How to Prune Plants: See Where to Cut
Take a photo and PlantScanner will mark safe cut points directly on your plant. Tap each marker for the technique, reason, best timing, and aftercare.
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Suggestions are conservative and photo-specific. For valuable, protected, or hazardous plants, confirm with a local horticulturist.
Before you make the first cut
Clean the blades
Disinfect sharp pruners before and between plants.
Start small
Remove damaged material first and avoid taking more than one third at once.
Check the season
Many plants recover best during active growth; the analysis will flag timing.
New to pruning? Read our complete plant pruning guide, or jump to a species guide below.
Popular pruning guides
Learn the plant-specific method, then use the photo assistant to place each cut.
Hydrangeas
Depends on type: after flowering for old-wood hydrangeas; late winter to early spring for new-wood types
Roses
Late winter or early spring as buds begin to swell; rambling roses are usually pruned after flowering
Lavender
After flowering, with a light tidy in spring once new growth is visible
Tomato Plants
During active growth on dry mornings; only indeterminate tomatoes need regular sucker management
Monstera
Spring through early summer during active growth
Pothos
Spring and summer, though light trimming is possible year-round indoors