Get acquainted with these 4 Best Tips for Pruning Philodendrons to make them more lush and healthy while helping them grow rapidly!
To keep its tropical appeal and prevent it from becoming leggy or oversized for its space, periodically pruning philodendron is crucial, following the tips shared below.
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Why Prune Your Philodendron?
Pruning isn’t essential for the well-being of this houseplant, but it helps prevent taller varieties from looking spindly and unbalanced. You should also consider pruning if your philodendron takes up too much space or has long, stunted, or leggy growth.
Before that, you must pay attention to when is the right time for it?
Spring to early summer is the best time to prune philodendrons; early fall is also a good time for periodic pruning. Light trimming is okay any time of year, particularly to remove yellowing leaves and diseased or damaged growth.
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Philodendron Pruning Tips
- Pruning is not like grabbing scissors and clipping up the plant anywhere. No! It’s an art that you must master for the betterment of your specimen!
- Begin by trimming the longest stems (if they are growing everywhere and not in the shape or the way you want) right above the node. This not only helps to keep the plant in shape but also tricks it into growing more stems sideways, making it bushier.
- Look carefully for any yellow, damaged, brown, or diseased part of leaves and stems – trim it. This step is crucial for maintaining the plant’s health.
- Avoid pruning young specimens until they branch out and establish; let them grow. This will save the disruption in the growing cycle, which can be crucial at the initial stage of plant development.
Pro Tip: Like we always say, while pruning, it’s a great idea to save pruned growth and select healthy 5-6 inches long cuttings. Cut the stems below the leaf nodes, remove the lower leaves, and then plant them in new pots or probably in the same with the mother plant. This way, you will have a new set of plants every time you prune the main one!
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What To Do After Pruning Philodendron?
Now that you have trimmed the plant, some aftercare will ensure it heals its way to become a showstopper!
- Keep soil moist but not soggy to reduce stress.
- Add a thin mulch layer to maintain moisture, control weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Let the plant rest for a week and then feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to 1/4 of its strength.
- Avoid keeping the plant in direct sunlight for at least 7-8 days. After that, morning sunlight exposure for 3-4 hours, followed by indirect light all day long, will be great!
