UK pruning guide · RHS timing
When to prune string of fishhooks in the UK
Why the timing differs here
For shrubs that flower on the current season's growth, the RHS times pruning to early or mid spring — after severe weather has passed and once the growth buds begin to swell. In Britain that is usually March into April rather than the February common in warmer regions; prune too early and the new shoots meet a late frost.
How to prune string of fishhooks
Cut bare or straggly stems back to a healthy node with clean, sharp scissors. Lay cuttings on dry soil to callus for a day, then press lightly onto the pot surface to propagate and fill gaps.
String of Fishhooks (Curio radicans) needs minimal pruning. Trim bare or excessively long trailing stems back to a node to encourage bushier growth and keep the plant looking full. Like most trailing succulents, it tolerates light tidying well. Avoid heavy cutting — it stores energy in stems and recovers slowly.
More string of fishhooks care for British gardens
Care at a glance
- When to prune curio radicans in the UK — the species this cultivar belongs to
- General string of fishhooks pruning guide
- RHS hardiness ratings explained
Pruning string of fishhooks in the UK — FAQ
When should I prune string of fishhooks in the UK?
Prune string of fishhooks in early to mid spring. For shrubs that flower on the current season's growth, the RHS times pruning to early or mid spring — after severe weather has passed and once the growth buds begin to swell. In Britain that is usually March into April rather than the February common in warmer regions; prune too early and the new shoots meet a late frost.
Is it illegal to prune string of fishhooks in spring or summer in the UK?
There is no nesting-bird restriction that realistically applies to string of fishhooks, since birds do not nest in it. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 still protects any active nest you do find anywhere in the garden — the rule is about the nest, not the plant.
How do you prune string of fishhooks?
Cut bare or straggly stems back to a healthy node with clean, sharp scissors. Lay cuttings on dry soil to callus for a day, then press lightly onto the pot surface to propagate and fill gaps.
How often does string of fishhooks need pruning in a British garden?
As needed — once a year or less. String of Fishhooks (Curio radicans) needs minimal pruning. Trim bare or excessively long trailing stems back to a node to encourage bushier growth and keep the plant looking full. Like most trailing succulents, it tolerates light tidying well. Avoid heavy cutting — it stores energy in stems and recovers slowly.
Why is UK pruning timing different from American advice?
Most pruning guides online are written for US conditions and anchored to USDA zones. Britain's maritime climate gives milder winters but later, less predictable last frosts — from March in the south-west to mid-May in the north — so the RHS advises against winter pruning for most plants: it pushes out soft growth that a late frost then kills. Britain also has the nesting-bird law, which has no US equivalent.