This week, nothing unexpected metaphorically blew up in my Plant Life, so I decided to have a Pruning Day. Removing dead and dying leaves helps protect the rest of the plant from decay. For some plants (such as the Tradescantia group), pruning achieves the goal of making a plant bushier and less ‘leggy’ (long vines with few leaves). I personally have difficulties with that latter technique, because I see this proof of life on my plant and can’t bring myself to chopping it off. Alas, I must.

Per my recently gained knowledge, I spritzed my scissors with alcohol to sanitize the shears between each plant clipping. I also watered the plants after pruning, based on recommendations I found in a quick internet search. Said search also advised the application of fertilizer after pruning, but I have not reached that level yet. Let us hope I have nurtured new growth rather than stunting it.

A few of the clippings were long enough to try propagating. (I’ve heard 3-4” is a good rule of thumb for the T. zebrina, cutting right before a node)

I also potted some clippings of T. zebrina that I had been rooting in water for many weeks. Unfortunately I forgot to sanitize the pot beforehand; hopefully that won’t come back to bite me in the butt.

Meanwhile, a T. zebrina under my sister-in-law’s care (a cutting taken only last December, from my now-deceased parent plant) has blossomed beyond my wildest imaginations. It is hands down the happiest T. zebrina I have ever laid eyes on. Clearly, my SIL has a green thumb. Her secret: Water. Sun. Love.