How to prune espostoa melanostele

Only when rot or dead tissue is identified — address immediately regardless of season. Excise decayed tissue with a sterilised blade to clean, firm flesh. Treat the wound with sulphur powder and keep the plant in a warm, dry position until it fully calluses.

Rarely — essentially no pruning needed under proper care. Espostoa melanostele is a slow-growing Peruvian columnar cactus cloaked in white woolly hair. It requires no pruning. Never cut the column or the pseudocephalium that develops along one side. The only warranted action is removing rotten basal tissue with a sterile blade if decay is detected.

Excise decayed tissue with a sterilised blade to clean, firm flesh. Treat the wound with sulphur powder and keep the plant in a warm, dry position until it fully calluses.