Okay, here’s my blog post about choosing the best pruning shears for indoor plants, written from my personal experience:
So, I’ve been getting really into indoor plants lately. My apartment is starting to look like a mini-jungle, which I love! But, I quickly realized that if I wanted these leafy babies to thrive, I needed to get serious about pruning. Dead leaves, leggy stems…they all gotta go. My first attempts were, um, rough. I used kitchen scissors. Don’t do that. It was messy, and I’m pretty sure I traumatized my poor pothos.

That’s when I realized I needed actual pruning shears. But, wow, there are a lot of options out there! Bypass, anvil, ratcheting…it was a little overwhelming. I spent a good chunk of a Saturday afternoon just staring at different types online, reading reviews, and generally feeling lost.
My Pruning Shear Journey
First, I tried a cheap pair I found at the grocery store. Big mistake. They were dull, awkward to hold, and just generally awful. I think I did more damage than good with those things. Lesson learned: don’t skimp on tools, especially when it comes to your plant babies!
Next, I did some actual research. I learned that bypass pruners are generally the best for indoor plants because they make clean cuts, like scissors. Anvil pruners, on the other hand, crush the stem, which isn’t ideal for delicate houseplants. Ratcheting pruners are good for thicker stems, but I didn’t really need that for my mostly leafy crew.
I ended up ordering a pair of bypass pruners with a comfortable grip and a sharp, stainless steel blade. I also made sure they were small enough to maneuver around my plants without accidentally snipping off healthy leaves.
The Results
- Easier Pruning: Seriously, it’s like night and day. The new pruners slice through stems so easily, it’s actually kind of satisfying.
- Healthier Plants: I’m seeing less browning and more new growth. The clean cuts seem to help the plants heal faster.
- Less Plant Trauma: No more mangled stems! My plants seem much happier, and so am I.
My advice? Don’t be like me and start with kitchen scissors. Get yourself a good pair of bypass pruners. Your indoor plants will thank you!