Pest identification
What's eating my pelargonium quercifolium?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew and sooty mould on leaves; curled, distorted shoot tips.
Control: Knock off with water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce natural predators such as lacewings.
Vine weevil
Signs: Wilting despite regular watering; grubs visible in compost eating root system.
Control: Apply pathogenic nematodes to damp compost in autumn; use a systemic vine weevil drench as a preventive measure.
Whitefly
Signs: Tiny white flies scatter from leaves when disturbed; leaves pale and sticky with honeydew.
Control: Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or pyrethrum; remove heavily infested shoots.
Keep pelargonium quercifolium pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pelargonium quercifolium pests — FAQ
What is eating my pelargonium quercifolium?
Pelargonium quercifolium, the oak-leaf geranium, is most commonly attacked by aphids on new growth and vine weevil grubs below the soil line. Outdoors, caterpillars and whitefly can also cause problems. Its resinous scent provides modest pest deterrence but does not guarantee protection.
How do I get rid of aphids on pelargonium quercifolium?
Sticky honeydew and sooty mould on leaves; curled, distorted shoot tips. Knock off with water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce natural predators such as lacewings.
How do I get rid of vine weevil on pelargonium quercifolium?
Wilting despite regular watering; grubs visible in compost eating root system. Apply pathogenic nematodes to damp compost in autumn; use a systemic vine weevil drench as a preventive measure.
How do I get rid of whitefly on pelargonium quercifolium?
Tiny white flies scatter from leaves when disturbed; leaves pale and sticky with honeydew. Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or pyrethrum; remove heavily infested shoots.