Pruning guide
How to prune split rock
More split rock care
Pruning split rock — FAQ
When should I prune split rock?
Only if removal is needed: late spring, once the old leaf pair is fully desiccated. Gently pull away a completely desiccated outer leaf pair with your fingers. Do not use scissors on the fleshy bodies. Never cut into living tissue.
How often does split rock need pruning?
Rarely — only when a dead pair is causing rot risk. Split Rock needs almost no pruning. This stone-mimicking mesemb absorbs its own old leaf pair each year — that shrivelling outer pair is doing its job and must not be cut away. Only remove a dead leaf pair if it has fully dried out and is clearly rotting, not simply shrivelling. Leave the plant to complete its natural annual cycle.
How do you prune split rock?
Gently pull away a completely desiccated outer leaf pair with your fingers. Do not use scissors on the fleshy bodies. Never cut into living tissue.