How to prune cacti (general care)

Late spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing and cuts heal fastest. Use thick gloves and sterile pruners or a sharp knife. For Opuntia, cut at the natural joint between pads. For diseased sections, cut back into healthy tissue and dust the wound with powdered sulphur or allow to callous in a dry spot before returning to its position.

Rarely — only to remove diseased or damaged tissue. Most cacti require no routine pruning whatsoever. Only intervene to remove pads or arms that are shrivelled, rotten, or diseased. Columnar and globose cacti should never be cut unless damaged — they do not regenerate from the central column. Opuntia pads can be removed at joints if a cactus becomes too large.

Use thick gloves and sterile pruners or a sharp knife. For Opuntia, cut at the natural joint between pads. For diseased sections, cut back into healthy tissue and dust the wound with powdered sulphur or allow to callous in a dry spot before returning to its position.