Yellow leaves of the geranium: what is happening?

The geranium is one of the star plants of summer. A protagonism that is not only due to its beauty but also to an authentic trio of aces of its cultivation. It is hardy, colorful and easy to grow. That is why, when something happens to him, the alarms usually go off. And, among them, the most common is usually to consult what the yellow leaves of the geranium respond to. A color change that tells us that something is not going well with our plant.

Given its rustic character, any alteration in this type of plants is usually a cause for concern. We are talking about a species that, despite loving heat, can also live in the cold. And, despite being demanding of irrigation, it can survive in drought conditions. So if it really is as robust as we think, why do the yellow leaves of the geranium bother us so much? The answer is simple: because it can be something simple to solve to a plague that can kill it.

But before you panic, calm down. Because, on many occasions, the yellow leaves of the geranium are easy to revert to their original green. You just have to know what are the scenarios that can affect you to acquire that tonality, and take action on the matter.

And for that, precisely, we are here today!

5 CAUSES THAT CAUSE YELLOW LEAVES OF GERANIUM

Although we may believe that the yellow leaves of the geranium are only a matter of aesthetics, this is not the case. As with many other plants, the geranium speaks to us through them. A way of showing us signs that he is suffering from deficiencies, excesses or some type of attack. Three aspects that not only affect the beauty of the plant but also can compromise flowering and even its life.

Due to the importance of yellow geranium leaves, it is vital to know their causes in order to rule out what they are due to. The best way to be able to put a solution before the plant is populated with leaves with this coloration. Something that, probably, we can no longer solve.

1. Lack of nutrients, one of the main reasons for yellow geranium leaves

Let’s start with one of the most common reasons for yellow geranium leaves to appear. Despite being an undemanding plant, the geranium needs a well-nourished soil in order to grow and flourish. An aspect that usually goes unnoticed, due to that rustic character that characterizes the plant.

To prevent the soil from becoming poor and unable to properly feed our plant, we recommend a transplant every two years. And we are not only referring to a change of pots but, above all, of the substrate. This gesture will allow the soil’s nitrogen reserves to be renewed: one of the fundamental elements for our plant to have its characteristic green leaves and flourish properly.

2. Excess irrigation, another of the usual reasons

Geranium care in summer involves giving it a good daily dose of sun and constant watering, yes. But let’s not confuse maintaining a water pattern with overwatering. It does not tolerate excess water well, since its roots do not support it. Something that is manifested in those yellow leaves of the geranium that we commented on with one more characteristic: that they acquire a soft consistency.

Solving it involves removing the yellow leaves, and letting the substrate lose moisture before watering again.

3. Lack of irrigation, the other side of the coin

As bad as the excess is the lack of water. And, interestingly, this is also manifested by the yellow leaves of the geranium. The difference with respect to a plant subjected to more water: that the edge of the leaves dries.

4. Too cold

Although the geranium is a super resistant plant, the cold can affect it. To give us an idea, its recommended minimum temperature is 15 degrees. However, despite the recommendation, you can stay in a vegetative state below those degrees. A resistance that can compromise its life if it is exposed to frost.

If so, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and later acquire reddish tones. To avoid reaching this point of no return, the ideal is to place the plants under cover from frost when they begin to turn yellow. The best way to avoid having to complain because the cold has ruined them.

5. It has geranium borer, the most worrying reason for yellow geranium leaves

It is, without a doubt, the biggest problem that is manifested by the yellow leaves of the geranium. Eliminating the geranium butterfly is a complicated task, since by the time we detect it, it usually has infected the plant. And it is that the behavior of this apparently harmless insect is that of a true Trojan horse. The butterfly lays its eggs inside the stems, creating a small hole. The larvae feed on the sap and devour the plant from within. Its visible manifestation passes through different stages. First the yellow leaves of the geranium, then a decline of the plant that seems to shrink, and then death.

Avoiding the presence of this insect involves using, prophylactically, specific insecticides for the geranium borer. And, in case of detecting small holes in the stems, use the same product to combat the growth of the larvae.

Five different scenarios with the same visible manifestation: the yellow leaves of the geranium. Five causes that we have to correct in order to enjoy our plant with its characteristic green and wonderful flower.