How Much to Prune Houseplants

Hello, and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. Today’s video is sponsored by Amazon. You’ll find the affiliate link in the description below. You’ll also find links to any videos I mention in this video.

Today, I’m going to talk to you about pruning houseplants, specifically how much to prune them. You want to be careful when pruning houseplants because over-pruning can be harmful. First, over-pruning doesn’t look too good; it can make plants look butchered. Second, if you prune too much, there won’t be enough plant on top to support the root system below. In that case, you’ll need to re-pot into a smaller container. You don’t want a small plant in a huge pot because there will be too much root space, and not enough foliage to balance it all out.

A good rule of thumb is to never prune more than one-third of a plant at a time. And that doesn’t mean you can prune a third today and another third two days later. When I say prune a third, I mean prune one-third of the plant and then wait a few months before pruning again. If you have a large plant that you need to get under control, do it slowly and carefully. Always check the plant from all sides as you go. This will help you shape the plant properly and prevent a butchered appearance.

When you prune, make sure to prune all the way down to the base of the plant or to where the stem or leaf attaches to the main stem. For instance, with this lovely arrowhead plant I’m showing, I’m pruning a few leaves that need to be removed. You want to cut the stem all the way back. The reason for this is if you leave stem parts that are bare (without nodes), the stem can rot, making the plant susceptible to pests and diseases. Pests are especially attracted to open stems, where they can burrow in and begin to damage the plant.

Here’s another example of a leaf I’m removing. I cut it all the way down to its base. When pruning other plants, always avoid cutting into the main stem itself. Right now, I’m happy with this plant, and I don’t feel it needs much more pruning. I’ve removed the necessary leaves, and it’s not interfering with anything in its current position.

Sometimes you’ll find stems that aren’t doing much for the plant. I’ve found a stem with some nodes, which are the little bumps where new growth emerges. When pruning, you should always prune just above a node to encourage new growth. This stimulates hormones that will promote new growth from that point. You can prune lower if you want the plant to be less lanky. For example, I’ve decided to prune further down on this plant to make it look fuller.

While pruning, I found another leaf that needed to be removed. Pruning and cleaning up your plants is important. I have another video that goes into more detail about grooming plants.

Keep in mind that not every plant needs major pruning. This particular plant is in perfect proportion to its pot, and I love how it hangs. Always have a reason for pruning. There’s no rule that says, “I haven’t pruned this plant yet, so I need to prune it now.” That’s not the case. You should prune when the plant is too large for its space, but do so gradually.

If a plant becomes long and lanky or unattractive, go ahead and trim it back. Pothos plants are known for getting long, empty stems, and they can benefit from a good pruning. If you have leaves that are clearly done (like the ones I removed today), remove them. Other than that, there’s no need to prune just for the sake of pruning.

I tend to err on the side of less pruning, not more. Once you prune a branch, that branch is gone for good. Yes, branches sometimes regrow if you leave a little bit of vine or stem, but if you cut off the main stem of an indoor tree, it won’t grow back. That main stem has been growing since the plant was a baby, and it won’t magically regrow.

Before you prune, make sure you’re okay with how the plant will look afterward. Don’t prune thinking it will immediately regrow; it may initiate bushier growth on the stem you left behind, but removing the entire stem is irreversible. This rule applies to outdoor plants as well. Never prune more than one-third of a plant at a time, and wait at least three to six months before pruning again, depending on the plant.

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FAQs About Pruning Houseplants

How much of my houseplant should I prune at one time?

You should never prune more than one-third of your houseplant at a time. Prune a third of the plant and then wait a few months before pruning more.

Why should I avoid over-pruning my houseplant?

Over-pruning can make the plant look butchered, and if too much is pruned, the plant may not have enough foliage to support the root system. This can lead to re-potting into a smaller container, which may not be ideal.

What should I do after pruning my houseplant?

After pruning, always check the plant from all sides to ensure it’s evenly shaped. Allow a few months for recovery before performing additional pruning.

Where should I cut when pruning houseplants?

When pruning, always cut down to the base of the plant or to where the leaf or stem attaches to the main stem. Avoid leaving bare stems without nodes, as they can rot and attract pests.

What happens if I cut into the main stem?

Cutting into the main stem is irreversible. For indoor trees, for example, cutting the main stem will not cause it to grow back, so be cautious and prune carefully.

How can I encourage new growth after pruning?

To encourage new growth, prune just above a stem node. This stimulates hormones in the plant to promote bushier growth from that point.

Should I prune if my houseplant looks healthy?

If the plant looks healthy and isn’t too large for its space, there’s no need to prune. Prune only when the plant becomes too large, long, lanky, or unattractive.

How often should I prune my houseplants?

Prune your houseplants gradually, and space out the pruning by several months. For example, if you prune a third of the plant, wait 3 to 6 months before doing additional pruning, depending on the plant.

Can I prune pothos plants?

Yes, pothos plants tend to grow long, empty stems, which can be pruned back to encourage new growth and improve the plant’s appearance.

What should I avoid when pruning houseplants?

Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant at a time, and don’t cut into the main stem. Always prune with a reason and check how the plant looks before and after pruning.

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