The Easter cactus (bot. Hatiora gaertneri) is not considered to be easy to care for for nothing. It does not require a lot of nutrients, nor does it need regular pruning. Give it a spot that is light and warm and it will usually thrive without any problems.
For example, the Easter cactus can be pruned to obtain cuttings
If you decide to prune your Easter cactus, for example to get cuttings, then do so very carefully. Firstly, the limbs of this cactus break off easily and secondly, it can affect flowering. That will not 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 shed all its buds and not bloom at all. Incidentally, the cactus also reacts in a similar way to a change of location. So after flowering is a better time to prune or move your Easter cactus.
What can I do if my Easter cactus is getting too big?
If your Easter cactus has grown too big, you can repot it into a larger container. Ideally, do this after flowering. Carefully try 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.
Use the cut off cactus members as cuttings for propagation, as well as broken off members. Make sure these cuttings are at least two links and four inches long. Slightly dried or placed immediately in growing substrate, these cuttings grow in a short time and soon form new leaves or cactus parts.
The essentials in brief:
- regular pruning is not necessary for health
- it is possible to shorten overgrown plants
- Cut carefully with a clean and sharp knife
- Cut cuttings about 10 to 15 cm long and with at least 2 limbs
tips
The easy-care Easter cactus does not require regular pruning. If it has become too big for you, you can cut a few cuttings and thus "kill two birds with one stone".