Prune a Cactus: [Importance, Time, Tools, Considerations and Steps]

The cactus is a species that is frequently used for interior decoration because they are very ornamental.Taking care of them properly will be the only strategy to ensure that they maintain that outstanding decorative profile.

Although it may seem like a simple task because, after all, they grow wild in desert places, it is not.

Pruning represents one of the mandatory tasks to keep them in perfect condition and today here we will tell you how to do it so you don’t get scared.

Why prune cacti?

The main reason that leads to pruning a cactus has to do with the size they reach when growing in a healthy way.This condition poses two problems. The first of them is related to the space that it will occupy in the place where we have it established.

The most common thing when having cacti at home is that they are arranged in pots, so if the size of the cactus exceeds the dimensions of these, it will cause a problem.

On the other hand, a very large cactus can cause it to lean to one side under the weight, which will harm its structure. It is also common to prune cacti to remove any part that is in poor condition and thus prevent the rest of the plant from being contaminated.

When is it better to carry out cactus pruning?

If the cactus is protected inside the house, it can be pruned at any time of the year because it will not be at risk of frost.

In case you are outside, it is best to wait until the summer heat arrives so that it is in the best conditions.

What tools should we use when pruning cacti?

The cactus is a species that has thorns distributed throughout its structure, so pruning must start from complying with security measures. Around this, it is best to wear thick gardening gloves that reduce the chances of affecting the hands.

To apply the cuts, scissors of different sizes can be used depending on the type of cactus in question.

In fact, if it is a small species that is kept in a container, it will be possible to separate the desired parts with a cutter. The most important thing in all this is that the cutting tools are sharp and disinfected to avoid inconveniences.

What considerations should we take into account when pruning cacti?

The cactus must be valued before proceeding with pruning so that there are no cuts that damage the general structure. Here the main thing is to set a work path that will probably go from the most external parts of it to the most internal.

It is possible that some cuts will be made to transplant, so you have to have them defined beforehand.

How to prune cacti without damaging the plant?

When the time has come to carry out the pruning, the step by step to follow will be as follows:

1. Select the stems that are longer and take up more space than they should and remove them. At this point it is interesting to also assess the sprouts that do not generate anything of value for the plant.
2. Cut the stems that are very close together and that are occupying areas that prevent the passage of light into the interior of the plant. A similar case applies to those that are colliding with each other.
3. Remove stems that are in poor condition, dry or diseased.
4. Check to see if the plant has developed suckers at the base of the plant, and if so, carefully remove them. These can be taken and planted in a new pot to have more specimens. They even serve as a gift to a loved one. It will be much appreciated.
5. Assess the state of the roots and extract those parts that you notice with little vigor or that are rotten. The idea is to leave only those with a healthy structure.
6. Cut the stems that have produced flowers in the current year to get them to develop a new structure and flower in the next season. Here we must also include those stems that have not given flowers to remove them from the base and promote the birth of a new specimen that does give flowers.
7. If the central stem is very tall, it is also a good idea to prune it to a height that is right for you.

All these cuts must be made diagonally to prevent the water from remaining stagnant and the wound from rotting. In general, there should be no problems after the process has been carried out because the cacti tend to recover very well if the measures are followed.

Also, if this care is complemented with the others that are proposed for this type of plants, the results will be formidable and you will enjoy a beautiful cactus for a long time.

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