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Ivy-leaved geranium · Pelargonium peltatum

Why is my ivy-leaved geranium losing its leaves?

It is less common for this plant to drop leaves, which usually happens due to sudden changes in light or temperature. Check if you recently moved the plant to a new location.

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Check these first

  1. Check if the plant was recently moved to a darker spot.
  2. Inspect the leaves for any signs of gray fuzzy mold.
  3. Ensure the plant is getting enough direct sunlight.

Likely causes

  1. Light Shock

    Most likely

    How to tell: The plant drops leaves shortly after being moved to a spot with significantly less light. The remaining leaves may look pale or stretched out.

    What to do: Move the plant back to a location with full sun or bright partial shade. If you must change its location, do it gradually over a week.

  2. Botrytis Blight

    Possible

    How to tell: You see gray, fuzzy mold on the leaves or stems before they drop. This occurs in cool, damp, and poorly ventilated conditions.

    What to do: Remove all affected leaves and flowers immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant and keep the foliage dry when watering.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your ivy-leaved 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

If the plant is losing a large number of leaves rapidly, it is a sign of severe stress. It is normal for a few leaves to drop when a plant is adjusting to a new home or during seasonal changes.

Stopping it coming back

Provide plenty of direct sunlight and ensure good airflow around the foliage. Avoid getting water on the leaves when you irrigate the soil.

Ivy-leaved geranium: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your ivy-leaved 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

Will the leaves grow back?
The plant will grow new leaves from the nodes if it is healthy and receiving enough light. Keep it in a bright spot to encourage new growth.
How much light does this plant need?
It thrives in full sun to partial shade. If it is not getting enough light, it will become leggy and may drop leaves.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Ivy-leaved geranium

Back to the Ivy-leaved 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.