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How Do I... Prune and Propagate My Indoor Plants?

Want fuller, healthier-looking plants... or just more of them? A horticulturist reveals exactly how to go about it

Georgia Madden
Georgia MaddenDecember 4, 2020
Senior writer, Houzz Australia
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In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and design questions. Here, Duncan Hilder, horticulturist and co-founder of The Plant Runner, gives an easy step-by-step guide on the correct way to prune and propagate your indoor plant babies.
Neha Rajora Designs
When should I prune my indoor plants?
Not all plants need pruning, and those that do may not need it every year. Think about what you’re trying to achieve; are you trying to prevent pests and disease, create a ‘fuller’ looking plant, or just keep your plant a manageable size?

The best time to prune is at the start of spring, right before the growing season really kicks into gear. I typically like to take stock and do my pruning over the last week of winter. That way I know all the new growth that develops won’t be chopped off.

There are exceptions though; dead leaves require pruning year-round on some plants, while flowering plants are often best pruned after flowering, just to make sure you don’t snip off any potential blooms.
Jess Hunter Interior Design
What happens if I skip it?
Not pruning indoor plants isn’t the end of the world. Remember, no one is out in the rainforest keeping those plants nice and pruned. The biggest impact pruning will have on your plants is that it will encourage new growth and help to create a fuller, leafier look.

If you don’t prune away dead leaves or flowers, they can drop into the pot and attract pests and disease, so pruning spent flowers and foliage will keep your plants looking happy and healthy.
The Plant Runner
Hidehisa indoor plant shears, RRP$99, The Plant Runner

Do I need special tools?
A good pair of secateurs is a must. They should be sharp to ensure nice, clean cuts. If the cut isn’t clean it can lead to infection. We recommend our Hidehisa Indoor Plant Shears; impeccable quality and handmade in Japan.

Thinking of redoing your green space? Find a local landscaping expert on Houzz
Jessi Eve
Should I disinfect equipment first?
For sure! Always sterilise. It doesn’t take long and can save you a tonne of grief down the line. The last thing you want is botrytis or fungal rust spreading through your plant family.

Sterilise secateurs in a solution of one-part tea tree oil to 10-parts water. Use a cloth to wipe the solution on your secateurs before you begin, and every time you move to a new plant.
Forbes Rix Design
How much of the leaf or stem should I cut?
This will depend on why you’re pruning and the type of plant. If you’re pruning a trailing plant like devil’s ivy to encourage new growth, prune back to just above the node (where the leaf meets the stem). This will stimulate new growth to branch out from the node.

If you’re pruning for propagation, pruning below the node is important as that’s where the new roots will develop on the cutting.

Make sure you prune enough so that a couple of nodes can sit in water and there are some leaves left up top.
Arcologic Design
Are there any plants I shouldn’t prune?
Most plants will have dead foliage at some point, so you’ll probably prune them all to some degree. Palms should not be pruned below the terminal bud as it will kill the plant.

If you’re not sure, always check in with your friendly local plant shop.
Jessi Eve
Which plants are the easiest to propagate?
Devil’s ivy, monstera deliciosa, philodendron cordatum and syngonium podophyllum are some common and easy plants to propagate. But most plants can be propagated if you have the right equipment and time.

    How do I do it?
    The most common and easiest way to propagate indoor plants is via stem cuttings. The best time to do this is in spring. All you need is the right plant (aroids are great), some good secateurs and water.
    The Plant Runner
    How to Propagate Indoor Plants

    Step 1: Cut the stem just below a node (where the leaf meets the stem, generally they are slightly raised like a little bump), making sure there is enough length on the stem to have the node in the water and the rest comfortably sticking out.
    The Plant Runner
    Step 2: Clear any foliage that is low enough to be submerged. Make sure there are still a few leaves left up top.
    The Plant Runner
    Browse stunning images of Australian homes where indoor plants are displayed with finesse
    The Plant Runner
    Step 3: Place the cutting in a vessel of water. Keep it in a bright space but free from direct sunlight.
    The Plant Runner
    Step 4: Within a couple of weeks roots should develop from the node where you made your initial cut.
    Reside Studio
    When’s the right time to plant my propagated plants?
    For the best success, plant in spring or summer when the plants are actively growing. They’re ready when the roots are around two to three centimetres long.
    Lazcon Pty Ltd
    Can I propagate succulents?
    Absolutely. Succulents are some of the easiest plants to propagate.

    Here are some of the ways you can do it:
    • Plantlet removal: Simply take the mini-plants (pups) that spring up around the mother plant.
    • Root separation: Lift clumps of succulents from the soil and then divide them and replant, ensuring that all the new plants have roots.
    The Styling Edge
    • Cuttings: Pick off a leaf (or several) and let them dry out. Once they begin to callus off they will develop small roots. Now it’s time to plant.
    • Beheading: Remove the head of a succulent with a bit of stem attached. Allow the stem to callus over and then replant.
    Matthew Smith Architectural Photography
    Hilder’s top tips for propagating success
    • Not all propagated cuttings will take, so don’t stress if at first you don’t succeed.
    • If you propagate in spring, make sure you have enough roots before planting and use a good quality, well-draining potting mix. You can also think about using a rooting hormone or gel to boost your chance of success.
    • Google or ask about your plant before propagating it. Not all plants propagate the same way so read up to make sure you don’t waste your time – or your plant.
    • Some plants can be propagated in multiple ways so feel free to experiment and see what works for you.
    Studio Felix
    Your turn
    Have you had success with propagating indoor plants? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images, like this story and join the conversation.

    More
    Want more on indoor gardening? Have a read of this story: 3 Hottest Indoor Plants for 2021… And How to Make Them Thrive
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