nurtomi

Find the node before cutting

A node is where a leaf, bud or branch joins a stem.

A new bud at a node on a pothos stem; confirm the node on your own plant.
A new bud at a node on a pothos stem; confirm the node on your own plant. Photo: Threecharlie · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and converted for display.

What to look for

Follow the stem you intend to shorten and locate a healthy node on the part you will keep. Make sure you are looking at that stem’s own node, not a neighboring leaf stalk or aerial root.

What to do

For a stem that can be shortened this way, make a clean cut a little above the chosen node without cutting into it. Different plants grow differently; if you cannot identify the connection, wait and check again.

Sources