Geranium, or pelargonium, is one of the most popular house plants. This is due to unpretentiousness in care, as well as an attractive appearance. The flower can grow on cold window sills in winter in any of the regions of central Russia. It is worthwhile to figure out how to act if the leaves turn yellow and dry in the geranium.
The nature of the yellowing of geranium leaves
Many gardeners are faced with the fact that geraniums turn yellow leaves. There are many reasons why this can happen, but because of this you need to find a certain approach to the flower. Depending on the nature of the yellowing, they determine what exactly became the reason for the development of the ailment.
Healthy indoor plant
Around the edges
The edge of the leaf most often begins to turn yellow in the winter. This indicates improper care of the plant. In the summer, yellowing of the lower leaves indicates a lack of moisture that occurs after moving the flower pot from the street to the room. So the flower reacts to climate change, after acclimatization everything comes back to normal.
Note! Royal yellow geranium leaves may appear due to a tight flower pot. In this case, the plant is transplanted into a larger container.
Yellowing around the edges
Stained
The appearance of spots on the leaves of geranium indicates the presence of diseases. In some places, the leaf plate begins to lighten, the spots turn brown, dry out and the leaves begin to fall off. If you do not start to fight the disease, the indoor flower may die. The symptom manifests itself when infected with pests that settle on the leaves and feed on their juices:
- nematodes;
- aphid;
- Putin tick;
- caterpillars
- whiteflies.
It's important to know! Pest control with insecticides. Preventive methods to prevent their occurrence are also practiced.
Yellow spots on the leaves
Yellowing accompanied by wilting of the plant
If the flower begins to suddenly fade, then it may have problems with the roots (root rot damage). A disease in a short time can ruin a plant. It is recommended to cut the stalk and plant it. Pre-disinfect tools. Geraniums turn yellow and dry what to do?
Yellowing turns to blackening
Leaflets are an indicator of the state of the plant. It shows how proper care is for geraniums. If conditions are not met, yellow spots may appear on the leaves, which subsequently turn black.
Checking is carried out by touch. If the spots are dry, the air in the room is too dry. The solution is to increase humidity. Wet spots indicate infection with mealybugs. In this case, geranium throws off the leaves. Worms are detected by soot fungi, forming a black coating on the plant. Treatment is carried out with insecticides.
The age of pelargonium is the cause of yellowness and dry leaves
Plants have a specific life cycle. Living to a certain age, some parts of the flower die off, the lower leaves begin to turn yellow and fall off. This process is slow, continuing until the sheet plate is completely yellowed.
Additional Information! The florist has no reason to worry, because nothing threatens the plant. Yellowed leaves cut and enjoy the look of a healthy plant.
Lower leaves often turn yellow
Common causes of yellow leaves in geraniums associated with care
The reasons why geranium leaves turn yellow are many. The main ones are improper care. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the recommendations on how to properly care for geranium so that its leaves do not turn yellow.
Too rare or frequent watering
The main reason for the poor health of pelargonium is non-compliance with the irrigation regime. It should be regular and moderate. Do not flood the plant with plenty of water. Humidification is carried out as the soil dries.
Lack of drainage layer
The leaves may turn yellow due to the lack of a drainage layer. Geraniums do not like wetlands; drainage should be taken care of even at the stage of flower transplantation. In addition to yellow leaves, the flower may stop blooming.
Close pot
The small volume of the flower pot does not allow the root system to get enough nutrients from the substrate. As a result, it stops growing and begins to fade.
Mistakes in care during the dormant period of a flower
In winter, it is worth changing the care of the plant, since it is in a dormant period. The flower is not placed in a draft, near batteries and other heating appliances. Reduce the number of irrigations, as they lead to waterlogging of the soil.
Lack or excess of fertilizing
Nitrogen fertilizers are most often applied in the spring so that the flower gains green mass. With constant fertilizing with this component, the plant will bloom later and leaves will turn yellow. Top dressing is useful only in a reasonable amount and in a certain period.
Dying plant
Incorrect placement of geraniums
One of the main criteria is the proper placement of the plant in the house. There are rules:
- there should be a lot of free space and an influx of fresh air;
- photophilous flower, so good lighting is important;
- drafts are unacceptable.
Note! It is not recommended to leave geranium on the windowsill in the winter season, because cold air comes from the window, which can cause frostbite on the leaves. As a rule, a radiator is located under the window, the heat of which can overheat the roots of the flower.
High humidity
Ampelic plants contain in certain conditions. Comfortable humidity for geraniums is 50-60%. Raising and lowering this indicator may cause the flower to wither away.
Transplant errors
When transplanting, they are careful. Destroying the earthen ball is not recommended, since in this case the roots are damaged. Preliminarily, the plant is abundantly watered, and only after a couple of hours they begin to transplant, gently rinsing the substrate from the roots.
The transplant soil must be well-drained, moderately loose. Withstand neutral acidity, a slightly acidified environment is acceptable. Independently prepare the soil from the following components:
- river sand;
- turf land;
- peat substrate;
- humus.
All ingredients are taken in equal proportions. Do not forget to regularly feed the plant so that the substrate is nutritious. Otherwise, the flower may begin to fade. Potassium is required for active growth, phosphorus for flowering, and nitrogen for gaining green mass.
Transplantation is an important step in leaving
Diseases causing yellowness and dry leaves of geraniums
Most often, pelargonium suffers from chlorosis, root rot and rust. The latter disease is considered the most dangerous to the health of the flower. It is most common, and therefore it is worth observing the state of geranium leaves regularly in order to notice the appearance of the disease in time.
Note! Rust is manifested by a large number of small spots of light brown color on the leaves. After some time, the spots dry out and begin to crack.
Mushroom spores can kill a plant. You can save a flower:
- cutting off the affected parts of the flower;
- having treated with a fungicidal agent.
When working with chemicals, personal protective equipment should not be neglected. It is recommended to follow the instructions on the packaging of the substrate used.
Harmful insects
The most common pests are spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies. Yellowing of the leaves occurs after the insects begin to feed on the juice of the plant.
An effective fight against them is possible only at the initial stages of infection. Over time, folk and purchased funds are worse. The most popular drugs are Aktara, Fitoverm and Atellik. Use them with strict adherence to all points of the instructions for use.
Whitefly - one of the pests of pelargonium
What to do if geranium turns yellow and dries
First of all, it is worth finding out the cause of yellowing. If the pot is small or does not have a drainage layer, a flower needs replanting. With a lack of sunlight or an excessive amount of it, being in a draft, they are looking for a new place for a flower pot so that the plant is comfortable.
The air temperature in the room should change with the time of year. In summer, it is recommended to take the flower outside, watered more often than in winter. In the fall, they return to the room. In winter, the air temperature should not rise above +15 ℃.
Top dressing against yellow and dry leaves
If the leaves become too light, it is recommended to feed the geranium with Agricola. This preparation contains all the necessary components. As fertilizers against yellowing of foliage use:
- Milk. It is recommended to take 100 ml of the product per liter of water, mix well and water the plant. The solution should be at room temperature, and the water should not be hard, well settled.
- Glucose. Per liter of water you need to take 1 tablet of glucose. Mix thoroughly so that the substance is completely dissolved in water, water the plant. The product is not suitable for all colors. He does not tolerate royal geraniums.
Care for the indoor flower is required in accordance with the recommendations. If there are signs of deterioration in the health of the plant, you should immediately find out the cause of the disease and start treatment on time.
