Why do geranium leaves turn white and how to help the plant
Content:
The beloved indoor geranium grows on the window even among beginners in floriculture. But there are times that even seasoned flower lovers wonder why geranium leaves turn white. Lack of light, nutrition, oxygen - a number of reasons forcing indoor pelargonium to change the color of its leaves.
When and how can geranium leaves brighten
The most frequent changes in the color of the foliage of domestic pelargonium occur in summer. At times less often, pelargonium can change the color of greenery at other times of the year.
Changes can be of the following kind:
- the entire leaf plate of young leaves turns white, and the subsequent growing leaves are already discolored;
- the lightening of the sheet starts from the edges;
- leaves are covered with white or yellow spots.
Spots on pelargonium
Why does the foliage turn white
Chlorophyll is responsible for the green color of the leaves, which is produced in the cells of the leaf plate under the influence of sunlight. But if there is sunlight, why do geranium leaves brighten? It turns out that not only the sun's rays are needed for the full production of chlorophyll. Correct metabolism requires an appropriate temperature, access to oxygen and adequate nutrition for the flower.
Plant problems
Care errors
Errors in grooming disrupt the normal functioning of the plant's metabolism. And external signs, such as white leaves, serve as a signal of these violations. Why do the leaves of home geranium turn pale:
- lack of light. When a flower is in active growth, it needs a lot of light. Pelargonium feels great even on the south window. She mostly feels a lack of light in winter;
- lack of oxygen. Oxygen hunger in pelargonium occurs in the summer season, when the pot is on the lightest window. The sun's rays passing through the glass heat the air around the flower, and if there is no ventilation, the geranium will begin to discolor;
- wrong fertilizers. With a lack of minerals, especially iron in the soil, the leaves lose their natural green color.
Diseases
Some fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, can also cause whitish foliage.
Leaves can also turn white or yellow due to a massive attack of insect pests.
What to do with pale leaves and how to help geraniums
Before starting treatment, it is important to find out why geranium leaves turn white and what to do. It is necessary to bring all aspects of care back to normal:
- maximum illumination for geraniums with regular ventilation and free ventilation of air in the bush. If the bush is too thick, you should thin it out by pinching off the excess shoots growing inward;
- restore the correct mode of fertilization, providing the flower with a full set of macro- and microminerals;
- inspect the flower for the presence of pests and diseases and take appropriate measures to eliminate them.
Damage to the leaf plate by pests
After recovery, geranium drops diseased leaves and drives out new, green ones in their place.
Prophylaxis
As a preventive measure, especially in the summer, it is important to monitor the lighting, the temperature of the plant and the ventilation of the room. Better yet, take it out into fresh air and make a shelter from direct sunlight.
It is best to fight pests and diseases with preventive regular treatments.
Geranium rarely gets sick, on the contrary, it is a nurse for other plants. Providing her with the minimum set of conditions for her comfortable growth, you can admire the flowering for many years.
