Monstera deliciosa, monstera adansonii, minima... The truth is that the genus houses some 45 species of plants and is one of the most used to decorate the interior of homes. But, if it is well cared for, it is possible that it will grow a lot, and in that sense, do you know how to prune the monstera? And when is it done?
Next we are going to give you all the keys on the pruning of the monstera, a plant that has been one of the usual indoor plants since the 60s due to its leaves.
Reasons to prune the monstera
If you have a monstera at home, you will know that, year after year, it has been growing (or is going to do so if you just bought it). That means that there will come a time when the space you had determined for it will become too small because the plant demands more. And more and more.
For this reason, one of the main reasons for which the pruning of the monstera is carried out is to keep their growth at bay, which prevents you from always having to move it to a larger place or not being able to have it inside the house.
Another reason why the monstera is pruned is to reproduce it. When the specimen is large enough and there is also the possibility that we have another plant identical to that first (which may have made us feel very good), we always try it, and the truth is that it is easy to reproduce by pruning cuttings.
When do you prune the monstera
If you have a monstera and it is vigorously growing, you should consider pruning it. But if it hasn't grown much or rather it's standing still, it's better not to touch it, not even thinking that it can help it become more active. In fact, if you cut it down, it may take much longer for the plant to grow.
On the one hand, you have that signal. But, and when to do it?
In the case of monsteras, the best time to prune them is in spring. But when it is cool, that is, not when the heat has fully entered. That said, among the spring months, it is best to always wait in the middle of the season, where the cold is not so strong and the heat begins to tighten.
Also, there is another reason to wait for this station, and that is cuttings hold much better because the plant itself is already active and by cutting it, that part of it can be kept active which will help it to take root and even grow faster during that same year.
How to prune monstera
Next we are going to explain everything you need to know about pruning the monstera. It is a fairly easy activity that, if the plant is healthy and active, will not be a problem for you and in return you will get two or more "children" of it to continue enjoying it.
what tools are needed
The first step to prune is to get all the tools and accessories necessary to carry it out.
One of the first you must have are thick gloves or gardening gloves. But protect yourself well. So if you don't have them, better get some before you start.
The reason is simple: monsteras, when you cut them, secrete sap and this is not only toxic for children and animals, but in contact with your skin it can give you problems. So it is better to prevent than to face this situation.
The next tool you need are some Gardening scissors. Make sure of two things: one, that they are sharp to avoid damaging the plant too much; and two, that they are clean. If you don't know, you will have to try cutting, for example, a piece of paper or a piece of cloth and taking a cotton ball soaked in alcohol and passing it through the blades respectively.
observe the plant
If it is the first time that you are going to prune the monstera it is important that observe the plant well and mark (can be with a string or a marker) the cuts what do you want to do
In this way, you will be on the safe side because you will know which branches to cut and the leaves to remove, or the stems that are causing, or may cause, problems.
Keep in mind why you are pruning. If it is to reduce its size, you will have to cut those larger leaves, along with problem stems that prevent the plant from developing small leaves well.
If what you want is take cuttings, then you will have to see which are the suitable branches to obtain them (normally under the nodes or in areas where it has aerial roots because when in contact with the ground the roots will develop much faster).
pruning time
Now that you know what you are going to cut, you have to start doing it. You must be careful because pruning is one of the activities that stresses the monstera the most so you have to do it without too many cuts or pulls (hence the scissors must be sharp).
Start at leaves and stems that are dry or weak, also for those who are dying, because there will be no way to save them. Of course, make sure that the cut you give it is diagonal and just below the knots so that it recovers much faster.
Then you can proceed to those branches and leaves from which you want to take cuttings for, finally, those that do not serve you or that are too big.
Your monstera after pruning
Once you have pruned it, it will be very pretty, but the plant will be very sensitive and stressed since it is a moment that he does not like at all.
Therefore, we recommend that you leave it alone for a few days. Do not think about transplanting it after pruning (or before) because it will not sit well with you. You have to wait until he is strong again to do it (if he needs it).
As you can see, the pruning of the monstera does not have much science, and it does have patience. If you do it right, and do not subject it to drastic pruning, you will have a good chance that it will succeed without slowing down its growth and you will enjoy it for a long time. Have you ever pruned a monstera? How did it go?