Monstera plants are a popular choice among houseplant enthusiasts due to their unique and captivating appearance. With its large, heart-shaped leaves and distinctive perforations, the Monstera plant is an eye-catching addition to any home.
However, like all plants, Monstera plants require regular care and attention in order to thrive. One important aspect of caring for your Monstera plant is pruning. Pruning your Monstera plant not only helps it maintain its shape and size but also encourages new growth.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to properly prune a Monstera plant.
When should you prune a monstera?
Before we dive into the step-by-step process of pruning your Monstera plant, it’s essential to understand when you should do so. The best time to prune your Monstera is during the spring or summer months when the plant enters its active growing season.
During this time, the plant has plenty of energy reserves that can be utilized for new growth after pruning. Avoid pruning during fall or winter as these are dormant periods where new growth is minimal.
Tools you need
To achieve successful results with your pruning efforts on your monsteras here’s what tools you’ll need:
– A clean pair of sharp gardening shears
– Rubbing alcohol
– Clean cloth or paper towel
Step-by-step guide on how to prune a monstera
1. Identify areas for trimming – Before beginning any cuts make sure that you have identified which parts of the plant need trimming by examining it closely from different angles.
2 .Cleanse tools – Wipe down gardening shears with rubbing alcohol before making cuts while sterilizing reduces potential bacterial infections in open wounds from cutting branches off.
3 .Trim dead/damaged leaves – It’s important first trim away unhealthy foliage such as yellowing leaves or those damaged by pests or disease using clean scissors/shears
4 .Cutting stems – If your Monstera plant has multiple stems, cut the ones that don’t fit well into the overall shape of the plant. Choose which shoots you want to keep by cutting just above a node, where new leaves will sprout from.
5 . Pruning aerial roots – Monstera plants also have aerial roots growing out of their stems. You can trim these if they grow too long or are not aesthetically pleasing.
6. Maintain shape – When pruning, make sure to maintain the natural shape and form of your Monstera plant. It’s best practice to avoid over-pruning as this may result in stunted growth or weaken its structure.
7. Care for your pruned Monstera – After pruning your monstera ensure adequate watering in-between 1-2 weeks depending on the season while keeping it away from direct sunlight until new growth appears
Conclusion
Pruning is an essential part of maintaining healthy and thriving houseplants like the Monstera. Regularly trimming dead or damaged foliage helps keep pests and diseases at bay while shaping promotes healthy new growth leading to a fuller and bushier-looking plant.
By following our step-by-step guide on how to prune a monstera, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about which parts need trimming while ensuring that you’re promoting optimal growth for your beloved indoor jungle!
