Leggy Pelargoniums (Geraniums) After Winter: Hard Prune & Propagate Now

Your geraniums (Pelargoniums) are leggy, leaves dying from edges upward, tops wrinkled and bubbling. You sprayed insecticide, but pests aren't the issue. Here's the fix:

1. Hard Prune—Now

Geraniums must be cut back sharply in late winter/early spring to force bushy growth. Cut every stem to 3–4 inches above soil, just above a node. It looks brutal, but they'll rebound fast in increasing light.

2. Diagnose the Leaf Symptoms

"Wrinkled, bubbled, brown edges" suggests overwatering, poor drainage, or root rot—not insects. Insecticide was unnecessary and may stress the plant further. Email a photo if unsure.

3. Take Cuttings as Insurance

• Use tip cuttings (top 4–5 inches) from healthy stems only.
• Strip lower leaves; dip in rooting hormone.
• Root in moist perlite/peat mix (better than water).
• Pot up once roots are 1 inch long.

4. Refresh Soil & Light

If pots are old, repot in fresh, well-draining mix. Give maximum sun (south window). Water only when top inch is dry.

Prune hard, root cuttings, fix the culture—your geraniums will be compact and flowering by summer.