How to prune ferocactus latispinus

Spring or early summer if any intervention is ever required. Use a sterilised long-bladed knife to remove rotting tissue back to firm green flesh. Dust with horticultural sulphur and allow a dry callous to form over several days before resuming normal care.

Rarely; only if rot is present. Ferocactus latispinus (devil's tongue barrel cactus) is a solitary barrel that needs no pruning whatsoever. It grows into a dense, globe-to-cylindrical form on its own. Only remove tissue if you see rot — cut cleanly to healthy flesh with a sterilised blade, then keep dry until calloused.

Use a sterilised long-bladed knife to remove rotting tissue back to firm green flesh. Dust with horticultural sulphur and allow a dry callous to form over several days before resuming normal care.