African hemp: when and how to prune

African hemp: when to prune it?

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Straight after flowering, in May. This keeps the plant compact and full.

What else to prune in those months? May

African hemp: how to prune it?

1. Shorten the stems to 30–50 cm above the pot, just above a leaf joint.
2. Remove dead, bare or overlong stems right at the base.
3. Shorten side shoots too: the plant branches and gets a dense shape.
4. Use a sharp, clean knife or secateurs; the prunings can be used as cuttings.

How much to cut, and how often?

• One pruning period a year: May.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• A houseplant lives indoors, so wildlife hardly notices the pruning. Healthy clippings can go on the compost.

Nearby: related pruning guides

Plant profile: African hemp · Pruning calendar and basic rules