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Geranium · Pelargonium

Why is my geranium losing its leaves?

It is less common for healthy geraniums to drop leaves, but it usually happens due to a lack of sunlight or a sudden change in temperature. Check the light levels in your plant's current spot first.

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Check these first

  1. Check if the plant is getting 6 hours of direct sun.
  2. Look for cold drafts near the plant.
  3. Inspect the undersides of leaves for aphids.

Likely causes

  1. Insufficient Light

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant looks stretched out or leggy, and the lower leaves turn yellow before falling off. The stems appear thin and weak.

    What to do: Move the plant to a spot that receives full, direct sun for at least 6 hours a day. A south facing window is usually the best location.

  2. Temperature Shock

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves drop suddenly after a cold draft or a big shift in room temperature. The leaves may still look green when they fall.

    What to do: Keep the plant in a stable environment away from drafty windows or doors. Ensure the temperature stays above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Leaf drop in 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

Losing an occasional old leaf at the base is normal as the plant grows. If the plant is losing many leaves at once, it is a sign of environmental stress.

Stopping it coming back

Provide plenty of direct sunlight and keep the plant in a stable, warm location away from drafts.

Geranium: leaf drop? 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

Do geraniums bloom indoors?
Geraniums can bloom indoors if they receive enough direct sunlight, ideally 6 to 8 hours daily. Without this bright light, they will not produce flowers.
Could pests cause leaf drop?
Yes, aphids can cause leaves to yellow and drop. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny green or black insects.

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.