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Check these first
- Examine the undersides of leaves for tiny insects.
- Look for fuzzy gray mold on the foliage.
- Check if the spots are spreading rapidly.
Likely causes
Botrytis Blight
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see brown or gray spots on the leaves and flowers, often covered in a fuzzy gray mold. This happens most often in cool, humid conditions.
What to do: Remove all affected leaves and flowers immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid getting water on the foliage.
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: Small, soft bodied insects cluster on new growth and cause yellow or brown spots where they feed. You may also see a sticky residue called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. For heavier infestations, apply insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.
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 spots are covering most of the foliage or causing leaves to drop, the plant is in distress. Small, isolated spots are usually manageable with quick pruning.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the foliage dry when watering and ensure the plant has plenty of space for air to move between stems.
Ivy-leaved geranium: spots? 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
- Are these spots contagious to my other plants?
- Yes, both botrytis and aphids can spread quickly to nearby plants. Isolate your geranium until the issue is resolved.
- Should I use a fungicide for these spots?
- Usually, removing the infected parts and improving airflow is enough. Use a fungicide only if the infection persists after cleaning up the plant.
Guides to these causes
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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.