Geranium leaves turn yellow, starting from the edges, and the buds fade: why does the flower dry out and what to do?

Geranium is valued not only for its beautiful appearance, but also for its ease of care. It grows quickly both in the garden and on the windowsill, delighting the eye with spectacular inflorescences.

However, sometimes it happens that the fragrant leaves (for no apparent reason) begin to turn yellow and fall off. From this article you can find out why this happens and what to do about it.

Features of growth

During the process of growth and development, geranium does not cause any trouble to the owner. If you follow simple rules of care, water, feed and prune from time to time, the plant will quickly gain growth.

Reference ! Geranium reaches a height of 60 cm, but this is far from the limit. In some cases, the flower grows up to 1 meter in height.

But why does it happen that, against the background of absolute prosperity, an elegant bush begins to dry out? What are the causes of this problem and how to properly fix it? This will be discussed below.

Selection of capacity

When choosing a pot for an orchid, you must follow a number of important rules and principles. Firstly, it must provide ventilation for the root system. Therefore, it is best to purchase a specialized container for orchids, which has small holes. Thanks to them, complete drainage of water from the rhizome is ensured.

Secondly, the pot must provide the flower with sufficient lighting. The best option would be a completely transparent copy.

Thirdly, the material from which the pot is made should not be heated or cooled. The ideal option in this case is plastic. The size of the pot is no less important; it should not be too loose.

Experienced gardeners use ceramic containers in their arsenal. Their main advantage is high air and moisture permeability and protection of the rhizome from overheating. However, a ceramic pot has an extremely unpleasant drawback - the roots of plants stick to the inner wall during long-term use, which can result in injury to the flower during replanting.

A glass pot is a very good option that provides the plant with the necessary amount of light. A significant drawback is the lack of drainage holes. Such products are not suitable for ordinary people, since you need to know the exact amount of water required for irrigation. And this task is only feasible for professionals.

Diagnosis of the disease: why does the flower dry up?

Some people do not attach much importance to such an alarming symptom as wilting and discoloration of leaves. And this is wrong. Dried foliage is an alarming signal indicating deterioration in the health of a houseplant . A careless attitude towards this problem leads to loss of decorativeness, blackening of the trunk and even death of the geranium.

That is why, at the first signs of drying of the leaves, you should identify the cause and do everything possible to help the plant regain its original beauty.

Read in detail about the most common causes of geranium diseases here, and from this article you will learn about diseases of the plant’s leaves.

The leaves are affected from the edges in a circle

In order to correctly make a “diagnosis” and accurately determine why the foliage is drying out, you should carefully examine the bushes. So, if the leaves dry in a circle, this happens for three reasons:

1. Lack of moisture . Irregular or scanty watering leads to the appearance of a dry yellowish-brown border on the leaves, easily visible to the naked eye.
2. Unsuitable temperature conditions . The optimal temperature for geranium growth is +20 degrees. If this indicator changes sharply upward or downward, the leaves will dry out and fall off. It is noteworthy that the dry border first has a reddish tint, and then becomes light yellow (why do geranium leaves turn red?).
3. Cramped pot . A small “house” also causes the leaves to dry out. The loss of healthy color begins gradually - the edges turn yellow first, and then the process spreads over the entire area of ​​the leaf plate.

In fact, not everything is as bad as it might seem at first glance. Drying leaves are easy to treat. The main thing is to accurately determine the cause and choose the right measures to combat this unpleasant phenomenon.

Partial and complete death of leaves

The question of why leaves dry out has several answers. Here are situations when the natural beauty of geranium is disturbed by partially or completely dried leaves.

• Large, or vice versa, insufficient amount of light . The plant does not tolerate direct exposure to sunlight or lack of lighting. In both the first and second cases, the leaves begin to dry out and turn yellow, the stem becomes very elongated, and flowering stops.
• Water stagnation . Excessive watering, as well as a lack of life-giving moisture, leads to unhealthy bushes. The leaves become watery and lethargic, the roots rot, which subsequently leads to the crown drying out.
• Excess or deficiency of fertilizers . When applying fertilizing, you must follow the instructions. Otherwise, the leaves may also turn yellow.
• Unsuitable soil . For effective growth of geraniums, light and fertile soil is required. On heavy and poor soils, the fragrant beauty develops poorly.
• Adaptation period . If you change the environmental conditions of the plant (transplant it into a new pot, move it from the windowsill to the street), then the leaves also sometimes turn yellow. After the end of the adaptation period, the previous color is restored.
• Drafts . Another common cause of dry leaves. You need to eliminate it, and everything will work out on its own.
• Diseases . Some diseases, such as gray rot, Alternaria and rust, cause leaves to dry out. In this case, other signs of damage appear on the crown - brown spots, velvety coating, brownish dots.
• Pests . If you notice that the geranium leaves have dried out and turned yellow, then you need to inspect the plant to identify parasites - whiteflies or aphids.

Withering and dying of buds

Geranium buds dry out for the same reasons as leaves. But the most common are three.

1. Deficiency of microelements, in particular phosphorus .
   When purchasing specialized fertilizers, you must ensure that they contain phosphorus. The lack of phosphorus can be compensated with boric acid (1 g) diluted in a liter of water.
2. Little light .
   For full formation of buds, light is needed. If it is not enough, then flowering will be poor - half of the buds will dry out. Solving this problem is simple - just organize the lighting and everything will immediately fall into place.
3. Heat . If the thermometer rises to an abnormally high level, the buds will not withstand this and, most likely, will dry out.

Attention ! Sometimes the drying out of buds lies in the species characteristics of geraniums. Some varieties, such as rosebud geranium, bloom in the third year; in the first 2 years, buds form but dry out.

In addition, buds dry out due to improper watering, sudden changes in environmental conditions and diseases.

Withering of buds: causes and methods of combating

Healthy plants during the flowering period should produce luxurious, expressive flowers. However, situations occur when the buds that appear do not bloom beautifully, but begin to turn yellow and dry out.

Dry buds can be caused by the following care errors::

• lack of minerals in the soil, in particular phosphorus;
• lack or excess watering. Failure to comply with the correct watering regime leads to dryness and death of the buds;
• the presence of diseases or insect pests (in this case, the plant’s resources are spent on fighting the disease);
• lack of light, since pelargonium loves bright indirect sunlight;
• geranium is under stress: the plant needs some time to adapt to new conditions;
• the hot dry air of the room also does not allow the buds to bloom;
• individual characteristics of plant varieties: some of them give lush color only in the second or third year of growth.

Measures to eliminate drying of buds:

1. 
   For comfortable growth of pelargonium, the plant should be fed with fertilizers. However, excess fertilizer can have a negative effect on the flowering of geraniums, since the main nutrients enter the leaves and stems, and not the buds, causing “failure” of flowering.

2. Select the optimal watering, taking into account seasonality.
3. Diagnose diseases and the presence of harmful insects with subsequent elimination.
4. If there is insufficient lighting, add an artificial light source.
5. Wait for pelargonium to adapt to new factors. Addiction can be accelerated by spraying with epin or zircon.
6. Air humidification and cooling.
7. Varietal specifics must be taken into account.

What to do if your indoor flower is sick?

The choice of measures to combat yellowing and drying leaves depends on the causes of the problem.

1. If the reason is a violation of the temperature regime, then it is important to remember the following. The most suitable temperature for geraniums during the growing season is +20-25 degrees. In winter, this figure should drop to +10 degrees.
2. When leaves dry out due to improper watering, this process should be carefully monitored. If it is very hot in summer and the ground quickly becomes crusty, then the plant is watered 1-2 times a day. But this is subject to the presence of a good drainage “cushion” at the bottom of the pot. If the soil remains moist, there is no need to water as often.
   Do not spray the flower with a spray bottle. This can cause yellowing of the foliage.

   In winter, the frequency and abundance of watering is reduced. During this period, it is important to prevent overflow or stagnation of water. There is no specific watering schedule for geraniums; it is necessary to constantly monitor the level of soil moisture.

   To check the level of moisture, you can stick a wooden skewer into the ground to a depth of 12 cm. Then you need to carefully pull it out and inspect it. If the stick remains dry, then it’s time to water it.

3. If a plant has been living in one pot for a long time, then perhaps it has become too small for it. You need to move the geranium to a larger “apartment” - the dried leaves will disappear.
4. Often the leaves dry out due to improper feeding. Fertilizers should be applied only during the growing season (spring and summer). Complex fertilizers should contain a minimum amount of nitrogen and a maximum amount of phosphorus and potassium.
5. If the cause of leaf wilting lies in disease or pest damage, then fungicides, soap solution and complex insecticides will come to the rescue. Treatment is accompanied not only by treatment, but also by the removal of affected leaves and flowers.

Pest infestation

Pests that feed on plant sap often attack pelargonium. Those flowers that are taken out into the open air in summer are especially affected.

Harmful insects primarily attack young shoots and buds. In this case, the plant loses its decorative appearance, its leaves turn yellow and its buds fall off.

A plant affected by pests will not bloom. To wait for flowering, you need to treat the bush with insecticidal preparations, and then repeat the treatment until the insects are completely destroyed.

How to save a dried plant?

The appearance of dry leaves is not a death sentence. The plant can always be saved, especially if you start this as soon as possible.

It is necessary to analyze whether all the conditions have been created for the comfortable existence of the geranium and whether it has enough light and air, it is not flooded too much and there is no more fertilizer than required.

It is necessary to protect the flower from direct sunlight and drafts, monitor the air temperature and soil moisture, do not feed in the autumn-winter period, prune in a timely manner and regularly inspect for signs of diseases or pests.

In most cases, the problem of drying leaves is solvable. The main thing is to detect it in time and immediately begin eliminating the causes.

Formation of a lush crown

Regardless of the type and variety to which the plant belongs, pruning is mandatory. Next we will talk about the rules for pruning, including the features of each method, and how to pinch geraniums so that they grow thicker.

Lush geranium bloom

To carry out the procedure efficiently, you will need a very thin blade or knife.

Recommendation. It is better not to use simple scissors, since during manipulation they can damage the stem at the cut site.

Before you start cutting, you need to carefully examine the flower and determine which parts will have to be removed so that the result is an even, neat bush, and there are no bare stems left without leaves and inflorescences.

Important! At the end of summer, when the wilting process begins, cutting geraniums becomes mandatory. If after the procedure the main stem remains green, the plant will survive, and new leaves will form in 3-5 days. If after pruning the trunk darkens and begins to dry out, the geranium will die.

If after pruning the trunk darkens and begins to dry out, the geranium will die.

Haircut instructions include the following algorithm of actions:

1. First you need to remove dried leaves and flowers that are starting to fade. As a result, the plant will not waste energy on forming new shoots and restoring old tissues.
2. Determine which parts of the plant need to be removed.
3. Make a cut with a disinfected blade above a leaf node, which should face outward from the bush. Treatment is carried out with alcohol, boiling water or a special disinfectant. Hands should also be clean.
4. Geranium is shortened by half, which will ensure air exchange inside the bush and access of light and moisture to the distant lower leaves. This will reduce the risk of developing fungal diseases. You need to remove those branches that are directed inside the crown, leaving only those growing outward.
5. Treat the cut areas with crushed activated carbon and cinnamon powder. This is necessary so that the stem does not rot.

It is very important to take into account the characteristics of a particular type and variety of geranium. One type of plant may have a very small main stem that grows wider at the bottom of the bush. The other is characterized by drooping shoots

The third one has a tall stem that tends upward

The other is characterized by drooping shoots. The third one has a tall stem that tends upward.

Need to know! With the help of pruning, it is impossible to radically change the shape of the bush. Such attempts will lead to the death of the flower.

Garden knife for removing shoots

Prevention at home

Prevention will help prevent not only the appearance of yellow dry leaves, but also many other problems . In order for the plant to feel good, develop quickly and delight you with spectacular inflorescences every year, you must adhere to simple rules:

1. Do not place the pot in places with insufficient lighting, on a cold windowsill, or near a radiator or TV.
2. Disinfect the ground. Before planting (transplanting), you need to warm the soil in the oven or treat it with potassium permanganate.
3. Keep the flower clean. We must remember to remove dust from the leaves and cut off dried stems and flowers.
4. As it grows, transplant the plant into a larger pot - it will be grateful for it.
5. If the air in the room is too dry, then you need to place a container with cool water near the geranium.

As can be seen from the above, preventing the appearance of dry leaves is simple. You need to follow the given tips and they will never appear.

Lack of light and extreme temperatures

During budding and flowering, orchids of any type need more light than during other phases of development. And consistency of light is the key to their continued flowering. In autumn and winter, if the plant was not moved to a lighter windowsill or measures were not taken to provide additional lighting, the dropping of buds can be considered a natural reaction to a lack of light. And if they were moved - to direct sun.

Orchids that love low temperatures at night do not react to minor temperature deviations. But if the plant is in a draft or experiences a temperature shock - it finds itself in extreme cold, or vice versa, next to heating devices - problems cannot be avoided. Any sudden changes are contraindicated already at the stage of peduncle development, and even more so at budding. Dropping buds is the first of the reactions.

In both cases, it is necessary to adjust the conditions to preserve the remaining buds and normal development until the next budding.

When is it too late to help?

• If the geranium has dried out, then the first thing you need to do is inspect its roots. If they are elastic and white, then all is not lost. You need to replant the plant in prepared soil - perhaps it can be revived. If the roots are limp and covered with dark spots, then the bush is unlikely to be saved.
• If the geranium has partially dried out, you can cut healthy cuttings, put them in water for germination, and then plant them.
• When the cause of drying is diseases or pests, then in case of severe damage it is better to give up trying to save the geranium. Often this is simply not possible. Pathogenic spores and parasite larvae remain deep in the soil and can be very difficult to completely remove.

Improper care of geraniums, first of all, affects the foliage - they begin to hurt and change color or curl. Why this happens and what to do when a problem occurs, read our articles.

Yellowing and drying of leaves occurs for a number of reasons, but if you know how to create conditions for a comfortable existence of the plant, then this problem will not bother you. If this does happen, then you shouldn’t despair - you need to give the plant a little time, and after a while the foliage will become beautiful and green again!

Ethylene and its effect on flowering

You can imagine the following picture: autumn, on the bedside table not far from the window there is a blooming beauty, next to it is a vase of fruit.
Beautiful? Only such beauty will not last long, as the orchid will begin to dry out the flowers and buds. Why? Flowering plants should not be placed near:

• Apples;
• Grush;
• Bananas;
• And other vegetables and fruits.

Since the latter emit ethylene. Ethylene is a gas that is produced in some plants and fruits under the influence of the amino acid methionine.

Physiologists believe that ethylene is a plant aging hormone. To prevent fruits from spoiling quickly, varieties are developed in which ethylene synthesis is impaired. And then it is used for faster ripening of fruits.

Also, orchids should not be placed close to cut flowers, such as:

• Dahlias;
• Irises;
• Carnations;
• Chrysanthemums;
• Gladioli;
• Roses;
• Asters.

Plants such as:

• Begonias;
• Fuchsia;
• Primrose;
• Geranium;
• Or pine needles.

The orchid dries out the buds when in contact with the above listed plants, fruits and vegetables.