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Pruning guide

How to prune echeveria

Best time
Remove dead lower leaves year-round; behead etiolated plants in spring or summer
How often
Dead leaves as needed; beheading only when etiolation occurs
Technique
Gently peel dead lower leaves downward and off. To behead, use a clean sharp knife to cut the rosette leaving 2–3 cm of stem; let the cut end dry and callous for 2–3 days, then place on dry, well-draining compost to root. The remaining stump will produce offsets.

More echeveria care

Pruning echeveria — FAQ

When should I prune echeveria?

Remove dead lower leaves year-round; behead etiolated plants in spring or summer. Gently peel dead lower leaves downward and off. To behead, use a clean sharp knife to cut the rosette leaving 2–3 cm of stem; let the cut end dry and callous for 2–3 days, then place on dry, well-draining compost to root. The remaining stump will produce offsets.

How often does echeveria need pruning?

Dead leaves as needed; beheading only when etiolation occurs. Echeveria rosettes rarely need pruning. Peel away dry, papery lower leaves that naturally die as the rosette matures — this is normal and not a reason to cut. If an etiolated (stretched) rosette has grown a long bare stem due to low light, behead it: cut the rosette, let the neck callous, and re-root it.

How do you prune echeveria?

Gently peel dead lower leaves downward and off. To behead, use a clean sharp knife to cut the rosette leaving 2–3 cm of stem; let the cut end dry and callous for 2–3 days, then place on dry, well-draining compost to root. The remaining stump will produce offsets.