[tallulah]

I took loads of cuttings from a geranium last year, and they have overwintered in the house, and all flowering.  However, the leaves on them have been turning a reddish colour, with mottled appearance, and drooping badly.  All I can come up with is a possible magnesium deficiency caused by overwatering (central heating drying soil out quickly).

Has anyone got any ideas?

[fatcat1955]

Red spider mites?

[tallulah]

Red spider mites?

I'll have a close look - thanks for the tip.

[Paul Plots]

 I seem to remember that, on occasions, my dad's geranium (pelargonium) cuttings had tendency to turn red but I don't think it was anything to do with red spider mite.

You mention "mottled and drooping". That doesn't sound too promising but may not have anything to do with the red colour.

Please can you tell us a little more about the conditions they are growing in or supply a photo?

And... any sign of the dreaded RS mite? 

[tallulah]

No sign of the RS mite.  I'll take some photos tomorrow.  These are all cuttings which have been put into a jar of water until roots sprouted, and then all potted into individual 3" pots.  All grew nicely and started to bloom, then the mottling and colour change, along with drooping. 

[Paul Plots]

I'd be surprised if it was anything to do with being too hot as they are tough little blighters. Too dry might explain the wilting. A change in colour could be caused by a mineral deficiency.

But change in colour and drooping?

Has there been a sudden huge dip in temperature and a little too much water at the same time?

If they are very damp I’d put them out of direct sunlight, stop watering altogether until the compost is pretty dry and the pots feel lighter and keep the temperatures even if possible.

In the meantime I’ll see what I can discover… perhaps my 96 yr old Dad knows.