Do you have a Monstera that is growing wildly? Here is a complete guide on how to prune it and keep its leaves healthy and lush, preventing it from taking up too much space in your home.
Monstera deliciosa is a tropical plant with large, shiny leaves, much loved for its exotic appearance. With the right care, it grows quickly and adapts very well to indoor environments, but can become really bulky. Pruning the Monstera is essential not only to contain its size, but also to keep it healthy, stimulating the growth of new branches and leaves. In this guide we will explain how to prune it, when to do it and what precautions to follow to get the most out of your plant.
Why prune Monstera: advantages and right times
If your Monstera has started to take up too much space or is showing signs of stress, a good pruning can make all the difference. This regular cutting process is not harmful, on the contrary, it is useful for improving the growth and resistance of the plant. In fact, by cutting the parts that are weakening the Monstera or showing signs of disease, it is possible to help the plant grow healthier and more luxuriant.
The ideal time to prune is spring, immediately after the winter rest period. During the winter, the Monstera is in a slowed growth phase due to less sunlight, but with the arrival of spring the days get longer and the plant regains strength. Pruning it at this time allows you to stimulate active growth and helps the plant recover more quickly from cuts, preparing it for a lush growing season.
Where and how to prune Monstera to control its growth
Pruning your Monstera can vary depending on your goal, whether it’s reducing size, eliminating diseased leaves, or propagating new plants. Here’s how to do it:
- Resize the plant: If the Monstera is growing beyond the limits of the pot, you can carefully cut the roots to prevent it from taking up too much space.
- Remove diseased leaves: Look at the leaves for signs of yellowing or damage. Cut diseased leaves at the base of the stem to limit the spread of any infections.
- Propagation via cuttings: if you want to get a new Monstera, you can create a cutting by cutting a branch under one of the nodes (points where leaves or roots grow). This node is essential for successful propagation and growth of new roots.
Following these tips will help you obtain a plant with a harmonious shape, without compromising its health.
Steps for safe pruning
To cut your Monstera, proceed carefully and make sure you have sterilized tools available. Using clean tools is essential to avoid infections. Here’s how to do correct pruning:
- Make a couple of gardening shears or a sharp knife and sterilize it with alcohol.
- Identify the parts of the plant to prune: choose well-developed leaves or branches to reduce the number of cuts and minimize damage.
- Cut close to the base of the branch, without cutting into the main stem.
Limiting the number of cuts helps prevent the introduction of bacteria or fungi that could cause infections in your Monstera. In the case of particularly large or old branches, try to intervene gradually, without making excessive cuts at once.
Identify and treat diseased or damaged leaves
It is normal for some Monstera leaves to yellow or deteriorate, especially in more mature plants. This natural process affects older leaves, but if yellowing appears on young leaves, it could be a sign of overwatering or . Removing damaged leaves promptly helps protect the plant.
Leaves with yellowed spots or suspicious holes should be carefully cut at the base of the stem to prevent the problem from spreading. Remember, however, that not all signs of yellowing indicate illness; often, it is just part of the plant’s normal life cycle.
How to Propagate a Monstera with Cuttings
In addition to pruning, cutting a Monstera also offers the opportunity to spread it through the . This method is perfect for multiplying plants without having to buy new ones. Follow these steps for effective multiplication:
- Choose a cutting with a node, as this is where the new roots will grow from.
- Dip the cutting in clean water or insert it directly into the soil, making sure the node is covered.
- Check regularly to make sure the cutting is taking root. In a few weeks, you will see the first signs of growth appear.
This propagation method is ideal for creating new plants, which can be moved into new pots or shared with friends and family.
Take care of your Monstera regularly
Pruning is just one of the techniques for keeping a Monstera healthy and tidy. In addition to this intervention, remember to water the plant correctly, without exaggerating, and place it in an environment with indirect light and abundant humidity. Furthermore, when pruning a very large Monstera, it is important to proceed gradually, so as not to cause excessive stress to the plant.
By following these instructions, you will be able to enjoy a healthy and thriving Monstera, which will make any interior space greener and more welcoming.
With regular care and targeted pruning, your Monstera will grow strong and give you all the beauty of its distinctive leaves.
Photo © stock.adobe
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