How to prune a cactus tree

Tips On Trimming Cactus Plants

General Cactus Care

By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Image by alexstorn

Cactus are low maintenance plants that generally thrive with neglect and do not require a lot of pampering. It might surprise you to find that cacti can and do need to be pruned now and then. Cactus pruning is not always necessary and when to prune a cactus plant will depend upon why you are trimming it. A few notes on how to cut back a cactus for purposes of propagation, rejuvenation, and structural integrity will send you on the road to cleaning up your succulents properly.

Can You Trim a Cactus?

New succulent growers may ask, “Can you trim a cactus?” Most cacti really don’t need any form of shaping unless they have a great huge limb that looks ready to tip the plant over. The major reasons for trimming cactus are to remove parts to root for new plants, remove offsets or pups for the same reason, reinvigorate a plant that has gotten too tall or too leggy, and to take off damaged material.

Cacti come in a wide range of forms. Cactus pruning can enhance these forms while preventing overcrowding, which can increase the chance of disease, mildew, and unhealthy plants.

The Opuntias, Crassula, and Senecios have pads that serve as leaves and these are easy to remove and can be used to start new plants.
Columnar plants, like totem pole cacti or organ pipe cacti, may simply get too tall or spindly and require a judicious beheading to force branching or simply thicker stems.
Still other succulents in the family will produce flower stalks which are persistent and become ugly when dead. Removal of these will restore the beauty of the plant.

Trimming cactus has a variety of purposes, but the good news is that you can use many of the parts you remove to start new plants.

How to Cut Back a Cactus

The “how” of cutting back a cactus answers like a bad joke. The simple answer is, very carefully. Most cacti have some type of spine or prickle which can be painful to encounter. Use thick gloves and wear long pants and sleeves for the bigger garden specimens.

The tool will depend upon the size of the plant, but most will succumb to pruners. Only the largest will require a saw. As with all pruning, make sure the tool used is sharp and clean to avoid injuring the plant and decrease the chance of disease.

Remove limbs at the branch point but be careful not to cut into the main stem. Pads or leaves may just snap off or you can use pruners to remove them.

For a big job like cutting back a columnar specimen, use a saw and remove the main trunk at the point at which you would like to see branching or at the height you require the plant. Try to remove the stem at a growth point.

Plants like agave will need the old leaves removed to preserve the appearance. Cut them away at the base of the plant with shears.

What to Do With Pruned Off Parts

Now for the fun part. Almost all the material you remove is salvageable except for diseased or dead stems and leaves.

Pads will root if laid on top of soil and develop into a new plant of the same species.
Cut stems and trunks should be allowed to callus at the end for several days and then can be planted to create new cactus.
Any offsets or pups that you cut away from the base of a specimen are new plants in their own right and should be potted up immediately.
Dead flower stalks and leaves are compost, but some varieties of cactus produce leaves on the flower stem which can be treated the same way as the pads of other species. Most cactus parts will start rooting within a month.

Once you restore your initial cactus to its glory, you will have the pleasure of making more of the spectacular plant and can increase your collection or give them away to family and friends.

This article was last updated on 04/19/21

5 Signs That You Need To Cut Your Cactus

Sometimes, you need to cut your cactus to help the plant grow healthier. The signs that indicate that your cactus needs pruning include overgrown leaves and stems, mealybug infestation, rotting, dead stalks after blooming, and excess height.

Cacti plants are known for their different shapes, sizes, and colors. While most of them are green, some are white and some purple. One of the best things about these plants is that they do not need a lot of care to thrive. But what happens when you realize your cactus has overgrown and isn’t looking its best? Well, you cut it back and manage its size.

So, when do you need to cut back/prune your cacti plants? Generally speaking, most cacti plants require little to no pruning because they grow slowly and will take many years before they become large. However, overgrown plants can benefit from a bit of pruning to get rid of old stems.

Typically, you should consider pruning your cactus when it is crowded, suffering from top-bottom rotting, showing signs of pest infestation, and after blooming. Before you start pruning your plant, you must have a clear target in mind. What do you want to achieve with the pruning?

If you are still confused about whether you should prune your plant or not, read on to find out everything you need to know. We cover the basics of cactus pruning and how you should do it right.

Can You Cut Back a Cactus Plant?

The simple answer is “yes.” As mentioned above, there comes a time when you need to cut back your cactus plant to manage its size and avoid overcrowding. In some instances, pruning can also help save your plant from death (in case of top-bottom rotting and pest infestation).

However, you need to keep in mind that most cacti species really don’t need any form of trimming and shaping unless they have developed a huge limb that looks to tip your plant over. The only time that most gardeners are forced to cut back their cacti plants is when they are removing parts to root for new plants.

Cactus pruning, if done right, can enhance the overall appearance of your plant and prevent overcrowding which can increase the chances of pest infestation and disease. Overcrowding can also result in mildew and unhealthy plants.

There comes a time when you need to cut back your cactus plant to manage its size and avoid overcrowding.

Columnar cacti plants such as organ pipe cacti and totem pole cacti can get spindly or tall and require regular pruning to force thicker stems or lateral branching.

The Opuntia has flat pads that serve as the leaves. In such a case, you can remove some pads and use them to start new plants. This is still a form of pruning/ cutting back.

The other plants in the family of cactus such as the Christmas cactus produce flower stalks when blooming. These flower stalks become ugly when dead, and the only way of getting rid of them is by trimming your plant.

Although trimming serves different purposes, the most significant part of it is that you can always use the parts you cut back to start new plants.

Signs That You Need to Cut Back Your Cactus

Now that you understand some of the reasons why cactus pruning is essential, you need to know when to do it. In this section, we discuss the top five signs that you need to prune your plant.

1. The plant has become too large

Although most cacti species grow slowly and never reach destructive heights, there are a few exceptions. Members of the jungle cactus family grow relatively fast and can become too huge when the growth conditions are right.

As a result, you may want to reduce your plant size when you notice that it is becoming too large or one side is growing much faster than the other, and you want it to be asymmetrical.

To keep your cactus healthy, you should cut back the plant whenever it seems to be too large.

Typically, if you are pruning to reduce the size of the plant, consider cutting back the plant by at least a third each year. Regular pruning will eventually result in a slightly bushier plant with more spots for blooms to develop.

Keeping smaller sized plants makes things a little easier because you can position them anywhere in your house. You can fit them on your window sills without overcrowding the limited indoor space.

2. Pest infestation

While most cacti species have sharp spines that deter pests, certain types of pests can still find a way to your plant. Some of the common pests that may attack your cactus include cactus bugs, mealy bugs, spider mites, cactus longhorn beetles, and scale insects.

Some of these insects multiply rapidly, and if you don’t take action to stop them early, the effect can be catastrophic. Most of them attack the stems, but others may find their way to the roots.

The moment you notice signs of pest infestation on your cactus, you need to take appropriate action to stop them. If the pests are large, you can simply remove them by hand. But, if they are tiny such as the spider mites, you may be forced to call in a professional pest exterminator.

The bad news is that some cacti pests are so tough and chemical-resistant such that even the most experienced pest exterminator won’t stop them. If you have tried using an exterminator to get rid of bugs, but you don’t see results, pruning the affected part is the only solution.

Identify the part of the stem attacked by the bugs and carefully cut it back. Make sure you prune all the affected sections of the stem to avoid re-infestation.

3. Top-bottom rotting

Rotting is a common cactus issue that you have to deal with promptly to save your succulent. Rotting can start from the bottom (roots) and spread upwards to the stem. It can also start at the top and spread down.

When your cactus starts to turn brown and soft at the tip, you could be staring at tip rot, also known as cactus stem rot. Once your cactus starts rotting from the top, it won’t stop, and if you don’t act fast to save the plant, it will die.

If your cactus is changing the color and getting softer, you should prune the damaged parts of the plant.

Stem rot is caused by a fungus and pest infestation, or water penetrating through an open wound on the plant. If your cactus is damaged in any way, it could be susceptible to stem rot.

Once you start noticing signs of stem rot on your plant, the most important thing you need to do is prune/ cut back all the affected sections of the stem to save the rest of the plant. If you don’t prune off the affected parts, the rot will continue to spread and eventually kill your plant.

Keep in mind that rot spreads pretty fast and you may not have a lot of time left to save the cactus. You can use pruning shears or a sharp knife to prune the affected sections of the stem.

4. The appearance of dead stalks after blooming season

The appearance of dead flower stalks just after the blooming season is another sign you need to prune your cactus. This is especially true for Christmas cacti that flowers massively.

If you notice dead stalks after the flowering season, you should cut back the unhealthy leaves and stems.

Do not prune before the flowering season to avoid losing the precious blooms. However, once the blooming season is over, you may notice that the flower stalks left behind appear ugly. Take time and carefully cut them back to give your cactus a new look.

Apart from getting rid of the dead stalks, pruning after the flowering season will also make your cactus bushier which will eventually lead to the development of more blooms the next time the plant flowers. Ensure you cut back all the dead stalks and unhealthy branches.

5. Cactus is getting too tall for its pot

Lastly, you should also consider pruning when you realize that your cactus plant is getting too tall for its pot. Ideally, you should repot your cactus every two or three years, but this is not always the case.

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Therefore, if you realize that your plant is getting taller for its pot, consider pruning it so that it doesn’t topple over. In most cases, plants grown in light plastic containers tend to grow taller and thin. Reducing the plant to an appropriate height helps it to become thicker and healthy.

If your cactus is too tall compared to its pot, you should consider pruning the plant.

Keeping Safe While Cutting Back Your Cactus

Ensure you observe safety measures when pruning a cactus. Wear protective clothing such as long pants, sturdy shoes, leather gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt. You should also put on protective eye glasses if you are pruning a prickly pear because the glochids can become loose and blown into your eye by the wind.

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Make sure your gloves are waterproof to protect you against the milky sap, which might cause severe inflammation and irritation if it comes in contact with your skin. You might also need a water-based marker to help you mark the exact sections of the stem you need to prune.

Final Thought

That is it about pruning/cutting back your cactus plant. Keep in mind that these succulents are quite dangerous, and you need to be careful while pruning.

Now that you have a complete guide on how and when to prune your cactus, it is time to put on your gear and get down to work. Always give your cacti plants the face-lift they deserve so that they look healthy and beautiful throughout the year.

Last update on 2022-09-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

90,000 is it possible to carry it out when it is necessary to remove the top, how to do it at home, how to care for the plant after the procedure? Expert

Can this be done?

Cactus pruning is possible, and in some cases it is simply necessary.

Trimming and re-rooting a cactus may be necessary for various reasons, but most often it happens when necessary:

The plant begins to rot.

The shape is changing, the plant is strongly skewed.

Strongly grown and stretched out.

Cacti get sick due to inept care, pests or inappropriate treatment . Warm wintering, excessive watering or lack of light can seriously weaken the plant, reduce its ability to resist diseases and pests. In order to prevent this from happening, we suggest reading about how to properly water this plant and what is the best place to choose to place a green friend.

Rotting can start due to:

Overflow.

Unsuitable primer (details on substrate selection can be found here).

Pot too big and water stagnant (how to choose a pot for a cactus?).

Due to fungal and bacterial infections.

Pruning is necessary to prevent rot growth, otherwise the plant will die. Pruning is also necessary when less drastic methods are not able to correct the shape of the cactus.

Which species need it the most?

What types of cacti require pruning most often? The most commonly pruned plants are the following varieties :

Mikhanovich's Gymnocalycium

It has a thick, elongated stem covered with triangular ribs, brown or greyish-green in color.

Echinocactus

Spherical plant, slow growing, undemanding.

Cleistocactus Strauss

Horizontal columnar plant, grows up to 1 m in height. The cactus features closed tubular flowers .

Opuntia

Grows up to 30 cm, has many small, very sharp spines.

Whitening Trichocereus

The stem grows vertically or slightly inclined. Distinguished by large white funnel-shaped flowers.

Mammillaria

Mammillaria covered with long soft spines , has a cylindrical or oval shape.

Notocactus Otto

It has a thick stem with pronounced edges, on which there are hard spines.

Cylindropuntia

Branched cactus, the stem consists of many oblong segments. Grows up to 1-2 meters at home.

Cereus

Tree-like cactus with a massive stem and many shoots.

When and how often to produce?

Cactus rooting is most difficult in autumn and winter when the plant is in a state of stagnation. But unfortunately, it is during these seasons that the plant's immunity decreases, and it is attacked by fungal and bacterial infections. Most often, the situation develops in such a way that pruning followed by rooting is the only way to save the plant from death.

Unless circumstances force you to immediately save the prickly succulent by cutting it, you should wait until spring or summer. Cuttings cut this season will take root better, and the mother plant will survive.

There is no need for regular pruning of cacti. It all depends on their appearance and growth rate. Pruning is done as they grow and in cases where pruning can save the plant.

How do you know when pruning is needed?

There are a number of external signs that make it possible to understand whether the top of the plant can be cut off.
The plant has shrunken.

The cactus squinted to one side.

Spots appear on the trunk (wet, dry, different in color and structure from the rest of the plant).

Growth halt and fall off during the growing season.

The plant has become too long, heavy and threatens to overturn the pot.

It rests against a shelf, window sill, there is not enough space for it, it is not possible to move it to another place.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Before you start pruning your cactus, prepare everything you need for this process . You will need a sharp, thin knife (you can use a clerical one), an alcohol solution for disinfecting the tool, charcoal powder, a pot and soil for the plant. Don't forget to prepare a thick towel or plastic tweezers - this will make it easier to hold the barbed trunk in the process.

The following plan describes how to prune succulents at home:

Select the mother plant you will prune. If the length of your cactus exceeds 15 cm - start pruning immediately from the top. If the plant is small - first remove it from the ground - it will be easier to carefully make a cut.

Disinfect the knife and, having grasped the plant, carefully cut off the desired part. The larger the resulting cutting, the better.

Examine the section - the tissue must be healthy, without lesions.

Sharpen the cactus to the shape of a pencil. Do not sharpen too sharply, this is not necessary. This is done due to the fact that when dried, the protruding center will be drawn inward.
In the center of any cactus is a cambial ring. It must not be touched when sharpening!

Treat the cut with crushed charcoal - the powder will absorb the escaping juice.

Leave the cut cactus in a dry place out of direct sunlight. Drying time is 1 to 4 weeks. It is best to dry the stem vertically.

Next, you need to put the cut cactus on the ground (you can not stick the shoot into the ground, it can rot) and put a few stones for stability.

Place the pot in a sunny spot and wait for the roots to appear. Read more about which place is better to choose for placing a cactus, we wrote in this article.

Care

Spray the plant occasionally during the month and check it regularly for rot.

Do you grow cacti and follow all the rules for caring for your prickly pet, but at the same time he does not feel well, looks lethargic or even "hibernated"? The secret to luxurious growth and flowering of a cactus is simple - it needs to be fed well and regularly. Read on the pages of our website about suitable fertilizers for this plant - what composition of vitamins is needed and how to choose the right fertilizer.

What if the plant dies after the procedure?

If it so happened that after pruning the cactus did not recover, and rot and mold reappear on the stem, re-prun the plant.

It is carried out according to the same scheme as the previous one - the plant is cut with a clean knife, sharpened in the form of a pencil and laid out to dry.

When cutting, carefully clean affected tissue . Even a small focus of infection will lead to a recurrence of the disease.

If you take into account all the factors influencing the development of a cactus, you will ensure that the plant will regularly delight you with its flowering.

when and how to prune succulents? subtleties of the event

Contents:

How to plant a cactus?

General information

Cactus pruning

Can a cactus be pruned

Pruning rules

How often to water

Plant type

Succulent location

Pot material

Cactus age

Life cycle

Substrate condition

Growing from seeds

Details of the event

Suitable time and recommended pruning frequency

Signs that a cactus needs pruning

Preparing and conducting the procedure

Top fit

Conclusion

Cacti, which can and should be cut

Outward time and the recommended wrap frequency

Watering mode: take into account all circumstances

Watering, depending on the type

Lighting and location

Temperature regime

Airing

Picking

Watering

Top dressing

Features of cacti as plants

How to plant a cactus?

Propagation by cuttings is one of the easiest ways to ensure the propagation of a cactus. Only the elastic parts of the plant are suitable for this. However, there are times when this propagation method is the only way to save part of the flower. When an adult bush is already dying or sick, it is worth separating a sluggish cutting from it and trying to grow a healthy plant.

Only part of the flower is cut. The cut should be sharpened and then dried for at least 10 days. Such a cutting is planted in the soil, like a "cub". The process of root formation is similar. You can water the young cut only after two weeks. Prior to this, rare spraying from a sprayer is allowed so that only fine mist falls on the plant. Propagation by seeds is considered the most difficult process. In this case, it is required to carry out heating, as well as compliance with complete sterility.

General information

7 tips that will prolong the life of succulents

There are 4 groups, or rather subfamilies of cacti, the representatives of which differ significantly from each other: The pereskia cactus has full foliage and non-succulent stems. Botanists consider this genus a transitional form, connecting cacti with deciduous vegetation. Some types of peresian are not only grown as house flowers, but also used to root cacti of other species. These are flowering cacti, but in order for them to bloom at home, they need good care and conditions that are as close to natural as possible.

Opuntia

This subfamily is more numerous and consists of 18 genera. Most prickly pear cacti are quite large and grow quickly, so they are more common in offices, greenhouses, foyers of various institutions, where they have enough space. The main features of prickly pear cacti are stems of an unusual shape, they can be cylindrical, flat or consist of numerous segments. And besides, on the surface of the flower there are glochidia - small spikes, sharp, with serrate notches. Opuntias are very unpretentious, as they are accustomed to various climatic changes, so even a beginner can take care of such a cactus.

Mauchienaceae

Representatives of this subfamily from Patagonia resemble prickly pear in appearance, only they do not have spiny glochidia. Actually, earlier they belonged to prickly pear cacti, however, today it is a separate subfamily, consisting of one genus - Mayuenia, which includes 2 species - Mayuenia Patagonian and Mayuenia Poppiga. When grown at home, these succulents are recommended to be grafted onto strong, well-developed prickly pear. Often, flower growers who grow such cacti at home begin to wonder how often they bloom and can they even be expected to bloom? As practice shows, cultivated mayuenia practically do not bloom.

Cactiaceae

The most numerous subfamily that unites all remaining genera of cacti. These succulents do not have glochidia, as well as foliage, except that in some varieties it is preserved in the form of rudimentary parts. This category also includes epiphytes - succulents attached to other, larger and stronger plants, but not feeding on them, and xerophytes - drought-resistant cacti.

The large family of cacti is made up of a wide variety of plants, however, despite the diversity of species and different needs, there are a number of general principles regarding the care and maintenance of these exotic guests in the home.

Cactus pruning

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What is the procedure for and how to prune a cactus? How to update a plant? The answers to these and many other questions are below.

Can the cactus be trimmed

Some varieties of cactus require trimming

For them, the procedure is vital. Some need pruning for re-rooting, for example, if the fact of rotting of the root system is found

Pruning is necessary if:

the shape of the plant has noticeably changed;

asymmetric development is observed;

the stem has become thinner, stretched out.

Diseases of cacti occur as a result of non-compliance with the rules of care. Together with them, pests are connected to the plants.

Note! Winter maintenance in a warm room leads to a weakening and decrease in immunity. Weakened instances can no longer resist diseases

Pruning is needed if rotting has begun as a result of neglecting proper care:

excessive watering;

use of unsuitable soil;

no drainage;

large volume pot.

Pruning as a result of the detection of rot is essential, as this will lead to the death of the crop.

Cutting rules

Before pruning, it is important to prepare sterile materials and instruments. You can carry out the procedure with a clerical knife, it is sharp enough, so it can be used to make an even cut, and not tear delicate tissues

Before cutting, disinfect the tool by disinfecting the blade with alcohol.

In order not to drive a lot of thorns into the skin of the hands, it is recommended to prepare a towel or plain paper folded in several layers. Plastic tweezers will help to remove the plant from the pot.

Plant resuscitation

Succulent pruning at home, step by step:

It is necessary to prepare a mother plant that needs pruning.
Cactus taller than 15 cm must be cut from the top. A small specimen should first be removed from the pot.
Trim to healthy tissue

This is important provided that rot develops.
After that, you need to sharpen its base like a simple pencil. After the plant is left for some time to dry, the sharp center will be drawn in

Drying is carried out for 2-3 weeks.
At the end, all sections must be treated with charcoal.

How to properly root a cactus after an update? After the stalk dries, it is placed in the ground and wait until it takes root.

How often to water

What land is needed for a Decembrist

The frequency of watering a home cactus directly depends on many factors. The most important of them are described below.

Plant species

Astrophytum cactus: variants of different species and examples of home care

The seller must tell about this, as well as provide instructions for caring for a particular variety. For example, if the future pet was brought from the desert, he will not be too whimsical and water-loving. Such plants need minimal irrigation once a week and a half, and even then - only in the hot summer period.

Important! Succulents brought from the tropics love high humidity, so they need more frequent watering both in winter and summer. There is nothing easier than instructions on how to water a Decembrist or prickly pear - they are not afraid of water in any quantity

Mammillaria is the same unpretentious plant

There is nothing easier than instructions on how to water a Decembrist or prickly pear - they are not afraid of water in any amount. The same unpretentious plant is Mammillaria.

Location of succulents

If you place a plant at home on a sunny window, or next to a powerful battery, heater, computer or laptop ventilation, it will require more moisture. In cool and less lit areas, water less often and less.

Pot material

Even this small detail affects the frequency. Ceramic and clay pots slightly absorb moisture, so you will need more frequent and rich watering. With plastic and glassware, there are much fewer problems.

Age of the cactus

If the plant is very young, it uses more nutrients from the water and the substrate for its development and flowering. Therefore, he needs more moisture than his older brothers.

Different types of cactus need different watering frequencies

Life cycle

When a plant begins its growing season, that is, it begins to grow actively, and flowering varieties appear to set, you need to prepare for frequent watering. Usually this is the period from late spring to late autumn.

Due to the relocation of a succulent to a different environment, its natural cycle may be disrupted, and the growing season begins in winter

The change in behavior must be carefully monitored so as not to leave the plant without vital moisture at this time.

Condition of the substrate

This is a separate and very important issue when growing a healthy and strong cactus, since most of the so-called universal store-bought substrates, in fact, contain a lot of components dangerous for the plant. Sometimes the quality of the soil simply leaves much to be desired: a solid mass of peat does not deliver water to the roots, and a lot of loose sand or clay, on the contrary, leads to their festering.

Attention! Watering the cactus and its frequency also depends on the quality of the water and the additives in it. It may take some time to observe the moisture absorption and condition of the succulent to determine the optimal frequency.

Growing from seeds

Cactus seeds are sold in specialized stores. They can be planted in late January or early February, if there is a well-heated and lit greenhouse, otherwise it is better to postpone the process to the end of April or the beginning of May.

Cacti can also be grown from seeds

To grow cacti from scratch, you need:

Soak the seeds in warm water the day before sowing.

Before the procedure, drain the water, and instead prepare a weak solution of potassium permanganate and leave the seeds in it for 10 minutes. Then remove the liquid and dry the seeds.

Place a drain in the bottom of the perforated pot, top with a layer of substrate 1–2 cm thick.

Spread the seeds on it (3-5 pcs per 1 cm 2 ). You don't need to push them into the ground.

After sowing, immerse the container in water. The liquid will penetrate through the drainage holes and the soil will be saturated with it. Then moisturizing the substrate as needed (it must not be allowed to dry out) must be done in the same way.

Cover the container with glass and keep at a temperature of 25-30 o C. Ventilate the ground 1-2 times a day.

Seeds of different species sprout from a day to several months (for example, phyllocactus and astrophytum germinate in a few days, and prickly pear and epiphyllum - up to 6 weeks). When the seedlings reach the size of a pea, it is supposed to transplant them into individual containers, deepening them so that the growing point is above the ground. Watering is carried out 1 time in 3-4 days.

When seedlings reach the size of a pea, you can start transplanting them into individual containers

How to protect cacti from decay

Cacti are drought-resistant plants. Therefore, with improper care, which is characterized by excessive moisture, they easily rot and may die.

It is best to make a single composition of cacti and take care of them in a complex. Plants in the composition should have the most similar requirements for soil composition, temperature conditions in winter and summer, humidity levels and the amount of water consumed. Joint placement will allow not only to control the level of soil moisture individually for each plant, but also protect them in case one of the plants gets sick.

Next to the cacti, to make the whole composition more decorative, you can lay out several beautiful pebbles of various shapes, sizes and colors. And a large stone placed in the center of the composition will become not only an interesting decorative solution, but also a great convenience when watering - water can be poured directly on it, which will keep the soil from erosion and ensure uniform distribution of moisture.

How to prune a cactus: when and how to prune a succulent? Details of the event

Heading: Cacti, Care 04. 03.

2019 : 0 Read: 7 min Views:

Cacti are habitual inhabitants of home window sills, tubs and planters, often decorate office and other premises, fitting into almost any interior.

This large family consists of succulents of various sizes, appearance and climatic needs, but they are all united by relative unpretentiousness and vitality.

It is not difficult to care for cacti, most often care consists of a minimum of procedures - watering, fertilizing, providing a microclimate depending on the season, rare transplants. But, some varieties also need pruning. How to prune a cactus, which species is this event necessary and in what cases can you do without it?

Suitable time and recommended frequency of pruning

Cactus treatments are more difficult to endure during the winter period when they fall into a state of stagnation. Their rooting and recovery proceeds more slowly, and due to a decrease in immunity, they are more often attacked by pests and fall ill with infectious diseases.

But if hygienic manipulations can be planned for a more suitable time, then the sick succulent is cut off without delay. This measure is mandatory. In other cases, pruning is desirable to carry out during the active growing season, that is, in spring and summer. Cropped cuttings will take root faster, and the mother specimen will more easily endure the operation and will not die.

! Many flower growers advise pruning indoor flowers on the waning moon.

Most of these succulents do not require regular pruning. But, it depends on their variety and growth rate.

Signs that the cactus needs pruning

Some changes in the state of the succulent indicate that it urgently needs a hygienic, and sometimes medical, procedure - top trimming:

The skin has turned yellow, has lost its luster.

The succulent has lost its turgor, shrunk, and squinted to the side.

Stem and/or foliage stained - wet, dry, sunken, of any color or size.

Cactus grows slowly or this process has slowed down significantly.

The instance has become too tall and bulky, it seems that its pot is about to turn over.

The crown rests on the ceiling or other upper surface, and there is no way to rearrange it to where there is room for subsequent growth.

In any of the above cases, pruning will benefit the exotic pet.

Preparing and performing the procedure

Before cutting, it is necessary to prepare tools and materials:

knife with a sharp, sterilized blade;

gloves;

paddle;

charcoal powder for powdering sections.

And if the cut parts take root, that soil, containers, drainage, etc.

Event algorithm:

Need to make a cut from an old copy. If its length is 15 cm or more, it can be cut from the crown. It is more convenient to cut low specimens by removing them from the ground.
The cut is sharpened neatly, much like when sharpening a pencil. The size of the peg can be only 1.5-2 cm. If this is not done, then the soft tissues, drying up, will be retracted. A flat cut surface in a few days will take the form of a reverse funnel. Yes, and rooting such a segment is very difficult, improper deepening can lead to rotting of the stem.
The upper part of the succulent is cut off with a blade, about 6-8 cm

If the stem is rotten, then all parts affected by rot are cleaned out, otherwise the rotting of the cut plant will continue.
Slices are sprinkled with powdered charcoal or activated charcoal, this is especially important if a rotten stem or shoot has been removed. Dispersed sulfur can also be used for these purposes.

After the event, the mother plant should be protected from direct sunlight, it needs light, but diffused. In addition, it is not recommended to water it immediately, it can be done in 3-4 days.

Planting the top

The top is rooted by drying for several days in the air until the edges are tightened. Do not be afraid that without moisture and earth, the succulent will die, drying is required for subsequent planting. After that, the stem is planted in the ground, consisting of 3 layers - drainage, soil and sand.

Moisten the soil periodically and make sure that it does not dry out completely. After a while, the stalk will sprout roots and begin to grow.

Conclusion

Pruning a cactus is not the most difficult procedure in floriculture, and besides, many specimens do without it throughout their lives. However, it is advisable for a cactus grower to get acquainted with the technique in advance and know how to act in a particular force majeure situation.

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Cacti that can and should be pruned

Many cacti do fine without pruning throughout their lives. But, some varieties still need it:

Mikhanovich's Gymnocalycium

This spherical fat man comes from Paraguay and Argentina. He quite successfully adapted to home conditions and gained popularity among flower growers. The stem of the succulent is brownish or gray-green in color, has well-defined triangular ribs.

Gymnocalycium Mikhanovich needs grafting, for which it is cut.

Echinocactus

The stem of this spherical plant is completely covered with thorns, for which it was nicknamed the "hedgehog cactus". It grows in the Mexican deserts, the growth process is slow, but specimens often reach 3 meters in height.

Cut a succulent not to make it decorative, but only if its stem or root is rotten.

Cleistocactus Strauss

South American cactus with columnar or decumbent ribbed stems. One of the representatives of the genus Cleistocactus, which is also called "white candle".

Pruning is used to renew or revive a succulent.

Opuntia

The most numerous genus of cacti, whose representatives were mentioned by the Aztecs. It is not difficult to recognize prickly pear among indoor vegetation - the plant has numerous flat leaves, shaped like feet or palms, covered with sharp thorns-glochidia.

Prickly pears are pruned for many reasons, but most often the event is carried out to preserve the beautiful decorative shape of the succulent.

Whitening Trichocereus

This cactus consists of a columnar stem that begins to branch as it matures. On the surface there are large areoles with yellow long spines. It blooms with white funnel-shaped flowers.

Care of Trichocereus of this species also includes pruning: to rid the specimen of numerous children, reproduction, and also to remove parts affected by parasites or infections.

Mammillaria

One of the most widespread genera of cacti, besides it is quite numerous and includes almost two hundred species. Mammillaria are unpretentious, suitable for novice cactus growers and willingly bloom at home.

You can and even need to prune this succulent if it has grown too abundantly or deformed.

Otto Notocactus

These spherical plants are loved for their attractive appearance and beautiful flowering. Otto is distinguished from other notocacti by the presence of well-defined, deep ribs. It blooms with yellow flowers, but varietal succulents with flowers of other shades are also bred.

With the help of pruning, flower growers do not allow the plant to stretch, they cut off the top of the stem, which has reached a height of 17-18 cm and sharpen the section of the cut so that it does not retract inside.

Cylindropuntia

In their homeland - in Mexico and in the southern United States, these branched cacti are called "cholla". Their stems consist of a large number of oblong-shaped segments that grow profusely both in the natural environment and when grown at home. They are regularly pruned for hygienic purposes, as well as to give and maintain a neat shape of a succulent.

Cereus

The genus of cereus includes fifty species and some of them are successfully grown as house flowers. These tree-like cacti have a massive stem, which in nature grows up to 20 meters in height, from which multiple processes extend.

Cereus are not necessarily pruned, this measure is resorted to only when necessary, for example, if the specimen has grown to the ceiling and needs to shorten the stem.

Schlumbergera

This spectacular representative of tropical epiphytic cacti is often found in home collections. It differs from desert relatives, and indeed from most indoor vegetation, in that it prefers to bloom profusely on the eve of the New Year holidays. For which he received various nicknames - the Decembrist, Christmas, Christmas cactus and others.

Haircut is necessary for an epiphyte to form a neat crown, otherwise it turns into an untidy, “shaggy” bush. The pruning process is quite simple - the extra links of the shoots are unscrewed, along the way, all damaged and dry branches are removed.

The cactus family includes a variety of succulents, which are often completely different from each other. However, in order to prune a particular cactus, it is advisable to follow certain rules, regardless of how the pet looks and what species it is.

Suitable time and recommended frequency of pruning

Cactus treatments are more difficult to endure during the winter period when they fall into a state of stagnation. Their rooting and recovery proceeds more slowly, and due to a decrease in immunity, they are more often attacked by pests and fall ill with infectious diseases.

But if hygienic manipulations can be planned for a more suitable time, then the sick succulent is cut off without delay. This measure is mandatory. In other cases, pruning is desirable to carry out during the active growing season, that is, in spring and summer. Cropped cuttings will take root faster, and the mother specimen will more easily endure the operation and will not die.

Most of these succulents do not require regular pruning. But, it depends on their variety and growth rate.

Watering schedule: all things considered

The frequency of watering a cactus at home is influenced by many factors.

Season.

From the beginning of March to September, the days are longer - the plants receive a sufficient amount of intense sunlight. High temperatures also promote development. During this period, flowers are watered more often than during the short winter days.

Development period.

During active growth, the cactus needs more frequent moisture. Usually the phase of enhanced vegetative development coincides with the spring-summer season. Many cacti are almost never watered during the autumn and winter, and growing specimens require more frequent irrigation.

Plant species.

Desert and forest cacti have completely different water regimes. People from the tropics are watered more often, especially during the flowering period. Typical representatives of "moisture lovers" are ripsalidopsis, schlumbergera and epiphyllum. Aliens from sultry deserts and mountainous regions endure the lack of water much easier - on the contrary, they often suffer from overflow. Such cacti include mammillaria, lobivia and hymnocalycium.

Room temperature.

Regardless of variety, cacti should be watered less often at low temperatures. Many species do not moisturize if the thermometer drops to 5-7 degrees Celsius.

Location.

A plant on a bright southern window is irrigated more often than one living on a dark northern window sill.

Watering depending on the species

There are several varieties of prickly domestic beauties.

Forest cacti, native to the tropics.

They differ from other members of the family in that they require more moisture and love spraying. In nature, forest cacti live in the shade, on the trunks of large tropical trees. They need winter watering, they do not like the complete drying of the earth in a flowerpot.

A typical example of such a flower known to many is ripsalidopsis, or Easter cactus. From March to September, it needs watering every 5-7 days, during the winter dormancy - on average every 8-10 days. Schlumbergera, a forest "Decembrist", requires watering every 3-5 days in June-September, as well as during flowering. From October to December, they irrigate once a week, the rest of the time - twice a month.

Unpretentious plants native to desert areas.

They do well without water for a long time, many of them stop watering after flowering and in winter.

Ariocarpus is a star-like member of the family without spines. At the beginning of autumn, he begins a growth period, at which time it will be correct to water the pet every 15-20 days. During the summer months, the soil is irrigated once, in the winter they are not moistened.

Columnar Cephalocereus with long silver hairs is irrigated once a week during the growth period, watering is stopped in winter. The same mode is needed for echinopsis.

Small globular hymnocalyciums are popular plants with scaly red, pink or white buds at the top. In spring and summer, they are moistened every 7-10 days, in autumn they are watered once a month, in winter this type of cactus does without water.

Parody - a cactus that blooms from the first years of life in red, pink or yellow. From May to September, it is watered every 10-15 days, and in autumn and winter - once a month.

Opuntia is a desert representative with a dense dissected stem. From spring to mid-autumn, it is irrigated once a month; in winter, it is not moistened.

Representatives of the mountainous area.

They need rare moisture (1-2 times a month), plenty of sunshine and cold wintering (5-8 degrees) without watering.

Sulcorebutia is a spherical, profusely and brightly blooming little beauty. Between waterings, the substrate should dry by 2 cm; in winter, the flower is not watered.

Moisturize every 15 days in winter and summer, do not water in winter.

Care

The very first question that arises for everyone who has purchased a plant: "How to grow a cactus?" There is nothing complicated here, the main thing is to follow the basic principles: water correctly, create the necessary temperature conditions, make sure that the plant receives the necessary amount of light, etc. Everything is extremely simple, which is why many novice flower growers choose a cactus as their "firstborn".

Lighting and positioning

It is worth remembering the adjustment period. You can not expose the cactus immediately to the street, first for three weeks it must be hardened - during the day in the fresh air, at night at home. And yet, depending on the family and species, some plants may require artificial lighting in winter.

Temperature

And although in their natural environment, cacti grow under the scorching sun, house plants do not like it too much.

In the hottest time of the year - summer, the cactus will feel quite comfortable at temperatures up to 30 degrees, but for some species, this mark can reach 33-35.

Also, during this period, it is necessary to take the plant outside or a ventilated balcony (loggia) so that it can breathe fresh air.

The end of autumn, winter and the beginning of spring are usually cool months, and for this time, the cactus needs to provide a temperature of 8 to 16 degrees Celsius.

Ventilation

When the seed container is in the greenhouse, it must be regularly ventilated. At first, it should be light, but frequent airing for several minutes. Further in the greenhouse, you need to start leaving a small gap in order to ensure a constant flow of air. And when the seedlings become stronger and larger, the greenhouse can not be used at all.

Pick

Time goes by, cubs grow. And very soon they will become crowded in the tray in which they were put

Here you will need a pick in a new container, where it is important to increase the distance between plants. Three to four such transplants may be required.

When the cacti look more mature, they can be planted in special pots.

It's so easy, with minimal cost, you can grow any cactus that you dreamed about, but could not find on sale in the store. It's very interesting to watch a plant grow from scratch.

Watering

Another fairly common question: “How often should a cactus be watered?”

As a rule, people who do not know or beginners either water the plant too often or not at all. Both are wrong here. Watering must be correct and timely, and for this you need:

Avoid overflows and accumulation of water in the pot tray;

Never use cold water. The temperature should be 11-15 degrees Celsius;

Watering should be carried out as moisture is absorbed, but do not bring the case to the complete drying of the soil;

During the dormant period (end of autumn - beginning of spring), watering should be done 1-2 times a month with a small amount of water, and in summer - 3-4, in the morning or after sunset. Again, test the soil for dryness with your finger before watering;

In a pot where a cactus grows, there must be drainage, otherwise, due to constant moisture, the roots will rot and the plant will die;

Water only the ground, avoid pouring water on the stem, especially in winter.

Top dressing

Usually, top dressing is carried out once a year, from March to September, sometimes during the flowering period, but not during the dormant period. The exception is the Decembrist cactus, which blooms in winter

Fertilizers for cactus are best used mineral, low in nitrogen (this is important) and enriched with potassium and phosphorus. Oversaturation with nitrogen will disrupt the proper course of plant development

Flower shops sell various ready-made fertilizer mixtures, where you can also consult in what proportions and how often it should be applied.

Features of cacti as plants

These representatives of the flora belong to succulent plants. That is, they are able to accumulate moisture in their powerful stem. Unlike other green organisms, they do not have leaves. The shoots are covered with hard or soft spines involved in photosynthesis.

The Cactus family is numerous, includes over 2 thousand species, which are combined into 300 genera. America is considered the homeland and main place of growth. Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Sri Lanka are rich in various species. They grow in arid desert areas and tropical jungles.
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