Learn the basics of pruning and trimming to keep your houseplants healthy and looking their best. Our beginner's guide will show you how to remove dead or overgrown parts, and shape your plants for optimal growth and visual appeal.

What is pruning and trimming?

Pruning and trimming involve cutting away dead or overgrown parts of a plant to promote healthy growth and maintain its shape. By regularly pruning your plants, you can encourage new growth, prevent disease, and keep them looking their best. Sounds like a lot of work, right? It’s quite simple! However, there are important techniques to follow to ensure you prune and trim your plants successfully every time.

What do you need?

To get started with pruning and trimming, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• A pair of sharp pruning shears

• Sterilizing wipes to clean your tools

• Gloves to protect your hands

It’s also helpful to have a small bucket for collecting cuttings and a step stool for reaching higher branches.

How to properly prune and trim?

• Choose the right plant. Select a healthy plant with overgrown or dead parts. It’s best to start with beginner-friendly plants like Pothos, Rubber plants, or Spider plants, as they are easy to prune.

• Identify which parts to prune. Look for dead, yellowing, or overgrown stems and leaves. Also, check for any crossing branches that might need trimming to maintain the plant’s shape.

• Prepare your tools. Take your sharp pruning shears and sterilize them to prevent disease. Make sure you’re wearing gloves to protect your hands.

• Make the cut. Position your shears at an angle and make a clean cut just above a leaf node or bud. This encourages new growth. Remove any dead or diseased parts entirely.

• Shape the plant. Trim back any overgrown areas to maintain the plant’s desired shape. For fuller growth, prune just above leaf nodes, as this will encourage new branches to form.

• Aftercare. Water the plant thoroughly after pruning to help it recover. Ensure it receives adequate light and maintain regular care. Keep an eye on the plant for any signs of stress and adjust care as needed.