Called florists’ geranium, pelargonium is a perennial plant with evergreen foliage, from the Geraniaceae family. This flowering plant is the species most found in gardens and balconies. Originally from South Africa, pelargonium is easy to care for. Its flowering offers flowers of varied colors which can go from white to pink, or from purple to blue. However, pelargonium foliage may discolor and turn red. Discover the common mistakes responsible for this discoloration of garden geranium leaves.
When a plant is poorly maintained, its foliage can change color. The leaves can then turn yellow, or even turn red. This is also the case with pelargonium, also known as florist or garden geranium.
Why do florist’s geranium leaves turn red?
3 major problems can cause red pelargonium leaves.
Red leaves from overwatering
Pelargonium prefers drained, low humidity soil. This plant only needs a small amount of water. That said, overwatering can lead to leaf discoloration. This problem is more common in pot-grown pelargoniums. Indeed, stagnant water in the saucer can drown the roots. If this problem persists, your plant’s leaves may drop and die.
Red leaves due to cool temperatures
Cool or fluctuating temperatures can shock the plant and discolor its leaves. This happens in the spring, when temperatures start to change and it starts to get warm, and in the fall, because of the drop in temperatures. The garden geranium also appreciates the heat. This is why it is important to bring your potted geraniums indoors when it starts to get cold.
Red leaves due to stress
If the leaves of your plant have turned red, this means that your pelargonium is exposed to stressful conditions which can be caused by overwatering, but also by prolonged exposure to the sun. Pelargonium certainly appreciates heat and sun, but sometimes, exposure to direct sun can discolor the leaves, especially older ones. In this case, choose an exposure to partial shade, in order to remedy this problem. Your plant may also be stressed if it is planted very early, outside, when the climate is not yet favorable to it. We also speak of stress when the soil becomes poor in minerals. Moreover, the root system of pelargonium is sensitive to deficiencies, particularly in trace nutrients and phosphorus. That said, fertilize your plant whose leaves have turned red, with a liquid fertilizer rich in phosphorus , every two weeks, during the vegetative growth period. Fertilizer is also recommended for slow-growing pelargoniums to accelerate their growth.
How to take care of florists’ geranium and preserve the color of its leaves?
To successfully grow pelargoniums, it is important to pay attention to watering. Before watering your plant, first stick your finger in the potting soil to check its moisture. This will help you avoid excess water. Also let the potting soil dry between two waterings, and remove any stagnant water in the saucer or planter. Also, repotting every two years is recommended to make your pelargoniums last a long time. Before repotting your plant, place a layer of clay balls at the bottom of the pot to promote drainage. To have abundant flowering, remember to prune your geranium regularly. To do this, use sharp, disinfected pruning shears and remove wilted flowers and dead leaves. If some leaves have started to lose their green color, trim them using small shears. This encourages your plant to produce more vigorous and leathery leaves. Also remember to protect your plant, especially young plants, from parasites and pests that ravage it, such as green aphids, thrips and even whiteflies.
By avoiding excess watering and stress factors for pelargonium, you will preserve the green color of your plant’s foliage, avoid discoloration, and keep it vigorous and in good condition, throughout the year, even if you don’t have a green thumb.
