Why Is My Geranium Dying

If you’re asking “why is my geranium dying,” you’re not alone. These popular plants are usually tough, but they can run into trouble. Let’s figure out what’s going wrong and how to fix it, so you can get your plant back to health.

Geraniums give us clear signals when they’re unhappy. The key is learning to read their leaves, stems, and flowers. The most common problems come from water, light, or pests. We’ll go through each one step by step.

Watering Woes: Too Much or Too Little

This is the number one reason geraniums struggle. They like their soil to dry out a bit between drinks.

Signs of Overwatering

Yellowing leaves, especially the lower ones.
Leaves that feel soft, mushy, or look swollen.
Stems that are black or brown at the base (stem rot).
A general wilted look, even though the soil is wet.

If you see this, stop watering immediately. Let the soil dry out completely. For potted plants, check if the pot drains well. You might need to repot it into fresh, dry soil and a pot with drainage holes. In severe cases, you can take cuttings from healthy stems to start a new plant.

Signs of Underwatering

Crispy, brown leaf edges.
Leaves that are dry and papery.
Drooping stems and leaves that don’t perk up after watering.
Very slow growth and few flowers.

The fix here is simple: give it a good, thorough drink. Water until it runs out the bottom of the pot. Then, stick your finger in the soil. Water again only when the top inch feels dry.

Light Issues: Finding the Sweet Spot

Geraniums love bright light. Without it, they become weak and leggy.

Not Enough Light: Your plant will have long, thin stems with lots of space between leaves. It might lean heavily toward the window. Flowering will stop or be very sparse. Move it to a sunnier spot, like a south or west-facing window.
Too Much Harsh Sun: In extreme, direct summer sun, leaves can get scorched. You’ll see bleached, pale areas or crispy brown patches on the leaves. If this happens, move the plant to a location with bright but indirect light for a while.

Pest Problems: Common Culprits

Small bugs can cause big damage. Check the undersides of leaves regularly.

Aphids

These tiny green or black bugs cluster on new growth. They suck sap and leave a sticky residue. Blast them off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.

Whiteflies

Disturb the plant and you’ll see a cloud of tiny white insects. They also suck sap and weaken the plant. Yellow sticky traps and insecticidal soap are effective treatments.

Spider Mites

You’ll notice fine webbing on the plant and tiny speckles on the leaves. Leaves may turn yellow and drop. Increase humidity and spray with water or a miticide. They thrive in dry conditions.

Disease and Fungal Troubles

These often follow other problems, like overwatering.

Botrytis Blight (Gray Mold): Looks like fuzzy gray mold on leaves or flowers. It loves cool, damp conditions. Remove affected parts immediately, improve air circulation, and avoid wetting the leaves when you water.
Edema: This isn’t a disease, but a reaction to uneven watering. You’ll see corky, scabby bumps on leaf undersides. Just try to water more consistently, letting the soil dry somewhat between waterings.

Nutritional Needs: Feeding Your Geranium

Geraniums aren’t heavy feeders, but they do need some food to bloom well.

Too Little Food: Results in pale leaves, red or purple tints on leaf edges, and poor flowering. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Too Much Food: Can cause lots of weak, leafy growth with few flowers and may even burn the roots. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer label—more is not better.

Pot and Soil Check-Up

The right home makes all the difference.

Pot Size: A pot that’s too big holds excess moisture, leading to root rot. A pot thats too small cramps the roots. Choose a pot only 1-2 inches wider than the root ball.
Drainage: This is non-negotiable. Your pot must have holes in the bottom. Always empty the saucer after watering so the plant isn’t sitting in a puddle.
Soil Type: Use a light, fast-draining potting mix. Avoid heavy garden soil, which holds to much water. A mix for containers or succulents works great.

Seasonal Care Adjustments

What your geranium needs changes with the seasons.

Summer Care

Water more frequently in hot weather, but still check the soil first. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Watch out for pests, which are more active now.

Winter Care (For Indoor Plants)

Geraniums often rest in winter. They will need less water and no fertilizer. They might get leggy due to lower light; you can prune them back in late winter. Keep them away from cold drafts and heating vents.

Quick Rescue Steps for a Dying Geranium

Diagnose: Look closely at the leaves, stems, and soil. Match the symptoms to the problems above.
Check the Roots: Gently remove the plant from its pot. Healthy roots are firm and white or light brown. Rotten roots are mushy, slimy, and dark. Cut away any rotten roots with clean scissors.
Repot if Needed: If the soil is soggy or the roots are bad, repot into fresh, dry potting mix and a clean pot with drainage.
Prune: Remove all dead or dying leaves and stems. This helps the plant focus energy on new growth.
Adjust Care: Place the plant in bright, indirect light and water correctly—only when the top soil is dry.
Be Patient: It can take a few weeks for a plant to recover. Don’t over-care for it by watering or fertilizing too much during this time.

FAQ: Your Geranium Questions Answered

Why are the leaves on my geranium turning yellow?
Yellow leaves are most often caused by overwatering. Check the soil moisture first. It can also be a sign of underfeeding, poor drainage, or natural aging of lower leaves.

Why are my geranium leaves turning red?
Red or purple edges on leaves can be a sign of cool temperatures or a phosphorus deficiency. If it’s not cold, try a fertilizer with a slightly higher middle number (phosphorus).

Why isn’t my geranium flowering?
Lack of flowers usually means not enough sun. Geraniums need at least 6 hours of direct light daily to bloom well. Too much nitrogen fertilizer or a pot that’s too large can also prevent flowering.

How often should I water my geranium?
There’s no set schedule. Always use the finger test: water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This could be every few days in summer or every couple weeks in winter.

Can I save a geranium with a rotten stem?
If the main stem is soft and black at the base, it may be to late. However, you can try to take healthy stem cuttings from above the rot to propagate a new plant. It’s a simple process with a good success rate.

Figuring out why your geranium is struggling is the first step to saving it. Most issues are fixable with a simple change in your care routine. Pay close attention to water and light, and your geranium will likely reward you with a full recovery and plenty of cheerful blooms.