In this video, see where to prune your houseplants and how. You want to prune right above a leaf node. This video shows you where the leaf nodes are located. If you don’t prune above a leaf node, the plant won’t resume growth where you cut. Tips for pruning your houseplants properly.
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Pruning your houseplants is an important part of keeping them healthy and attractive. Today, we’ll look at where and how to prune using a beautiful coleus as an example. The principles shown here apply to nearly all houseplants.
When pruning, never remove more than one-third of the plant’s total foliage at one time. Removing too much foliage can shock the plant, slow growth, and even cause root rot because the plant may not have enough leaves to support the amount of soil it’s growing in. A safer range is between one-quarter and one-third of the plant’s foliage.
Before pruning, know why you’re pruning. Don’t prune just because it seems like time to prune. In this example, the coleus is getting a bit leggy, so it’s a good candidate for pruning to encourage bushier growth.
When pruning, always cut just above a leaf node. A leaf node is where the leaf meets the stem, and cutting here activates hormones that produce new growth. If you leave a bare piece of stem without a leaf node, it will eventually die back on its own, slowing the plant’s ability to produce new foliage.
By pruning back to a node, the plant will grow new branches from that point. This helps create a fuller, bushier plant. After the cut, the remaining leaves will also grow larger and fill in the space.
You can also remove any dead, damaged, or ragged leaves to help the plant look healthier and more balanced.
Many soft-stem plants, including coleus, can easily be rooted in water. The freshly cut stem can be placed in water to create a new plant. You may also apply rooting hormone and plant it directly into soil—especially useful if your pot has empty spaces that need filling. Make sure to trim off excess top growth so the cutting roots more efficiently.
To root successfully, expose a leaf node, apply rooting hormone if desired, and place the node into soil or water so it can begin developing roots.
And that’s all you need to know to prune your houseplants properly! Thanks for visiting, and remember to like, comment, subscribe, and click the notification bell for more indoor gardening tips.
FAQ: Pruning Houseplants
How much of my houseplant should I prune at one time?
You should prune no more than one-third of the plant’s foliage at once to avoid shocking or harming the plant. A safer range is between one-quarter and one-third.
Where should I make pruning cuts on my plant?
Always prune just above a leaf node. This is where new growth will be stimulated after pruning.
Why is pruning above a leaf node important?
Leaf nodes contain growth hormones. Cutting above them triggers new branches and foliage, helping the plant grow fuller and bushier.
Can I root the cuttings from pruning?
Yes, many soft-stem plants like coleus can be rooted in water or soil. Expose a leaf node, and place it in water or moist soil for rooting.
Should I prune dead or ragged leaves?
Yes. Removing dead or damaged leaves improves appearance and overall health by allowing the plant to focus energy on healthy growth.
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