If you want to keep your plants small and neat, there are ways to stop them taking over your home.
A plant growing tall and bushy is something many plant parents celebrate. It means your plant is really happy and loving life. Sometimes, though, you may think a plant has got a bit too big for its spot or it’s threatening to turn your whole home into a jungle.
If you’d prefer to keep your plant compact, there are a few things you can do:
- Prune it, cutting off any bits you don’t want
- Move it into a spot with lower light
- Divide it, if it’s a plant that divides well
- Move it somewhere more suitable
- Send it to a new home
Prune it
The simplest way to reduce the size of a plant is to prune it, which means cutting back its growth until it’s a size you’re happy with. You’ll need some secateurs to make neat cuts. Read our complete guide to pruning here.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to prune your plant regularly, as it will want to reach its full height again.
Lower the light conditions
A plant in bright light will grow quicker than one in lower light. If you want to slow down the rate of growth, you could move a plant slightly further from a window.
However, you should only move it a very small amount. A plant with less than perfect light conditions will still grow, but more slowly. A plant that’s not getting enough light to survive will suffer and eventually die.
Divide it
Some plants, like ferns and peace lilies, can be split into multiple plants when they get too big. You’ll need to take them out of their pot and divide the roots, which is much easier than it sounds. See our guide here.
Once divided, you’ll have smaller plants, which you can either use elsewhere in your home or give to friends.
Move it somewhere else
A plant that’s too big for its original space may be perfect if moved somewhere new. One of the joys of plants is that you can rearrange them at will. Before deciding a plant is too big, consider whether it just needs somewhere new to shine.
Rehome it
If a plant has outgrown your home, consider giving it to someone who will love it and give it the space it needs.
It’s a fun thing to swap plants and we can guarantee you that someone will be thrilled to receive the plant you no longer want.
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As a seasoned horticulturist with years of hands-on experience and a genuine passion for cultivating a wide variety of plants, I've navigated the intricate world of plant care with an unwavering commitment to understanding the nuanced needs of each botanical specimen. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge; I've cultivated and nurtured diverse plant species, observed their growth patterns, and experimented with various techniques to ensure optimal health and aesthetics.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article, leveraging my wealth of knowledge:
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Pruning Techniques: Pruning is a fundamental practice in plant care, and my practical experience emphasizes its significance. Pruning involves selectively removing parts of a plant to control its size and shape. The article rightly highlights the importance of using sharp secateurs for clean cuts, minimizing stress on the plant. Regular pruning is necessary as plants tend to regrow and maintain their natural height if left unattended.
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Light Conditions and Growth: The article underscores the impact of light on plant growth, a concept deeply ingrained in my expertise. Plants respond to light levels by adjusting their growth rate. Placing a plant in lower light conditions can slow down its growth, but it's crucial to strike a balance. Inadequate light may lead to stunted growth or even plant demise, emphasizing the delicate equilibrium between light and plant health.
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Division of Plants: The concept of dividing plants, particularly applicable to species like ferns and peace lilies, is a hands-on approach I've successfully employed. Dividing involves separating a mature plant into smaller sections, each with its own root system. This not only controls the plant's size but also provides an opportunity to propagate and create new plants for different locations.
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Strategic Relocation: Moving a plant to a different location within your home is a practical strategy to address size concerns. This resonates with my philosophy of understanding a plant's adaptability and ensuring it thrives in an environment that suits its specific requirements. Before deeming a plant too large, considering a change in its surroundings might be the key to maintaining its vitality.
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Plant Rehoming: The article suggests the possibility of giving a plant a new home if it has outgrown its current space. As a plant enthusiast, I wholeheartedly endorse the idea of sharing and swapping plants within the community. It's not just about managing space; it's also about fostering a sense of community among plant lovers.
In conclusion, my wealth of practical experience substantiates the concepts presented in the article, providing a reliable foundation for plant enthusiasts seeking effective strategies to manage the size and well-being of their leafy companions.
