Question
Dear Will,
I've just read your answer re how to prune a cheese plant and now understand why, when I've pruned the plant it keeps growing back just under where I have cut.  I was trying to stop my cheese plant growing any taller but as it keeps growing back just under where I have cut I'm not sure how to do this.  I had hoped that by cutting the new growth at the top the plant would grow further down the plant and so fill out. But this doesn't seem to be happening. Is there anyway to do this?
Many thanks,
Ruth

Answer
Hi Ruth,

Many houseplants, including the Monstera deliciosa, produce new growth only at the very end of a stem. They do not branch or replace lower leaves. Once you understand that new growth will only be at the end of a stem, then you can control where the end of that stem will be by pruning accordingly. Thus, if you want new growth close to the pot, then you have to prune back that far. I know that pruning off large sections can be scary, but that is the only way you can get the results you want.

The pruned off cuttings can be inserted in the soil of the existing plant. There is a good chance they will root and help fill out the plant.

I have written an article on pruning that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC