Spring is best to chop.

This plant stood over 2ft tall before I chopped it back
{{gwi:468622}}

You would chop back when it start to grow in spring then or prior to this.
I can do this without lifting and cutting roots.
I had read some time back that they do best cut back, that they tend to not be the best specimens when not done.
By the way, that is a beautiful specimen.
Do you grow many of the Pachypodiums?
I have a few.

>>>>You would chop back when it start to grow in spring then or prior to this.

Doesn't matter as long as it's done in the spring

>>>>I can do this without lifting and cutting roots.

Yes

>>>>I had read some time back that they do best cut back, that they tend to not be the best specimens when not done.

Look at habitat plants that get eaten by grazing passers by. Short and stocky. Non-pruned plants look good too you need way more room.

>>>>By the way, that is a beautiful specimen.

Thank you

>>>>Do you grow many of the Pachypodiums?

A few. namaquanum, horombense, gracilius, succulentum, bispinosum, succulentum x namaquanum

Hi,
Hope you dont mind me jumping in on your post, but I have the same question.
So, if I were to chop this below the lowest branch --maybe 8" up from the base it would sprout out from there?
also --Any luck from anyone rooting a piece like the top?
mike

There is a dwarf form. You would never need to prune it. Although some say its a distinct Pachy. That dwarf has survived some hard conditions..below freezing and dry soil like a rock. It even survived being hacked in half by me,by accident weeding.

rcharles

Keith (caudex1) would never 'brag' about his plants...see few in the link below(and, he makes his georgeous pots too...):

click here to see

Thank you very much Keith, and rina,
I do not mind you jumping in johnsonm, it is all a learning experience and you might remember to ask what I forget.
I will definitely prune mine back in spring as space is and can be an issue as I do not seem to stop collecting.
Thank you

Hey-your welcome CR. Some nerve.