Photo: KENPEI, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Houseplant
Small-leaf spiderwort: when and how to prune
Tradescantia fluminensis
Small-leaf spiderwort is best pruned in March–September.
| Pruning months | March–September |
|---|---|
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Small-leaf spiderwort: when to prune it?
Cut it back regularly throughout the growing season, from March to September. That keeps it full and compact.
What else to prune in those months? March · April · May · June · July · August · September
Small-leaf spiderwort: how to prune it?
- Cut long or bare stems just above a node; new side shoots grow from there.
- Push the cut pieces of about 10 cm straight back into the pot: they root and fill it out again.
- On variegated forms, remove all-green shoots right back to where they start.
- Remove dried, brown leaves at the base.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March–September.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- A houseplant lives indoors, so wildlife hardly notices the pruning. Healthy clippings can go on the compost.
Caution: Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin: the sap can cause itching and redness. Small-leaf spiderwort is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Small-leaf spiderwort · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.