While succulents are often celebrated for their low-maintenance nature, the art of pruning can be a game-changer in maintaining their health, shape, and overall vibrancy. In this guide, we'll delve into the world of succulent pruning, uncovering which types truly benefit from a trim, the remarkable advantages this practice offers, and the essential methods to get the job done right. Get ready to equip yourself with the knowledge to confidently shape and nurture your beloved succulent companions!

Why should you prune succulents?

1. The leaves of succulent plants are half-dried up, which affects the ornamental value.

Some succulent plants often do not consume the whole leaves, but only half of them, while growing, such as Echeveria cante Glass, Echeveria Afterglow, Kalanchoe thyrsifolia, Echeveria Pinky, etc. Although the half-dried bottom leaves do not affect their health, they do not look pretty. At this time, we need to use scissors to cut them off at the leaf base (the remaining petioles will fall off naturally after a period of time).

2. Promote succulent plants to sprout side buds or become old piles faster.

Some succulent plants grow slowly, do not like to sprout side buds, and are not easy to grow old piles. At this time, you can cut off half or two-thirds of the leaves on the bottom circle, and the remaining part (leaves) on the stem will be quickly consumed. At that time, the succulent plants will not only sprout side buds, but the stems will also quickly become woody and become old piles.

3. The leaves affect the growth of side buds.

First, some succulent varieties, such as Aeonium, during the growth period, the leaves of the succulents are consumed slowly. However, these leaves can block light from reaching the lower side buds, which negatively impacts their growth. To promote healthier growth, it is necessary to trim some of the leaves to allow light to reach the buds.

Second, the leaves of succulents can grow too closely together, leaving insufficient space for newly developed side buds. In this case, it is also important to cut away some of the surrounding leaves to facilitate growth and ensure that the side buds can develop properly.

4. Removing side buds

For some succulents, having well-developed main branches is essential for their overall thriving. When there are too many side buds, it can hinder the growth of the main branches. For example, Agave succulents often look more beautiful and delicate with a large single head rather than a cluster of smaller ones, like in the "hen and chick" appearance. Similarly, with Hoya kerrii, it is beneficial to leave only one main branch. By directing all nutrients to this main branch, Hoya kerrii is more likely to bloom.

5. The leaves of succulents are seriously turned down.

Some succulents, such as Sempervivum tectorum L., Echeveria Blue Bird, and Echeveria peacockii 'Desmetiana', are prone to getting flat and turning their leaves down. This affects the appearance and makes them more likely to breed scale insects or be infected with sooty mold, so we need to trim those leaves that turn down regularly.

6. The leaves of succulents can become overly dense, which impacts ventilation.

This density affects both the airflow and the evaporation of moisture from the potting soil and water, particularly during the summer months. To address this issue, it is advisable to trim some of the leaves from the middle and bottom of the succulent. This pruning can significantly enhance ventilation.

7. Succulents are infected with bacteria.

Succulents can become infected with bacteria, such as powdery mildew or black spot, mainly due to poor maintenance conditions or incorrect care methods. Fortunately, these infections are usually not severe. In such cases, you can trim off the infected leaves while applying a suitable treatment to prevent the bacteria from spreading and to help the succulents recover more quickly.

8. Leggy and stretched succulents

This section primarily addresses Haworthia cooperi, which tends to grow leggy, resulting in elongated leaves rather than elongated stems. Many succulent enthusiasts may be unsure how to manage this issue. The solution is to cut off half of the leggy leaves to encourage faster recovery. Additionally, it's essential to relocate the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light for optimal care; otherwise, it may grow leggy again.

9. Root pruning is essential for the healthy growth of succulents.

When succulents are transplanted or repotted, it's often necessary to prune their roots. During transplanting, the focus is on trimming excessively long main roots or damaged ones to help the plant adapt to its new environment. In the case of repotting, it's important to thin out old roots, rotten roots, and overly dense roots to encourage the development of new ones. After pruning, soaking the roots in a diluted fungicide can help reduce the risk of bacterial infections.

10. Managing Flowering in Succulents

When succulents develop a main flower stem along with side stems, it is typically necessary to trim off the side buds. This practice helps focus the nutrient supply, which can enhance the growth and blooming of the plant. 

For succulents that do not produce seeds, it's important to remove the spent flowers promptly. This prevents unnecessary nutrient consumption and encourages the growth of new side buds.

What should I pay attention to when pruning succulents?

Unlike other indoor plants, succulents possess a strong ability to self-heal. As a result, pruning succulents often leads to their propagation. However, despite this seeming easy, there are important precautions to consider.

Time Selection: The best times to prune succulents are in spring or autumn, as these are their growth periods, allowing wounds to heal quickly. Avoid pruning during hot or humid conditions, or when the plant is dormant, to prevent infection or even death.

Tools and Disinfection: Use sharp scissors or specialized pruning tools to make clean cuts. Always disinfect your tools with alcohol or carbendazim before pruning to prevent bacterial infections.

Wound Treatment: Immediately after pruning, apply fungicide to the cut areas to protect them. Place the plant in a well-ventilated area to dry, as excess moisture can lead to infection.

Adjust Light and Watering After Pruning: To help the plant recover, avoid direct sunlight initially and gradually reintroduce it. Reduce the frequency of watering and only resume normal watering practices once the wounds have healed.

Timely Nutrient Supplementation: After pruning, apply an organic fertilizer containing microorganisms to encourage recovery and promote the growth of new buds.

In essence, while not every succulent demands a regular trim, understanding which varieties benefit – particularly those prone to stretching, producing offsets, or developing dead growth – is key to maintaining their health and aesthetic appeal. The advantages of pruning extend beyond just looks; it encourages bushier growth, propagates new plants, and prevents the spread of potential issues.