How to Prevent Geraniums From Rotting
- 1). Allow geranium cuttings to heal. Rot is often caused by introducing infected cuttings into established plants. Prevent cuttings from developing this bacteria and spreading it to others by allowing the cuttings to heal after they are trimmed. Place the cuttings on moist sand in heavy shade for three hours after the cut.
- 2). Plant the cuttings in individual pots. Planting the cuttings separately from each other will prevent the bacteria from spreading. Use soil that is sterilized, as many cases of stem rot occur because of contaminated soil.
- 3). Transplant the cuttings carefully. Causing damage to the seedlings' roots can make them susceptible to rot. Handle them as little as possible during the transplant process and take care not to crush or break them with the soil.
- 4). Water geraniums only when they need it. Soil that is constantly wet increases the plant's chance of developing rot. Water the soil only when it is dry. Stick your finger in the soil down to the second knuckle to check a soil's moisture level. Pull your finger out and look for soil remnants. Skip watering if soil sticks to your finger. The plant needs moisture if the finger comes out clean. Pour water over your potted geranium plants until the liquid comes out of the pot's drainage holes. Check the soil moisture level around in-ground geraniums with a metal rod. The soil underneath the geranium is moist 12 inches below the plant when it is adequately watered. Water the plant and stick the rod into the soil. Pull it out and note where on the rod the soil sticks. If the soil stops sticking after 12 inches, you've watered the plant properly. If it's clean before the 12-inch mark, the plant needs more moisture.
