How to prune star cactus

Only if rot removal is necessary — no scheduled pruning. If rot is present, use a clean sterilised knife to cut cleanly back to healthy, dry tissue. Dust the wound with powdered sulphur or cinnamon and allow to dry before watering resumes.

Never under normal conditions. Star cactus (Astrophytum asterias) needs no pruning at all. It is a solitary, slow-growing globular cactus that does not branch or offset regularly. Simply leave it to develop its star-shaped form naturally. Only intervene if the plant shows rot — cut away affected tissue with a sterilised blade and allow to callous.

If rot is present, use a clean sterilised knife to cut cleanly back to healthy, dry tissue. Dust the wound with powdered sulphur or cinnamon and allow to dry before watering resumes.