Troubleshooting
Pelargonium 'Frank Headley' problems — and how to fix them
Pelargonium 'Frank Headley' (Pelargonium 'Frank Headley') 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.
Faded or reverted variegation
Too little light dulls the silver-cream leaf margins; move to full sun and pinch out any all-green reverting shoots promptly.
Botrytis (grey mould)
Cool damp air and dead petals trigger fuzzy grey rot. Deadhead regularly, improve airflow, and avoid wetting the foliage when watering.
Pelargonium rust
Concentric brown pustules appear on leaf undersides. Remove affected leaves, space plants for airflow, and avoid overhead watering.
Leggy, sparse growth
Insufficient light or skipped pinching causes bare stems. Pinch growing tips in spring and keep in the brightest spot available.
Prevent pelargonium 'frank headley' problems before they start
Most pelargonium 'frank headley' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for pelargonium 'frank headley' in general rather than its problems? Read the full pelargonium 'frank headley' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Pelargonium 'Frank Headley' problems — FAQ
Why is my pelargonium 'frank headley' faded or reverted variegation?
Too little light dulls the silver-cream leaf margins; move to full sun and pinch out any all-green reverting shoots promptly.
Why is my pelargonium 'frank headley' botrytis (grey mould)?
Cool damp air and dead petals trigger fuzzy grey rot. Deadhead regularly, improve airflow, and avoid wetting the foliage when watering.
Why is my pelargonium 'frank headley' pelargonium rust?
Concentric brown pustules appear on leaf undersides. Remove affected leaves, space plants for airflow, and avoid overhead watering.
Why is my pelargonium 'frank headley' leggy, sparse growth?
Insufficient light or skipped pinching causes bare stems. Pinch growing tips in spring and keep in the brightest spot available.