---
title: "I heard somewhere to cut leaves that are smaller because they are…"
description: "I heard somewhere to cut leaves that are smaller because they are draining the energy from the plant. I don’t know if my monstera needs that… any thoughts? I…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/BAlhcvNhQzatWyxRCJGLLA/kIr9hDOsTBWRFrxnhVbaRw"
community: "Foliage Plant Haven"
author: "Show me the Greens!"
published: "2024-09-06T13:34:32.683149Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/IRQx0M2Gzl97_PsATuntVFTt1ZCqi4SvZNpXxoYJJYw/UOx9VdqiTk6wOUh7oXNlWA.webp?size=large"
---

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# I heard somewhere to cut leaves that are smaller because they are…

_Posted by Show me the Greens! on 2024-09-06_

I heard somewhere to cut leaves that are smaller because they are draining the energy from the plant. I don’t know if my monstera needs that… any thoughts? I want her to be lush and healthy. Maybe just add a support for that stem?  
Thanks!

![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/IRQx0M2Gzl97_PsATuntVFTt1ZCqi4SvZNpXxoYJJYw/UOx9VdqiTk6wOUh7oXNlWA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/IRQx0M2Gzl97_PsATuntVFTt1ZCqi4SvZNpXxoYJJYw/W9Zx1QYkR6STGZ89Et_59A.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/IRQx0M2Gzl97_PsATuntVFTt1ZCqi4SvZNpXxoYJJYw/IpoElC-wSeevjO6waihJTQ.webp?size=large)

## 3 comments

### Ray L commented on 2024-09-06

For sure add some support. As long as it's getting enough bright indirect light than it'll grow full. I don't usually trim those off until they start to turn yellow.

### Sunny commented on 2024-09-06

Keep the leaf. It collects UV rays the plant needs for photosynthesis. I recommend clearing the excess soil off the base of the leaves. Those leaves are supposed to be above ground. The soil will hold moisture on parts of the plant that are not supposed to be buried.

### NOTsoGREENthumb commented on 2024-09-06

When I started cutting the smaller whole leaves around the bottom of mine, the taller ones growing in started to produce \*immaculate\* fenestrations. So I’m a believer on that tip! But it doesn’t look like yours has any of the small ones I normally clip so I think yours is good on that. But I would agree to the previous comment of letting the root breathe.

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