Question
I have a night-blooming cereus, given to me many years ago by an elderly neighbor of our vacation home in Myrtle Beach, where her cereus bloomed continuously all summer. My cereus is over 5-6 feet tall, with many branches that are supported on a small trellis in the large pot.  It has been blooming for the past several years and this past summer had about 8 blooms at different times.  I have to cut it back somewhat to get it into the house for the winter, but am not sure if I am cutting it back the way it should be done.  Can you tell me the best way to cut it back?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Lynn,

Congratulations are your obvious success with this gorgeous flowering plant!

There are no particular rules or best methods for pruning your Epiphyllum. As you know, they grow different kinds of stems that shoot in all directions. You can cut off any stem at any point and then new growth will probably emerge just sbelow where you made the pruning cut. Of, course you will want to cut just above a stem node.

So cut back as little or as much as you want to get it to the size and shape that you prefer.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please take the time to give me a rating and nomination.

   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.