Will my plant grow back after losing leaves?

Yes, if the roots are healthy, the plant will likely sprout new growth once the environmental stress is corrected. Be patient and keep the soil moisture consistent.

Should I fertilize a plant that is dropping leaves?

No, avoid fertilizing until the plant recovers. Adding nutrients to a stressed plant can cause more harm than good.

Why is my Wild Geranium losing its leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
Check the location for excessive direct sun exposure.
Inspect the base of the stems for signs of rot.

Likely causes

Extreme Drought
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves will feel dry and brittle before they fall off the stems. You will notice the soil pulling away from the edges of the pot or the ground feeling hard.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until moisture runs out of the drainage holes. Maintain a schedule of watering every 5 to 10 days to keep the soil consistently moist.
Heat Stress
Possible
How to tell: The plant wilts during the hottest part of the day and leaves turn yellow or brown before dropping. This often happens if the plant is exposed to direct afternoon sun.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with partial to full shade to protect it from harsh heat. Mulch around the base to help keep the roots cool and retain soil moisture.

Find out what's wrong with your wild geranium

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for older leaves at the bottom to yellow and drop as the plant ages. You should worry if the leaf drop is happening rapidly across the entire plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil evenly moist and provide a sheltered spot with dappled light to prevent heat stress.

Keep your wild geranium healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Will my plant grow back after losing leaves?: Yes, if the roots are healthy, the plant will likely sprout new growth once the environmental stress is corrected. Be patient and keep the soil moisture consistent.
Should I fertilize a plant that is dropping leaves?: No, avoid fertilizing until the plant recovers. Adding nutrients to a stressed plant can cause more harm than good.

Why is my Wild Geranium losing its leaves?