The “Crocodile Geranium,” known for its distinctive foliage, has become a favored choice among houseplant enthusiasts. Its unique, deeply textured leaves give the plant its popular name and make it an engaging addition to indoor plant collections.
Identifying Your Crocodile Geranium
The Crocodile Geranium is botanically identified as Pelargonium ranunculophyllum. Its most striking feature is the foliage, which exhibits a highly textured, puckered, or “crocodile skin”-like surface. These leaves are a vibrant green, often with a slightly velvety feel. The plant maintains a compact, bushy growth habit, making it suitable for various indoor spaces.
Crocodile Geranium Care
Light
Crocodile Geraniums thrive in bright, indirect light conditions. Placing them near an east or west-facing window often provides ideal illumination without the harshness of direct midday sun. Too much direct sunlight can lead to scorched leaves, while insufficient light may result in leggy growth and reduced leaf texture. Rotating the plant periodically ensures even exposure to light.
Soil
A well-draining and airy potting mix is crucial for the health of your Crocodile Geranium. A standard houseplant potting mix amended with perlite or coarse sand in a 2:1 ratio provides the necessary drainage. This type of substrate prevents waterlogging, which is a common cause of root rot. Good aeration in the soil supports healthy root development.
Watering
Water when the top one to two inches of soil is dry to the touch. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, ensuring the entire root ball is moistened. Allowing the plant to sit in standing water can lead to root rot, so always empty excess water from the saucer. Consistent watering promotes steady growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Crocodile Geraniums prefer average room temperatures, between 65-75°F (18-24°C). They are not tolerant of extreme temperature fluctuations or cold drafts. While average household humidity levels are generally sufficient, providing slightly higher humidity, such as through a pebble tray, can be beneficial, especially in drier environments. Avoid placing them near heating or cooling vents.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season, feed your Crocodile Geranium every two to four weeks. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half the recommended strength to prevent nutrient burn. Reduce or cease fertilization during the dormant winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows. This feeding schedule supports vigorous foliage development.
Propagating Crocodile Geraniums
Propagating Crocodile Geraniums is a straightforward process, most commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section approximately 4-6 inches long, making the cut just below a leaf node. Remove any lower leaves from the cutting to expose the node, as this is where new roots will emerge. Cuttings can be rooted directly in a well-draining potting mix or placed in water until roots develop.
Common Issues and Solutions
Yellowing leaves on a Crocodile Geranium often indicate overwatering, meaning the soil is staying too wet for too long. To remedy this, allow the soil to dry out more thoroughly between waterings and ensure the pot has adequate drainage. Conversely, crispy or browning leaf edges can signal underwatering or excessively low humidity. Increasing watering frequency slightly or placing the plant on a pebble tray can help alleviate these symptoms. If small webbing or tiny pests are visible, the plant may have spider mites, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.