Oh no, has your Monstera stopped flaunting its iconic split leaves? Could it be a result of your last pruning session? Pruning, intended to promote healthy growth and shape your plant, can sometimes backfire when done incorrectly.
Don’t worry, your green-thumb reputation isn’t doomed just yet. Understanding the finer points of Monstera maintenance can turn things around.
Avoiding common pruning mistakes is key to ensuring that your leafy friend not only survives but thrives.
In this article, we’ll uncover the missteps that could be jeopardizing your Monstera’s health and provide savvy tips to ensure it continues to grow strong
Mistake 1: Over-Pruning
Getting carried away with pruning can turn your Monstera from a vibrant jungle gem into something that resembles a bare, lonely tree, losing touch with its lush, tropical roots.
Over-pruning your Monstera is when you cut away too much of your plant’s foliage all at once, sending it into shock. Your Monstera needs those leaves for photosynthesis, and snipping too many can hamper its health and vitality.
Visual clues your Monstera is over-pruned:
- A leaf count significantly lower than before
- Stems that are more naked than a Thanksgiving turkey
- An appearance that screams “I need a sweater because I’m so bare!”
But how do you avoid giving your Monstera a bad haircut? Here are some pro tips:
- Prune in stages: Spread out your pruning sessions to let your Monstera adjust.
- Adhere to the 30% Rule: Never remove more than 30% at any given time to keep it flourishing.
- Selective Snipping: Only remove leaves that look sadder than a rainy day – think dead or diseased, or the ones cramping your Monstera’s style by growing awkwardly.
Mistake 2: Incorrect Cutting Technique
Realizing your Monstera isn’t bouncing back after a trim might leave you scratching your head. Turns out, the trick might just be in the way you’re snipping away.
Just like you wouldn’t want someone hacking away at your hair with dull scissors, your Monstera desires the same TLC with sharp shears.
Here’s the scoop on cutting:
- Angle it: Aim for a 45-degree angle above a leaf node. This angle encourages water to run off the cut, which helps prevent disease.
- Distance matters: Don’t cut too close or too far from the node. About a quarter-inch is just right. Too close can damage the node, while too far may leave a stump prone to decay.
Additional tips for success:
- Use sterilized pruning shears; clean them with alcohol, especially if they’ve been used on other plants.
- Opt for clean, sharp cuts. This isn’t a job for the old, rusty tools in the shed.
- Remove diseased parts with care to prevent spreading any infection.
Mistake 3: Pruning at the Wrong Time
Pruning during the dormant phase—typically late fall and winter—is a no-go. Here’s why:
Your Monstera hibernates during those cold times, focusing its energy on surviving rather than growing. Trimming then can be like asking someone to run a marathon right after they’ve woken up.
So, when’s the right time? Aim for the growing season, which is your Monstera’s version of sprinting at full speed, commonly in spring and early summer. That’s when you’ll spot new leaves popping up, signaling a big green thumbs-up for pruning.
Imagine cutting back when new growth is just itching to burst forth. That energy needs to go somewhere, right? Precisely why pruning at the correct time will reward you with a more vibrant and bushier friend.
Mistake 4: Neglecting Post-prune Care
You’ve just given your Monstera a trim, but your job isn’t over yet. Post-prune care is crucial for your plant’s recovery and ongoing health. Here are a few tips.
Watering Wisely
Your Monstera isn’t thirsty for a flood—so go easy on the water. Overwatering can stress the fresh cuts, leading to rot or fungus.
- Check soil moisture: Wait until the top inch is dry before watering.
- Observe leaf signals: Drooping can signal thirst, but double-check the soil to avoid guessing games.
Let There be Light (But Not Too Much!)
Your plant’s still the star, and it needs its spotlight—but not too bright. Post-prune, Monstera desires indirect light to heal without the burn of direct beams.
- Indirect sunlight: Find a cozy spot with plenty of bright, indirect light.
- Monitor burn risk: Post-prune leaves are sensitive. Keep them out of direct sunlight.
Mini Boost with Fertilizer
Think of fertilizer like a little cheerleader for your plant’s recovery. However, you wouldn’t want the cheer squad overwhelming the field:
- Mild fertilizer: Choose a balanced, water-soluble option.
- Fertilize sparingly: A small dose after pruning supports growth without overwhelming your Monstera.
Humidity & Your Healing Plant
If you notice your plant’s a bit under the weather, a humidity boost can provide comfort. Especially if your home is dry, consider boosting humidity around the plant.
Guard Against Pests
Pruning wounds can make your Monstera vulnerable to pest infestation. Keep an eye out for uninvited guests like spider mites or scale, and take action promptly with organic pest control methods.
Mistake 5: Failing to Adjust Watering After Pruning
Ever noticed how a haircut can make you feel lighter? That’s because there’s less of you to go around. The same goes for your Monstera—after a prune, there’s less plant to drink up that water you’re giving.
Here’s a splash of science: leafier plants lose more water through transpiration, so when you cut back the leaves—less water loss. Hence, watering your plant the same post-prune could leave its roots swimming, and not in a good way!
Here’s what you can do:
- Test before you water: Use the tried-and-true finger test (stick your finger an inch into the soil) or, for the tech-savvy, a moisture meter.
- Schedule tweaks: Consider watering less frequently. Your Monstera is tough, but it won’t say no to the right amount of TLC.
Generally speaking, you should keep a close eye on your plant after pruning. Just like you would check on a pet, see how your plant is settling into its new, trimmed-down lifestyle.
Are the leaves drooping? Is the soil soggy? These little clues tell you a lot about your water-friendliness. Pay attention to its needs, and you’ll both be happier for it!
Now that you’ve learned about common mistakes, here’s the correct way to prune your Monstera.
