How to prune bloodleaf plant

Growing season (spring–summer) for pinching; late winter for hard cutback. Pinch soft shoot tips just above a leaf node to encourage branching and maintain compact growth. For overgrown plants, cut all stems back by one-half to two-thirds in early spring before new growth begins.

Pinch every 2–4 weeks during growth; hard cutback once a year in late winter. Bloodleaf (Iresine herbstii) grows quickly and benefits from regular pinching to maintain a dense, bushy habit. Without it, stems become long and sparsely leaved. Pinch stem tips frequently through the growing season. Cut the plant back hard in late winter or early spring if it becomes woody or sprawling.

Pinch soft shoot tips just above a leaf node to encourage branching and maintain compact growth. For overgrown plants, cut all stems back by one-half to two-thirds in early spring before new growth begins.