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How to Cut Back a Philodendron
How to Cut Back a Philodendron. Philodendrons are famously easy-to-grow houseplants. They tolerate indoor conditions well and are forgiving of owner mistakes. A philodendron will grow on minimal care. But to thrive, it will need care and attention. Pruning is a great way to tame a spindly or long-limbed philodendron. An annual or periodic cutback...
Philodendrons are famously easy-to-grow houseplants. They tolerate indoor conditions well and are forgiving of owner mistakes. A philodendron will grow on minimal care. But to thrive, it will need care and attention. Pruning is a great way to tame a spindly or long-limbed philodendron. An annual or periodic cutback will reduce your philodendron's size and stimulate it to grow thickly.
Things You'll Need
Pruning shears
Cut individual philodendron leaves to a point just above a leaf. Leave as little stump above the leaf as possible. Cut back the philodendron as far as you would like. They respond well to a hard cutback. But leave at least three or four leaves on each vine so the philodendron can store enough energy to bounce back.
Compost or discard the cut foliage.
Water the philodendron immediately after you prune it. A drought-stressed philodendron will not bounce back as readily after a hard pruning.
Cut the philodendron again when it looks spindly, sickly, or its vines get too long. Until then, allow the plant to grow as usual. Pruning does not have to be performed annually -- just when the plant needs it.
Tips & Warnings
Tree philodendrons may not be cut back in the same manner as houseplant philodendrons. They will survive, but they will not branch very well afterward.
