How to prune philodendron bipennifolium (horsehead)

Spring or early summer for any structural trimming. Remove dead or damaged leaves cleanly at the petiole base with sterilized scissors or pruners. To reduce stem length, cut just above a node — this encourages new side growth and keeps the plant tidy.

As needed — a few times per year for tidying; structural cuts rarely required. Philodendron bipennifolium (Horsehead) is a vigorous climber that needs only occasional maintenance pruning. Remove dead or yellowing leaves at the petiole base as they appear. If the plant becomes too large or a stem grows out of bounds, cut back to just above a node in spring. No heavy pruning is needed.

Remove dead or damaged leaves cleanly at the petiole base with sterilized scissors or pruners. To reduce stem length, cut just above a node — this encourages new side growth and keeps the plant tidy.