Basically, the leaf cactus does not need to be cut at all. If you have enough space, just let it grow. You should only cut the faded flowers straight away. In some species this encourages a second flowering.
When and how should you cut a leaf cactus?
A leaf cactus does not necessarily have to be cut, unless you want to remove protruding, old or diseased shoots, cut off dead flowers or take cuttings. To do this, use a sharp, clean knife and cut outside of winter.
When does the leaf cactus need to be cut?
The leaf cactus is often grown as an hanging basket plant because the long leaf limbs hang down very decoratively. Longer shoots are definitely desirable. It is therefore not necessary to cut a leaf cactus. But you can always crop it to:
- shorten protruding shoots
- To remove faded flowers
- cutting old and diseased shoots
- Get cuttings for propagation
Short protruding, sick and old shoots
When there is little light, the shoots of the leaf cactus sometimes become very long and thin. You should feel free to cut such shoots. You can also remove very long hanging branches that disrupt the overall appearance of an ampel plant. You can also shorten shoots that are dry or very old at any time.
You can cut at any time, but during the winter you should limit such care measures to what is absolutely necessary.
To cut leaf cactus, use sharp knives that you have previously cleaned. This will prevent diseases, bacteria or fungi from being transmitted to the leaf cactus.
Cut off spent flowers
When the flowers of the leaf cactus have faded, they rob the plant of unnecessary energy. It is therefore worth always cutting dead flowers straight away.
Some types of leaf cacti are even encouraged to bloom a second time by removing spent flowers. You will then be able to enjoy your leaf cactus for even longer.
Cut cuttings for propagation
The leaf cactus can be easily propagated using cuttings. All you have to do is cut he althy, sufficiently long shoots.
The best time to take cuttings is spring or summer.
Let the interfaces dry for at least a day. Then put the cuttings in prepared pots with a mixture of garden soil and sand.
Tip
The leaf cactus does not tolerate any frost. However, it must be kept cooler in winter, otherwise it will bloom little or not develop any flowers at all.
