It’s usually not about those vibrant blooms or the scent of the leaves—when pests move in on your geraniums, moisture is often the culprit. Sometimes, a spot that’s just a little too shady can also trigger an infestation. No matter how gorgeous your plants looked yesterday, their beauty can fade fast if you don’t step in to help.
The Most Common Geranium Pests
- Aphids: These tiny critters (up to 7 mm) love to hang out on the undersides of leaves. They suck the sap right out of the plant and leave behind a sticky, sweet substance called honeydew, which attracts other pests and even sooty mold.
- Spider Mites: These guys thrive in hot, dry weather. You can barely see the mites themselves with the naked eye, but you’ll definitely notice the stippling and damage they leave behind.
- Thrips: Often called “thunderflies,” these tiny insects damage leaves and stems and are notorious for spreading various plant viruses.
- Whiteflies: You’ll spot their eggs and larvae as tiny white dots on the undersides of leaves. If you give the plant a little shake, a cloud of tiny white flies will take flight.
Why You Need to Act Fast
Pests usually target geraniums that are already weakened by diseases or a few slip-ups in their care routine. Because the plants are already stressed, an infestation can quickly become the “final straw.” Plus, these bugs multiply fast and will happily hop over to your neighboring plants. Catching them early and acting immediately can save your plants’ lives—and with a little luck, keep those flowers blooming all summer long.
A Simple Home Remedy That Actually Works
You don’t always need harsh chemicals, especially on a balcony or patio where you spend a lot of time. A tried-and-true DIY remedy is a simple soap spray. To make sure it knocks out the pests without hurting your geraniums, keep these tips in mind:
- Mix 1 liter of water with 10 ml of dish soap and 2 tablespoons of cooking oil.
- Note: This ratio is for standard dish soap, not ultra-concentrated versions!
- Shake the mixture well and spray the entire plant thoroughly.
- Don’t forget to hit the undersides of the leaves.
- Protect the soil first by covering it completely with plastic wrap or foil.
- Repeat the treatment every few days until the pests are gone.
Pro Tip:
If it’s still early in the growing season, a heavy pruning can significantly cut down the pest population. Your geraniums will still have plenty of time to grow back new stems and fresh flowers.
Preventative Measures
- Place your geraniums in a bright, warm location.
- Protect them from heavy rain and always water from the bottom (at the soil level).
- Give them plenty of “elbow room” when planting to ensure good airflow.
- Stay on top of maintenance by removing spent blooms and any damaged or yellow leaves right away.
