Geraniums are a lovely addition to any garden. But when left unattended, they can become wilted and unhappy. In this blog post, we’ll cover the top reasons why your geranium may be wilting and how you can remedy it!

Why Is My Geranium Wilting?

Many geranium plants wilt as a result of a lack of water. However, other common causes of wilting include exposure to high temperatures, stress, disease, and pests.

The best way to stop geranium wilting is by tackling the root cause of the issue. As this cause is usually a lack of water, you can revive your geranium by thoroughly watering it.

Keep adding water until the soil is fully saturated. It may take a few minutes for the water to be absorbed into the soil, so don’t stop until you’ve seen enough absorption!

I recommend using filtered water that has no chemicals or chlorine added. This will make your geranium happier and healthier, which is a win for everyone!

Keep your geranium out of the direct sun while it’s recovering from wilting, alongside making sure that it has access to consistent watering after this period.

After you’ve watered the plant to saturation, monitor its health over the next few days. If it continues to wilt even after ample water has been provided, that’s an indicator that something else may be going on with your geranium.

Other Causes of Geranium Wilting

I will now talk through the other potential causes of geranium wilting…

High temperatures

If you have been exposing your flowers to high temperatures, they may be wilted from stress. In this case, the best way to revive them is by gradually moving them into a cooler environment and giving them access to water on a regular basis.

This happens a lot during summer heatwaves, as the heat can be too much for your geranium to handle. You can protect them from the sun by placing them in a shadier spot, or by covering their heads with shade cloth.

Stress (repotting)

Another common cause of wilting in geraniums is repotting. If you have recently re-potted your flowers, it may take them a few days to recover from this stressful event. To revive your geranium after root disturbance, be careful not to stress the plant any further, such as by overwatering.

Disease

Geraniums can quickly become infected with diseases, such as root rot or botrytis grey mold. If you notice your flowers wilting and developing discolored leaves, it may be due to disease.

To prevent further issues, ensure that you properly clean up the area after removing diseased plants. You can also use neem oil to treat the plant and prevent any future infection.

Pests

If your geranium is wilting and you notice small holes in the leaves, it may be under attack by pests.

The most common pest that attacks geraniums is aphids. To prevent further issues with these insects, apply neem oil to the plant on a regular basis. This neem oil will kill off any aphids that may be attacking your geranium while also preventing more from infesting the plant.

Geranium Wilting FAQ

Geranium plants aren’t the easiest of plants to care for. As such, I will now answer some frequently asked questions about geranium wilting.

Is wilting dangerous for my geranium?

Yes, if your geranium wilts, it is likely that there are underlying issues. Failure to address these issues will lead to the death of your geranium.

Will moving my geranium into the shade stop wilting?

Maybe. If your geranium is wilting because of high temperatures, moving into the shade may help. However, this will not fix any other underlying issues that are causing your geranium to wilt.

Can I revive a wilted geranium?

Yes, it is possible to revive a wilted geranium. You should start by figuring out what is causing the wilting. Once you have addressed this, your plant should recover within a few weeks.

How much water should I give my geranium if it is wilted?

You will need to thoroughly soak the soil until there are no dry patches remaining (similar to when planting out new plants). You may need to do several deep waterings until the geranium recovers.

Can I use a hose to water my wilted geranium?

Yes, you can. You should set your pressure as low as possible and ensure that you are not damaging or dislodging any of the plant’s roots in the process!

How can I stop my geranium from wilting in the summer heat?

It is important to ensure that you give your geranium lots of shade and water throughout the summer. You should also avoid overfeeding it, as this can cause root burn (which will inevitably lead to wilting).

How can I prevent my geranium from wilting in the winter months?

Your geranium will not need as much water in the winter months. You should make sure that you are only watering when the soil is dry to avoid root rot (which can lead to wilting).

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several different causes of geranium wilting, with underwatering being the most common cause. However, if your plants are exposed to high temperatures, repotting, or disease, they will definitely wilt.

If there is one thing to say before I go, it would be that if your flowers are wilting, you should look into why. The underlying cause of this issue could be the difference between life and death for your geranium!

I hope that you have now learned why your geranium is wilting. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.