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How to Reshape Trailing Houseplants Without Cutting Them + Houseplant Care Tips

January 9, 2019 Comments Off on How to Reshape Trailing Houseplants Without Cutting Them + Houseplant Care Tips

I bought my Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) after we moved into our house. I bought it because it was described as a good option for first time houseplant owners. Having purchased it about a half a year ago, I can say that it has indeed been a great first houseplant because of its low maintenance. I water it once or twice a month, and it sits in the corner of our dining room where it receives southeastern light for most of the day. The leaves are a lovely dark green color with light green spots, and it has been fun to watch the branches grow and trail toward the floor.

The branches of my pothos had been trailing on the ground for quite some time. Two or 3 different branches swept the floor and made it difficult to reach the window blinds and surrounding plants. So I decided it was time to give it a nonsurgical ‘face lift’ so to speak. No scissors were used to cut the plant. All I used were some precut pieces of twine to reshape this plant by lifting the trailing branches and tying them to branches at the top of the plant. Here’s how I did it.

Gently grab the trailing branches and untangle them being sure not to tear them in the process.

Select the first branch you want to move upward, and lift it to a higher branch on the plant. Tie the two branches together loosely using twine. Be sure not to lie the the branches too tightly. You don’t want to injure the plant and you want to leave room for the branches to continue to grow. The ties I made were more like loops than tight knots.

 

Repeat this process of lifting trailing branches and loosely tying them to higher branches until no more branches trail on the ground. To achieve a balanced and full look, rotate the plant as you lift the branches. Tie the branches in equally distanced spots around the plant.

Trim any excess twine from the plant being sure not to cut the leaves or branches.

If you’re thinking about buying a houseplant, but you’re not sure if you’re ready, I would definitely recommend the Goldon Pothos as a first houseplant. As I mentioned, it is very easy to take care of, but the benefits of houseplants are numerous and include cleaner air and a deeper connection with the natural world. They also make good learning material when it comes to teaching kids how plants grow. If you need some additional information about houseplant care I’ve provided some links below to help get you started. They’re all sources I trust and use.

Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

Caring for Houseplants

Houseplant Watering Basics

Pet- Friendly Houseplants

How to Care for Plants While You’re Away

Do you have a favorite houseplant, or is there a particular plant you’re thinking about buying? I’d love to hear about it. Please share in the comments ☺️🌱

Aubrie Reed

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