What's Eating My Geraniums?

[icyfroth]

Finally, I've got some read Geraniums growing in a terracotta pot. Sadly, they look bitten and curled, although they seem to flourishing ok. Putting out lots of new shoots.

I've pulled off a few grubs, but still those yellow spots appear, which eventually look like lacework on the leaves. Not impressed.

Any advice would be welcome.

[icyfroth]

Thanks for your responses, everyone. I haven't been out at night to have a look yet.

I checked for the green grubs, I've seen them under the leaves before. They're usuall easy to spot because of their droppings on the leaves below. Haven't seen any on these leaves, though.

Someone else suggested spraying with soapy water, which I'll try first.

If that doesn't help, I'll bring on the big guns and get some spray from Bunnings.

[bright.ton42]

I was going to say possums then I had another look and realize the holes aren't big enough.

So why did I post this?

Well ,..... because I can.

[icyfroth]

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@bright.ton42 wrote:

I was going to say possums then I had another look and realize the holes aren't big enough.

So why did I post this?

Well ,..... because I can.

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​

[esseco46]

I have exactly the same pattern on my geranium leaves - there were very tiny little green caterpillars - I picked off all the holy leaves and nearly made my plant nude.

Oh well, summer is coming soon.

[*tippy*toes*]

Just found this thread and was also going to say the cabbage moth caterpillars. They eat everything. They do get big if you leave them. I know on my plants they often hide around the raised veins on the underside when still little so can be hard to see. I'm as blind as a bat these days so I go armed with my +4 magnifying glasses (a few bucks from the $2 shops).

The black slugs on my cherry tree also cause the same damage. They start of tiny, but are still easy enough to see under the green leaves. Even as tiny 1mm size, they can do a lot of damage in a few days. I don't know enough about them to know if they infest more than fruit trees.

It could also be aphids. They seem to be around all year. I get frost here and I've seen them crawling around under the frost. Soapy water in a spray bottle seems to take care of them.

White Fly can do this, as can spider mites.

Bees don't tend to like geraniums, so I'd be going the whole hog and using some proper spray (Pyrethrin or something), ensuring both sides of the leaves, and the stems, are covered.

[icyfroth]

Excellent advice from everyone, thanks. (Except Brighton) 

What I've decided to do is this:

Seeing I have to clear the balcony as we're getting new windows and doors installed throughout the block, I'll leave it for now and wait til the windows job is finished.

Before I put the geranium back, I'll trim it back and let it start again and spray as it starts putting out new leaves.

The timing is good, as it will be spring soon.

[tasfleur]

What's Eating My Geraniums?

This, of course  >>>>>    

[lyndal1838]

If you leave those little green grubs on the plant they will grow into big green grubs and there will be nothing left to trim back.  I have seen them start on the new shoots almost as soon as they appear.

Just buy some spray and give the plant a burst before moving it.

[bright.ton42]

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@icyfroth wrote:

Excellent advice from everyone, thanks. (Except Brighton) 

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Well I did try.  

[icyfroth]

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@lyndal1838 wrote:

If you leave those little green grubs on the plant they will grow into big green grubs and there will be nothing left to trim back.  I have seen them start on the new shoots almost as soon as they appear.

Just buy some spray and give the plant a burst before moving it.

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Good advice thanks Lyndal.

Will give it some attention in the morning.