How to Trim Your Houseplants
for Bloomscape
Step 4: Snip!
Cut the leaves that are entirely brown or yellow at their base. Be sure not to tug the leaves, as this can damage healthy parts of the plant. For brown or yellowing leaf tips, remove only the affected portion.
Plant Mom Pro Tip:
Be careful not to remove more than 25% of the leaves on your plant while pruning. You may need to prune in stages over a few weeks to avoid removing too many leaves at once and shocking your plant.
Need Help?
If you’re still nervous to trim your plants or have additional questions, Plant Mom is here to help. Contact Plant Mom’s care team for expert advice on any plant care issue, including repotting, watering, fertilizing, and more.
To promote growth and deter mold and pests such as fungus gnats, it is sometimes necessary to trim and remove dead or dying leaves from your houseplant. This helps your plant send energy to the healthiest leaves, as yellow and brown crispy leaves will not turn green again.
Follow this step-by-step guide from Plant Mom to learn how to properly trim your houseplants.
Step 1: Gather your supplies
To properly trim your houseplant, you will need a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears, rubbing alcohol, and paper towel to sanitize your cutting tool.
Step 2: Locate dead and discolored leaves
Locate all yellowing or brown crispy leaves. Gently remove any fallen leaves from the soil, as they can attract pests and create an environment for mold to thrive.
Step 3: Sanitize shears
If bacteria or leaf spot disease is suspected, wipe the blades of your sharp scissors or pruning shears with rubbing alcohol between each snip. If you are removing brown and crispy leaves due to aging, lack of moisture, or sunburn spots; moisten the blades with water before cutting–this will help prevent damage to healthy tissue.
