How to prune euphorbia caput-medusae

Spring, when temperatures are warming and wounds callus well. Snip dead or damaged arms close to the central body with sterilized scissors. Apply cold water to the wound. Set the plant aside in bright, dry conditions until the cut calluses completely before resuming normal watering.

Very rarely — only as needed for dead or damaged arms. Euphorbia caput-medusae (Medusa's Head) is a distinctive succulent with a central body and many snaking arms — it needs no routine pruning. Only remove a branch if it is dead, rotting, or broken. Its latex is toxic; always wear gloves and eye protection. Cutting healthy arms ruins the sculptural form this plant is prized for.

Snip dead or damaged arms close to the central body with sterilized scissors. Apply cold water to the wound. Set the plant aside in bright, dry conditions until the cut calluses completely before resuming normal watering.