incorrectly or at the wrong time, it can delay flowering.

The optimal time for pruning is early spring, before the start of active growth. Old, dry and too long shoots should be removed, leaving 3-4 buds on each stem.

Temperature conditions

Geranium prefers moderate temperatures. Too high or too low temperatures can negatively affect flowering.

The optimum temperature for geranium during the period of active growth is 18-25°C. In winter, the plant needs a period of rest at a temperature of 10-15°C. Sudden changes in temperature can also cause a lack of flowering.

Plant age

Young geranium plants may not bloom in the first year of life, directing all their energy to the formation of the root system and green mass.

If your geranium isn't blooming but looks healthy, it may just need time to reach maturity.

In this case, you should be patient and continue to care for the plant, following all recommendations.

Pot size

A pot that is too large may cause a lack of flowering. In a spacious pot, geranium will actively grow its root system to the detriment of flowering.

On the other hand, if the pot is too small, the plant will experience stress due to lack of nutrients and moisture. The optimal size of the pot is 2-3 cm larger in diameter than the previous one.

Pests and diseases

The presence of pests or diseases can significantly weaken the plant and lead to a lack of flowering.

Regular inspection of geraniums will help to identify the problem in time. If signs of damage are detected, immediate action should be taken: treat the plant with appropriate preparations and isolate it from other flowers.