Sick Geraniums
Gardening Question from Kathy:
You helped me out a lot a few years ago with my Geranium’s. I remember many long emails with you. So, I need your expert advise on a new problem I’m having with, yes… the Geranium’s. This morning, while cleaning up some dry leaves from my plants, I noticed that in one of my plants the stems seem to be dieing. When I cut a few inches of the stem, it had black ? in the middle, like some kinda root rot! This is new for me. Pat, what can it be and what can you suggest to do? …….Thanks
Answer from Pat:
Geraniums can be tough plants but they also fall prey to many diseases. Stem rot is frequently a problem with old plants. Take some fresh cuttings and start new plants. Cut back the old plants and feed them and after they put on new foliage, pinch back to force vigorous growth. Some old plants need discarding, others go on for years despite all manner of problems. Allowing plants to dry out after waterings helps health of roots.
My geranium is in a pot on a screened in pool deck. It has done well for years but now has something eating the leaves. Some only the main vein is left. Any suggestions? No grasshoppers, bees, etc can get inside. I don’t see any worms.
The caterpillars making the leaves on your geraniums look like skeletons hide in the daytime and come out at night. Look with a flashlight about 10:00 pm and squish them. Also take the plant outside and spray with Spinosad.