How to prune curiosity plant

Spring for offset removal; damaged tissue any time. Use a clean, sharp knife sterilised with isopropyl alcohol. Cut straight through the stem just above healthy tissue. Dust the cut surface with powdered sulfur or activated charcoal and allow to callous in a shaded spot for 3–5 days before potting.

Rarely — only to remove damage or detach propagation offsets. Curiosity Plant (Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis') needs no pruning at all under normal conditions. Its spiralling columnar form is its key ornamental trait — cutting it would permanently disfigure it. Remove only dead or rotting sections with a sterilised sharp knife. Offsets at the base can be detached in spring for propagation.

Use a clean, sharp knife sterilised with isopropyl alcohol. Cut straight through the stem just above healthy tissue. Dust the cut surface with powdered sulfur or activated charcoal and allow to callous in a shaded spot for 3–5 days before potting.