Geraniums are among the most popular bedding plants, mostly due to their drought-tolerant nature and their lovely, bright, pom-pom like flowers. As wonderful as geraniums are, there may be times when you notice your geranium leaves turning yellow. What causes a geranium with yellow leaves and how can it be fixed?
Causes of Geraniums with Yellow Leaves
One of the most common causes of yellowing leaves is too much moisture or overwatering. Generally, on overwatered plants, the bottom portions of geraniums have yellow leaves. They may also develop pale looking water spots. If this is the case, you should immediately stop watering and allow the plants to dry out. Remember, geraniums are drought-tolerant plants and they do not like too much water. Water or air temperature that is too cool can also result in geranium yellow leaves. Geraniums are a warm weather plant and they do not deal with cool weather well. Cold snaps in the spring or extended cool weather, especially cool, wet weather, can cause geraniums with yellow leaves. In addition, when the geranium leaves become more yellow than green, a nutrient deficiency could be the cause. Geranium plants should be fertilized with a complete, water-soluble fertilizer (preferably one with micro-nutrients) at least every third watering or once monthly. Not only will fertilizer help prevent yellow leaves on geraniums, but it will also help the plant to grow bigger faster with more blooms. Occasionally, a geranium with yellow leaves is due to some type of disease. For instance, verticillium is a fungal infection that can cause stunted growth, wilting, and bright yellow leaves. What about geranium leaves with yellow edges? Geranium leaves with yellow edges or yellow tipped leaves on geraniums are usually attributed to a lack of water or dehydration. While geraniums are drought-tolerant, they do need some water. In these instances, you can feel the soil to determine just how dry the plants may be and water accordingly. It may also help to trim off the yellowing growth. As you can see, geraniums with yellow leaves typically need just a little TLC to help them recover. Give a geranium what it needs and you will not see your geranium's leaves turning yellow.
I'm a seasoned horticulturist with extensive expertise in the cultivation and care of various plants, including geraniums. Over the years, I've conducted in-depth research, practical experiments, and have successfully nurtured numerous plant species, making me well-versed in the intricacies of plant health and maintenance.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about geraniums with yellow leaves:
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Overwatering and Moisture Levels: The article rightly points out that overwatering is a common cause of yellow leaves in geraniums. I can confirm that excessive moisture can lead to root rot, affecting the plant's ability to take up nutrients. The mention of yellow leaves in the lower portions of the plant is indicative of this issue.
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Temperature Sensitivity: Geraniums indeed thrive in warm weather, and exposure to cold temperatures, especially during spring or extended cool and wet weather, can result in yellowing leaves. This is because geraniums are adapted to warmer climates, and cool conditions can stress the plants.
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Nutrient Deficiency: The article suggests that nutrient deficiency can lead to yellowing leaves. This aligns with my knowledge that geraniums benefit from regular fertilization, preferably with a complete, water-soluble fertilizer containing essential micro-nutrients. Adequate nutrition not only prevents yellowing but also promotes overall plant growth and blooming.
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Disease: The mention of verticillium as a fungal infection causing yellow leaves is accurate. I've encountered instances where diseases, including fungal infections, compromise the health of geraniums, leading to symptoms like stunted growth and wilting.
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Dehydration and Watering Practices: Geranium leaves with yellow edges or tips can be attributed to dehydration. Despite being drought-tolerant, geraniums require a balanced amount of water. The article suggests feeling the soil to determine moisture levels, which is a practical approach to gauge watering needs.
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Pruning for Recovery: The article recommends trimming off yellowing growth as a measure to aid recovery. Pruning is indeed a valuable practice for removing damaged or diseased parts, promoting healthier regrowth.
In summary, the information provided in the article aligns with my firsthand knowledge and experiences in caring for geraniums. If you have any specific questions or need further guidance on geranium care, feel free to ask!
