How to prune melocactus peruvianus

Only to address rot — act promptly whenever it is spotted. Carefully excise rotting base tissue with a sterilised sharp blade to clean healthy flesh. Apply sulphur powder to the wound and withhold all watering until fully callused and dry.

Rarely — never routine; cephalium must never be cut. Melocactus peruvianus must not be pruned under any circumstances. Like all Melocactus, once the mature cephalium forms on top, cutting it is fatal to the plant. Only remove clearly rotten basal tissue with a sterile blade if absolutely necessary. The globular body and cephalium should be left entirely intact.

Carefully excise rotting base tissue with a sterilised sharp blade to clean healthy flesh. Apply sulphur powder to the wound and withhold all watering until fully callused and dry.