How to prune the branches of the pencil cactus? A detailed guide to the correct method

Valentine's Day has just passed not long ago, and today Shuashuai is going to talk about the pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli). Has its name successfully caught your attention? And why is it called the pencil cactus? There is a reason for this, because it only has branches and no leaves; the whole tree has not a single leaf, just like a person with no hair, so people call it the pencil cactus. So how should the branches of the pencil cactus be pruned? Below, Shuashuai will tell everyone!

I. Tools used for pruning

First of all, if we want to prune, we must prepare the tools first. Scissors are a must, needless to say. In addition, we also need to prepare some protective gear, because the pencil cactus is toxic, and the toxicity of its branches and leaves is relatively strong, so we must first protect ourselves from harm. The facial features and any places that may come into contact must be protected. When cutting, the sap is very likely to splash onto our skin and cause some harm, so we need to prepare a pair of latex gloves, a face mask, glasses, and other protective gear.

II. The best time for pruning

The best time for pruning is when the pencil cactus is being transplanted; it can also be done while changing the soil and repotting. Generally, it is pruned once before transplanting, so how should it be pruned after transplanting? We first take protective measures, then take the pencil cactus out, and then carry out the pruning work on it.

III. Pruning methods

For pruning, you can start by observing from its roots. First, we must clearly determine what is to be pruned. Pruning mainly means cutting off some of the older parts, those with greater age. If the root system is rotting, it must be cut off in time, and weak root systems should also be appropriately cut off. After cutting these off, observe the density of the branches and cut off the places where the growth density is high. If it is still dense after cutting, you can further carefully prune and tidy it yourself. In addition, also observe the condition of diseased branches and damaged branches; these branches are also what we need to cut off. Among the cut-off branches, if some have relatively good growth, they can be kept and used as stem cutting material for propagation.

The above are the methods and steps for pruning the branches of the pencil cactus. Have you all learned them? During the pruning process, we mainly need to be careful not to let the sap splash onto our faces, and to protect ourselves. Also, do not prune too many times; the pencil cactus is not tolerant of pruning.