I gleaned some significant knowledge composing my houseplant book Legends of the Leaf. One of the significant focus points from perusing a Ton of houseplant back and forth discussions from paper documents was that loads of individuals are scared of pruning their houseplants. But this is a truly indispensable piece of houseplant care.
Here is my basic aide …
Recollect that pruning invigorates development: therefore spring and late-spring are a great opportunity to begin.
Recollect the four Xs the principal things to eliminate from your plant are: dead, harmed, sick and crossing. The last one is the most interesting, as on certain plants, crossing stems are typical (think Tradescantia). The central concern with crossing stems is where they might be scouring together or confining each other’s development designs.
Step back and check out at the general state of the plant: cut back where development is heading down some unacceptable path, or is lopsided. Clip, then step back and look – this tries not to prune calamities!
More modest plants can be put on a ‘lethargic susan’ (turning plate) so you can pivot the pot easily as you work. Solid plant material you eliminate can be spread.
Cleanliness is significant: disinfect your scissors, cuts or pruning blade before you start and between plants. You can utilize Citrox, wash with hot foamy water, or go through a bare fire.
In plants with plainly separated hubs, for example, most aroids, cut simply over a hub so you’re not left with any ‘dieback’. Assuming you will prop that cutting, trim the scaling back to simply underneath the most minimal hub, and ensure you recollect which end is the development point!
Recall to deadhead blossoming plants as well.
