How to Prune Tradescantia Nanouk (Wandering Dude) for Lush, Bushy Growth

Tradescantia Nanouk is one of those plants that just screams joy. With its pink, purple, and green striped leaves, it brightens up any room effortlessly. But if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered how to keep it looking lush and full instead of leggy or scraggly. The answer? Pruning!

Pruning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about encouraging your plant to grow bushier and healthier. And don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Here’s how I prune my Tradescantia Nanouk for that full, thriving look.

Why Prune Tradescantia Nanouk?

First things first—why bother pruning? Pruning does a couple of important things for your Nanouk. It encourages new growth, keeps the plant compact and bushy, and helps prevent those long, leggy stems that can make it look sparse. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your plant healthy by removing any dead or damaged leaves.

When to Prune Your Nanouk

I like to prune my Tradescantia Nanouk regularly, but the best time is during its active growing season (spring and summer). If it’s winter, I’ll keep pruning light, just to tidy up a bit, since plants don’t grow as vigorously when it’s colder.

How to Prune Your Tradescantia Nanouk

1. Grab Some Clean Scissors or Pruners
Make sure whatever you’re using is clean and sharp. Dirty tools can spread disease, and no one wants that for their plants.

2. Find a Node
This is key. A node is the little bump on the stem where leaves grow, and it’s where new growth will sprout after you prune. When I prune, I always cut just above a node to encourage branching.

3. Cut Strategically
I’ll cut back any stems that are too long or look sparse. Don’t be afraid to take off a good chunk—Tradescantia Nanouk is a fast grower, so it’ll bounce back quickly. If you’re nervous, start with a few small cuts and see how it responds.

4. Remove Dead or Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves are totally normal, especially on older growth. I just snip them off to keep the plant looking fresh.

5. Don’t Waste the Cuttings
Here’s the best part: Tradescantia Nanouk is super easy to propagate. Take your cuttings, pop them in water or straight into soil, and you’ve got yourself new plants in no time. I love using them to fill out the base of the same pot or to start new ones for friends.

Caring for Your Nanouk After Pruning

After pruning, I give my plant a bit of extra TLC. I’ll water it if the soil is dry and move it to a spot with bright, indirect light to encourage new growth. You’ll usually start to see new shoots within a couple of weeks—it’s so satisfying!

A Few Tips for Lush Growth

• Rotate Your Plant: I make sure to rotate my Nanouk every week or so to keep it growing evenly.
• Fertilise Regularly: During the growing season, I feed mine with Happy Houseplants' Organic Tropical Plant Food once a month. It’s gentle and gives the plant the nutrients it needs to thrive.
• Bright Light: Tradescantia Nanouk loves bright, indirect light. Too little light can cause it to stretch out, which means more pruning for you!

Pruning your Tradescantia Nanouk might feel intimidating at first, but trust me, once you start, it’s incredibly rewarding. Not only will your plant look healthier and fuller, but you’ll also have plenty of cuttings to play with. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep your Nanouk thriving and looking its best.

If you want to learn more about caring for Tradescantia check out the rest of our blog here.