Should you prune above or below a node?

Author: Mr. German Stamm  |  Last update: Thursday, January 22, 2026

The node is where leaves, buds and shoots emerge from the stem. You should always cut just above a node, as this prevents 'die back' and therefore disease. Also, by cutting above a node you can manipulate new stems, leaves or flowers to form in a desired direction, as nodes form on different sides of a stem.

Do you prune above or below a node?

Always prune just above a node on a stem.

In this way, the dormant buds in the node itself will grow out into new stems. If you cut below a node, you leave a section of stem (the internode) that cannot grow new stems. This section will be prone to rotting and becoming susceptible to diseases that can kill your plant.

Do you cut above or below a leaf node to propagate?

Cut off a piece of stem, 2-6 inches long. There should be at least three sets of leaves on the cutting. Trim the cutting in the following way: Make the bottom cut just below a node (a node is where the leaf and/or the bud joins the stem) (Figure 1).

Why cut below the node?

It is important to cut below the node as this is where the cells responsible for pushing out new roots are located.

Do you cut pothos above or below node?

To get a cutting for Pothos propagation, follow these steps: Trim a 4-6 inch piece just below a root node. Ideally, the cutting will have 4+ leaves and at least two growth nodes. Pothos plant propagation can be done in water or soil, but once it begins, the plant has difficult switching to the other growing medium.

Cut the stem above a node

Where do you cut plants at node?

When you're ready, simply snip the stem on an angle just below a node, ideally below a node that already includes an aerial root. You can work your way down a stem and get multiple cuttings by repeating this same step below every node, or below every second node, making sure to include leaves.

Do you notch above or below the node?

Notching Step-by-Step Guide

Nodes are areas on the trunk that contain dormant leaf buds, and you can find them by looking for the slightly thicker areas on the trunk between leaves or branches. They might also look like a line running around the trunk. Then you'll make your cut just above the node.

What is one of the most common mistakes in plant propagation?

Inadequate Moisture: Cuttings need to be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to rot, while under-watering can cause the cutting to dry out and die. Use a spray bottle to mist the cuttings regularly with fresh clean and ensure the soil is consistently moist but well-drained.

What does cutting above a node mean?

Nodes are the areas on plant stems from which the leaves/branches/buds/roots grow. Identifying the nodes on your plants will help you to learn where to cut for propagation (just below a node) and where to cut for pruning (just above a node).

Do you cut above or below the node to propagate Reddit?

If Im understanding you correctly, cut below the node.

Do you cut basil above or below node?

To promote healthy growth in your basil plant, 'top off' the plant by snipping off the tops of each plant directly above a leaf node (where a set of leaves grow from the stem). This will encourage your basil to grow larger and fuller - if you cut one stem, it will reproduce and form two stems below your cut.

How to stimulate root growth in potted plants?

For plant roots to grow faster, it requires nutrients, sufficient water, well-aerated soil, enough light, the right range of temperature and proper amendments. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the three essential nutrients that a plant requires for its growth.

Is a pruned node a full node?

Pruned nodes are a type of full node, but they do not store the entire transaction history of the blockchain. They download blocks from the beginning of the chain until it reaches a certain limit and then delete the oldest blocks.

Do I prune above or below the node?

The node is where leaves, buds and shoots emerge from the stem. You should always cut just above a node, as this prevents 'die back' and therefore disease. Also, by cutting above a node you can manipulate new stems, leaves or flowers to form in a desired direction, as nodes form on different sides of a stem.

Do you cut above or below node plant?

Using a sharp knife (or pruners) cut just below where a leaf attaches to the stem (the node). Roots grow easiest from this location. If you leave a section of stem below the node, it often rots. Remove the lower leaves but leave the top two or three.

What should you not do when propagating?

Too much harsh sun, too much or not enough water, and using offcuts from plants that are sickly or flowering can also put your cuttings at risk. Once you're in the know about the typical errors gardeners make, you'll be able to take successful cuttings from plants and grow lots of new plants for free.

Do you cut above or below the notch?

Open face notch, aiming with top cut

Used for most purposes in flat or slightly sloping terrain. Easier for the bottom cut to meet the angled top cut for directional precision. The felling cut is made in line with the bottom cut or slightly above to minimize the risk of splitting.

What is the best homemade rooting hormone?

Aloe Vera Rooting Hormone

Just extract the fresh gel from a mature plant's leaves and mix it with a bit of water in a blender. Soak the cuttings in the mixture and add them to the growing medium. Spray the growing medium and plants with the remaining mix of aloe vera gel and water.

What is the easiest plant to propagate?

While most houseplants are straightforward regarding propagating, a few are very easy! Start your propagation hobby with these species for the most success.
  • English Ivy (Hedera helix)
  • Mother Of Thousands (Bryophyllum daigremontianum)
  • Aloe (Aloe vera)
  • Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides)
  • African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)

How to prune plants?

Instructions
  1. Observe the Plant. Take a step back from your houseplant, and look at its structure and shape. ...
  2. Determine Your Tools. Use pruning shears if the plant's branches are thick, such as those of an indoor tree. ...
  3. Remove Dead Matter. Clip or pinch off dead leaves and stems. ...
  4. Deadhead the Plant. ...
  5. Make Your Cuts.

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