How to prune graptoveria 'fred ives'

Spring or early summer; behead etiolated rosettes any time. To behead a leggy rosette, cut the stem cleanly 2–3 cm below the rosette with a sharp blade. Allow both the cutting and the remaining stem (which will sprout offsets) to callous for 2–3 days, then place the rosette on dry, gritty compost to root.

As needed when etiolation occurs; otherwise rarely. Graptoveria 'Fred Ives' is a fast-growing succulent rosette that can become leggy without sufficient light. Prune by removing the rosette head and re-rooting it to reset a stretched plant — this 'beheading' technique is standard for etiolated echeveria-type rosettes. Otherwise, minimal pruning is needed beyond removing dead lower leaves.

To behead a leggy rosette, cut the stem cleanly 2–3 cm below the rosette with a sharp blade. Allow both the cutting and the remaining stem (which will sprout offsets) to callous for 2–3 days, then place the rosette on dry, gritty compost to root.