Pruning & Propagation: Safer Cuts, Faster Recovery

Cutting a healthy stem feels wrong, but it triggers the plant to grow bushier.

Pruning Basics

• The “V” Cut: Always cut just above a node (the bump where a leaf grows). New growth will shoot out from that node.
• Sterilize: Wipe your shears with alcohol before every plant. Don’t spread viruses.
• Deadheading: Remove yellow/brown leaves. They drain energy and attract pests.

Water Propagation 101

The easiest way to clone your plant (Pothos, Philodendron, Monstera).

1. Find the Node: You need a piece of stem with at least one brown bump (aerial root) or leaf node. A leaf stem (petiole) alone usually won’t work.
2. The Cut: Snip 1 inch below the node.
3. Water: Place in a glass of water. Keep the leaf out of the water to prevent rot.
4. Wait: Change water weekly. Roots appear in 2-4 weeks.
5. Pot: When roots are 2 inches long, move to soil.