The Monstera deliciosa didn’t get its name by accident. These beauties can grow so fast and so large that they’ll literally grow over your head if you let them! If your Swiss Cheese Plant is starting to take over your living room, don’t panic—you can definitely prune it back to a more manageable size. However, you’ll want to be careful with your cuts, as not every part of the plant should be snipped away.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pruning Your Monstera
As a natural climber, this plant develops long vines, aerial roots, and those iconic, massive split leaves. To keep your “monster” under control, here is the best way to give it a haircut:
- Aim to prune in the springtime when the plant is entering its active growth phase.
- Start by carefully removing the moss pole or support.
- Wear gloves! Monstera sap is toxic and can irritate your skin.
- Use sharp shears or a knife and disinfect them with rubbing alcohol first.
- You can cut back long vines by up to one-third of their length.
- Make your cut just above a leaf node (where the leaf meets the stem).
- Secure your newly trimmed plant back onto its support.
Once you’ve finished pruning, you’ll notice new growth and branching starting to sprout from those cut points.
Aerial Roots: Only Snip in an Emergency
Aerial roots act as the plant’s support system and “supply lines” for nutrients and moisture. Because they are vital to the plant’s health, you should avoid cutting active, healthy aerial roots whenever possible. Only trim them if it’s an absolute emergency—like if they’re tangling with other plants or trying to grow behind your baseboards. However, if you see aerial roots that are completely dead or dried out, feel free to snip those off without worry.
Turn Your Trimmings into New Plants
The best part about pruning? Free plants! Instead of tossing those cuttings, you can use them for Monstera propagation. A stem cutting with one or two leaves and at least one aerial root is the perfect candidate. To get those roots growing, simply pop the cutting into a jar of water or plant it directly into a pot with fresh seed-starting mix. Before you know it, you’ll have a brand-new, gorgeous Monstera to share with a friend (or keep for yourself!).
