PlantPal

Before your first cut

Decide whether you are removing one leaf, shortening a stem or shaping the plant. The cut goes in a different place for each.

A gardener pruning a plant; inspect your own plant before cutting.
A gardener pruning a plant; inspect your own plant before cutting. Photo: Shixart1985 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and converted for display.

Before you start

Look at the whole plant. Follow the part you want to remove to where it joins the plant, then find the healthy stems, leaves and buds you want to keep.

How to do it

Use clean, sharp shears. Pick one clear target for your first cut, then step back and see whether it was enough. Look up the plant and its flowering season before a bigger prune.

When to stop and recheck

Wait if the plant is wilting, many leaves are changing, or the join is hidden. Check the plant's health or move the foliage aside so you can see the cut clearly.

Sources