How to prune cob cactus

Spring or early summer when offsets are firm and easy to handle. Twist or cut offsets away from the mother plant with a clean blade. Let both the pup and the wound callous in a dry spot for a few days before potting. Remove any shrivelled or dead tissue with clean scissors.

As needed — typically every few years when the clump becomes crowded. Cob Cactus (Lobivia famatimensis) is a small clustering cactus that needs virtually no pruning. It naturally produces offsets (pups) around the base. You can detach and pot up pups if the clump becomes too crowded, but this is propagation rather than pruning. Remove dead or shrivelled growth only.

Twist or cut offsets away from the mother plant with a clean blade. Let both the pup and the wound callous in a dry spot for a few days before potting. Remove any shrivelled or dead tissue with clean scissors.