Article: Make sure the scissors or garden shears are very sharp, as dull shears can damage the plants. If you notice any dirt on the shears, soak them in water with a teaspoon of bleach and then wipe them dry. A clean tool will ensure your plants are not exposed to bacteria or pests when you prune them.  You can find garden shears for pruning online or at your local hardware store. If you are worried about scratching your hands while you prune, wear gardening gloves. If you have houseplants that do not flower, prune them in late winter. For houseplants with flowers or blooms, wait until they have bloomed before you prune them. Do not prune houseplants when unopened buds are present on the stems. Look for any leaves or limbs on the plant that are brown or discolored. They may also appear limp or dry. Use the shears to cut them off just below the brown or dead area at a 45 degree angle. This will ensure you leave as much of the healthy foliage on the plant as possible.  Do not cut off any leaves or limbs that still appear green and vibrant. If a large section of the leafy area appears dead, you can cut off the entire branch. Leave the main stem intact and remove branches shooting off of the stem at a 45 degree angle. If you have houseplants that are flowering, make sure you check them over for any dead flowers and remove them. The flowers may appear brown, discolored, and limp. They may also feel dry to the touch. Cut the dead flowers off with the shears at the base of the flower’s head. Removing dead and dying flowers on the plant will encourage the growth of newer, more vibrant blooms.

What is a summary?
Use sharp scissors or garden shears. Prune the plants at the beginning of their growing season. Remove dead leaves and limbs at a 45 degree angle. Trim off any dead flowers.