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Ivy-leaved geranium · Pelargonium peltatum

What are the bugs on my ivy-leaved geranium?

If you see tiny insects clustering on the new growth of your geranium, you likely have aphids. These pests suck the sap and can cause the plant to look weak or stunted.

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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 the leaves for tiny bugs.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Check for gray fuzzy patches on the flowers.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see small green or black insects on the undersides of leaves or on flower buds. You might also notice a sticky residue on the leaves.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days.

  2. Botrytis Blight

    Possible

    How to tell: Gray fuzzy mold appears on flowers and leaves, often in humid conditions.

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

Pests on 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

A few aphids are manageable, but a heavy infestation can quickly drain your plant. Treat them as soon as you spot them to prevent damage.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in a well ventilated area and check the leaves regularly for early signs of pests.

Ivy-leaved geranium: pests? 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 aphids kill my geranium?
They rarely kill a healthy plant, but they can weaken it significantly. It is best to treat them early to keep your plant blooming well.
Can I use household soap to kill aphids?
It is safer to use a dedicated insecticidal soap. Some household soaps contain additives that can burn the delicate leaves of your geranium.

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.