Pruning Basics

Why Prune at All?

Pruning is not about making your plants smaller — it is about making them healthier, bushier, and more shapely. When you remove leggy growth, dead leaves, or wayward stems, the plant redirects its energy into new, stronger shoots. Regular light pruning also improves air circulation around the foliage, which helps prevent fungal problems.

When to Prune

The best time to prune most houseplants is in spring, just as the growing season kicks in. The plant has plenty of energy to heal and push out fresh growth. Avoid heavy pruning in autumn or winter when growth slows — the plant may struggle to recover.

That said, you can and should remove dead or yellowing leaves at any time of year. Damaged foliage drains energy and can attract pests, so snip it off whenever you spot it.

Tools You Need

• Clean, sharp scissors or secateurs: A clean cut heals faster than a ragged one. Wipe your blades with rubbing alcohol between plants to avoid spreading disease.
• A small container of water: If you plan to propagate cuttings, pop them straight into water so the cut end does not dry out.

Where to Cut

Trailing Plants (Pothos, String of Hearts)

Cut just above a leaf node — the small bump or joint where a leaf meets the stem. The plant will branch from this point, giving you a fuller, bushier plant over time.

Upright Plants (Monstera, Rubber Plant)

Remove any leggy or bare stems by cutting back to a node or to the base of the plant. For Monstera, you can cut above an aerial root node and propagate the top section in water.

Bushy Plants (Ferns, Calathea)

Remove old, brown, or damaged fronds at the base. Avoid cutting partially damaged leaves in half — it is better to remove the whole leaf and let a healthy new one take its place.

What to Do With Your Cuttings

Many houseplant cuttings root easily in water or moist soil. Pothos, Tradescantia, and Philodendron are particularly obliging. Place stem cuttings in a jar of water on a bright windowsill and change the water every few days. Once roots are a couple of centimetres long, pot them up.

Golden Rules

1. Never remove more than a third of the plant at once — it needs enough foliage to photosynthesise.
2. Always cut above a node if you want new growth to emerge.
3. Use clean tools every time.
4. If in doubt, prune less rather than more. You can always take off a little extra later.

Pruning is one of the most rewarding parts of plant care. A few thoughtful snips can transform a scraggly vine into a lush cascade or coax a shy plant into a bushy, confident specimen.