If you love an evergreen ambience with a jungle atmosphere, the philodendron is just right as a houseplant. Easy to care for and with rapid growth, it also gives a lot of pleasure to the novice. However, if the tree lover overdoes it with its growth, the question of a pruning arises. You can find out how to do it right here.
Brown or diseased leaves on the philodendron can be removed at any time
Time window opens in spring
Spring is the best time to rein in the growth of your philodendron. 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 dormancy, 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 need. Long spurs on climbing philodendron species can often be traced back to the moss stick. If this option proves impossible, cut back the plant like this:
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and gloves to protect yourself from the toxic milky juice
- Have a sharp, disinfected knife ready for herbaceous plant parts
- Keep clean pruning shears or pruning shears within reach for woody trunks and branches
The extent to which you prune is a matter of personal choice. As long as a few sleeping eyes linger on the tree friend, he diligently drives them out again. Inactive leaf nodes, which appear as round dots under the bark, are referred to as sleeping eyes. If a cut is made a short distance from this, the sleeping eye is brought to life.
Do not cut off aerial roots
Aerial roots should only fall victim to pruning in exceptional cases. They not only serve as an attachment organ for a tree lover, but also take part in supplying them with water and nutrients. Do not cut off roots that are too long until they have dried up and died.
tips
The clippings from your philodendron are far too valuable to be carelessly put aside. Every strong shoot with at least one healthy leaf has the makings of a cutting for uncomplicated propagation. Plant two-thirds of the offshoot in a pot with moist coconut fiber substrate. In the partially shaded, warm window seat, it transforms into a vital tree friend within 4 to 6 months.