Pruning guide

How to Prune a Monstera Plant

Monstera pruning is mainly about removing damaged foliage, controlling long vines, or taking a cutting. A leaf can be removed at its petiole, while a propagation cutting must include a node on the main stem.

Monstera deliciosa

Mark cuts on my photo

Best time to prune

Spring through early summer during active growth

How often

As needed, usually once or twice during the growing season

Step-by-step

Choose the goal

Decide whether you are removing one leaf, shortening a vine, improving shape, or taking a propagation cutting. Each goal uses a different cut point.

Trace the stem

Follow the leaf petiole back to the main vine and identify swollen nodes and aerial roots before cutting.

Remove a damaged leaf

Cut the leaf stalk close to the main stem without nicking the stem or nearby node.

Shorten or propagate

For a viable cutting, cut below a healthy node so the removed section includes that node. For shaping alone, preserve the node you want to regrow from.

Re-support the plant

Tie remaining growth loosely to a support and guide aerial roots toward the pole or potting mix.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not cut every aerial root

Do not take node-free propagation cuttings

Avoid removing more than one third of healthy foliage

Aftercare

Keep in bright indirect light

Do not overwater to compensate for pruning

Watch cut surfaces and keep them dry while they callus

Frequently asked questions

Where do I cut a Monstera to make it grow back?

Cut with a healthy node remaining on the parent vine. New growth emerges from a node rather than from the middle of a bare internode.

Can I cut off damaged Monstera leaves?

Yes. Remove a badly damaged leaf by cutting its petiole close to the main stem with clean tools.

Pruning a real monstera?

A guide explains the method. A photo can show the exact stems and nodes visible on your plant.

Open photo pruning assistant