Your houseplants are growing well—now it’s time for a little maintenance! Pruning and cleaning help keep plants healthy, encourage new growth, and prevent common problems like pests and diseases. The best part? It’s simple and doesn’t take much time!
Why Prune Your Plants?
Pruning removes dead or damaged leaves, redirects energy to new growth, and keeps your plant looking tidy. It can also encourage fuller, bushier growth in plants that tend to get leggy.
When to Prune?
Spring & Summer – Best time for major pruning, as plants are actively growing.
Fall & Winter – Only remove dead or yellowing leaves; avoid heavy pruning since plants grow slower.
How to Prune (Step by Step)
- Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears – Dirty tools can spread bacteria and pests.
- Remove dead or yellowing leaves – Snip them off at the base to keep the plant looking fresh.
- Trim leggy stems – Cut just above a leaf node (where a leaf grows from the stem) to encourage new branches.
- Pinch back new growth – Some plants, like pothos and basil, grow bushier when you pinch off the tips.
Why & How to Clean Houseplant Leaves
Dust on plant leaves blocks sunlight and makes it harder for them to absorb light for photosynthesis. Cleaning your plants keeps them looking vibrant and helps prevent pest problems.
Easy Ways to Clean Plant Leaves
Wipe with a damp cloth – Use a soft, damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe each leaf.
Shower them off – Place plants in the sink or shower and rinse them with lukewarm water (great for larger plants).
Use a soft brush for fuzzy leaves – Plants like African violets don’t like wet leaves. Use a soft brush to remove dust instead.
Avoid leaf shine sprays – They can clog pores (stomata) and attract dust over time.
Bonus Tip: Remove Spent Flowers
If you have flowering houseplants, deadheading (removing wilted flowers) encourages more blooms and prevents wasted energy on dying flowers.
Regular pruning and cleaning keep your plants healthy, happy, and pest-free. Next, we’ll cover an important topic: pests and plant problems—how to spot and fix them before they get out of control!