How to prune notch cactus

Spring, only when rot or dead tissue is clearly present. With a sterile scalpel or knife, excise dead or rotted tissue conservatively, cutting back only to firm healthy tissue. Dust immediately with powdered sulfur and place in a warm, dry spot with bright indirect light. Avoid watering for at least one week after cutting.

Very rarely — only if rot or dead tissue demands intervention. Notch Cactus (Obregonia denegrii) is a rare, slow-growing solitary cactus that should never be pruned for shape or size. It rarely offsets and its unique artichoke-like form is irreversible once cut. Remove only tissue that is visibly dead or showing wet rot, and do so minimally.

With a sterile scalpel or knife, excise dead or rotted tissue conservatively, cutting back only to firm healthy tissue. Dust immediately with powdered sulfur and place in a warm, dry spot with bright indirect light. Avoid watering for at least one week after cutting.