Do you have a geranium plant in your garden? If so, you may have noticed that the leaves are turning white. Don’t worry, this is normal! In this blog post, we will discuss why the leaves are turning white and what you can do to prevent it. We will also provide some tips for taking care of your geranium plants.
Why Are My Geranium Leaves Turning White?
Geranium leaves turning white is usually a sign of powdery mildew, which is a common fungal disease that affects many different types of plants, including geraniums. It happens when fungus spores land on the leaves, and then high humidity and warm temperatures cause the spores to grow and spread. The fungus will eventually cover the leaves with a white, powdery substance.
There’s also a chance that your plant is suffering from a nutrient deficiency, which can cause the leaves to turn white due to not enough chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color, so if the leaves are lacking in chlorophyll, they will turn white.
Pests can also cause the leaves of your geranium plant to turn white. Aphids, for example, are small insects that feed on the sap of plants. As they feed, they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. This honeydew can attract other pests, such as ants and bees. It can also encourage the growth of sooty mold, which is a fungus that will cover the leaves of your plant.
How to Treat White Geranium Leaves?
It’s important to treat white geranium leaves as soon as you notice them. If left untreated, powdery mildew can spread to other parts of the plant and even kill it. Here are some tips for treating white geranium leaves:
1. Powdery mildew
This needs to be stopped before it continues to spread. Take a look at the leaves and see if they’re covered in a white, powdery substance. If so, this needs to be removed. The best way to do this is by cleaning the leaves with a mixture of water and soap.
Once you’ve removed the powdery mildew, it’s important to use a fungicide to kill any remaining spores. This will prevent the fungus from coming back and infecting your plant again.
There are many different fungicides available on the market, so be sure to read the labels carefully to find one that’s effective against powdery mildew. I love using neem oil as a fungicide, it’s organic and works great!
As powdery mildew loves moist and humid conditions, it’s important to make sure your plant is getting enough airflow. Prune any dead or dying leaves and stems, as these can provide the perfect environment for the fungus to grow.
2. Pests
If you think pests are to blame for the white leaves on your geranium plant, you’ll need to take action to get rid of them. Start by inspecting the leaves for any small insects or eggs. If you find any, you can remove them by hand or use an insecticide.
Once you’ve gotten rid of the pests, it’s important to treat the plant with a pesticide to prevent them from coming back. There are many different pesticides available on the market, so be sure to read the labels carefully and choose one that’s effective against the type of pest you have.
Again, I find neem oil to be a great all-natural pesticide. It works on a wide variety of pests and plants, so it’ll easily handle any pests living on your geranium plant.
3. Nutrient deficiency
Plants need a wide variety of nutrients to stay healthy, and if they’re lacking in any of these nutrients, it can cause the leaves to turn white. The most common nutrient deficiency that causes white leaves is a lack of iron.
To treat a nutrient deficiency, you’ll need to fertilize your plant. Choose a fertilizer that’s high in the nutrient that your plant is lacking. For example, if your plant is lacking in iron, choose a fertilizer that’s high in iron.
Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer label, as too much fertilizer can be just as harmful as too little. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around your plant, being careful not to get any on the leaves.
Water your plant well after applying the fertilizer, and you should see a difference in the color of the leaves within a few weeks.
And there you have it! These are three common causes of white geranium leaves and how to treat them. If you’re still having trouble with your plant, I recommend taking a sample of the leaves to your local nursery or gardening center.
How to Prevent Geranium Leaves Turning White?
Prevention is always the best cure, so it’s important to take steps to prevent your geranium leaves from turning white in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing white leaves on geranium plants:
- Water your plants early in the day so the leaves have time to dry before nightfall
- Prune any dead or dying leaves and stems from your plant
- Make sure your plant has enough airflow by pruning it regularly and keeping it free of debris
- Test the soil around your plant regularly and fertilize as needed
- If you notice any pests on your plant, take action to remove them immediately
By following these tips, you can keep your geranium plants healthy and prevent the leaves from turning white.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if your geranium leaves are turning white, it could be due to powdery mildew, pests, or a nutrient deficiency. By taking the proper steps to treat each issue, you can get your plant back to health in no time! And remember, prevention is always the best cure, so take steps to prevent these problems from happening in the first place.
Tim is an avid gardener from the UK. He was the founder of PlantCarer.com from 2021 to Sep 2023. He sold PlantCarer.com to Aaron. He has since started his own business called Seed To Supper, which provides new gardeners all the materials you need in a box (pots, seeds, compost and instructions) to grow your own delicious and nutritious vegetables and herbs from start to finish – no garden required.
