The problem with trailing plants such as pothos or tradescantia is that they often grow long and bare, with leaves clustered only at the ends and sparse stems trailing toward the floor. Many gardeners instinctively leave the plant alone, hoping it will fill out on its own, but it rarely does. The fix—cutting off healthy growth—feels counterintuitive and brutal, yet it is highly effective.
What Is Pinching Out?
Pinching out involves removing the growing tip of a stem just after a node. This redirects the plant's energy, prompting it to activate and produce new shoots. The result, in theory, is a bushier, fuller plant rather than a few straggly vines.
How to Pinch Out Trailing Plants
Find a sad-looking stem and locate a node. Using clean fingers or sharp scissors, pinch or snip the stem just after that node, removing the growing tip and the first set of leaves if necessary. Repeat on several stems for an even, fuller shape. The removed pieces are perfect cuttings; pop them in water to root and replant in the same pot to thicken it further.
Test and Results
I pinched out the leggy stems on a tired-looking tradescantia, taking off more than I felt comfortable with. Within three weeks, new shoots had appeared at the nodes below each cut, and the plant was visibly denser. The cuttings I rooted and added back filled the gaps even more.
Verdict
Pinching out is not cruelty; it is one of the most useful things you can do for a trailing plant. Plants are built to recover from this kind of damage in the wild and respond with vigour. Be brave, and you will end up with a fuller plant and new growth.
