How do I prune my indoor plants?

Think of pruning your houseplants as giving them a stylish haircut! Regular trims keep them looking their best, bushy, and blooming (well, some of them!). Snipping away old or damaged leaves makes way for fresh growth and keeps your green pals in tip-top shape. The trick is knowing your plant's needs, having the right tools, and making those cuts with a bit of gardening finesse.

Think of pruning like maintaining your own hair. A trim keeps it healthy, stops it becoming a tangled mess, and lets you create the style you want. It's the same for plants!

Why Bother? Indoor Plants Aren't Vain...

• No More Jungle: Pruning stops them taking over your home. A bit of shaping keeps them looking neat, and lets you fit more plants in 😉
• Health Boost: Dead leaves = pest party invitations. Snipping them off protects the whole plant, saving you hassle later.
• Flower Power: Some plants need old flowers removed to make new ones. More blooms = happier you!
• Less Watering Woes: Giant bushy plant drinks faster, and it's hard to check if the soil deep down is dry. Pruning makes it more manageable
• Thicker, Stronger Growth: Instead of a few long, weak stems, pruning encourages bushy growth that's less likely to snap or flop over

When to Chop: Timing is Key

• Busy Season is Best: Spring & summer is when most plants are actively growing, so they recover quickly from a prune
• Avoid Winter Naps: Pruning during their sleepy time can shock them. There are exceptions, but unless you know your plant well, play it safe
• Know Your Flowers: Some plants bloom on last year's growth – DON'T prune right before their season, or you'll lose the flowers!

Tools of the Trade

• Little & Often: Kitchen scissors are fine for quick trims on small plants. Saves getting the big tools out!
• Sharp & Clean: Blunt pruners crush stems, which is an open wound for diseases. Clean them between plants to be extra safe.
• Match the Tool to the Task: Big, woody stems need proper pruners, or loppers for the really chunky ones. Trying to force it with scissors = mess for you both!

Plant Hairdressing Techniques

• Pinching: Best for soft herbs etc. Just use your thumb and forefinger to snap off the top bit of new growth. Makes them bushy up like magic!
• Heading Back: Snipping a stem just above a leaf or side branch. This is where all the new growth will come from.
• Thinning Out: Taking out whole stems, right back to the base. Good for super dense plants that get a bit stuffy in the middle.
• Deadheading: Flowers past their best gotta go! This tricks the plant into making more, instead of going to seed.

Don't Overthink It!

• Start Small: Nervous? Just removing a few dead leaves and any obviously crossing branches is a great start.
• Plants are Tougher Than You Think: Most will bounce back even if you make a few beginner mistakes.
• It Grows Back: Worst case, you accidentally end up with a smaller plant. They nearly always recover!

Pruning Support: That's What We're Here For! Houseplant.co.uk

• Plant Care Guides: Tell you when & how to prune each species we sell. Search by plant name on our website
• Pruning Tools that Won't Break the Bank: Sharp, comfy to use, and in several sizes to suit all plant jobs.