Blue candle (Myrtillocactus geometrizans)

Photo: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source

Pruning guide · Houseplant

Blue candle: when and how to prune

Myrtillocactus geometrizans

Blue candle is best pruned in April–May.

Key facts
Pruning monthsApril–May

Blue candle: when to prune it?

It is not really pruned. In April–May you can shorten a plant that is too tall or leaning, and you get cuttings at the same time.

What else to prune in those months? April · May

Blue candle: how to prune it?

  1. Cut through a branch or the trunk at the height you want with a clean, sharp saw or knife, wearing thick gloves and using folded newspaper.
  2. Let the wound on the plant dry in the open air for a few days; new side branches often form below the cut.
  3. Cut away rotten or shrivelled parts back to healthy, green tissue.
  4. Use the cut pieces as cuttings; see propagation.

How much to cut, and how often?

  • One pruning period a year: April–May.

What does it mean for wildlife?

  • A houseplant lives indoors, so wildlife hardly notices the pruning. Healthy clippings can go on the compost.

Caution: It has spines and is heavy and awkward to cut: wear thick gloves and protect your eyes.

Nearby: related pruning guides

Plant profile: Blue candle · Pruning calendar and basic rules

This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.

Laden…