Pelargonium sericifolium

Origin and Natural Habitat

Pelargonium sericifolium is native to South Africa, specifically to the Northern and Western Cape.

Plant Characteristics

Pelargonium sericifolium is a species that produces a bright pink flower.

Stem shape may differ from the photos, each plant is unique.

Care Guide

Light
It prefers a lightly shaded location in the greenhouse. If this plant is kept outdoors, but not in a greenhouse, then full morning sun is suitable.

Soil
The Pelargonium sericifolium requires a very well-draining soil mixture with plenty of gritty components. A medium with akadama and pumice is preferred.

Water
In cultivation, Pelargonium sericifolium can be watered well during the cooler months, once it has grown its first new leaves. However, reduce watering somewhat in summer, unless the plant is wilting.

Pot size
Pelargonium sericifolium can grow quite large, and their pot size should accommodate for this. For the first 2-3 years of life, a 10cm pot will be sufficient. As they grow older, plant this species in a pot that is 5cm wider than its lowest branches to accommodate new growth. Deep pots are preferred, as they will grow more vigorously if their roots have room to expand into the soil. This species can be grown as garden plants in winter rainfall regions, but care should be taken to provide good quality, well-draining soil.

Temperature
Pelargonium sericifolium’s ideal temperature ranges between 15 – 25°C. It can tolerate 1 – 40°C. Young plants are susceptible to frost damage.

Humidity
Pelargonium sericifolium are sensitive to humidity due to their semi-arid natural habitat, and particularly so when dormant. Make sure that your growing space has plenty of airflow.

Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during summer. Alternatively, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer will be sufficient.

Growing season
Pelargonium sericifolium grows during autumn, winter and early spring. 

Propagation
Pelargonium sericifolium is best propagated by sowing seed.

Seed germination: Seeds should be sown in early autumn. Plant the seeds in a coco peat mix in an airtight container, and cover them with some sifted coco peat. Once most of the seeds have germinated, remove the lid of the container to allow airflow. Gently water the seedlings every few days so that the soil does not dry out. The container should be relatively deep to accommodate their root systems.