Pruning guide
How to prune cat's jaws
More cat's jaws care
- How to prune cat's jaws — our other guide for the same plant
- Full cat's jaws care guide
- Common cat's jaws problems & fixes
- How to propagate cat's jaws
- When to repot cat's jaws
Pruning cat's jaws — FAQ
When should I prune cat's jaws?
Any time for dead leaf removal only. Gently peel away any fully desiccated outer leaves at the base. Do not cut or trim the fleshy leaf pairs — the plant's natural growth form cannot be improved by shaping, and cutting causes ugly scarring.
How often does cat's jaws need pruning?
Rarely — only when dead leaves are present. Cat's Jaws (Faucaria felina) is a compact mesemb that needs no pruning. The toothed, fleshy leaves grow in tight opposing pairs and must not be cut. Simply remove any completely dried or dead outer leaves by peeling them gently away. After flowering in autumn, spent blooms wither naturally without any deadheading needed.
How do you prune cat's jaws?
Gently peel away any fully desiccated outer leaves at the base. Do not cut or trim the fleshy leaf pairs — the plant's natural growth form cannot be improved by shaping, and cutting causes ugly scarring.