Discover if and when you should prune houseplants when repotting. Learn timing and the top reasons for pruning when repotting.
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Today, I’m going to be answering a viewer question. Susette asked if I had recommendations for pruning a plant relative to repotting. Specifically, she wants to know whether you should prune before repotting, after repotting, or wait for a different time. I’m going to address that question right now.
I’ll use this Tenan as an example, which I plan to repot soon. I also have a video on pruning, which I will link below, along with any other videos mentioned in this video.
You don’t always have to prune when you repot a plant. However, there are some reasons why you might want to. One of the top reasons is if there is dieback on the foliage. You should cut out any dieback or foliage that looks like it will die back, as you don’t want the plant to waste energy on these leaves. Instead, you want it to focus on acclimating to the new potting soil and growing new roots before growing new leaves.
When you repot a plant, the roots need to acclimate and start growing before you will see any new growth above ground. That’s why it’s important to remove any dead or dying foliage before repotting.
Another reason to prune is if the plant has become very top-heavy or rangy. This is common with large-leaf Philodendrons, for example. If a plant is top-heavy, it may topple over during repotting, potentially breaking free from its roots and killing the plant. Pruning back some of the top growth can help balance the plant and prevent this issue.
If you want to keep the plant contained in its current pot because it’s outgrowing it, you’ll need to prune the top and do some root pruning as well. This means cutting back a proportional amount of roots to the amount you cut from the top. For instance, if you cut one-third of the top, you should cut about one-third of the roots. Avoid cutting more than one-third of both the top and the roots, as this can shock the plant and potentially lead to its loss.
If you decide not to prune, that’s perfectly fine. Many houseplants don’t require much pruning. However, be cautious when pruning, as it can easily put a plant into shock.
For more information, check out my playlist on pruning, which includes this video and others on the topic. Thank you for stopping by today. Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Also, click the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I prune my plant before or after repotting?
You don’t always have to prune when repotting a plant. However, there are some reasons why you might want to. One reason is if there is dieback on the foliage. Removing any dieback or foliage that looks like it will die back helps the plant focus on acclimating to the new potting soil and growing new roots.
Why is it important to remove dead or dying foliage before repotting?
Removing dead or dying foliage before repotting is important because the plant’s roots need to acclimate and start growing before new growth appears above ground. Dead or dying foliage can waste the plant’s energy that should be focused on root development and acclimation.
What should I do if my plant is top-heavy or rangy?
If your plant has become top-heavy or rangy, such as with large-leaf Philodendrons, pruning back some of the top growth can help balance the plant and prevent it from toppling over during repotting. This helps avoid breaking the roots and potentially killing the plant.
How should I handle pruning if I want to keep the plant contained in its current pot?
If you want to keep the plant contained in its current pot because it’s outgrowing it, you’ll need to prune both the top and the roots. For example, if you cut one-third of the top, you should also cut about one-third of the roots. Avoid cutting more than one-third of both the top and the roots to prevent shocking the plant.
What if I decide not to prune my plant?
It’s perfectly fine not to prune your plant if it doesn’t require it. Many houseplants don’t need much pruning. However, be cautious when pruning, as it can put the plant into shock.
Where can I find more information on pruning?
For more information, check out my playlist on pruning, which includes this video and others on the topic. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video, and click the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.
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