Australian Household Plants: When to Prune and How

Australian Household Plants: When to Prune and How

What is pruning?

Pruning is the removal of dead, diseased, or dying branches from a plant. Pruning also includes the removal of branches that are rubbing against each other, or that are growing in a direction that is not desired.

The main difference between pruning and trimming is that pruning is usually done to improve the health or appearance of a plant, while trimming is typically done for purely aesthetic reasons.

What is the importance of pruning?

Pruning is a horticultural practice that involves the selective removal of certain parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots. Pruning can be done for a variety of reasons, including to improve the plant’s appearance, remove diseased or damaged parts, or encourage the growth of new flowers or fruits.

According to Colourful Tree Services, certain plants benefit greatly from pruning, while others only require it in specific circumstances. For example, roses need to be pruned regularly to encourage healthy growth and prevent the spread of disease. Trees, on the other hand, only require pruning if they are damaged or diseased.

Pruning is an important horticultural practice that should be done carefully and with consideration for the plant’s needs. Improper pruning can damage or even kill a plant, so it is important to research the best methods for your specific plant.

10 Common Household Plants and When to Prune Them

Ferns

Ferns are a classic houseplant that adds a touch of elegance to any home. These leafy plants come in a range of shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one to suit your space.

To keep your fern looking its best, regular pruning is a must. Trim back any yellow or brown leaves as soon as you notice them. This will help encourage new growth and keep your plant looking healthy.

For best results, prune your fern in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.

Monstera

Also known as the Swiss cheese plant, this tropical plant is known for its large, glossy leaves. Monsteras can grow quite large, so make sure you have enough space to accommodate your plant before you buy one.

To keep your monstera looking its best, regular pruning is essential. Trim back any yellow or brown leaves as soon as you notice them. You can also cut back the main stem of the plant to encourage new growth.

For best results, prune your monstera in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.

Philodendron

The philodendron is a popular houseplant that is known for its glossy, heart-shaped leaves. These easy-care plants are a great option for beginners, as they’re very forgiving if you forget to water them from time to time.

To keep your philodendron looking its best, regular pruning is a must. Trim back any yellow or brown leaves as soon as you notice them. You can also cut back the main stem of the plant to encourage new growth.

For best results, prune your philodendron in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.

Pothos

The pothos is a popular houseplant that is known for its trailing stems and variegated leaves. These easy-care plants are a great option for beginners, as they’re very forgiving if you forget to water them from time to time.

To keep your pothos looking their best, regular pruning is a must. Trim back any yellow or brown leaves as soon as you notice them. You can also cut back the main stem of the plant to encourage new growth.

For best results, prune your pothos in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.

Fiddle-leaf fig

Fiddle-leaf figs are a popular type of houseplant, known for their large, glossy leaves. These plants can grow quite large, so pruning is often necessary to keep them looking their best.

The best time to prune a fiddle-leaf fig is in the spring after the plant has finished its main growing season. This will allow the plant to recover from any pruning damage quickly and continue growing vigorously.

Weeping fig

The weeping fig is a popular houseplant native to Australia that is easy to care for and maintain. The weeping fig is a tree that can grow to be over 50 feet tall, but when grown as a houseplant, it is usually much smaller.

The weeping fig can be pruned at any time of year, but the best time to prune it is in the spring. Pruning in the spring will promote new growth and help the plant to stay full and bushy. To prune the weeping fig, simply cut back the branches that are too long or that are growing in an unwanted direction.

Rubber plant

Rubber plants can live for many years with proper care. They are slow-growing plants, so they do not need to be pruned often. However, when they do need to be pruned, the best time to do so is in the spring.

Spring is the best time to prune a rubber plant because the plant is just starting to grow new leaves and branches. Pruning in the spring will encourage the plant to grow fuller and bushier. If you prune in the summer or winter, the plant may not have enough time to recover before the weather gets too cold.

Snake plant

If you want to keep your snake plant looking its best, you should prune it regularly. You can prune snake plants anytime, but the best time to do it is in the spring or early summer.

When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying leaves. You can also trim back any leaves that are starting to look yellow or brown.

If you have a snake plant that is getting too tall, you can cut it back to the desired height. Just be sure to leave at least a few inches of the stem so that the plant can continue to grow.

Dracaena

If your dracaena is looking leggy, it may be time for a haircut. Dracaenas can tolerate heavy pruning, so don’t be afraid to cut off several inches (or even a foot) from the top. Just be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

Dracaenas generally benefit from trimming every six months or so. However, the best time to prune your dracaena will depend on the type of plant you have. For example, if you have a dracaena marginata, it’s best to wait until spring or summer to prune it. If you have a dracaena sanderiana, on the other hand, it can be trimmed any time of year.

If you’re not sure when to prune your dracaena, just take a look at the plant. If it’s looking overgrown or scraggly, it’s probably time for a trim.

Spider plant

A spider plant is an easy-to-grow houseplant that tolerates a wide range of growing conditions. Spider plants are best known for their ability to produce plantlets, or “baby” spider plants, on the ends of their long, arching leaves.

Spider plants are generally low-maintenance plants, but they will benefit from periodic pruning. The best time to prune your spider plant is in the spring, just before new growth begins. You can also prune the plant in the fall after it has finished blooming. To prune your spider plant, simply cut back the stems to the desired length.