How to prune tephrocactus

Any time a dead or rotted segment needs removal. Wear thick gloves — segments and their glochids detach easily and can embed in skin. Twist away dead or rotted segments at the joint. If a wound is exposed, dust with sulfur or charcoal and allow to dry for a day before returning to normal conditions.

Rarely — remove dead or damaged segments as they appear. Tephrocactus (Tephrocactus articulatus) naturally sheds and separates its segmented pads — this is normal growth, not damage. No pruning is needed or beneficial. If a segment is clearly dead or rotting, simply remove it by hand or with gloves; the pad joints detach easily without cutting tools.

Wear thick gloves — segments and their glochids detach easily and can embed in skin. Twist away dead or rotted segments at the joint. If a wound is exposed, dust with sulfur or charcoal and allow to dry for a day before returning to normal conditions.