What Is a Geranium?

The Geranium genus contains around 300 species of plants, perennial herbs or shrubs
in warmer climates but are often grown as annuals in colder regions. Mostly, the
incredibly popular plants hail from southern Africa. They have thick leaves, often
rounded, and a variety of colors, from white to red to violet.
Through their popularity, they have been extensively bred, and there are a startling
number of varieties. Double flowers and flowers will frilled petals are available. Most
often, they are propagated through stem cuttings, though growing them from seed is
also possible.

Geranium Leaves Turning Light Green

In some cases, geranium leaves turning light green, yellow or brown can be caused by
nutrient deficiencies. Though the discolorations may look similar, there are subtle
differences. Young leaves with an iron deficiency begin to turn yellow, which eventually
turns into white. This extends across the whole leaf and even the stem. The availability
of iron in the soil is dependent on the acidity of the soil (the higher, the more available).

Zinc deficiencies can result in leaves turning yellow, puckering and becoming necrotic;
they can even turn purple. The roots and shoots also stop growing as well. Nitrogen
deficiency slows the growth of plants, which will appear stunted, and the older and lower
leaves of the plants will begin growing yellow, with their tips beginning to turn brown and
then dying. Magnesium deficiency manifests itself with older leaves growing yellow
starting from the center and reaching toward the veins of the leaves.

Copper deficiency will cause young leaves to become stunted and, in some cases, they
may take on a blueish hue around the veins. Discoloration starts at the base of the leaf.
It will also stunt flower growth. Phosphorous deficiency causes the tips of leaves to grow
brown and die.

Bacterial Leaf Blight in Geraniums

There are also several bacterial or fungal issues that can afflict geraniums. The
bacterial leaf blight (Xanthomonas hortorum pv. pelargonii) causes brown, round, water-
soaked spots on leaves and the formation of V-shaped lesions. If left alone, the stem
can shrivel and die. Usually, this is caused by too much moisture and warmth.
Gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) causes brown spots to form on leaves in concentric rings.
These can expand across the entire leaf and cause flowers to die prematurely.
Eventually, gray and fuzzy mold will form. This often develops during cool and wet
weather.

Viruses are another potential ailment that can turn leaves yellow, including cucumber
mosaic virus, impatiens necrotic spot virus and tomato spotted wilt virus. These can
deform leaves and give them yellow rings or turn their veins yellow. Lab testing needs to
be performed to determine which virus is causing the problems.

Source: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/geraniums-leaves-turning-yellow-light-brown-
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