Monstera Plant Care: 5 Common Pruning Mistakes To Avoid

Introduction

The Monstera plant is gaining popularity in indoor gardening due to its distinctive fenestrated leaves. Even those with a lot of experience in gardening may still make mistakes when taking care of these unique plants. Xanh Xanh Urban Forest provides tips on Monstera plant care and informs about 5 pruning mistakes to prevent for plant health.

5 common mistakes when pruning your Monstera plants

1. Over-pruning

While it would seem sense to extensively prune your Monstera in order to encourage growth or tidy it up, overcrowding can quickly turn your plant from a vivid, lush beauty to a bare-looking specimen.

What is over-pruning?

Over-pruning occurs when a large number of leaves are removed simultaneously. Your Monstera plant relies on its leaves for the process of converting light into energy through photosynthesis. Removing too many leaves from a plant all at once can cause shock, resulting in slowed growth or decreased health.

Signs of over-pruning:

• A noticeable decrease in leaf count
• Stems that look bare or sparse
• The plant appears weak and exposed

How to avoid over-pruning

• Prune in stages: Spread your pruning over several sessions rather than cutting a large portion at once.
• Follow the 30% rule: Only remove up to 30% of the plant’s foliage in one session to avoid stressing it out.
• Be selective: Only the diseased, dead, or strangely growing leaves should be pruned. To maintain the plant robust and healthy, do not remove any of the healthy leaves.

2. Incorrect cutting technique

Pruning isn’t just about where you cut, but how you cut. Using the wrong technique can lead to poor recovery or even damage to your Monstera.

The right cutting technique

Just as a bad haircut can ruin your day, poor cutting can harm your plant. Dull or improper tools, as well as incorrect angles, can prevent healthy regrowth and open the plant up to disease.

Key cutting tips:

• Aim for a 45-degree angle while cutting: While making incisions, try to keep your blade just above a leaf node. Allowing water to run out of the incision aids in the prevention of illness and deterioration.
• Maintain proper distance from the node: Ensure you keep a sufficient distance from the node by leaving approximately a quarter-inch of space above it. Damaging the node with a close cut is possible, and leaving excessive stem can result in unattractive stumps that may decay.

Best practices for clean cuts:

• Use sterilized pruning shears: Dirty or rusty tools can spread disease. Always sterilize your pruning shears with alcohol before using them, especially if they’ve been used on other plants.
• Ensure your tools are sharp: Dull shears can cause jagged cuts, which take longer to heal and are more susceptible to infection.

Mastering the proper cutting technique is essential for maintaining a healthy Monstera. With sharp, clean tools and precise angles, you’ll help your plant grow stronger and more vibrant.

3. Pruning at the wrong time

Pruning at the wrong time can hinder your Monstera’s growth and lead to poor results. The plant has specific periods when it’s most receptive to pruning.

When to prune

Pruning during your Monstera’s dormant phase—usually in late fall or winter—can stunt its growth. During these colder months, the plant conserves energy to survive, not grow, making pruning akin to pushing it into overdrive when it’s trying to rest.

The best time to prune is during the growing season, typically spring and early summer. This is when the plant is actively growing, with new leaves emerging and energy reserves high, making it the optimal time for a trim.

How to time your pruning for best results

• Watch for new growth: Look for the appearance of fresh leaves in the spring, signaling that it’s safe to prune.
• Avoid late fall and winter: During these months, focus on care and maintenance rather than major trimming.

Pruning at the right time will encourage your Monstera to grow back even stronger and bushier, giving you a more vibrant, full plant.

4. Neglecting post-prune care

Pruning doesn’t end when the shears are put away. Proper aftercare is essential to ensuring your Monstera heals well and remains healthy.

Post-prune watering tips

After pruning, your Monstera’s water needs will change. The plant has fewer leaves to transpire water, meaning it won’t need as much hydration. Overwatering can lead to root rot or fungal infections in the fresh cuts.

• Check soil moisture: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering.
• Watch for drooping: If leaves droop, it might signal thirst. However, always check the soil before assuming it’s time to water.

Light and fertilization

Following a pruning, your Monstera plant still requires light, but it is important to regulate the amount of direct sunlight it gets. Fresh sprouts are more fragile and susceptible to intense sunlight.

• Place in bright, indirect light: Ensure the plant gets plenty of light, but avoid direct sun that could burn new leaves.
• Fertilize lightly: After pruning, a mild, balanced fertilizer can boost recovery. Opt for a water-soluble fertilizer, but be careful not to overdo it—less is more when the plant is healing.

Maintain humidity

If your environment is dry, consider raising the humidity around your Monstera. Increased air humidity can help plants that have recently been trimmed by preventing drying out and lowering stress. If needed, you can use a humidifier or mist the air around your Monstera.

5. Not adjusting watering post-prune

Just like how you feel lighter post-haircut, your Monstera plant requires less water post-pruning. Sticking to your usual watering schedule can cause waterlogging because fewer leaves mean less water lost through transpiration.

How to adjust watering after pruning

Use the finger test: Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep to gauge moisture before watering. Alternatively, a moisture meter can help for more precise measurements.

Water less frequently: After pruning, reduce the frequency of watering. The plant doesn’t need as much hydration due to the smaller leaf surface area.

Monitor plant health

It’s important to keep a close eye on your Monstera after pruning. Look for signs like drooping leaves or soggy soil, which may indicate improper care. By adjusting your watering routine and closely monitoring your plant’s needs, you’ll help it thrive after a prune.

Where to buy the Monstera plants?

If you want to buy the Monsteras, there are many options available for you to choose from. They can be found at online stores, garden centers, and neighborhood plant shops. It is strongly recommended that you purchase your Monsteras from Xanh Xanh Urban Forest.

Xanh Xanh offers a wide selection of high-quality Monstera plants at affordable prices. All my plants are grown in the greenhouse that belongs to me and are thoroughly examined prior to being sent out for shipping. We provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee to ensure your happiness with your purchase.

What is the reason for waiting? Purchase your Monsteras right now at Xanh Xanh Urban Forest! You won’t be disappointed.

Final thought

Pruning is an essential part of keeping your Monstera plant healthy and flourishing, but it requires care, attention, and a bit of know-how. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can keep your Monstera lush, green, and vibrant year-round. Whether it’s learning the right pruning technique, choosing the right time, or adjusting post-prune care, each step plays a crucial role in your plant’s overall well-being.

Xanh Xanh Urban Forest hopes that you found this blog article to be useful and educational. Please use the following to contact us with any questions: