Expert: C.L. Fornari - 5/17/2006

Question
Thank you so much for your prompt answer.  I meant to ask why the zonal geranium leaves cupped or curled up.
I am in Atlanta,GA.The plants are in pots.

I appreciate your first answer and the tips were very helpful.

Answer
Leonie,
Sorry that I misunderstood.  Cupping of leaves is not a good sign on geraniums.  It is the prime sign of a rare disease, caused by the beet curly top virus, which is probably the most destructive and distinctive virus
disease of geraniums. The normaly flat leaves become curved, and the lower and older leaves may become yellowish between the veins. Later, the entire plant becomes yellowish.  Symptoms of leaf cupping appear in autumn and again in spring. Beet curly top virus is transmitted by grafting and by the feeding of insects.  I guess you can just wait and see what happens, but in all likelyhood the health of these plants will go downhill.

C.L.