How To Prune Spiderwort

Learning how to prune spiderwort is one of the easiest ways to keep this vigorous perennial looking its best. This simple guide will walk you through the entire process, from a light trim to a major cutback, ensuring your plant stays healthy and blooms profusely.

Spiderwort, or Tradescantia, is a tough plant known for its grass-like foliage and three-petaled flowers. But without occasional pruning, it can become leggy, flop over, and even stop flowering. A little timely cutting makes a huge difference.

Before you start, gather your tools. You’ll need a pair of clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors. Wiping the blades with rubbing alcohol helps prevent the spread of disease between plants. Now, let’s break down the three main types of pruning your spiderwort might need.

1. Deadheading for More Blooms

Deadheading is the simple act of removing spent flowers. Spiderwort produces clusters of buds, but individual flowers only last a day. Regular deadheading encourages the plant to produce more blooms instead of putting energy into seed production.

Check your plant every few days during its peak bloom period, usually from late spring to midsummer.
Follow the flower stem down to the next leaf or bud cluster and make a clean cut there.
If a whole cluster is finished, you can cut the entire stem back to the base foliage.

2. Cutting Back for Shape and Rebloom

Spiderwort often goes through a “resting” phase after its first big flush of flowers. The foliage can start to look brown and tired, especially in hotter climates. A mid-season cutback revitalizes the plant.

After the initial flowering slows, use your shears to cut the entire plant back to about 6 to 8 inches tall.
Don’t be afraid to cut it down hard. It might look stark for a week or two, but new, fresh growth will quickly emerge from the base.
Water the plant well after this heavy prune and consider applying a light, balanced fertilizer to support its regrowth.
This practice often triggers a second, beautiful display of flowers in late summer or early fall.

3. End-of-Season Cleanup Pruning

In autumn, after the plant has finished flowering for the year, you have a couple options. You can leave the foliage in place to provide winter interest and habitat for beneficial insects, cutting it back in early spring before new growth starts. Or, you can tidy up in the fall.

For a fall cleanup, cut the entire plant down to just a few inches above the soil line.
This removes potential hiding places for pests and gives your garden a neater appearance over winter.
Always clear away and dispose of the cut foliage, especially if you suspect any disease issues.

Special Case: Pruning Leggy Indoor Spiderworts

Vining types of Tradescantia, like the popular inch plant, grown indoors also need pruning to stay bushy. They can become long and sparse.

Pinch or snip off the tips of the stems regularly to encourage branching.
If a stem is too long, simply cut it back to a point where you see a leaf. New growth will sprout from that node.
You can root the cuttings in water or soil to create new plants—its a great way to expand your collection.

Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple plant, its easy to make a few errors. Here’s what to watch out for.

Using Dull or Dirty Tools: This can crush stems and introduce infection. Always start with clean, sharp shears.
Pruning at the Wrong Time: The major cutback is best done after the first bloom fade, not in early spring when buds are forming.
Not Cutting Back Hard Enough: Being too timid can leave you with the same tired growth. Spiderwort is resilient and benefits from a strong cut.
Disposing of Diseased Foliage in Compost: If your plant had mildew or spots, throw the clippings in the trash, not your compost bin.

What to Do With Spiderwort Clippings

Don’t just throw those healthy green clippings away! Spiderwort is incredibly easy to propagate.

Select stem cuttings that are 4-6 inches long and have several leaves.
Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
Place the cut end in a glass of water, ensuring the leafless section is submerged.
In about a week or two, you’ll see roots begin to form. Once they’re an inch or two long, pot them up in soil.
You can also plant cuttings directly into moist potting mix, keeping it damp until new growth appears.

Care After Pruning

A good prune should be followed with proper care to help your plant recover and thrive.

Water the plant thoroughly after any significant pruning session.
A light application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can give it a boost, especially after a mid-season cutback.
Mulch around the base of the plant with compost or shredded bark to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Keep an eye out for new growth, which is a sure sign your plant is happy with its haircut.

FAQ: Your Spiderwort Pruning Questions Answered

When is the best time to prune spiderwort?

The best time for a major cutback is right after its first flowering period ends, often in early summer. You can deadhead throughout the bloom season. For a fall cleanup, prune after the foliage dies back.

How far back should you cut spiderwort?

For a mid-season rejuvenation, cut the plant down to about 6-8 inches tall. In the fall or early spring, you can cut it down to just a few inches above the soil. It’s a tough plant that handles hard pruning well.

Can pruning encourage more flowers?

Absolutely. Deadheading directs energy to new buds, and a mid-season cutback often forces the plant to produce a whole new set of stems and flowers for a second show later in the year.

Why is my spiderwort getting leggy and falling over?

This is a classic sign it needs pruning. Spiderwort naturally becomes top-heavy, especially in rich soil or partial shade. Regular cutting back keeps it compact and sturdy. If it’s in too much shade, consider moving it to a sunnier spot.

Do I need to prune spiderwort in the fall?

It’s not strictly necessary for the plant’s health. Many gardeners leave the foliage for winter interest and prune in early spring. Others prefer a tidy garden and prune in the fall. Both methods are fine, so choose what works for you.

Pruning spiderwort is a straightforward task that pays off with a healthier, more attractive plant and a longer bloom time. With just a few snips here and there, you can prevent it from becoming a messy sprawl and enjoy its vibrant flowers for months. Remember, these plants are very forgiving, so don’t worry about making a perfect cut. The most important step is simply to grab your shears and start.