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You can prune a money plant indoors by cutting just above a leaf node with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
This simple trim keeps your money plant (Pothos or Epipremnum aureum) looking lush, full, and healthy instead of leggy and sparse.
In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to prune a money plant indoors, when to do it, and what to do with the cuttings you snip off.
Let’s dive in and get your money plant looking its best.
Why Pruning Your Money Plant Indoors Matters
Pruning a money plant indoors isn’t just about looks, though that’s a big part of it.
When you prune a money plant indoors, you encourage bushier growth because cutting the stem signals the plant to branch out from the node below the cut.
This means your money plant becomes fuller and more vibrant rather than growing one long, bare vine.
Pruning also removes dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves, which keeps the plant’s energy focused on healthy new growth.
Regularly pruning your money plant indoors is one of the best ways to maintain its shape and control its size, especially if it’s taking over your shelf or trailing too far from its pot.
And since money plants are fast growers, a little trim every few months goes a long way.
1. Prune to Promote Fuller Growth
If you want a bushy money plant, the secret is simple: prune a money plant indoors just above a leaf node.
That node is where a leaf meets the stem, and that’s exactly where new shoots will emerge.
When you make a clean cut about a quarter inch above the node, the plant doesn’t try to extend the old stem anymore.
Instead, it activates the dormant buds at that node, which then push out two or even three new stems.
So each time you prune your money plant indoors, you’re multiplying its growth potential.
2. Prune to Remove Leggy or Sparse Vines
Sometimes your money plant grows long and leggy, with leaves only near the tip and bare stems in between.
That happens when the plant doesn’t get enough light, or it’s just stretching toward the sun.
To fix this, prune those leggy vines right back to a node that still has healthy leaves or is close to the soil.
This encourages the base to fill out again, and you’ll get a much denser, more attractive plant.
So whenever you prune a money plant indoors, always target the longest, weakest vines for the best results.
3. Prune to Control Size and Shape
Money plants can grow aggressively, and pruning is your best tool to keep them in check.
If your money plant is taking over a tabletop or reaching toward the floor, pruning a money plant indoors helps you maintain a neat shape.
You can cut it back to whatever height or length you prefer, and you can also shape it by removing lopsided branches.
This keeps your money plant looking intentional and tidy in any room of your home.
When to Prune a Money Plant Indoors
Pruning a money plant indoors is best done during the growing season, which is spring through summer.
That’s when the plant is actively pushing out new growth, so it will recover quickly and bounce back even bushier.
You can still prune a money plant indoors in fall or winter, but it’ll be slower to respond since the plant is resting.
If you notice your money plant has a lot of yellow leaves or you’re just trying to propagate new plants, you can prune as needed regardless of the season.
Just remember that the best time to prune a money plant indoors for vigorous regrowth is when it’s actively growing.
Signs That It’s Time to Prune Your Money Plant Indoors
Your money plant will often tell you when it needs a haircut.
If you see trailing vines that are more than a few feet long with bare stems at the base, it’s time to prune a money plant indoors.
Yellow or brown leaves are also a clear sign that pruning is overdue, because those dead parts sap energy from healthy growth.
Another sign is when your money plant looks top-heavy or uneven, with all the leaves at the tips and nothing near the soil.
Anytime you notice these issues, go ahead and prune a money plant indoors to revitalize it.
Step-by-Step: How to Prune a Money Plant Indoors
Now let’s get into the actual pruning process, it’s easier than you think.
1. Gather Your Tools
To prune a money plant indoors, you need a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Wipe the blades down with rubbing alcohol before you start so you don’t spread any diseases or pests to your plant.
You also might want a small bowl of water to place your cuttings in if you plan to propagate them.
Having everything ready makes the whole process smooth and stress-free.
2. Decide Where to Cut
Look at your money plant and identify the vines you want to shorten.
Find a leaf node along the stem, that’s the little bump where a leaf attaches.
When you prune a money plant indoors, always cut about a quarter inch above a node, and at a slight angle.
This gives the node room to sprout new growth while preventing the stem from drying out too much.
Don’t cut too close to the node, or you risk damaging it.
3. Make the Cut
Once you’ve chosen your spot, snip the stem in one smooth motion.
Avoid crushing or tearing the stem, as this can make the plant more vulnerable to rot.
Continue pruning a money plant indoors vine by vine, stepping back now and then to check that you’re creating a balanced shape.
You can remove as much as a third of the plant’s length in one session without stressing it too much.
If your money plant is very overgrown, you can even do a harder prune, cutting it back significantly, and it will still regrow.
4. Water and Care After Pruning
After you prune your money plant indoors, give it a light watering if the soil feels dry.
This helps the plant recover and encourages new growth at the cut nodes.
Place your money plant in a spot with bright, indirect light, because that will speed up the healing process.
Avoid fertilizing right after pruning to let the plant settle, but resume your normal feeding schedule after a couple of weeks.
Your money plant will thank you with fresh, vibrant shoots within a few weeks.
What to Do with Money Plant Cuttings
The cuttings you get when you prune a money plant indoors are perfect for propagation.
1. Root Cuttings in Water
Place your cuttings in a jar of fresh water, making sure the nodes are submerged.
Change the water every few days, and within a couple of weeks you’ll see white roots forming.
Once the roots are about an inch long, you can pot them in soil.
This is a free and easy way to grow more money plants for other rooms or to share with friends.
2. Root Cuttings in Soil
You can also skip the water stage and plant the cuttings directly into moist soil.
Just stick the cut end into a small pot filled with well-draining potting mix, and keep the soil consistently damp.
Rooting in soil takes a little longer, but it’s equally reliable.
Either way, you’re making good use of all those trimmings.
3. Compost the Leftovers
If you don’t want more plants, toss the healthy cuttings in your compost bin.
They’ll break down and add nutrients back to your garden or future houseplant soil.
The point is, you never need to waste the cuttings when you prune a money plant indoors.
So, How Do You Prune a Money Plant Indoors?
You can prune a money plant indoors by cutting just above a leaf node with clean, sharp scissors.
This is the core of how to prune a money plant indoors, and it’s the most reliable way to encourage bushier, healthier growth.
Remember to prune during the growing season, remove leggy and yellow growth, and always make clean cuts.
Use your cuttings to propagate new plants, and give your money plant bright, indirect light after pruning.
With these steps, pruning a money plant indoors becomes a quick, rewarding task that keeps your green friend looking beautiful for years to come.
Happy pruning, and enjoy your thriving money plant.