How to Prune Houseplants to Make them Bushy (Polka Dot Plant)

[@erirolfsen7353]

I recently got a polka dot plant and is extremely leggy. I'm excited to give this a try. Thank you!

[@HealthyHouseplants]

@erirolfsen7353, You're very welcome! :)

[@omegasage777]

My polka dot plant has grown HUGE because I've been hesitant to prune it...so thank you for this video!!

[@HealthyHouseplants]

omegasage, You're very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@nufrankz]

Same! I'm a lil scared about my plant because it has a thick central stem with very few leafs under the top one, so I think I will cut from the second set of leafes from top to bottom. Wish me luck hehe :) greetings fron Chile

[@HealthyHouseplants]

@@nufrankz, wishing you luck! I'm sure it'll work out well for you and your plant! :)

[@ahdalb1879]

Great video! I got two (pink and red) from 99c only store 😁 early this year and I’m in love with it. At the beginning it grew long stems with beautiful tiny purple flowers, and then started to shoot a bush of beautiful dotted leaves from the base, I trimmed the long stems and now both looking more bushy and the colors on the leaves are bright. Thank you again for this useful tips!

[@HealthyHouseplants]

@ahdalb1879, Thanks, and you're very welcome. I'm glad the video is helpful. Your plants sound gorgeous! :)

[@Elena-ht1ml]

Perfect video!!! Explained everything I wanted to know. Loved that you showed us the update of the plant growth from 2 weeks later. Brava!

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Elena, I'm so glad you liked the video and it was helpful! :)

[@Jami-vm1zv]

I couldn't see a thing. How close to the next set of leaves do you cut?

[@ranliu5035]

I wish saw this video earlier. My polka dot is already very leggy. Should I still pinch just top pair or I can do a little more?

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Ran Liu, You can do a little more. Just make sure to cut above a leaf node, as indicated, and make sure to leave some leaves on the plant, too.

[@marionkusajtys6873]

Can’t see where you are cutting.

[@albaniacollado9649]

Me neither

[@samanthaprice5141]

Thank you so much for making these videos! My rubber plant is in exactly this situation and your video has totally helped me know what to do! Hoping mine survives too! Thank you again ❤

[@HealthyHouseplants]

@samanthaprice5141, You're very welcome! I'm so glad the videos are helpful. :)

[@samanthaprice5141]

@@HealthyHouseplants I have a question if I may- once I’ve reported my sick plant, is it better to have her outside or Inside while she recovers? (It’s summer in Canada now so it’s warm out). Thank you so much again 🙏💕

[@HealthyHouseplants]

@@samanthaprice5141 You want to leave her indoors until she recovers, and even when she does, if you put her outdoors, you need to keep her in the shade or just morning sun or dappled sunlight, as the sun will burn the delicate foliage if there is too much. The indoors is much milder and will allow for healing. Polka dot plants also can't really take high temperatures or low temperatures.

[@tyna6955]

Thank you so much for this video! Very helpful :) I've been searching for tips how to cut it because mine got so tall since I didn't take care of it immediately.

[@HealthyHouseplants]

You're very welcome!!

[@zombiejehuty]

Thank you for the detailed explanation and presentation. It was very helpful.

[@HealthyHouseplants]

@zombiejehuty, You're very welcome. I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@DrakeNguyen4]

I have a polka dot plant in my frog enclosure, and the plant is real tall- This video absolute helped me thank yoi

[@HealthyHouseplants]

@TortoiseGuyAquarium, So glad that the video helped you! That sounds like a nice set up. :)

[@DrakeNguyen4]

@@HealthyHouseplants thanks!

[@fchho]

I didn’t know about pruning, mine got too tall and the bottom leaves dried and dying, so I had to propagate by cutting out the new leaves at the top and put them in water to grow roots and repot it. Sad I have to sacrifice the old stems.

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Noctis Yic, now that you know you can make sure to keep your polka dot plants pruned back. Cutting out the long stems and rooting them is a good solution!

[@nancygibney9327]

Mine are way too leggy. Can i cut the stem and put in water to grow roots

[@Shananana99]

Thank you, my nerve plant is lanky. Will try this!

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Sunshine, You're very welcome. I'm glad the video is helpful. Your nerve plant will respond well to the pruning! :)

[@Liv_Rose02]

Ok I wish I knew this when I first bought my plant because it’s already super super leggy, to the point where most of the leaves are on the top and the bottom of the stem is bare. How should I prune this?

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Liv Rose, When this happens, it's a good idea to prune the plant back in stages. You want to cut back in stages and not cut the whole thing back altogether, because plants need leaves to photosynthesize and grow. I would recommend cutting back 1/3 of the leaves and waiting for it to start regrow and then cut back another 1/3, and repeat. When you cut back, do so just above one of the little bumps on the stem, which are where growth hormones are stored. You will get new growth coming out of the bumps.

[@Liv_Rose02]

@@HealthyHouseplants Thank you so much!

[@HealthyHouseplants]

@@Liv_Rose02 You're very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@kevintrappen8007]

Thank you for the great tutorial regarding poke a dot plants! ❤️ New subscriber.

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Kevin Trappen, You're very welcome, and thanks for subscribing! :)

[@marissadiaz2816]

Your polka plant looks beautiful. I have one as well & I was wondering, is there anything extra you give it to make it stay looking so beautiful?

[@HealthyHouseplants]

@marissadiaz2816, Thank you! I do have a care video on them which talks about what I do to keep them looking good. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYvTZJ2qZZmabs0

[@marissadiaz2816]

@@HealthyHouseplants thank you for the video. It was helpful. 😊

[@EternaLivesMatter]

it would have seemed when I first got my plant that it needed a bigger potbut since I reported it it seems like it likes a more snug home because now it is getting tall and very thin and the leaves are so teeny quite opposite of what it was when I first got the plant

[@HealthyHouseplants]

@EternaLivesMatter, as you've found, most houseplants like to be in a fairly snug home. You want what I call the 2/3-1/3 plant/pot combo. So 2/3 plant on top to 1/3 pot below. The same goes for in the pot: 2/3 root to 1/3 soil. If you put a plant into too big of a pot, it will start to do poorly--including weak growth. So it would be good to what I call down-pot your plant. I have a video coming out on that soon. In the meantime, here are the 2/3 - 1/3 videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIncaYpup99ge8U / kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZm8Z5ukiNNqhMU

[@RickyKingProductions]

Thank you! Currently trying to save mine that is super leggy and flowering! Should I remove the flowers?

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Ricky King, You're welcome. And, yes, do remove the flowers, as the flowers cause them to become leggy.

[@allietierney13]

Hello! Very helpful video 🙂 can you propagate the pieces you cut off by putting them in the same pot? Or would they do better in water?

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Allie Tierney, Glad the video is helpful! The best thing to do is root the cuttings in water.

[@emilyfalk8892]

I’ve had my polka dot plant for a few months now and have never trimmed it because I didn’t know I should have. Now it’s extremely leggy and long! (Which is why I was Googling help.) Would it help to put the clippings I cut off from trimming in the center of the pot to help it fill out?

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Emily Falk, You can put the trimmings back into the soil, but you need to put them in at the point of a stem/root node. And using rooting hormone when you do it will help you have better success. Here is a video that will show you about that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3TMh4Sih7KsZpo If you've already stuck them into the soil in the pot, you can remove them and add rooting hormone and make sure each cutting has a stem/root node.

[@hendo-dogs]

Mine is super leggy--I’ve cut off some longer branches to root in water and will plant them in pots, then in the outdoor garden when it warms up. But for my houseplants, can I treat them like a leggy tomato seedling? That is, repot the plant, burying much of the stem in the potting soil--that is, will the plant root along the buried stem?

[@jayparker96]

Im curious if this is possible too

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Hendo Dogs, that is a really good question. I haven't tried doing that and it's generally not recommended for most plants, with tomatos and broccoli and cauliflower and some other plants being exceptions. However, that doesn't mean it won't work, and I think it is worth a try. I am going to also give it a try! I would suggest trying two ways that this can be done with leggy tomato plants. 1) Bury much of the stem as you indicate doing, and 2) Laying the long stem along the soil so that the stem nodes are in contact with the soil. At those points, the plant may root, creating more plants and a bushier plant overall. This laying the plant stem along the soil method works well with pothos. To hasten the rooting, you can dust the stem nodes with a bit of rooting hormone. Here's one: amzn.to/35uqdCs

[@HealthyHouseplants]

jay Parker, See reply to Hendo Dogs! :)

[@hendo-dogs]

@@HealthyHouseplants I will give it a try also! And I’ve got some rooting hormone so I will use that too. Thanks!

[@HealthyHouseplants]

@@hendo-dogs Great! Keep me posted on how it works, if you get a chance!

[@flowergirlabc123]

Should I trim an older plant with just a few pink leaves at the end and nothing in between? Do we need to do this from the very beginning?

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Tina Gale, it's best to do it from the beginning. But you can do it now. It takes some time for the plant to respond and get full again, but it can be done. You can prune parts of the plant, leaving some parts with leaves and wait for the pruned parts to start growing new leaves before pruning other parts.

[@LibbyChorney]

my polka dot plant is SUPER leggy because I didn't know this. there's almost no leaves at the bottom of the plant, and the ones near the bottom keep dying off while the tall leaves are thriving. is it ok to prune it still?

[@HealthyHouseplants]

libby chorney, Try pruning 1/3 of the plant and see if it starts growing again. If you cut off all the leaves, the plant can't photosynthesize to create energy to continue growing. Once you get some new growth in the pruned area, prune another 1/3, repeating until you're done getting it cut down.

[@LibbyChorney]

@@HealthyHouseplants thanks so much for the reply! your videos have been super helpful to my new interest in plants :)

[@HealthyHouseplants]

@@LibbyChorney You're very welcome, and I'm glad the videos have been helpful! I'm also really glad to hear that you're enjoying the plant world! :)

[@Kelsuuchuu]

@@HealthyHouseplants Thank you so much for this! I got my polka dot plant from my mother and I want to keep propagating it because it has sentimental value haha Now I feel safe pruning it and I'm sure it will be much happier I watched your video, too!

[@HealthyHouseplants]

@@Kelsuuchuu, You're very welcome, and I'm glad the video was helpful. That's really nice that you got the plant from your mother!

[@richarc2307]

Question? The pot has wholes in the bottom? My plant needs that?

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Richar C, Yes, in order to ensure that the roots don't become waterlogged and rot, you need drainage holes. If the pot is plastic, you could create some. If not, it's best to repot in a container with drainage holes.

[@courtneywi236]

If i cut off a bit can i put it straight in to the soil? new to plants haha

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Courtney Wi, That can sometimes work. It is important to cut off below a stem node, which is the little bumps on the sides of the stem. That is where roots will form. Then put that part into the soil and keep moist but not soggy. It can take 2-3 weeks or so to root.

[@flowergirlabc123]

Wish I could send you pics of 2 of mine that were given to me this summer. They aren't easy to find here and don't want to kill them. I cut 1/3 of the ends of 4 strands. How does it fill in from the bottom?

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Tina Gale, you can email my via my website and then I'll respond to the email and then you can send photos. Do so here: www.healthyhouseplants.com/contact-us/

[@dianabhuyan1111]

Loved ur explanation😍😍🥰🥰

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Diana Bhuyan, I'm so glad to hear that! :)

[@paniiiperry2602]

Thank you so much for this ❤

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Paniii Perry, You're very welcome! :)

[@mrsgalindo7]

It only gives me the option to subscribe. 🤔 anywho, great video thanks for sharing. 💚

[@JohnstunDesaray]

Helllooo great video quick question how can I remove fungus on my plant. I am not sure if it is that but mine has white fuzzy on the stem and i know its not the bugs thing that get on plants.

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Desaray Johnstun, Try removing the fungus and let the soil surface dry out for a few days, if possible. That may cause the fungus spores to die off.

[@josiasmachado4081]

I need help mine polka dot plant is turning brown and crispy, I don’t know what to do?

[@HealthyHouseplants]

josais Machado, Did you forget to water at some point? It will do that if that occurs. They also don't like to be in drafts. That will crisp them up. (And then overwatering will also do the same.)

[@mporganicgardening5236]

Amazing video respected friend.

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Thanks for the visit

[@mporganicgardening5236]

Most welcome.stay in touch.i m new in harden family

[@artbymanasvi8929]

Thanks for the video.😊. I have a polka dot plant but its new leaves are growing hairy and small with white n tiny hair. Its leaves were not hairy when I bought it. How can I treat it??😕

[@HealthyHouseplants]

artbymanasvi, Does the hair on the plant look like cotton? That could be mealybugs. Here is a video about them and how to treat them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHfFlI2ibbKokJY

[@artbymanasvi8929]

@@HealthyHouseplants no, not mealy bugs. Its new Leaves and branches are growing hairy with tiny white soft hair, and the hairy leaves are very small, not increasing in size. I have cut all the new hairy branches and leaves from it as it was attracting ants and lil insects. I don't know weather hairy leaves are natural for polka dot plant or its a plant disease so I cut all the hairy branches🤔. Thanku😊

[@amandashotts404]

@@artbymanasvi8929 I would spray them down with a natural pesticide. My first plant was a cactus that I thought would be impossible to kill. I noticed some white spots and was worried it was mold. I kept it and eventually it was covered in white moss and the plant felt almost hollow. It was my first plant so I had no idea indoor plants could get pests so easily. Even if you cut off the leaves they can still hang around. I’d disinfect it ASAP to make sure it stays happy and healthy! Over pruning can also weaken the plant so keep an eye on it and give some TLC. Good luck!

[@artbymanasvi8929]

@@amandashotts404 thank you😊 ya I sprayed it with pesticides .lets see, I hope it grows healthy leaves now.

[@clairep6283]

Great video, thank you

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Claire P, Thank you, I'm glad the video is helpful!

[@alexiagonzalezmartin7222]

I’ve had my plant since October and it was just fine till recently they have been drying up and not producing more leafs :( what do I do?

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Alexia Gonzalez Martin, Did anything change in the growing environment recently? For instance, did you move the plant? Water more or less?

[@alexiagonzalezmartin7222]

@@HealthyHouseplants no everything was the same

[@ginnyperezlerouzic9263]

Thanks for the tips! Pun intended! My mini polka dot plant has most of the leaves curling up. Any suggestions? Thanks again!

[@HealthyHouseplants]

ginny perezlerouzic, Ha! I like that! :) And you're welcome. I am going to be doing a video on curling stems coming up. Often it is too low of humidity. Is the air dry where are? It can also mean the plant is being overwatered and the roots are compromised. That would be indicated by constantly wet soil.

[@kaylasbrand4549]

So I bought a polka dot plant and it’s really Leggy but when I bought it I didn’t know it was supposed to be bushy . How do I fix this

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Kayla'sBrand, pruning back the plant slowly will help rectify the problem. You don't want to prune it all the way back so there is no foliage, because the plant needs leaves to photosynthesize and grow new leaves. So prune off some, then wait for new growth, and continue.

[@maysahazife1534]

What can i do if my olant is lanky

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Maysa Hazife, you want to pinch lanky plants back as shown in the video.

[@1628Scarlet]

Splendid video!!! Thank you so much!!! 💯👏🥰

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Scarlet M, You are so welcome! Thank you!

[@chibius_x]

Thanks for video :)

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Chibius_X, You're very welcome! :)

[@ninic893]

Can you please also do videos for green peace lily, money plant and orchids? Thank you 😊

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Nirupamaa Balachander, Money plant and orchids are on the to be produced list! Thanks for asking and watching! And I have done a care video on peace lily. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIi1np2Aoa2Me5o

[@ninic893]

@@HealthyHouseplants you’re the best 😄😄

[@HealthyHouseplants]

@@ninic893, Thanks! 😃 And thanks for watching!

[@Doris-y5v]

can it grown inside the house?

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Jenny, Yes, all of the plants I discuss can be grown indoors as houseplants.

[@maheshgaikwad6845]

Very nice 👍

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Mahesh Gaikwad, Thanks, and thanks for watching!

[@aishaboldon2276]

Mine has tiny almost no leaves and very long oh no

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Aisha Boldon, That could mean that your plant isn't getting enough light. Leaves will be very tiny when there isn't sufficient light. What's the lighting like?

[@aishaboldon2276]

@@HealthyHouseplants Bad. I live in Oregon so lots of overcast days lately. I have been shining my S.A.D. fluorescent on it this week and it looks better, but i'll be out of town for a week so hoping it will be fine. A friend will water it since i see now it likes water every other day. sheesh..... Thanks!

[@HealthyHouseplants]

@@aishaboldon2276, Sorry for the delay responding. How is it doing now? They do need some light. The SAD light would work. Good idea.

[@aishaboldon2276]

@@HealthyHouseplants thanks for the replies! I have lots of little new tiny leaves so the light is working thanks!

[@HealthyHouseplants]

@@aishaboldon2276, That's great news! And you're welcome. Thanks for watching! :)

[@vanessarivas5681]

Great job! 😊

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Vanessa Rivas, Thank you!! And thanks for watching! :)

[@kamryncorrine8280]

I’ve heard you pinch off flower growth, it that true?

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Kamryn Sefton, Yes, it is a good idea to pinch off flower growth. You can pinch off leaves, as indicated on video, at the same time.

[@emmasplantz]

Super informative. Thanks a lot :)

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Emma's plants, Glad it was helpful, and thanks for watching!

[@blob1908]

the most difficult plant i own :') maybe this will help

[@HealthyHouseplants]

maia, They can be tricky. I think this will help!

[@juliet9647]

Thank you

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Julie Tristant, You're very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@amandashotts404]

Hi mr frog

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Amanda Shotts, The Mr. Frogs say hi back! :)

[@DrWafaa27]

🇩🇿👍

[@cloudyskiees]

thank you

[@HealthyHouseplants]

Toshi x, You're very welcome, and thanks for watching!