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Geranium · Pelargonium x hortorum

How do I get rid of pests on my garden geranium?

Aphids are the most common pests for garden geraniums, often clustering on new growth. Catching them early is the best way to protect your plant.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves and new buds.
  2. Check for sticky residue on the foliage.
  3. Look for fuzzy gray patches on the flowers.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see tiny green or black insects on the stems and undersides of leaves. The leaves may also look sticky from the honeydew they produce.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. For persistent cases, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Botrytis blight

    Possible

    How to tell: Gray fuzzy mold appears on flowers and leaves, often caused by high humidity.

    What to do: Remove all affected parts immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves when you irrigate.

Pests on other plants

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

Small numbers of aphids are manageable, but a heavy infestation can stunt growth and spread viruses. Treat them as soon as you spot them.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in a well ventilated area and avoid overhead watering to discourage both pests and fungal issues.

Geranium: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your geranium and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Are aphids harmful to my geranium?
Yes, they suck the sap from the plant and can cause stunted development and leaf curling.
Can I use household soap to kill aphids?
Use a mild, non-detergent soap mixed with water, but a dedicated insecticidal soap is safer for the plant.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Geranium

Back to the Geranium guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.