Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) are popular flowering plants known for their vibrant blooms and resilience. However, improper watering can lead to stress, affecting their health and appearance. From the plant's perspective, water is essential for photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and maintaining turgor pressure. Both overwatering and underwatering disrupt these processes, leading to distinct symptoms.
Overwatering suffocates the roots, depriving them of oxygen and creating an environment conducive to root rot. Geraniums respond with visible distress signals:
The lower leaves turn yellow, often starting at the tips or edges. This occurs because waterlogged soil inhibits nutrient uptake, particularly nitrogen, causing chlorophyll breakdown.
Paradoxically, overwatered geraniums may wilt even when the soil is moist. Root damage prevents water absorption, leaving the plant dehydrated despite excess moisture.
The stems near the soil line become soft and discolored (brown or black). Roots may appear slimy or rotten due to fungal infections like Pythium or Phytophthora.
Geraniums shed leaves to conserve energy when roots fail to function properly. Older leaves drop first, followed by newer growth if the issue persists.
Underwatering stresses geraniums by limiting their ability to perform basic physiological functions. The plant conserves water by exhibiting these symptoms:
Leaves become brittle and dry, often curling inward to reduce surface area and minimize water loss. The edges may turn brown and crumble when touched.
Geraniums prioritize survival over growth when water is scarce. New leaves and flowers may be smaller, and the plant stops producing buds.
Unlike overwatered plants, underwatered geraniums wilt when the soil is dry. Leaves lose turgor pressure, appearing limp and lifeless.
In severe cases, leaves develop scorched patches (brown or tan spots) due to cellular damage from prolonged dehydration.
Geraniums employ survival strategies to cope with water imbalances:
In overwatered conditions, roots may die back to reduce water uptake. Underwatered plants grow deeper roots to seek moisture.
Thick, waxy leaves help retain water during drought, while shedding leaves reduces demand on limited resources.
In extreme stress, geraniums enter dormancy, halting growth until conditions improve.
While both conditions cause wilting and leaf changes, key differences include:
