Philodendrons are popular indoor plants known for their lush foliage and relatively easy care. As they mature, these plants can become quite large or develop long, sparse stems, often called “leggy” growth. This guide explains how to manage your philodendron’s size and promote its health through proper cutting techniques.
Why and When to Cut Back a Large Philodendron
Cutting back a philodendron improves its overall health by removing older or unhealthy foliage, redirecting energy towards new, vigorous growth. This encourages a fuller, bushier appearance, as new shoots emerge from cut points. Pruning also enhances the plant’s aesthetic appeal, transforming a straggly plant into a more compact specimen.
The best time to prune is during the active growing season, typically spring or early summer. This allows the plant to recover quickly and produce new foliage. Consider pruning if your philodendron is outgrowing its space, exhibiting long, bare stems, or if its lower leaves are yellowing. Light trimming of yellowing leaves or spindly growth can be done any time.
Preparing to Cut Back Your Philodendron
Before pruning, gather sharp pruning shears or scissors. Clean and disinfect your tools with rubbing alcohol before and after use to prevent disease transmission. Sharp tools make precise cuts that heal quickly, reducing stress on the plant.
Wear gloves, as philodendron sap can cause skin irritation. Inspect your plant thoroughly to identify dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves and stems. This assessment helps plan your cuts effectively to achieve the desired shape and size.
How to Cut Back a Large Philodendron
When cutting, always make cuts just above a leaf node, the small swollen area on the stem where a leaf or aerial root emerges. New growth sprouts from these nodes, promoting bushier development. Make clean, angled cuts to prevent water accumulation on the cut surface, which could lead to rot.
To reduce overall size, cut long, leggy stems back to a node, considering the desired length while maintaining balance. For plant health, remove any dead, yellowing, or diseased leaves and stems by cutting them close to the main stem or soil line. To encourage a bushier plant, pinch back the growth tips of stems; this encourages branching from nodes below the pinch.
Avoid removing more than 25-30% of the plant’s total foliage at one time, as excessive pruning can stress the plant.
Post-Pruning Care and Utilizing Cuttings
After pruning, provide appropriate aftercare to help the plant recover and promote new growth. Water the plant if the soil is dry, but avoid overwatering, especially after significant foliage removal. Place the plant in bright, indirect light, as direct sunlight can harm newly cut areas.
Avoid immediate fertilization after major pruning, allowing the plant to recover. Pruned sections can be rooted to create new philodendron plants. Cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long and include at least one node.
Remove any leaves from the bottom portion of the cutting to expose the node. Cuttings can be rooted in water by submerging the nodes, or directly in moist potting soil. When rooting in water, change the water every few days to prevent bacterial buildup.
Once roots are at least an inch long, transplant cuttings into soil. If rooting in soil, ensure it remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Monitor your plant for signs of new growth or stress to ensure successful recovery.