Thanks to its large, vibrant, and perforated leaves, the Monstera deliciosa is one of the most recognizable houseplants today.
However, it requires great care, including cutting off dead leaves, which can be pretty challenging, and you may inadvertently damage the plant. So, if you are wondering how to cut off dead Monstera leaves, read my brief guide on how to do it easily.
Removing dead leaves from the Monstera plant helps it remain vibrant. It is also necessary to keep the plant healthy, as it allows new leaves to sprout, eliminating the chances of fungal or bacterial infections.
1. Determine Whether Your Leaf Is Starting To Die
Before you start pruning off the dead leaves, you should first determine if there are any dying leaves in your Monstera plant.
It would be best to look out for some telltale signs, such as browning edges or brown spots on leaves. However, if you detect them, I suggest not pruning the leaves straightaway, as they might still photosynthesize. Cut them only when more than half of the leaf turns brown.
2. Decide On A Suitable Time To Prune
Monstera plants can grow the fastest during the spring season. So, if you can time your pruning session before its growing season, your plant may heal faster, thereby replacing the dead leaves with new ones quickly.
But, this does not mean that you need to cut off dead leaves only during this time. While it is ideal that you prune them before spring, there is no harm if you need to prune dead leaves at any other time.
3. Gather The Necessary Cutting Tools
In order to cut the dead leaves, you will need the necessary tools to do so. I would suggest a sharp pruning shear to cut the leaves cleanly, as scissors or blunt blades may produce uneven cuts.
Also, it is crucial that you sanitize the shear blades before using them. This will ensure that the adjacent leaves or branches don’t get infected. In addition, while cutting, you should protect your hands with a thick glove, as the sap from this plant can cause skin irritation and rashes.
4. Carefully Cut The Leaf Near The Base Of The Stem
Using your sanitized shears, carefully cut off the dead leaves near their base, where they emanate from the stem. Ensure that there are no protruding remains of the leaf stalk from the main stem. This is the final step, after which, you can use the pruned leaves as compost.
And that’s how you can safely cut off dead Monstera leaves.
Here’s a tip before I conclude this guide: Monstera leaves die when you fail to correctly water the plant. So, always remember to water it adequately to keep it healthy and vibrant. You can follow this procedure for periodically pruning your Monstera plant, which is essential for its maintenance.