Live to Plant

Large Boho Plant Harvesting:
Optimal Time and Technique

Updated: July 22, 2023

The boho plant, also known as the Bohemian plant or Boho fern, is a popular choice among plant enthusiasts for its lush foliage and unique appearance. With its long, cascading fronds and vibrant green color, it adds a touch of natural beauty to any indoor or outdoor space.

As the boho plant grows, it eventually reaches a size where it becomes necessary to consider harvesting. Harvesting the boho plant not only helps maintain its health and appearance but also provides an opportunity to propagate new plants. In this article, we will discuss the optimal time and technique for harvesting large boho plants.

Optimal Time for Harvesting

Determining the optimal time for harvesting a large boho plant is crucial to ensure its health and vitality. Mature boho plants are typically ready for harvesting when they have reached their maximum size and show signs of overgrowth. Some indicators that a boho plant is ready for harvesting include:

  1. Size: A mature boho plant can reach impressive sizes, with fronds extending several feet long. When the plant has reached its maximum size and starts to overcrowd its container or space, it’s time to consider harvesting.

  2. Overgrowth: If the plant’s fronds become tangled or start to trail on the ground, it indicates that the plant has outgrown its current space. Overgrowth can hinder the growth of new leaves and compromise the overall health of the plant.

  3. Yellowing or browning leaves: While it’s normal for older leaves to turn yellow or brown, excessive leaf discoloration may indicate that the plant needs more space or nutrients. Harvesting can help rejuvenate the plant by removing damaged foliage.

  4. Rootbound: If you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes or circling around the pot, it’s a sign that the boho plant has become rootbound. Harvesting allows you to repot the plant in a larger container, promoting healthier growth.

Harvesting Technique

Harvesting a large boho plant requires careful consideration and gentle handling to ensure minimal damage to the plant. Follow these steps to successfully harvest your boho plant:

  1. Prepare the necessary tools: Before harvesting, gather the required tools, including sharp pruning shears or scissors, a clean container for the harvested fronds, and potting soil or a new container for propagation.

  2. Choose the fronds to harvest: Identify the fronds that need to be harvested. Look for fronds that are damaged, overgrown, or obstructing the healthy growth of new leaves. Selectively harvesting allows the plant to maintain its overall shape and aesthetic appeal.

  3. Trim the fronds: Using sharp pruning shears or scissors, carefully trim the selected fronds at their base, near the main stem. Ensure that you make clean cuts to avoid causing unnecessary damage to the plant.

  4. Remove damaged or yellowing leaves: After trimming the fronds, inspect the remaining foliage for any damaged or yellowing leaves. Gently remove these leaves by hand to improve the overall appearance of the plant.

  5. Propagate if desired: If you wish to propagate new boho plants from the harvested fronds, prepare a container with potting soil or a new pot filled with well-draining soil. Cut the trimmed fronds into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one node (a small bump on the stem where roots will develop). Plant these sections in the prepared soil, ensuring they are adequately watered and receive indirect sunlight.

  6. Repot if necessary: If your main objective in harvesting is to address rootbound issues, carefully remove the boho plant from its current container and gently separate its roots. Place it in a new, larger pot filled with fresh potting soil, ensuring that the roots are adequately covered.

  7. Provide post-harvest care: After harvesting, monitor the plant closely to ensure its successful recovery. Maintain regular watering and provide appropriate light conditions to aid in the plant’s rejuvenation process.

By following these techniques, you can successfully harvest a large boho plant without compromising its health and appearance. Remember to always handle the plant with care and consider propagating new plants to expand your boho collection or share with fellow plant enthusiasts. Happy harvesting!