How to prune feather cactus

Spring, when pups are actively growing and easy to detach. Gently twist or cut pups away from the mother plant at soil level using a sterilised blade. Allow the cut surface to callous for 24–48 hours before potting. Wear leather gloves — the white feathery spines are barbed and irritating.

Rarely — only to remove pups or dead growth as needed. Feather Cactus (Mammillaria plumosa) needs almost no pruning. Simply remove offsets (pups) from the base if you want to control clustering or propagate new plants. Remove any shrivelled or rotted sections with a clean blade. Beyond that, leave it alone — pruning the main body serves no purpose.

Gently twist or cut pups away from the mother plant at soil level using a sterilised blade. Allow the cut surface to callous for 24–48 hours before potting. Wear leather gloves — the white feathery spines are barbed and irritating.