Regular pruning is essential for the health and vitality of succulents. Learn the ins and outs of this annual maintenance task.
When you first bring home succulents, they appear tidy and compact. However, over time, the leaves die, stems elongate, and they can become unruly. This is where pruning steps in to maintain their neat appearance.
Benefits of Pruning Succulents:
- Enhances plant health and growth
- Helps in decluttering and rejuvenating the arrangement
Although pruning is not mandatory for succulents, it is highly beneficial. Regular pruning, typically once a year, boosts the strength and growth rate of succulents. It also rejuvenates their overall appearance.
During the pruning process, focus on removing dead or dying leaves/pads, abnormal growth, stems outgrowing their pots, etiolated growth, and dead flower stalks. Immediate pruning is necessary if any part of the succulent is affected by rot or disease.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Pruning shears
- Tweezers
- A tray for clippings
- Rubbing alcohol or soap
When it comes to trimming succulents like Euphorbia, which exudes toxic sap, it is advisable to wear gloves for safety.
How to Properly Trim Succulents:
The pruning process can be broken down into the following steps:
Step 1: Planning
Before starting the pruning session, determine the best time based on the type of succulent. Flowering succulents should be pruned while dormant, and non-flowering ones just before the growing season.
Step 2: Trimming
Clean your shears before pruning. When trimming stems, make cuts just above leaf or stem nodes for regrowth. Remember not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Step 3: Preservation
Allow the cuts to dry and heal before watering the plant. Use healthy cuttings for propagation to grow new plants.
By following these steps and maintaining a regular pruning schedule, you can keep your succulents healthy and visually appealing. Enjoy the beauty of your perfectly pruned succulents!
