Question From:
Carol in Pinjarra, Pinjarra Western Australia
Nature of problem:
leaves with spots and then dying –
Type of Plant (if known):
geraniums
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
leaves get dark spots on the back, gradually turn yellow and shrivel up
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
varied as well as pots
How often do you water the plant:
garden gets watered 3 times a week with drip irrigation. Pots every couple of days
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
usually all day, or those out the front just get morning sun
How long since you planted it:
varied
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
all pots have long lasting fertilizer and beds get liquid fertilizer when I think of it
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
outdoors
Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
both
What other treatments have you given the plant:
keep removing the affected leaves and binning them
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
I had never seen this before this year but it is spreading to every geranium even to ones up in Dwellingup which are in full sun all day in pots.
Please help as it is so depressing seeing the plants going this way.
Thanks
Carol
Answer:
Hi Carol, This geranium rust. It is typically caused by humid weather, but too little sun (ie too much shade) also causes it too. Try spraying with Eco Fungicide if you want an organic spray, or with Yates Fungus gun of Rose shield if you want to use a stronger systemic spray. Don
