There comes a time in every new plant parent's journey when they must ask themselves, "Should I prune this plant?" As difficult as it can be for some of us to pick up those clippers and start cutting, pruning is an essential part of keeping your plant healthy, happy, and looking its best. With a little time, practice, and this guide, you'll soon feel more confident knowing exactly when and where to make those cuts.
Identify the Problem
Browning or yellowing leaves are often a natural part of a plant's life cycle, but before you reach for the clippers, it's important to understand why they're changing color. Leaves that steadily yellow and drop from the bottom of the plant may indicate underwatering or natural aging. Leaves that turn brown quickly and feel soft or mushy may be a sign of overwatering or root rot. Brown spots or unusual markings can also indicate pests or disease. Every plant is different, so take time to observe yours and learn the signals it gives you before making your first cut.
Make a Plan
While it can be fun and therapeutic to prune without a plan, we recommend deciding where you're going to cut before you make your first snip. Since heavily damaged or yellow leaves have little green tissue left, they won't contribute much to photosynthesis and generally aren't suitable for propagation. Try to preserve healthy nodes whenever possible, as these can become future growth points.
Don't toss those cuttings—propagate them! Many popular houseplants like Philodendrons, Pothos, Monstera, and Tradescantia can be rooted to grow brand-new plants.
Start Cutting!
Before making your first cut, grab a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors and sanitize the blades with rubbing alcohol. Clean, sharp tools make healthier cuts and help reduce the spread of pests and disease between plants.
Once you've decided where to prune, position your shears as close to the stem or soil line as appropriate and make one clean, confident cut. That's it!
Over time you'll discover your own pruning style. Some plant owners remove yellowing leaves as soon as they appear, while others prefer to let the plant reclaim as much energy as possible before pruning. A common rule of thumb is to wait until roughly 50% of the leaf has yellowed before removing it, but every plant is different.
Keeping the right supplies on hand makes regular maintenance much easier. Browse our Plant Care Essentials collection for everything you need to keep your houseplants healthy and thriving.
Ready to prune? Shop our Gardening Hand Tools for everything you need.
