How to prune Tradescantia zebrina? Master these pruning methods

Tradescantia zebrina gets its name because its leaves look very much like bamboo leaves and have stripes on them. Tradescantia zebrina is a very popular indoor hanging potted plant and grows relatively fast. When we care for it at home, we need to prune it regularly to help it grow better and give it a better shape.

1. Pinching: Tradescantia zebrina grows relatively fast, so during its growing season it needs to be pinched regularly. This promotes the sprouting of side branches, making the overall plant fuller and more ornamental. Pinching means cutting 1-2 cm off the top of the main branch, then avoiding getting water on the wound and letting it dry naturally. Once the side branches grow out, pinch it again. After several rounds of this, Tradescantia zebrina will grow very full.

2. Cut off diseased branches and dead leaves: No matter what plant it is, during growth it will produce diseased branches or some branches with poor growth, and Tradescantia zebrina is no exception. At this point we need to be firm and cut off all these diseased and weak branches, so that healthy branches can get more nutrients and nutrient waste is avoided.

3. Cut off long branches: During the growth of Tradescantia zebrina, some branches develop better and become very long. Such branches not only affect the overall beauty, but also absorb too many nutrients, leaving other branches without nutrients. So for these branches, we need to cut, cut, cut.

4. Cut off old branches: When Tradescantia zebrina has grown for about two years, it has already become very dense, and it can be pruned. It is best to do this in spring together with repotting, and the roots can also be pruned along the way.

First take Tradescantia zebrina out of the pot, then shake off the soil and check whether there are any old roots or rotten roots. If there are, cut them all off. For those relatively old branches, they need to be cut off from the base, so that new branches will grow out. After pruning, disinfect the roots, let them dry, and then repot and plant.