How to prune rattlesnake plant

Any time as leaves age or become damaged. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut the leaf petiole flush with the soil, removing the whole stalk rather than just the leaf blade. Removing spent leaves redirects the plant's energy to new growth emerging from the centre of the clump.

As needed throughout the year; typically every few weeks as older outer leaves naturally age. Rattlesnake plant grows from a basal clump and cannot be pruned into shape. Remove old, yellowing or crispy individual leaves by cutting the stalk cleanly at soil level. This tidies the plant and encourages fresh growth from the rhizome. No pruning for shape or size is possible or appropriate with this species.

Use clean, sharp scissors to cut the leaf petiole flush with the soil, removing the whole stalk rather than just the leaf blade. Removing spent leaves redirects the plant's energy to new growth emerging from the centre of the clump.