Troubleshooting
South African Geranium problems — and how to fix them
South African Geranium (Pelargonium sidoides) 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.
Root and stem rot
The most common cause of death in wet or heavy soils; stems blacken at the base and collapse. Always use very gritty compost, ensure pots drain freely, and keep the plant nearly dry in winter.
Vine weevil
White C-shaped grubs eat the tubers from below, causing sudden wilting. Check compost when repotting; apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to pots in late summer as a preventive treatment.
Botrytis (grey mould)
Grey mould settles on spent flowers and damaged leaves in cool, humid conditions. Remove faded blooms promptly, improve airflow, and avoid wetting the rosette.
Prevent south african geranium problems before they start
Most south african geranium issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
South African Geranium problems — FAQ
Why is my south african geranium root and stem rot?
The most common cause of death in wet or heavy soils; stems blacken at the base and collapse. Always use very gritty compost, ensure pots drain freely, and keep the plant nearly dry in winter.
Why is my south african geranium vine weevil?
White C-shaped grubs eat the tubers from below, causing sudden wilting. Check compost when repotting; apply nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to pots in late summer as a preventive treatment.
Why is my south african geranium botrytis (grey mould)?
Grey mould settles on spent flowers and damaged leaves in cool, humid conditions. Remove faded blooms promptly, improve airflow, and avoid wetting the rosette.