Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Look closely at the undersides of the leaves for tiny bugs.
- Check if the plant has been moved to a new spot recently.
- Examine the soil to ensure it is not waterlogged.
Likely causes
Aphid Infestation
PossibleHow to tell: You see small green or black insects on the new growth or undersides of leaves. The leaves may curl or drop prematurely.
What to do: Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or use a gentle spray of water to knock the bugs off. For larger infestations, apply insecticidal soap according to the label.
Sudden Temperature Change
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves turn yellow or brown and fall off after you move the plant to a new spot. Geraniums dislike cold drafts or sudden heat spikes.
What to do: Keep the plant in a stable environment away from drafty doors or windows. Maintain a consistent temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Find out what's wrong with your 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.
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When to worry
Worry if the leaf drop is sudden and affects many leaves at once. It is normal for a few older leaves to drop as the plant focuses energy on new growth.
Stopping it coming back
Inspect your plant regularly for pests and keep it in a stable, sunny location.
Keep your 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.
Questions people ask
- Will the leaves grow back?
- The plant will grow new leaves from the nodes if it is healthy and receiving enough light. It will not grow leaves back on the bare parts of the stem.
- Are aphids harmful to my other plants?
- Yes, aphids can spread quickly to nearby plants. Isolate your geranium until you are sure the pests are gone.
More problems with Geranium
- Why are my Cranesbill leaves turning yellow?
- What are these spots on my Cranesbill leaves?
- Why does my Cranesbill have bugs on it?
- Why is my geranium not blooming?
- How do I fix root rot in my geranium?
- Why is my geranium growing so tall and thin?
- Why are my geranium's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my geranium drooping?
- Why are my geranium leaves curling?
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.