Houseplants can add a touch of color and freshness to home environments. To keep them in good condition, they need to be pruned regularly with sharp scissors or garden shears. Start by removing dead leaves, branches, and flowers. Shorten overgrown branches and stems. You will also need to treat the plants with fertilizer and water them regularly to keep them healthy and happy.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Remove Dead Leaves, Branches and Flowers
Step 1. Use sharp scissors or garden shears
Make sure they are very sharp, otherwise you risk damaging the plant. If you notice dirt on the blades, wash them with a little water and a teaspoon of bleach and dry them thoroughly. Using a clean tool when pruning will allow you to prevent the plant from being exposed to bacteria or pests.
- You can find garden shears online or at any hardware store.
- If you are afraid of scratching your hands when pruning, wear gardening gloves.
Step 2. Prune the plants early in their growing season
If you have plants that don't bloom, prune them in late winter. For floral plants, wait for flowering before pruning them.
Do not prune if the buds have not yet bloomed
Step 3. Remove dead leaves and branches at a 45 degree angle
Look for any leaves or branches on the plant that are brown or discolored. They can also be limp or dry. Cut them with the shears just below the brown or dead area, at a 45 degree angle. This will allow you to keep a large amount of leaves healthy.
- Do not cut leaves and branches that are still green and healthy.
- If a large part of the leafy area looks dead, you can cut off the entire branch. Leave the main stem intact and remove the branch that angles the stem by cutting it at a 45 degree angle.
Step 4. Cut off all dead flowers
If you have plants that are blooming, be sure to remove only the dead flowers. The latter can appear brown, discolored and limp. They can be dry to the touch. Cut the dead flowers with the shears at the base of the flower head.
Removing dead or dying flowers will allow the plant to blossom new, fresher and more vibrant flowers
Part 2 of 3: Prune Too Long Branches and Stems
Step 1. Trim the longest branches of the plant
Use shears to shorten them by about a third. Cut the branches at a 45 degree angle.
- If there are any shoots on the lower branches, you can prune some of them.
- When pruning, don't cut away any knots. These are still closed shoots from which other branches, leaves and flowers can form.
Step 2. Remove too long stems
Check the plant for any longer-than-normal stems. They usually appear soft and thin and hang from different areas of the plant. Pruning these stems allows the plant to grow new, stronger and more robust ones. Use shears to shorten the stem in question by one third of its original length, at a 45 degree angle.
Step 3. Pinch the stems
If you have a soft-stemmed houseplant, such as coleus, philodendron, or ivy, be sure to remove the leaves regularly by hand by pinching the stem. Use your thumb and forefinger to remove the stem. Pinch over the knot, which is where the leaf is attached to the plant.
Pinching the stems helps the plant grow evenly and retain shape. It also helps prevent stems or stems from overgrowing
Step 4. Remove only 10-20% of the plant's foliage
Do not overdo the pruning, you risk compromising the good growth of the plant. Prune selectively, removing only 10-20% foliage from the plant at a time. Wait a few weeks before pruning again.
Always leave leaves on the plant when you prune it. If unsure, prune the plant and reevaluate a few weeks later
Part 3 of 3: Caring for Houseplants
Step 1. Fertilize the plant after pruning
Using soluble and universal fertilizer. Dilute it in water, so that it doesn't burn the plant. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label.
Step 2. Remove dust and dirt from the leaves
Houseplants with large, broad leaves can accumulate dust and dirt. Use a damp sponge or rag to clean the leaves regularly, the plant will retain its vibrant color.
Always use a new sponge or rag on each plant to avoid the transmission of any pests from one plant to another
Step 3. Don't water too much
To properly care for houseplants, it is important to water when they need it. Thinner and more delicate plants need more water than fat ones. To find out if they need water, stick a finger in the soil. If dry, the plant must be watered.
