If you love an evergreen ambience with a jungle atmosphere, the Philodendron is just the right houseplant. Easy to care for and with rapid growth, it is a lot of fun even for beginners. However, if the tree lover overdoes his growth, the question of pruning arises. Find out how to do it right here.
How do I cut my Philodendron correctly?
To properly prune a philodendron, choose spring as the best time, wear protective clothing and use sharp, disinfected tools. Cut back only necessary shoots or vines, keeping in mind the proximity of sleeping eyes. Aerial roots should be preserved if possible.
Time window opens in spring
To control the growth of your Philodendron, the best time is spring. Just before the new growing season begins, pruning means the least amount of stress for a tree lover. In the middle of summer or during the winter rest phase, a philodendron is ideally spared from the scissors.
Tips for preparation and cutting
Before you finally cut off a shoot or tendril, please check the actual necessity. Long runners on climbing Philodendron species can often be led back to the moss stick. If this option proves impossible, cut the plant back like this:
- Put on long-sleeved clothing and gloves to protect against the toxic latex
- For herbaceous plant parts, have a sharp, disinfected knife ready
- For woody trunks and branches, place a pair of clean secateurs or pruning shears within easy reach
The extent to which you prune is your personal decision. As long as a few sleeping eyes remain on the tree friend, it will diligently sprout again. Sleeping eyes are inactive leaf nodes that appear as round dots under the bark. If a cut is made a short distance from this, the sleeping eye will come to life.
Do not cut off aerial roots
Aerial roots should only fall victim to pruning in exceptional cases. They not only serve as a holding organ for a tree lover, but also participate in the supply of water and nutrients. Only cut off root strands that are too long when they have dried out and died.
Tip
The clippings from your Philodendron are far too good to carelessly put aside. Every strong shoot with at least one he althy leaf has what it takes to be a cutting for easy propagation. Place two thirds of the cuttings in a pot with moist coconut fiber substrate. In a partially shaded, warm window seat, it transforms into a vital tree friend within 4 to 6 months.
