When houseplants become leggy, meaning they have long, stretched-out stems with sparse foliage, it’s often a sign that they are not receiving enough light. Legginess is the plant’s way of reaching towards a light source in an attempt to get more energy for photosynthesis. However, there are ways to address this issue and promote bushier growth. One common method is by breaking the usual pruning rule.
The typical advice for pruning houseplants is to trim just above a leaf node, which is where a leaf attaches to the stem. This encourages new growth to emerge from that point. However, when dealing with leggy plants, you can break this rule and prune below a leaf node.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix leggy houseplants:
- Assess the Plant: Identify the areas where the plant is leggy and needs pruning. Look for sections with sparse foliage and elongated stems.
- Prepare Pruning Tools: Use clean and sharp pruning shears or scissors. Ensure that your tools are sanitized to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Select Pruning Points: Instead of pruning just above a leaf node, choose a point below a leaf node where you want the plant to become bushier. This could be anywhere along the leggy stem.
- Make the Cut: Make a clean cut just below the selected leaf node. You are essentially removing a section of the stem with a leaf attached.
- Remove Excess Growth: If there are multiple leggy stems, repeat the process for each one. Remove enough length to encourage the plant to produce more compact growth.
- Promote Balanced Growth: Consider pruning throughout the plant to maintain a more balanced shape. This helps distribute energy more evenly, preventing excessive elongation in specific areas.
- Provide Adequate Light: Address the underlying issue of insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location, either near a window with indirect sunlight or supplement with artificial grow lights.
- Care for New Growth: After pruning, monitor the plant for new growth. Ensure it continues to receive proper care, including watering and fertilizing as needed.
Breaking the traditional pruning rule by cutting below a leaf node encourages the plant to branch out from lower points on the stem, promoting a bushier appearance. Combine this technique with improved lighting conditions to help your houseplant thrive and maintain a more compact and attractive shape.
