| Although most indoor houseplants do not need | | | | force new growth. For these kinds of plants you |
| pruning regularly, there are times this can help the | | | | can cut back up to two thirds of each branch |
| plant thrive. Pruning or removing parts of the plant | | | | without harming the plant. Bushy plants can be |
| allows it to direct its energy to other parts where | | | | trimmed right away. You do not need to wait for |
| you want. A sickly plant can be revived and a | | | | dormant cycles. To keep the crown healthy on a |
| flowering plant can be encouraged to bloom by | | | | single stemmed plant trim any stray shoots as |
| this process. The best time to prune is either | | | | they grow. Sometimes shrubs and even foliage |
| after a plant has flowered or before its active | | | | plants will develop long shoots away from the |
| growth period. You should always use a clean, | | | | center. Prune these at the base at any time. |
| sharp knife or scissors. For houseplants with | | | | To help newly rooted young plants branch better, |
| woody branches use pruning shears to get sharp | | | | remove the top growing tip. This will force it to |
| cuts. | | | | grow side branches. You must prune above the |
| If the branches of your plant look too crowded | | | | uppermost leaves to ensure the health of the |
| or tangled, you can thin the plant by pruning the | | | | plant and best results. |
| excess. Make your cut at about a quarter of an | | | | Correctly pruning your plants will allow them to |
| inch up from a dormant bud. The cut needs to be | | | | remain healthy and give you the look and shape |
| away from the bud and at a slant. Older or rangy | | | | you want. Just remember to use clean |
| looking plants can be brought back to life by | | | | instruments, make sharp cuts and treat all fresh |
| cutting them back. This will stimulate the plant and | | | | cuts with water immediately to sterilize and clean. |