How to Trim a Monstera Deliciosa

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Pruning

If you're cutting back the plant to control its size or just to maintain its shape, try to do it before the spring growing season. This helps your plant recover faster.^{[1] X Research source}
If your plant has dry, yellow, or damaged leaves, it's totally okay to prune them any time during the year!

^{[2] X Expert Source Andi Xoch
Plant Specialist Expert Interview. 4 August 2021.} Dirty blades can transmit disease to your monstera, so wipe the scissors or shears with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol or diluted bleach. Want to make your own disinfecting solution? Mix 9 parts water with 1 part bleach.^{[3] X Research source}
If the shears or scissors are really dirty, soak them in water to loosen the dirt before you clean and disinfect them.

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Monstera deliciosa's sap has calcium oxalates that can irritate your skin and cause a rash. Pop on a pair of gloves before you start trimming the plant to prevent skin problems. If you have kids or pets at home, it's a good idea to trim your plant away from them.^{[4] X Research source}
Did you accidentally get sap on your skin? Wash your skin with soapy warm water as soon as you can and try not to touch your face or eyes.

^{[5] X Expert Source Andi Xoch
Plant Specialist Expert Interview. 4 August 2021.} Whenever you see leaves that aren't healthy, use your sanitized shears or scissors to cut off the damaged leaves. Cut close to the base of the stem so you don't leave long, scraggly stems on the plant.^{[6] X Research source}
Keep in mind that yellow leaves might mean that the plant is getting too much water. Leaves that are turning brown at the ends mean that the plant isn't getting enough water.

Step back and look for branches that are sticking out awkwardly or don't have many leaves. To cut back scraggly branches or reduce the size of your monstera, take sterilized shears and make a clean, straight cut across the branch where it meets the base stem.^{[7] X Research source}

Keep in mind that when you cut off branches, you'll encourage the plant to put on new growth near the base of the plant.

You can make a cut below any node on a branch if you don't want to completely remove it. For example, cut back each branch by 1/3 or 1/2 if you simply want to control the size of the plant.

Can you see roots growing out of the pot's drainage holes? If so, carefully pull out the plant and loosen the roots with your fingers. Then, snip 1/3 of the root ends off with sterilized shears and fill your pot 1/3 full of fresh soil. Place the trimmed monstera into the pot and surround the plant with soil before you water it.^{[8] X Research source}

If you can't pull the plant out, turn the pot on its side and cut the roots that are sticking out of the holes. Then, you should be able to pull the plant out.

Dealing with a really big plant? Ask a friend to help you lift the plant out of the pot and hold the plant.

Throw these cuttings into the trash since they can take root and grow in your compost pile.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Propagating

It's really easy to start a whole new monstera deliciosa from the plant you already have! Look for a healthy branch that has bright green leaves and find the node. The node is a bump or ring that's just below a leaf or stem on the branch.^{[9] X Research source}
It's important to take a cutting that includes the node or the cutting won't grow roots.

Take sanitized scissors or shears and cut the branch right below the node. You can cut straight across the branch, or cut it with a sharp knife if you don't have scissors that are sturdy enough.^{[10] X Trustworthy Source EDIS Electronic database of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences's peer-reviewed articles Go to source}
Don't take a cutting from a branch that looks dry or has leaves that are brown.

Pour cool water into a tall glass or vase and put the cutting into it so the bottom 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the cutting is submerged. It's a good idea to use a clear vase or glass so you can easily check on the roots.

Set the glass with the cutting in indirect light and leave the cutting until you see roots growing from the bottom. Replace the water every few days so the cutting doesn't rot.^{[11] X Research source}
Check your cutting every few weeks to see if roots have developed. The time it takes depends on the health and size of the cutting you made.

Pick out pot that's at least 6 inches (15 cm) across and has drainage holes in the bottom. This prevents water from pooling near the roots of the plant. Then, fill the pot 1/3 full with a mixture of well-draining soil.^{[12] X Research source}
To make your own soil mixture, combine 3 parts potting soil with 2 parts perlite, pumice, or sand.

To plant your monstera deliciosa cutting, push the roots of the cutting into the soil so they're at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep. Hold the cutting steady and add more soil mix to the pot until it's almost to the top. Then, pour water into the pot until just until it starts to seep from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.^{[13] X Research source}
To care for your new plant, place it in a warm spot that gets indirect light, and water it whenever the soil feels dry.

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