How to prune stephania erecta

When stems begin to yellow and die back naturally, typically late autumn. Cut dead or dying stems at the base near the caudex with clean scissors. During the growing season, pinch or trim long vines just above a leaf node to encourage branching.

Annually at dormancy; light tidying as needed during growth. Stephania erecta is a geophyte grown primarily for its decorative caudex. The thin vining stems die back naturally in dormancy each year, so 'pruning' is mostly seasonal — remove dead or yellowing stems as they die back. You may also trim vigorous stems during the growing season to keep the plant tidy.

Cut dead or dying stems at the base near the caudex with clean scissors. During the growing season, pinch or trim long vines just above a leaf node to encourage branching.