Large, deeply divided leaves along with sheer size and shape, make Monstera deliciosa ideal foundation plants for indoor tropical gardens. These popular houseplants mature rapidly in two to three years and can grow to heights of 10 feet or more.

M. deliciosa is one of the easier species to maintain but regular pruning discourages potential problems and lets you control shape and size to fit your designated space.

Here’s how and why you need to prune your monstera.

Why Your Monstera Needs Pruning

Monsteras are vulnerable to pests and diseases that prey on weak, overgrown plants that lack robust foliage and adequate air circulation. Unchecked rapid growth causes plants to become leggy or top-heavy and fall over.

Your plant may struggle with nutrient uptake leading to discoloration and loss of vigor. Regular pruning takes care of potential problems and encourages healthy new growth to keep your monstera in good form.

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How to Prune Your Monstera

Pruning monstera involves several steps but you probably won’t need to follow all of them at each pruning session. Study your plant to determine where to make cuts for the desired result. If your monstera is overgrown, cut back slowly removing no more than one-third starting out.

Always cut above a node where a leaf stem joins the main stem. Damaged nodes will not produce new growth. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle to encourage water runoff and rapid healing. Cuts leak a milky sap that’s irritating to skin, so wear gloves and always use a sharp, sterile pruner to avoid tearing and damaging thick stems.

1. Remove older, lower leaves that are beginning to die back naturally. This redirects energy into new growth.
2. Check the tops and undersides of leaves for pests or diseases. If you find more than a few pests or diseases taking hold, remove the entire leaf just above the node at the base of the stem.
3. New leaves at the base can impede air circulation. They often yellow and die off before developing fenestration and should be pruned off.
4. Remove leaves with extra long stems growing out to the sides of the main plant. This can occur when light exposure is uneven causing the monstera to appear lopsided or unbalanced.
5. When long aerial roots extend past the container’s rim, prune them off at the base carefully, to avoid damaging the main plant.
6. To control the size of your plant, you have the option of pruning soil-bound roots. Use this technique if you want to maintain your monstera at its current size. Lift the entire plant from the pot. Gently ease out the long roots at the bottom and trim back by one-third.

When to Prune Your Monstera

Regular pruning is important but doesn’t need to be a scheduled task. Creating a pleasing shape or repairing an overgrown plant can be accomplished in several light sessions during the growing period. Or your monstera may look pristine and not require any pruning for the season.

If pruning is needed do it during the growing season in spring and summer to reduce stress and help plants recover. The first signs of new growth indicate increased energy to support rapid healing so heavy pruning is best completed in late winter and early spring.

Exceptions include dead or yellowing leaves and insect or disease infiltration. In these instances, foliage should be removed immediately to prevent spread and divert energy back into new, healthy growth.

It’s a good idea to wait until your monstera reaches maturity in two or three years before doing any heavy pruning. Timing depends on the growth rate and how the plant is forming.

Focus on maintaining good health for young plants by removing yellowing or damaged leaves, maintaining adequate light, and regular watering and fertilizing.