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How to Prune Monstera Deliciosa - When & Why - GROWTH

Modified: by Shelley Rosenfeld · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Monstera, like many other indoor plants, grows wildly during the spring and summer seasons. They get maximum energy to grow new leaves and stems. Pruning in this season can help you control the size and maintain the shape of the plant. But the question is, when and how should we prune the monster plants? I've been growing monstera plants in my house for more than five years. Based on my experience, this guide explains.

How and When to Prune Monster Plants?

Why Is It Important To Prune Monstera Plant?

The Monstera plant is one of the best choices for indoor home decor because it has beautiful tropical foliage. It is important to prune the monstera plant regularly to maintain its shape, size, and aesthetics.

Monstera plants can grow as high as 10 feet indoors, so it is critical to prune the monstera regularly to control its size. Also, you should prune the monstera plant to get rid of dead and dry leaves. Pruning is also important to encourage new growth and make the plant bushy and healthy.

What Is The Best Time To Prune Monstera Plant?

Monstera plants grow with their full potential in summer and spring. Since the plant gets maximum sunlight and produces maximum glucose in this season, it will heal and recover easily. So if you want to give shape to monstera plants or control their size, spring is the best season to prune them.

Another best time to prune is late winters or just before the growing season to encourage fresh and thick growth. In winters, plants become dormant and stop their growing activities. Pruning the plant just before the growing season will prepare the plant for new and healthier growth.

Never prune your plants in extreme summers or extreme winters. Monstera plants are sensitive toward changing temperature and will not be able to heal the cuts. Also, you should prune the dead leaves and leggy stems from time to time to maintain their aesthetics and size.

How to Prune Monstera Plant

Tools

  • A pair of Gloves
  • Sharp Pruner, Shear, Knife, or Scissor
  • Isopropyl Alcohol

Preparation

Monster is a toxic plant that contains insoluble crystals of calcium oxalate. These crystals can irritate and burn the skin. Therefore it is important to wear gloves while pruning a monstera plant.

Take a sharp pruning tool. You can use a knife, a shear, or a handheld pruner. I prefer using a sharp scissor since it offers perfect and controlled cuts. Monstera plants are susceptible to pathogens, including spores and bacteria, so it is important to sterilize the pruning tools. Spray the tools with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol.

Pruning

  • First, you should look for the dead leaves and old leggy stems in the plant. Prune these parts first to get a cleaner look at the plant.
  • To encourage new growth, prune the plant just above the nodes. Make sure you leave 2 to 3 nodes on each stem while pruning.
  • If you want to control its size, prune the plant below the nodes and leave only one node on the stem.
  • You can also maintain the shape of the plant by cutting it in equal length from all sides.

How To Prune an Overgrown Monstera Plant?

Indoor monstera plants can grow as high as 10 feet. When provided with adequate sunlight, well-balanced nutrition, and moisture, it grows with full potential and occupies considerable space. However, you cannot manage an overgrown monstera in small apartments.

You can prune the overgrown monstera with a sterile hand-held pruner. First, cut the old leggy, overgrown stems of the plant. If you want to shorten the length, prune from the top and cut down below the node.

Precautions

  • Monstera plant is mildly toxic to humans and causes skin burn and irritation. Therefore you should always wear rubber gloves while pruning monstera.
  • Carefully remove the leggy stem and dead leaves underneath the foliage, and make sure you do not prune the fresh growth coming out.
  • Never prune the monstera plant in fall or early winters.
  • Always use sterile and clean tools to protect your plant from pathogen attacks.

FAQs

Do Monstera plants need trimming?

Yes, Monstera needs to be trimmed or pruned regularly. Monstera plants can grow as high as 10 feet in the indoor environment and have big tropical foliage. To maintain its shape and control its size, you need to prune the Monstera from time to time.

Can I cut leaves off my Monstera?

Yes, you can cut the dead or damaged leaves of monstera to promote growth and improve aesthetics. If you observe any pest or fungal attack on the leaves of a monstera plant, immediately cut the leaves to prevent the disease from spreading.

How do you encourage Monstera's growth?

You can encourage monstera growth by pruning the plant in the spring growing season. Fertilize the plant with a well-balanced all-purpose fertilizer and give it adequate light to make it grow faster.

Conclusion

To maintain the health and appearance of the monstera plant, you need to prune it regularly. I'm hopeful this guide will help you prune the monstera plant safely and easily. It is recommended to use sharp tools while pruning to avoid damage to the plant tissues.

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