Skip to content

Geranium · Pelargonium zonale

Why is my geranium losing its leaves?

Leaf drop is less common for this plant and usually caused by a sudden change in light or temperature. Check if you recently moved the plant to a darker spot or if it is experiencing a draft.

Check these first

  1. Observe the light levels in the plant's current spot.
  2. Check for cold drafts or nearby vents.
  3. Look for signs of pests like aphids on the undersides of leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Low Light

    Most likely

    How to tell: The plant looks stretched out and the leaves turn yellow before falling off. New growth is sparse and pale.

    What to do: Move the plant to a spot that gets full, direct sun for at least 6 hours a day. If you are growing it indoors, a south facing window is best.

  2. Temperature Shock

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves drop suddenly after a cold snap or exposure to a drafty window. The plant otherwise looks healthy.

    What to do: Keep the plant away from air conditioning vents or cold winter drafts. Ensure the temperature stays above 50 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

If the plant is dropping many leaves at once, it is under significant stress. It is normal for a few lower leaves to drop as the plant ages.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a bright, sunny location away from drafts. Maintain steady temperatures to keep the plant happy.

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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will my geranium grow back leaves?
Yes, if you fix the light or temperature issue, the plant will produce new growth. It may take a few weeks to see new leaves.
Do geraniums go dormant?
They can slow down in winter if light is low, which might cause some leaf drop. Keep them in the brightest spot possible during these months.

More problems with Geranium

Back to the Geranium guide

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.