If your backyard is filled with colorful flower beds or rows of sprouting vegetables, you probably grab a pair of shears and snip the dead or damaged parts fairly regularly. Pruning your outdoor plants, especially at the start of growing season, gives them a much-needed boost that'll help them grow faster, stronger, and healthier. But what about your houseplants? If you’ve ever wondered whether pruning is necessary to keep your indoor plants alive and thriving, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you have a fiddle-leaf fig blooming beside your banister, a spider plant resting on your coffee table, or a collection of succulents sitting on your windowsill, you might have an urge to chop off the long, spindly bits that are taking over your living room or tear off the dead, decaying leaves that are clashing with your kitchen aesthetic. Whatever kind of houseplant you have and no matter your reasoning, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about pruning houseplants, including all the questions to ask yourself before you snip away and easy-to-follow steps that'll help make this indoor gardening project a success for both you and your plants.
Should you prune your houseplants?
The short answer: Yes, most houseplants will benefit from a fresh cut every now and then. For many types of indoor plants, snipping off the dead foliage and leggy stems will help maintain their compact shape by preventing overgrown, sparse, or lopsided growth. But aside from keeping your houseplants looking pretty and presentable, occasional pruning also helps them grow back fuller and stronger (just like a haircut!). Without discolored or decaying bits, your plants will be able to use their energy much more efficiently. That said, how often you prune your plants and how much you chop off depends on the type of houseplant you have (more on that below!).
Questions to ask yourself before pruning your houseplants.
Before you start trimming away, there are a few simple questions you need to ask yourself first. By performing this quick check-in, you can avoid over-trimming your plant or removing any healthy parts.
What type of houseplant do I have?
Growth looks different on every houseplant—some grow slowly, others more quickly. For instance, slow growers like snake plants and ZZ plants need the occasional cleanup, whereas vining plants like pothos need more regular trimming to maintain their bushy shape. Knowing your plant’s growth pattern will help you prune with intention.
Is it the right time of year?
Generally, the best time to prune your houseplants is during their active growing season, which is typically spring and summer. In the warmer months, plants grow and recover faster, but they tend to slow down and go dormant in the colder months. Pruning won’t do much in the fall or winter—unless you notice dead or damaged leaves, which is always welcome any time of year!
Why do I want to prune my plant?
Are you pruning to beautify your greens or keep them healthy? If you notice yellow leaves, leggy growth, dead flowers, or uneven growth, a light trim is usually helpful. But if you’re trying to manage the shape or size of your vegetation for cosmetic reasons, make sure you reserve your snipping for their active growing season!
Is there an underlying problem?
While sparse stems and yellowing leaves can be signs that it’s time to cut, there could also be another underlying issue. For instance, if your plant's growth is weak and elongated, maybe it needs more sunlight. As for foliage that's turning yellow, perhaps there’s an over-watering issue at play. So, before you grab your shears, make sure you’re meeting your plant’s basic needs!
How much do I plan to remove?
Before pruning your houseplants, you’ll need to know exactly how much you’re planning to chop off. A good rule of thumb is removing no more than one-third of the plant at a time. So, if yours needs a thorough cleanup, spread it out over a few weeks. If you’re ever unsure, err on the side of caution with a more conservative trim.
How to prune your houseplants.
Once you’ve identified that your plant could use a proper cut, the pruning process is actually much easier than it sounds. If you're wondering how to prune your houseplants, we've broken it down for you in easy-t0-follow steps below. When done correctly, pruning will promote healthy growth and keep diseases at bay.
Step 1: Gather your materials.
Pruning doesn’t require a lot of fancy garden tools or gadgets. All you need is a pair of garden shears or scissors, rubbing alcohol to clean the blades, and a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe them down. While shears are the only actual material you’ll need to complete the cut, cleaning them beforehand will prevent bacteria and pests from spreading to your plants.
Step 2: Do a quick cleanup.
First things first, start by removing the visibly unappealing parts like yellow or brown leaves, dead or dried stems, and spent flowers. With a sharp pair of scissors, cut close to the base of the leaf or stem at a 45-degree angle.
Step 3: Spruce up the shape.
Once you're done snipping off the dead or damaged parts, it's time to focus on the shape. If you're working on vining plants, make the incision right above the leaf node (the small bump where leaves grow) to encourage fuller growth. For upright plants like monstera or fiddle-leaf figs, remove overcrowded stems, so the vegetation looks more balanced.
Step 4: Cut the right amount.
As we've previously mentioned, a major reset will only stress your houseplants out. As you get to work, avoid cutting off more than one-third of the plant in a single sitting. If yours needs a little extra love, space out the pruning process over a few weeks.
Step 5: Don't forget aftercare.
After you've finished pruning your indoor plants, you might think that your job is finished, but not quite! To help your houseplants recover, return them to sunlight and resume your normal watering schedule. If you've done some pretty substantial pruning, push pause on fertilizing for a week or two. Once you've completed these steps, within a few weeks, you'll start to see fresh growth!
Lilly Blomquist is the associate editor at The Pioneer Woman, where she writes lifestyle stories across a wide range of topics—including news, entertainment, holidays, food, and more.
