Pruning and shaping indoor plants

Why trim indoor plants?

There are several reasons why you need to trim indoor plants:

• Shaping the appearance: Trimming helps create the desired shape of the plant, making it more compact and aesthetically pleasing.
• Stimulating growth: Proper pruning promotes the appearance of new shoots and leaves, making the plant more lush and healthy.
• Rejuvenation: Pruning removes old, damaged or diseased branches, promoting the growth of new and healthy ones.
• Disease prevention: Removing diseased parts of the plant in a timely manner helps prevent the spread of infection.
• Preparing for transplantation: Pruning reduces plant stress during transplantation and promotes better survival in a new location.

There are three main indicators that a plant needs pruning:

• It's time to remove dead leaves or faded flowers
• The plant has grown too much, you need to give young shoots the opportunity to grow
• The plant has lost its decorative effect, grows unevenly, has an untidy crown shape

Types of pruning ornamental plants and flowers

• Formative: Carried out to give the plant the desired shape.
• Sanitary: Removing diseased, damaged or dried parts of the plant.
• Rejuvenating: Pruning old branches for stimulation of new shoot growth.

When should plants be trimmed?

The best time to trim indoor plants is the beginning of the growing season, that is, the end of winter and the beginning of spring. However, tree-like houseplants require year-round regular pruning to remove wilted leaves and dried branches.

For most flowering plants, the general rule of pruning is to remove faded flowers. When a plant blooms, it puts energy into its flowers through new growth. Even when a flower dies, it still consumes the plant's energy. Therefore, pruning is necessary,  to extend the flowering period and stimulate healthy growth.

If you want to stimulate the growth of new shoots and flowering, it is better to prune the plant in the spring, before the start of active growth. If your goal is to form the crown or get rid of damaged branches, pruning can be done at any time of the year, except for the dormant period.
Young plants usually do not need strong pruning. It is enough to remove damaged or weak shoots. Mature plants can be pruned more intensively to stimulate growth and crown formation.

When is the best time to prune indoor plants according to the lunar calendar

Moon phases

• Waxing Moon: This is the best time for pruning, as the plants are in the active growth phase. Pruning at this time stimulates the growth of new shoots.
• Waning Moon: At this time, it is better to refrain from pruning, as plants slow down their growth. Pruning during this period can lead to stress and slow development.

Zodiac Signs

• Fertile Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): On these days, pruning will promote active growth and development of plants.
• Infertile Signs (Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius): On these days, it is better to avoid pruning, as plants may be more vulnerable to diseases and pests.

Pruning to stimulate flowering

Many flowering plants (passion flower, fuchsia,jasmine) form buds only onannual shoots. That is, if there are no new shoots, there will be no flowering. Flowering indoor plants are prunedbefore the start of the active growing season, approximately 2 weeks before transplanting. If pruning is done too late, the plant will not have time to form young annual shoots and will not be able to bloom.

Root pruning

The root system of some plants requires a separate forming. To form a thickening at the base of the trunk (caudex), in parallel with the constant pruning of small and dead roots, the upper part of the root does not go deep into the soil. This decorative effect is used when growing ficus microcarpa, adenium and other plants.

How to prune indoor plants? Step-by-step instructions.

• Look at your plant from the side, stepping back from it. Imagine how the plant should look at the peak of its decorativeness. Is the plant growing straight, is it equally lush on all sides, are there any dried leaves and branches on it. Determine the areas of potential growth - dormant buds. As a rule, they are located where the leaf connects to the stem.

• Prepare the tools. If the plant has thick branches, you will need pruning shears. Thin stems can be carefully trimmed with scissors. Be sure to disinfect the tool - this will help prevent the spread of any disease. You can sterilize the pruning shears or scissors with an alcohol solution, a potassium permanganate solution, or by heating the tool over a fire for several seconds. Make sure the tools are well sharpened.  If you have a dull blade, it can lead to an inaccurate cut and invite pests and diseases.

• Cut off dead leaves and stems. If some stems have rotted at the root, pull them out and make sure you do not overwater the plant. Pinch off dried flowers as close to the main stem as possible. To stimulate growth, cut branches just before the leaf node. Large stems are cut as close to the main stem as possible.
• Treat large cuts with crushed charcoal, cinnamon powder or regular brilliant green to prevent infections.

Important: never cut more than 25% of the plant!

Caring for plants after pruning

After pruning, the houseplant needs to be properly cared for so that it quickly recovers and continues to delight you with its appearance. Here are a few important points to pay attention to:

• Limit watering. Immediately after pruning, the plant may be more sensitive to excess moisture, so watering should be moderate. Let the soil dry out a little between waterings.
• Provide good lighting. The plant must receive enough light for photosynthesis and recovery. However, avoid direct sunlight, which can cause burns on fresh cuts.
• Avoid fertilizing. The plant does not need additional nutrients for several weeks after pruning. Fertilizing can stimulate the growth of new shoots, but a weakened plant may not cope with this.
• Provide rest. Give the plant time to rest and recover. Avoid moving the pot and other stress factors.
• Inspect the plant. Inspect the plant regularly for signs of disease or pests. If you notice anything suspicious, take steps to correct the problem.

Tips for Pruning Houseplants

• To encourage new growth on a plant, cut off dominant buds on selected stems, staggering the cuts so that the plant produces new shoots evenly.
• To fill in the gaps between the stems of a plant, cut some branches by a quarter, others by half, and others all the way to the ground. When the plant produces new shoots, the random pattern of growth will ensure a uniform, attractive crown.
• Healthy cut stems of many plants can be rooted by soaking them in water with rooting agent for a few days. When roots appear, cuttings can be transplanted into the soil - and your collection will be replenished with new young plants.

Which plants need constant pruning?

Many plants need constant pruning to achieve decorativeness. These include fast-growing plants that produce lateral shoots, losing their decorative qualities and acquiring an unkempt appearance. 

For example, scindapsus is called the liana of thefor rapid growth, which does not always happen the way we want. Pruning is only good for it - the plant becomes more lush and thick, and new young shoots grow very quickly.

Hibiscus pleases not only with bright flowers, but also with beautiful leaves. The Chinese rose is unpretentious in care and grows very quickly. If you do not periodically trim unruly young shoots, the plant may devote all its energy to the formation of new shoots and refuse to bloom.

Many ficus, myrtle, pelargonium, citrus, laurel. 

Which plants should not be pruned?

Some indoor plants rarely need pruning, while others should not be pruned at all. 

Araucaria (indoor spruce) forms an upper dominant bud, but has no hidden buds. This means that removing the dominant bud will kill the plant, so it is better to leave it alone, periodically removing only dried branches.

Many varieties of orchids, for example, phalaenopsis,  should not be pruned, except for removing the faded arrow.

Palms also do not welcome pruning. Of course, you can remove wilted or excess leaves. But if you cut off the top of a trunk palm, its growth will not resume.

Tools for pruning indoor plants

To prune indoor plants, you will need the following tools:

• Pruning shears. This is the main tool for pruning thin branches and leaves. Choose pruning shears with a comfortable handle and sharp blades.
• Scissors. Scissors are needed for pruning flowers and soft stems.
• Knife. A knife can be useful for pruning thick stems or for grafting plants. Choose a knife with a sharp blade and a comfortable handle.
• Gloves. Gloves will protect your hands from injury.
• Glasses. Glasses will protect your eyes from plant sap or small branches.

Common Mistakes When Pruning Houseplants

Pruning houseplants is an important procedure that helps maintain their health, shape, and stimulate growth. However, improper pruning can harm the plant. The most common mistakes made by amateur gardeners

Incorrect pruning time

• Seasonality: Most plants are best pruned in the spring or early summer, when active growth begins. Pruning during the dormant or flowering period can weaken the plant.
• Age: Young plants require less intense pruning than mature ones.
• Plant type: There are pruning features for different types of plants. For example, some flowering plants are pruned after flowering, and some are pruned before flowering.

Incorrect pruning technique

• Blunt tool: Using a blunt tool can damage plant tissue and introduce infection.
• Incorrect cutting angle: The cut should be straight and made at an angle of 45 degrees above the bud.
• Over-pruning: Too much pruning can weaken the plant and lead to its death.
• Lack of disinfection: Pruning tools must be disinfected to prevent the spread of diseases.

Insufficient pruning

• Not pruning: Many plants require regular pruning to shape the crown, remove dry and diseased branches, and stimulate new growth. shoots.
• Pruning only the tops: This can lead to a dense crown and a lack of light inside the plant.

Pruning without a purpose

• Random pruning: Some gardeners prune plants without any purpose, just like that. This can lead to crown deformation and weakening of the plant.

Summary

Most indoor plants need pruning in one way or another. Sanitary pruning (removal of faded flowers, dried leaves or branches) is carried out regularly for all plants as needed. 

Flowering indoor plants need pruning to stimulate flowering. 

Formative pruning maintains the given shape of the crown and must be constantlybut maintain. Not all plants need crown shaping. 

Try not to get too carried away with changing the natural shape of the plant, because any pruning is stressful for your green pet.