Why are my geraniums and mandevilla not doing well?
Question:I planted some geraniums and a mandevilla plant in separate pots, big, with new topsoil, put them in a sunny location with at least 5 or 6 hours of hot Florida sun, and it's been raining every day, so the soil has stayed moist. The mandevilla's leaves are so dry, but the soil is wet. I guess the sun is too intense and I should move it to a less intense spot. This is South florida, remember.
The geranium's leaves aren't all as dry, but some have turned yellow and have spots on them and a few leaves are dry.
Both plants have bloomed a little and both are only a few weeks with me, but I'd like to know the right combo of water and sun so they'll thrive.
Answers:
It sounds as if your plants are staying too wet probably in turn causing a fungal disease. I know geraniums like to dry out some between waterings and do not like their feet to stay wet constantly. Most plants do not. It is probably the same problem with the Mandevilla. Geraniums do like some afternoon shade even if the tag says "full sun". Five or six hours of sun is probably good just not in the hottest part of the day.
My mandevilla gets sun until around 4:00 oclocks in the afternoon. It seems to do fine but it is in the ground and does not require frequent watering unless of course it gets really dry outside due to no rain.
Let them start to dry out some between waterings. If this doesnt work try spraying them with some Bio neem (neem oil) to rid them of fungus.
I really think you mandevilla would do much better in the ground if you cound do this. Geraniums usually do do better in pots and even like to get a little rootbound.
spotting on the geranium leaves can be caused by a bacterial disease.
that's all i know >.<
what my mom does is clean every individual leaf free from the bacteria by using rubbing alcohol and a cutip.
it takes forever, but it works for us.
im not 100% sure that it will for you, but you can always try
Mandevilla likes bright shade and lots of mulch,Geraniums should do well in sun but not too much water.I have always had trouble with these babies too(geraniums).They seem susceptible to alot of diseases.I live in the hot steamy South too.We have problems with molds and soots and viruses because of the wet ,intense heat.
Mandevilla should grow directly in the ground where you live.That's what I would try.
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