Where To Prune A Monstera

Fortunately, trimming a monstera is not too difficult. Since they are a hardy plant, they don’t need to be meticulously pruned. In other words, even if you don’t perform a great job, your plant will probably be alright.

You’ll want to remember a few things, though:

1. Put on gloves. When pruning or propagating your monstera, be sure to use protective gloves because the sap is poisonous and can cause severe skin irritation.

2. Use a tidy, sharp instrument. You can avoid crushing or damaging the stem by using sharp pruning shears or a knife to make the cut. Your plant is also shielded from hazardous microorganisms by clean tools. Bacterial diseases can even spread to your other plants and are difficult to treat. (Protect your monstera from insects, fungi, and bacteria with our Houseplant Leaf Armor!)

Instead of slicing the stem off, just give it a good snip or chop while cutting. The cleanest cut will be made as a result.

3. If you can, prune in the spring, especially if you want to promote growth. Growth spurts occur in the spring and summer for the majority of plants, including monstera. Pruning in the spring will yield the best benefits and hasten the recovery of your plant. You should prune in the spring because that is when your cuttings will grow the fastest if you intend to propagate them.

4. Arrange the slices. Starting at the base of the stem, remove any outdated or diseased leaves.

Cut where you want the plant to grow if you are pruning to promote growth. Make a top cut if you want it to grow higher.

When the time comes to actually trim your monstera, keep in mind that pruning promotes growth so choose where to make your cuts. You can safely reduce the plant’s size if you’re pruning to manage your monstera’s size. Just remember that it will eventually need to be done again because it will grow back.

5. Be sure to cut below a node if you’re propagating. Don’t be concerned if you’re only trimming to reduce the size of your plant or get rid of dead leaves. However, if you want to grow your cuttings from them, make sure that they have a node, which is a tiny knob that develops on the stem opposite a leaf. When your cutting begins to grow, these will subsequently develop into aerial roots!

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6. Prevent unintentional proliferation. When you’re done pruning, be careful to dispose of your cuttings in the trash if you’re not going to propagate them because if you place them in a compost pile or somewhere else where they can root in the earth, they’ll start to grow roots.

I’m done now! Don’t be afraid to prune your monstera; it’s an essential yet easy component of care for this plant. This plant develops rapidly and bounces back quickly from pruning. Good fortune!

Which leaves of my Monstera should I chop off?

It is advisable to to remove your Monstera entirely if the stem has broken. Cut it off at an angle as close to the stem’s base as you can using a sharp knife. Because the old, damaged stem can’t be repaired, it is preferable to let the plant focus its resources on developing new growth.

Should a Monstera be pruned?

The Monstera deliciosa is a stunning climber that is a native of the jungles of Central and South America. It is aggressive and quick to develop. You might be unsure of how, if, or when to prune your Monstera due to how quickly they can grow to be large.

Monsteras require routine pruning. Pruning promotes growth and makes the plant healthier overall. You may regularly replenish your supply of new Monsteras by correctly taking cuttings from the plant and then propagating them. Prior to the Monstera’s growing season beginning in the early spring, pruning should be done.

If you’re not very experienced with houseplants, the prospect of chopping into your prized Monstera might give you the chills. But don’t worry; trimming is easy and beneficial to plants. Continue reading to learn how to prune your Monstera’s various components, why you should, and how to propagate cuttings.

How is a leggy Monstera pruned?

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Before your Monstera’s growing season, in the spring and early summer, pruning should be done. By doing so, you can guarantee that it will have the energy to quickly mend any wounds that have been produced, thereby reducing the risk of infection or pest invasion.

Gather your tools and materials before pruning your Monstera. You will require a pair of sterilizing tools and clean, sharp shears. There are other alternatives to the bleach mixture I advise, though.

The procedure is easy once you’re prepared: Determine which areas of the Monstera require trimming. It is safe to remove any scant or damaged growth. Make a plan before you begin to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

After selecting the stems that require trimming, follow them back to the primary stem or node. Cutting it at a little angle can prevent infection from spreading to the main stem, which could kill the plant.

Although a serious response is unlikely, you might want to wear gloves when working with the Monstera. Due to a substance called calcium oxalate that Monsteras manufacture, the sap has the potential to irritate the skin. If you are handling something without gloves, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands.

When should I trim the leaves on my Monstera?

After you have pruned your leaves, you can reuse the cuttings by growing more of them or by composting the dead leaves.

Propagate your cuttings

Making a new plant from a cutting of an old plant is known as propagating your cutting.

Your cuttings can be rooted in either water or soil. The method you choose to utilize generally depends on your personal preferences.

To see how long the roots have grown and whether there is any rotting, I prefer to cultivate my Monstera cuttings in water.

Make sure the plant is not overwatered if you wish to place it in soil. This could result in the formation of germs and mold, which could harm or kill your plant cutting.

Use the dead leaves as compost

It is a smart notion to compost the leaves from a plant whose leaves have been clipped after they have died or become yellow.

Dead leaf composting is a reasonably easy process:

  • Put all of the plant’s leaves in a bag after you’ve collected them all. Mixing some grass clippings with the leaves is also a good idea.
  • Compost makers and natural fertilizers can be added to hasten the composting process.
  • If your compost mixture seems dry, be sure to add extra moisture, and make small holes in the bag so that air may reach the compost.
  • To achieve the finest effects from your handmade compost, keep the bag in storage for at least two weeks.

In conclusion

Making your Monstera happy by pruning. You’ll be able to maintain the appearance of your living area and see fresh growth. Additionally, it is a great technique to prevent the illness from spreading after a leaf becomes infected.

The best time to prune your Monstera is in the early spring. Avoid the dormant season because it could cause more harm than good to the plant.

How should a monstera plant be shaped?

Owners of Monstera deliciosa adore this plant for its big, glossy leaves, simple maintenance requirements, and the tropical feel it adds to a space. Additionally, they are fantastic for those who want to make a statement with a large plant but don’t want to spend a bunch. When given the proper care, monsteras can grow astonishingly quickly, although they don’t always take on the shape that their owners desire.

How is a Monstera shaped? Your Monstera deliciosa’s shape can be altered by trimming it or altering its surroundings. Pruning is removing a portion of the plant, whereas environmental modifications involve adjusting the plant’s light conditions, container size, or stakes.

I’ll give you a quick summary of why Monsteras develop the way they do and what to anticipate from this plant when allowed to grow organically in the sections below. I’ll also provide you with training advice so you can develop your Monstera in a particular way and some techniques for doing so.

Should I trim the aerial roots of my Monsteras?

Your Monstera naturally has aerial roots. No need to chop them off, please. As long as you use a clean, sharp blade and cut them back if they are blocking the path, it is acceptable.

The main plant of your Monstera won’t suffer if the aerial roots are cut off. These roots are designed to ascend, not to absorb nourishment.

For additional information on what to do with the aerial roots of your Monstera, keep reading!

How come my Monstera is so lanky?

A plant is referred to as leggy if its stems and leaves are unusually lengthy. Legginess affects the Monstera, along with many other plant species, and it can lessen the usual beauty that these plants are known for having.

Lack of light will result in a monstera plant that is lanky. The plant stretches and moves to where it can get the proper amount of light when it is given insufficient lighting. The plant acquires a lanky appearance as a result, which is characterized by long stems and sparse leaves.

Indoor plants are excellent for purifying the air and fostering a calm atmosphere. Additionally, plants bring value to our living area with their aesthetic appeal. Similar to other plants, monsteras can occasionally be an eyesore if they have an unusual shape.

In this piece, we’ll go through some simple measures to make sure the plant has the correct environment to avoid this occurrence.

When your Monstera grows too large, what should you do?

Monsteras don’t mind if their roots are a little constrained in terms of pot size. They only require repotting around every two to three years. You can repot your Monstera into the same pot rather than size it up if you want to prevent it from growing any bigger. You are still able to feed your Monstera nutrition while also telling it to stop growing further.

In order for your plant to retain water for at least a few days, make sure there is enough potting soil surrounding the roots. The remaining soil in a pot that is completely filled with roots may quickly dry up and harm your plant.

In this instance, consider root pruning. Although it can be unsettling because we always take care to protect the roots of our plants, they can withstand some harsh treatment. One of the greatest ways to maintain a Monstera in the same size pot without endangering the plant’s general health is to trim back roots.

Do I need to remove the injured Monstera leaves?

Your Monstera should have any damaged leaves removed. Trimming dead leaves helps your plant’s health in addition to improving its appearance.

  • Unable to photosynthesize are dead leaves. Any brown or black areas on your Monstera’s leaves are no longer able to supply the plant with energy.
  • Dead leaf sections have no protection against rot and infection in comparison to healthy leaves. Dead plant cells provide nutrients that are consumed by bacteria and fungi. For instance, you can notice mold growing on dead leaves that have been left on the plant or in the soil. To help defend the remainder of the plant against these diseases, remove any dark or damaged tissue.

It is possible that only the ripped edge of a leaf will become brown to seal a cut if there is only very minimal damage, such as accidently ripping or torn a portion of the leaf. Leave minor imperfections alone if they don’t affect other parts of the plant or interfere with your pleasure of the plant’s aesthetics.

Monstera damage to the roots and stems can be more serious than damage to the leaves because it prevents the plant from transporting water and nutrients. Visit our soon-to-be-available guides on stem damage and root rot.

How would a leggy Monstera appear?

In their original environment, monsteras are essentially climbing vines that attach to big trees. These plants will resemble a shrub when grown indoors, especially when they are young.

The thickness of the stems, the size of the leaves, and the length of the internodes distinguish a healthy Monstera from one that is lanky as it develops into a vine.

Leggy Monsteras lack the full, bulky leaves and have longer, thinner stems.

A leggy Monstera will also have more space between its leaves. A plant is considered lanky if it appears that there are more stems than leaves.

What causes my Monstera to topple over?

Due mostly to its spectacular leaves, the Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) is a common houseplant. Although they are simple to care for, these fellas do have one drawback: if they feel neglected, they have a tendency to pout, which may cause your Monstera leaves to droop. Don’t panic too much. They can quickly be persuaded to recover with a little loving attention.

The most frequent cause of drooping monstera leaves is dehydration. They prefer their soil to always be just moist enough. Other contributing factors include overwatering, poor lighting, issues with fertilizer, pests, or transplant stress. The most crucial step in restoring your plant to health is figuring out what the issue is.

How can a Monstera be made bushier?

As long as it’s actively developing, monstera deliciosa can be easily propagated at any time of the year. They make excellent propagation candidates because of how quickly they develop, making it possible to give them to friends or add more plants to your home. There are various ways to spread monstera. This is how:

How to Propagate Your Monstera Plant via Leaf Bud Cuttings

Step 1: Fill a container with fresh all-purpose potting soil large enough to handle three or four cuttings.

Step 2: Take a healthy monstera stem from the mother plant and cut a piece off with a clean, sharp blade. Pick a section of the stem with several leaves.

Step 3: Separate that stem into a number of leaf-containing segments. Aerial roots may also be affixed to segments.

Step 4: Insert three or four stem segments into a single pot. In the new container, this will produce a bushy, full appearance. Before planting, the stem segments can also be propagated in water for a few weeks. The junction between the leaf and stem is where new growth will appear.