NOTE: In this article, Ivy geranium and Pelargonium peltatum may be used interchangeably; in fact, Pelargonium peltatum is the botanical name for Ivy geranium.
One of the species that are commonly referred to as “annual” or “garden” is the ivy geranium, also known as ivy-leafed geranium. Hanging baskets, window boxes, and other containers can be done with the P. peltatum varieties. ivy is a member of the Pelargonium group of evergreens native to South Africa, but not a member of the geranium group.
Like other Pelargonium species, it has large leaves and flowers that extend on the stalks. There are cascading stems that can be as long as 5 feet. In tropical regions (zones 10 to 12), pelargoniums are usually grown as annuals. Plants grow quickly during the warm spring months, which allows you to fill up large containers or baskets with smaller, less expensive plants that mature quickly.
Why does my Pelargonium peltatum roots have rot?
If left untreated, root rot on your Ivy geranium (Pelargonium peltatum) can be fatal. For this reason, if the symptoms appear, we highly advise that you adhere to our recommendations to keep your plant alive: Blackened and softened roots.
Why does my Ivy geranium have gray mold spots?
Gray mold spots are a specific fungus that regularly harms flowers and spreads swiftly. If you notice any brown (or gray) spots, this fungus is probably to cause. You risk your plant dying if you ignore these warning indications.
Our Solution
The solution is quite logical when you know the cause of the problem. Most of the time, it is due to overwater of the Pelargonium peltatum. We advise you to remove the infected parts of the plant, cut off the infected roots and leaves, then repot your plant using sterile potting soil and a clean pot.
Why does my Ivy geranium have leaf spots?
This type of disease is one of the most frustrating for Ivy geranium owners, we give you all the leads to spot and save your plants that present symptoms such as leaves that suddenly change color, or wilt/droop.
Why are my Ivy geranium leaves turning yellow?
This is probably the most common problem in the gardening world, yellowing leaves. There are 2 main reasons for this phenomenon, overwatering, or a lack of nutrients.
Reduce your watering frequency when you fear your plants are being overwatered, and follow these steps to determine whether they may be lacking in nutrients:
Each deficiency produces a different yellowing on the Pelargonium peltatum in question, here’s how to spot them:
- Yellow patches between leaf veins on elder leaves are the first sign of magnesium shortage. Veins continue to be green while the leaf’s core turns yellow. The leaf’s edges yellow last.
- Yellowing between leaf veins is another sign of iron shortage, but young leaves on plant tops and branch tips are initially affected.
- The newest leaves are first affected by sulfur deficiency, rendering them completely yellow.
- Insufficient potassium causes the leaf edges to turn brilliant yellow while the interior of the leaf stays green. Older leaves show the symptoms initially, and the leaf edges quickly darken.
- A broad yellowing indicates a nitrogen deficiency. Yellowing starts with older, inner leaves. Yellowing spreads as it advances, eventually touching new leaves as well.
Our Solution
You only need to act in accordance with the symptoms listed above. You can address a potassium or nitrogen deficiency by buying a particular soil, and a gardening store consultant will be able to advise you on how to do that. Furthermore, you can also limit how frequently you water your plants.
Is my Ivy geranium sunburned?
It is quite easy to find out if your Ivy geranium (Pelargonium peltatum) has been burned by the sun. Just like on us, your plant will change color in this case, it will start to turn yellow or white.
As we saw above, if your Ivy geranium receives too much water or not enough light, the leaves may also change color.
The bottom of the yellow leaves with a shaded area closer to the base can be examined to determine if they have been sunburned. If this part remains greener, the yellow leaf is most likely sunburned and not something else.
Why are my Ivy geranium leaves turning brown?
A plant’s browning leaves are typically a symptom that it has been sunburned and has been exposed to excessive amounts of direct sunlight. Don’t worry; your plant probably won’t perish as a result, but its growth will be negatively impacted.
Should I leave my Pelargonium peltatum in direct sunlight?
No! If your Pelargonium peltatum (or Ivy geranium) has the symptoms described above, don’t leave it in direct sunlight, that’s the reason why your Ivy geranium is in such a state!
Our Solution
The remedy, as said in the paragraph above, is simple: just move your plant’s Ivy geranium out of direct sunlight. Your plant should swiftly re-grow with this strategy and appropriate watering.
Why are my Pelargonium peltatum leaves drooping or wilting ?
This typically occurs when your Pelargonium peltatum gets dehydrated. Large plants are more at risk since they naturally require more water than smaller plants.
You may quickly determine if your Pelargonium peltatum plant needs water by under-weighing its pot; if it seems light, the soil and roots are probably fairly dry and require water.
Our Solution
If the soil in your plant’s pot is completely dry, you will need to start by moistening it so that the roots will also benefit from the water. A common mistake is to drown the Ivy geranium right after a dry period thinking that it needs a lot of water.
This is the case, but giving too much water at once is the best way to finish it off, you should actually water the soil normally, resuming a quiet watering rhythm.
Caring Tips for Pelargonium peltatum
Water Occasionally
Water is essential to the survival of your plant, however, it is important to balance the rate of watering. As we explained above, overwatering could have fatal consequences for your Pelargonium peltatum.
Touching the soil will let you know whether your plant needs water or not; if it still feels damp, it’s generally best to wait a few more days.
Always keep temperatures stable
Maintaining a consistent temperature for your Pelargonium peltatum is also a good idea, especially if it is kept indoors. At GreenShack, we typically advise reserving a temperature between 65 and 85 degrees F. Of course, avoid positioning your Pelargonium peltatum close to air conditioners, radiators, or other sources of hot or cold air.
Keep your Ivy geranium Dust-Free
This one concerns indoor plants, just like on your furniture, dust is also deposited on the leaves of your indoor plants, the problem is that it can prevent them from receiving the necessary light, this would slow down (or even stop) the photosynthesis process, and eventually, they would lose their colors.
For your Ivy geranium, this would be a true descent into hell, and it would also appease the pests.
To remove the dust, gently rub the plant’s leaves with a microfiber cloth. Dust can be removed more easily with a damp cloth, but stay away from corrosive substances like rubbing alcohol!
Keep drainage in mind
If you have a tendency to overwater, you need to keep an eye on your drainage, we advise you to opt for a pot with drainage holes if it is not already the case and a saucer.
You can add volcanic rocks (or any other pebbles with holes) to the bottom of your pot in the interim if your pots don’t already have holes in them. This will help to form a channel so that the water doesn’t pool there for too long (preventing the rot of the roots!).
