Why do geranium leaves turn white and how to help the plant

Geranium, or pelargonium, rarely causes trouble for flower growers. The plant is very unpretentious and requires minimal attention. Sometimes the external condition of the flower deteriorates as a result of errors in care or disease. The main ailment is the whitening of the leaves, which causes them to fall off.

When and how the leaves of pelargonium can brighten

In healthy pelargonium, the color of the leaf plate has a light or dark green tint (depending on the variety). It is this appearance that is the norm. Sometimes there is a complete or partial lightening of the color, the reason may be inappropriate conditions, errors in care or illness.

The appearance of white leaves is a bad sign.

Most often, symptoms appear during the winter. At this time, the most difficult thing is to provide the flower with the required amount of light and optimal air humidity. In this case, the leaves can not only turn white, but also turn yellow. Nutritional deficiencies can occur at any time of the year.

Why do pelargonium leaves turn white?

To identify the reasons for the lightening of the color, the care process is analyzed and all the plants in the house are examined. It is important to determine what exactly triggered this plant reaction.

Care errors

Unsuitable conditions of detention and non-observance of the rules of care can affect the health of the flower. The reasons for the appearance of a light color of the leaves:

• Lack of sunlight. Low light conditions can lead to a lighter color of the leaf or to the appearance of completely white leaves. This problem is especially acute in winter.
• Lack of nutrients. Depleted soil and lack of top dressing can cause not only lightening of the leaves, but also a slowdown in growth. It is important to regularly feed the indoor flower in the summer during flowering. The most common symptom is lightening of the leaf edge.
• Excessive feeding. Not only lack, but also an excess of food is harmful to pelargonium. Frequent fertilization is simply dangerous.
• High temperatures. Too warm and dry climates are harmful to flowers. In winter, heating radiators dry up the air, having a negative effect on the plant.

After evaluating the listed factors, you can find the reason why geranium leaves brighten. Once a problem is identified, action should be taken immediately.

Even one white leaf is a signal to take action

Diseases

Sometimes the lightening of the color of the leaves appears simultaneously with the appearance of a light bloom on the lower part of them. This is a signal for the development of the fungus. The reason is excessive watering or transfer of disease from other plants in the apartment.

In this case, the flower should be treated. Complex treatment with drugs is carried out. In case of a severe stage of the disease, a transplant is carried out with a complete replacement of soil and capacity.

After the flower has fully recovered, it is necessary to strictly observe the watering regime. Otherwise, the disease can return and lead to disastrous consequences, moreover, it will be more difficult to fight it.

How to help pelargonium and what to do with white leaves

You should figure out why geranium leaves turn white and what to do about it. The nature of the measures to be taken depends on the cause of the discoloration. With a lack of light, move the pot to a light windowsill, with low humidity and high temperature, find a cool place and place a pallet with expanded clay next to it. The problem with feeding is solved by increasing the frequency of their use or by temporarily abandoning them. White leaves are not viable, and also spoil the appearance of the plant, so they are carefully removed.

Prophylaxis

The best prevention of any disease and deterioration of the appearance of pelargonium is strict adherence to the rules for the care and maintenance of the plant. That means:

• adherence to the schedule of watering and top dressing;
• maintaining an optimal level of temperature and humidity;
• ensuring adequate lighting.

It is enough to follow simple rules for the full development of pelargonium

One of the problems that owners of pelargoniums may face is discoloration of the leaves. At the same time, an analysis of the conditions for keeping the flower is carried out in order to understand why the leaves of the geranium turn pale. This is usually caused by maintenance errors or disease. The measures taken in time will help return the plant to a healthy look and allow it to fully develop.