Why Elevation is the Geranium Gardener’s Secret Weapon

 Geraniums (Pelargoniums) are celebrated for their vibrant, continuous blooms, but they have one Achilles’ heel: wet feet. Overwatering or poor drainage is the single biggest cause of geranium death and a major reason why they stop flowering.

When a pot sits flat on a patio, deck, or even a drainage saucer, the drainage hole at the bottom can become blocked, creating a pool of standing water. This traps moisture and cuts off vital air circulation to the roots. The result? Root rot—a condition where the roots literally suffocate and turn into mush.

Fortunately, the solution is simple, inexpensive, and incredibly effective: Elevate your pots.

The Three-Fold Benefit of Raising Your Containers

Lifting your geranium pots even a tiny bit provides three critical advantages that keep your plants healthy and encourage non-stop flowering:

1. Eliminates Water Trapping and The “Perched Water Table”

When a pot is flat on the ground, surface tension can prevent the last bit of water from draining out of the soil. This creates a saturated layer at the very bottom, known as the “perched water table,” which slowly kills the roots.

• The Fix: Elevating the pot creates an instant air gap beneath the drainage hole. This air pocket breaks the water’s surface tension, ensuring that every drop of excess water drains immediately and completely.

Geranium

2. Boosts Air Circulation and Root Health

Roots, like the rest of the plant, need oxygen to breathe. When water pools under the pot, it prevents fresh air from circulating around the base.

• The Fix: By lifting the pot, you allow air to flow freely under and around the entire base. This increased aeration helps the potting mix dry out more quickly and evenly, exactly what geraniums need to thrive and set new buds. A fast-drying pot is a happy pot for a geranium!

3. Prevents Deck and Patio

Water trapped beneath a pot not only harms your plant but also leaves unsightly, difficult-to-remove water stains, mildew, and moss on your deck, concrete patio, or balcony floor.

• The Fix: A few strategically placed risers ensure water runs off and evaporates quickly, keeping your surfaces clean and protected from moisture damage. This is especially important for wooden decks, where constant dampness can lead to rot.

Quick and Creative Ways to Elevate Your Pots

You don’t need expensive equipment. The goal is to provide three or four sturdy points of contact to keep the pot stable while leaving the drainage hole completely open and off the ground.

Quick DIY Risers	Aesthetic Solutions
Pebbles/Gravel: Use three or four large, flat landscaping stones or river rocks.	Terracotta Pot Feet: Small, decorative clay feet are specifically designed to cradle the pot’s edge and provide the perfect gap.
Wine Corks: Slice standard wine corks in half lengthwise. They are light, weatherproof, and provide excellent cushioning.	Decorative Bricks or Tiles: Use small, attractive pieces of ceramic tile or smooth, dark bricks to create a uniform, tidy look.
Plastic Bottle Caps: Collect a few large, sturdy bottle caps. They are discreet and entirely weatherproof.	Purpose-Built Pot Risers: Look for specialized rubber or plastic discs/blocks at your local garden center. They are often dark-colored and nearly invisible once placed.

Pro Tip: If using a saucer (to protect indoor floors or a small area), do not let the pot sit directly in the collected water. Raise the pot inside the saucer using a few stones or pot feet so the drainage hole is well above the water line. Be sure to empty the saucer within 30 minutes of watering.

Elevating your geraniums is a simple modification that makes a huge difference, ensuring the perfect balance of moisture and air for a whole season of breathtaking blooms.

Article copyright by GreenShip