Troubleshooting
Geranium (pelargonium) problems — and how to fix them
Geranium (pelargonium) (Pelargonium × hortorum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Yellow lower leaves
Overwatering or natural senescence.
No flowers
Too much shade or too much nitrogen.
Blackleg (stem rot)
Bacterial rot from cold wet soil; take cuttings from clean tops.
Rust
Orange pustules under leaves; remove affected leaves and improve airflow.
Prevent geranium (pelargonium) problems before they start
Most geranium (pelargonium) issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Geranium (pelargonium) problems — FAQ
Why is my geranium (pelargonium) yellow lower leaves?
Overwatering or natural senescence.
Why is my geranium (pelargonium) no flowers?
Too much shade or too much nitrogen.
Why is my geranium (pelargonium) blackleg (stem rot)?
Bacterial rot from cold wet soil; take cuttings from clean tops.
Why is my geranium (pelargonium) rust?
Orange pustules under leaves; remove affected leaves and improve airflow.