How to Prune House Plants
If they are allowed to grow normally, many houseplants will sprawl, become tall and gangling, or acquire an otherwise untidy look. Pruning, where parts of the plant are removed, is the solution to this issue. Learning how to prune a houseplant so that it looks its best is an important part of plant care. It is important to learn how to prune houseplants safely. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Decide what needs to be done. A few small snips on a regular basis can keep a plant looking tidy, but save extensive pruning, where a large part of the plant is removed, for spring, before the growing season begins.
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Use the plant clippers to snip off any diseased branches or leaves. Make the cut near to the stem and above the last healthy leaf node, which is the place where leaves sprout.
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Cut back any new growth that is protruding from the desired silhouette of the plant. If there is one leggy sprout jutting two or three inches from the rest of the foliage, cut it back.
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Cut back the main stalks of the plant by up to 1/3 their original length if you are doing a major pruning.
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Cut back some of the main stalks of the plant down to the main stem in instances where the profile of the plant is drastically ungainly and unattractive. While this will cause stress to the plant, it may be necessary when severe pruning is called for.
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Fertilize the plant if you perform a major pruning job. This encourages new growth, and due to the pruning, the new growth comes in thicker and bushier than before.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have significantly reduced the bulk of the plant, it might require less watering than before. Watch your plant, and if it is acquiring brown or wilted leaves, cut back on the water.
Place the houseplant in direct sunlight for about a week or so to get it growing again after pruning. This will strengthen the plant and help it recover from the stress of pruning.
Have a plan before you start pruning. Having a general shape for the plant in mind and a goal to reach keeps you from over-pruning the plant.
Remember to clean your tools regularly. Wipe down the blades of your clippers after use and treat the wooden handles with linseed oil.
Clip the shoots cleanly. Do not twist the plant fibers to get the shoots to break as this will slow the growth and give the plant a weathered, tattered look.
References
- Photo Credit coleus image by palms from Fotolia.com
