Revive Your Geraniums: The Surprising Aspirin Trick

For those who love flowers and try to grow them in their garden or balcony, the geranium is a familiar favorite. Starting out as a vibrant display of colorful blooms, it often loses its glory, turning greener than it is floral. So what can be done about this, and does an aspirin tablet really help?

1. Sunlight, but not too much

Geraniums love sunlight, but they prefer morning sun and partial afternoon light. Direct, intense sunlight isn't beneficial for them. Place your geraniums in a spot that receives early sunlight to give them a good day start.

2. Water in moderation

Geraniums need to drink, too. In the Israeli summer climate—water them daily, while in winter, twice a week suffices. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so how can you tell when it's time to water? If the soil feels dry to the touch, your geranium is thirsty.

3. Fertilize (you can DIY)

You can purchase special geranium fertilizer, or make your own with simple materials. Buy iodine from the pharmacy and add a drop to a liter of water. Once a month, water at the edges of the pot (not the center, to protect roots), ensuring no more than 100 ml. The mixture should only be applied to wet soil, not dry. Avoid letting the iodine solution touch the leaves. It's meant solely to enrich the soil with nutrients.

4. Give it a small boost

If your geranium is eager to bloom but needs a little push, you can actively encourage it. If you notice a dried flower head, remove it immediatelyalong with the stem. This will prompt the geranium to produce new buds. Congratulations.

5. The aspirin boost

This might sound very odd, but dissolving one aspirin tablet in a liter and a half of water can work wonders for your geranium. Use a spray bottle to mist the leaves or even water with it once a week. It's not for headache relief (which it doesn't need), but to let the salicylic acid in aspirin help the geranium regenerate and flourish more richly.