Monstera Deliciosa Pruning Methods Explained: Timing, Tools and Precautions

Monstera deliciosa leaves grow very quickly. If no support is set up before planting, it is very likely to become crooked as it grows, or its branches and leaves may become too dense. What should we do then? Pruning is a fairly good solution. Today we will take a detailed look at Monstera deliciosa pruning methods from the aspects of timing and methods.

Monstera Deliciosa Pruning Methods

Pruning Monstera deliciosa has two benefits. The first is to make its shape more beautiful; the second is to make its new branches and leaves grow more healthily, because during the whole planting process, it is hard to avoid the situation of leaves turning yellow, and what should be done when Monstera deliciosa leaves turn yellow? Besides finding the cause and taking corresponding measures, pruning it is also one of the necessary means. Below are the specific Monstera deliciosa pruning methods.

1. Pruning Time for Monstera Deliciosa

Some people may wait until Monstera deliciosa leaves fall to the ground and the appearance is completely unbearable before thinking of pruning it. This is very wrong. The best time to prune Monstera deliciosa is in spring each year, and it should be done once a year. Do not prune it frequently, otherwise it may affect its growth and development.

2. What Tools to Use for Pruning Monstera Deliciosa

When pruning, the tools we use should mainly be relatively sharp blades, not scissors. The reason is that during cutting, scissors will cause the wound to appear squeezed and water-soaked, which will make the plant wound difficult to heal for a long time. Therefore, this is rather taboo in Monstera deliciosa pruning methods.

3. How to Prune Monstera Deliciosa

1. Topping

Use a tool to cut off the overly tall branches at the top of Monstera deliciosa. This allows nutrients to be distributed more evenly to other places. It can not only make it more beautiful than before, but also make the leaves grow more densely than before. However, note that you need to control it so it does not grow too fast.

2. Shaping

If no support was built for Monstera deliciosa at the beginning, it may grow crooked after some time. At this point we need to reshape it. You can use a tool to cut off the excess side buds on the crooked part, then use rope or cloth strips to straighten and fix the main stem. After some time, it can return to an upright state.

3. Cut Off Withered, Yellow and Excess Leaves

Sometimes leaves turn yellow as they grow naturally. At this time we should cut off some withered or yellowing leaves. They not only affect the appearance, but also consume nutrients, which is not good for the growth of Monstera deliciosa. Therefore, they should be dealt with in time. This is one point we should pay attention to in Monstera deliciosa pruning methods.

4. Repotting and Pruning

We know that Monstera deliciosa should be repotted once a year, and during repotting we can actually prune it as well. You can slightly shorten the main roots, then replant it in new potting soil, which can help it grow better in the new environment.

Precautions

Usually, a Monstera deliciosa plant is limited to one growing point, so the pruning position does not include the main stem. However, if the branch stem of its main stem is 3 cm thick and also has bud sheaths, then the main stem can be pruned appropriately.

Summary: This article has introduced Monstera deliciosa pruning methods in detail. During pruning, attention should be paid to the choice of timing, the selection of tools and the correct methods. The principle is to make it more beautiful and attractive without affecting the normal growth of Monstera deliciosa.

How to Prune Monstera Deliciosa, Monstera Deliciosa Pruning Methods

Monstera deliciosa is one of the common green plants indoors. During home cultivation, it may grow too fast, thereby affecting its overall ornamental effect. So how do you prune Monstera deliciosa? Below is an introduction to Monstera deliciosa pruning methods.

How to Prune Monstera Deliciosa

When the stem nodes and leaves grow too densely and the branches and vines grow too fast, pay attention to pruning the whole plant, striving for a natural and beautiful appearance. Cut it off 2-3 cm from the base with a sharp blade. Do not use scissors, as the cut will cause the wound to appear squeezed and water-soaked and make it hard to heal.

Monstera Deliciosa Pruning Methods

Some large foliage plants, such as rubber tree, bamboo palm, coconut palm, Monstera deliciosa, Schefflera octophylla and others, have relatively large plant bodies. If pruned diligently, they can be promoted to grow and become strong and beautiful. Topping can make the plant's leaves dense and the plant shape well-proportioned, and prevent excessive leggy growth; cutting off excess side buds can make the plant upright and straight. In order not to let foliage plants grow leggy at will, a certain height should be determined, so the terminal buds of stems or branches should often be cut off to inhibit growth and make them dwarfed or clustered. This is different from the general pruning principles for outdoor plants.

Monstera Deliciosa Pruning Methods and What Are Monstera Deliciosa Propagation Methods

Monstera deliciosa is also known as Penglai banana, iron wire orchid, perforated Philodendron, Monstera banana and so on. It originates from the tropical rainforests of Mexico. It likes warm, humid environments, avoids direct sunlight, and is not cold-tolerant. So what are the pruning methods for Monstera deliciosa and the propagation methods for Monstera deliciosa?

Monstera Deliciosa Pruning Methods:

When the stem nodes and leaves of Monstera deliciosa grow too densely and the branches and vines grow too fast, pay attention to pruning the whole plant, striving for a natural and beautiful appearance. Cut it off 2-3 cm from the base with a sharp blade. Do not use scissors, as the cut will cause the wound to appear squeezed and water-soaked and make it hard to heal. Usually Monstera deliciosa should not be pruned, because it has only one growing point, unless the main stem has grown to about 3 cm thick and buds have formed on the stem, in which case pruning may be possible. Even if there are new branches, the original ones are gone. If you want to create a large pot, there is only one way: grow three to four plants in one pot. When they grow well, they will look lush and vigorous.

Monstera Deliciosa Propagation Methods:

1. Division propagation: carried out in summer and autumn. Cut off an entire side branch of a large Monstera deliciosa with part of its aerial roots, and plant it directly in a wooden bucket or pot. It not only has a high survival rate, but also takes shape quickly. It is one of the most commonly used and simplest methods in Monstera deliciosa propagation today.

2. Stem cutting propagation: Monstera deliciosa can be propagated by stem node cuttings in both spring and autumn, with cuttings in April-May in spring and September-October in autumn having the best results. This is because the temperature during these periods is suitable for the stem node cuts to heal and take root, so they survive quickly. For cuttings, select current-year side branches with substantial stem tissue and robust growth. The cuttings should be 20-25 cm long, and the leaves at the base should be cut off. Keep the small leaves at the upper end, cut off the long aerial roots, and keep the short aerial roots to absorb water and help rooting. The cutting bed should use a mixed substrate of coarse sand and peat or leaf mold. After insertion, maintain 25-27°C and relatively high air humidity. Rooting begins only about 1 month after insertion. After the cuttings take root, the axillary buds on the stem nodes also begin to sprout and unfold leaves. To accelerate seedling growth, keep the room temperature above 10°C and strengthen fertilizer and water management. In the second year after insertion, the seedlings take shape and can be sold as commodities.

3. Seed propagation: Sowing seeds is also a relatively commonly used propagation method for Monstera deliciosa, but compared with the previous two, it is used less often. Monstera deliciosa blooms in summer. To increase the seed setting rate, artificial pollination is needed. Pollinating twice, at 9-10 a.m. and 3-4 p.m., is best and gives a high pollination success rate. From pollination to seed maturity takes 15 months. During the seed development stage, pay attention to ventilation and fertilizer and water management to promote full and plump seeds. Before sowing, first soak the seeds in 40°C warm water for 10 hours, and the sowing soil should be sterilized at high temperature. Monstera deliciosa seeds are relatively large, so spot sowing can be used. After sowing, keep the room temperature at 20-25°C, cover the box opening with plastic film, and maintain humidity above 80%. Germination generally occurs 20-25 days after sowing. If the room temperature is too low during sowing, it will not only affect emergence, but may even cause the seeds to become water-soaked and rot.

Monstera Deliciosa Cultivation Methods:

1. Light: Monstera deliciosa likes warm and humid environments, avoids drought, and fears direct sunlight, otherwise it easily causes leaf withering. In summer, Monstera deliciosa should be placed indoors or under a shade shed. It cannot be placed on a balcony with overly strong sunlight for exposure, as this can easily cause it to wither and die. In winter, when the temperature drops to 6°C, Monstera deliciosa should be moved indoors to keep warm.

2. Watering: Monstera deliciosa needs sufficient water, and the potting soil must often be kept moist. During the summer growing period, water once in the morning and once in the evening, and also sprinkle water on the leaf surface frequently to keep the leaves bright and the air humid. In winter, water evaporates slowly, so water once every 3-4 days. For daily watering, once a day is sufficient.

3. Fertilizing: Monstera deliciosa is a plant that relatively likes fertilizer, so attention should be paid to fertilizing it appropriately. During the growth period of Monstera deliciosa, apply dilute cake fertilizer water once every half month. With sufficient and appropriate fertilization, Monstera deliciosa will grow with pleasant leaf color.

4. Pests and diseases: Monstera deliciosa is highly susceptible to damage by scale insects, and the stems and leaves are most easily attacked by scale insects. You can clean them with an old toothbrush and then spray with a 1000-fold solution of 40% omethoate. Common diseases of Monstera deliciosa include leaf spot, gray spot and stem blight, and timely prevention and control should be carried out.

5. Repotting: Potted Monstera deliciosa needs to be repotted once a year, and the best time for repotting is between March and April. When repotting, remove the old soil, cut off the dead roots of Monstera deliciosa, and then add decomposed organic fertilizer or phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to the pot as base fertilizer.