It's not for nothing that the Easter cactus (bot. Hatiora gaertneri) is considered quite easy to care for. It doesn't need a lot of nutrients nor does it need regular pruning. Give it a place that is bright and warm and it will usually thrive without any problems.
How do I cut an Easter cactus correctly?
An Easter cactus does not require regular pruning, but can be carefully shortened if necessary. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut off some cactus limbs, preferably after flowering. The separated cuttings should be at least two limbs and ten centimeters long and can be used for propagation.
If you decide to prune your Easter cactus, for example to obtain cuttings, then do so very carefully. On the one hand, the limbs of this cactus break easily and on the other hand, it can affect the flowering. That won't be in your mind.
Therefore, do not cut when the first buds are already forming. During this time, the Easter cactus is so sensitive that it may drop all of its buds and not bloom at all. The cactus also reacts similarly to a change of location. After flowering is the better time to cut or move your Easter cactus.
What can I do if my Easter cactus gets too big?
If your Easter cactus has become too big, you can repot it in a larger container. Ideally, you should do this after flowering. Try carefully to separate parts of the roots and then plant them in a separate container. You can also shorten the shoots of your Easter cactus a little. Using a sharp and clean knife, cut off some cactus limbs.
The cut cactus limbs can be used as cuttings for propagation, as can broken limbs. Make sure these cuttings are at least two limbs and four inches long. Slightly dried or immediately inserted into growing substrate, these cuttings grow in a short time and soon form new leaves or cactus members.
The most important things in brief:
- regular trimming not necessary for he alth
- shortening of plants that have grown too tall is possible
- cut carefully with a clean and sharp knife
- Cut cuttings about 10 to 15 cm long and with at least 2 limbs
Tip
The easy-care Easter cactus does not require regular pruning. If it has become too big for you, you can cut some cuttings and “kill two birds with one stone”.