Leggy indoor plants are a common complaint. Most plants require some maintenance, whether it be removing dead leaves or spent blooms, but how do you fix leggy plants? Just like many outdoor plants require pruning, some indoor plants, say a leggy pothos plant, need pruning. Read on to learn how to prune houseplants.
Leggy Plants Indoors
There are a couple of reasons a plant might become leggy. Some plants, like the easy to grow pothos, are prone to growing and looking rather rangy. Luckily a leggy pothos plant is an easy fix; and you end up with pothos plants to share with friends.
The other reason a plant may become leggy is because it is stretching to reach a light source. This results in long spaces between leaf nodes making the plant look a bit scraggly. If lack of light is the culprit, the scant leaves are often also light green because they can’t photosynthesize well.
How to Prune Houseplants
Trimming houseplants can mean one of two things: training or grooming. Plants can be pinched or cut an inch (2.5 cm.) or so just above the node. This is done to produce a bushier, more compact plant, and is part of training your houseplant.
Leggy vining indoor plants, however, should really be pruned. This involves cutting significantly more of the plant in order to make it compact and less rangy. Take a leggy pothos plant for instance. Using sterile shears remove 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm.) of the terminal or end growth just below a node or leaf joint.
Pothos roots easily in a glass of water. Other types of cuttings such as coleus, geranium, begonia, ivy, and some type of philodendron should be placed in loose, moist potting soil.
How to Fix Leggy Plants
As mentioned, some leggy plants are the result of struggling towards light. Obviously the thing to do here is to provide more light either by adding a plant light or moving the plant to an area in the home that has more light exposure. If adding light isn’t an option, look for low light plants like the aforementioned pothos.
-
Foraging Flowers: How To Forage Floral Plants – And Which Flowers You Can Pick For Free Edibles!It’s fun to forage flowers, but it’s important to know the rules. Avoid areas that have been sprayed, beware of imposters and take only what you need.
-
9 Contemporary Small Garden Ideas – Maximize Style With A Modern DesignSome simple conceptual ideas can transform even the tiniest plot from humdrum to dream design. Try these 9 contemporary small garden ideas to modernize your plot
-
8 Easy Care Houseplants That Live A Long TimeClick here to learn about our 8 favorite low maintenance houseplants that can, with proper care, live a long time.
-
How Often Should You Repot Plants?Escaping roots and shrinking leaves may mean your plant wants a new pot, but some like staying cramped and cozy.
-
Orange Flowering Houseplant Varieties With Tropical FlairClick here to learn about some cheerful orange-blooming houseplants you can try growing.
-
Variegated Houseplants With Lovely LeavesWhat are some of the best variegated houseplants to add to your collection? Click here to find out.
-
Lovely, Lacy Indoor Foliage PlantsClick here to learn about some houseplants with lacy foliage to add to your collection.
-
Best Christmas Houseplants And Plants For Winter HolidaysClick here for an idea of the best houseplants to use for holiday décor for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s.
-
Best Big Houseplants To Create An Indoor OasisIf you have the space you may want to grow some large houseplants. Here are some ideas.
-
Relaxing Plants To Grow Indoors For A Calmer MindAre there houseplants that can help you to relax? Click here to find out.
