How to Prune a Cathedral Cactus

Pruning your cathedral cactus (Carnegiea gigantea), also known as the saguaro cactus or the giant cactus, can help maintain its health, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage new growth. Here's a step-by-step guide to pruning a cathedral cactus:

What you will need:

- Pruning shears or sharp, clean knife

- Garden gloves to protect your hands

- A bucket or container to collect cuttings

When to prune:

The best time to prune cathedral cacti is in late winter or early spring, before the new growth starts.

Steps:

1. Safety first: Put on your garden gloves to protect your hands from the cactus spines.

2. Check for damage: Inspect the cactus for any signs of damage, such as dead, diseased, or broken branches or sections.

3. Identify branch structure: Familiarize yourself with the plant's branching structure. Cathedral cacti have a central trunk with arms (branches) that grow out from it.

4. Identify problem areas: Look for any branches that are crossing, rubbing against each other, or are structurally weak. These are the ones you will be pruning.

5. Start pruning: Use your pruning shears or sharp knife to make clean cuts just above a node (where a new branch or arm emerges from the main stem). Avoid leaving stumps as they can become entry points for pests or diseases.

6. Remove sections: If you need to remove entire sections or arms of the cactus, make the cuts close to the trunk, but not into it.

7. Avoid over-pruning: Always err on the side of caution and avoid removing too much. Remember, cathedral cacti have a slow growth rate, so any pruning should be done judiciously.

8. Cleaning cuts: Let the cut ends dry and crust over. The cactus will naturally seal these cuts to prevent water loss and infection.

9. Disposal of cuttings: Place any cuttings in a designated container or bag to dispose of them safely, as the spines can be harmful to humans and animals.

10. Aftercare: Water the cactus thoroughly after pruning. Fertilize it according to its specific needs, but be mindful that over-fertilizing can lead to faster growth and weaker stems.

Remember that cathedral cacti are slow-growing plants, and any severe or over-pruning can take years for the plant to recover. Always prune selectively and carefully to maintain its health and natural branching structure.