It’s really important that your pruners are sharp when you cut back your houseplants. In addition to ensuring that you properly cut your houseplants, sharp pruners allow you to make cuts that promote healthy growth. If your pruners aren’t sharp, the jagged cuts can invite in pests and diseases. See what proper pruning cuts look like.
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Today I’m going to talk about why it’s really important to have sharp pruners when you’re pruning your houseplants.
Using dull pruners creates jagged cuts. These ragged edges can invite pests and diseases, and they also slow down the plant’s healing process. In some cases, the area you’ve cut may not grow back as intended.
That’s why it’s crucial to keep your pruners sharp. You can use a sharpening file, and I’ll include some links below. I also use a standard kitchen knife sharpener, which works surprisingly well for quick sharpening.
When your pruners are sharp, the blades should glide smoothly and easily through plant stems. A good cut will be clean and precise. I’ve got a few plant clippings here, and I’ll show you what a clean cut looks like—it should be quick and easy, without tearing.
If you find yourself having to saw back and forth or tear at a stem to cut through it, that’s a clear sign that your pruners are dull and need sharpening.
Here’s a goldfish plant I’m about to repot. It needs a little pruning, and I’m going to make the cut just below a set of two leaves. Notice how clean and precise the cut is—no ragged edges or damage.
So remember: keeping your pruners sharp makes pruning easier, more effective, and healthier for your plants.
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FAQ: The Importance of Sharp Pruners for Houseplants
Why is it important to use sharp pruners on houseplants?
Sharp pruners make clean cuts that help prevent pests, diseases, and poor healing. Dull pruners create jagged edges that can damage plants.
What happens if I prune with dull pruners?
Dull pruners may tear the plant instead of cutting it cleanly. This causes jagged edges that invite pathogens and slow down the healing process.
How can I tell if my pruners need sharpening?
If you struggle to cut through stems or have to saw back and forth, your pruners are likely dull and need sharpening.
What tools can I use to sharpen my pruners?
You can use a pruner sharpening file or even a standard kitchen knife sharpener for quick and effective sharpening.
How do I make a clean pruning cut?
A clean pruning cut should be quick and precise, ideally made just above a leaf node or a set of leaves, depending on your plant’s structure.
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Carbide tool for sharpening pruners: https://amzn.to/3dV6tw5
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