Pruning a Leggy Adenium Obesum (Desert Rose) and Understanding Etiolation

Liz asked how to prune a leggy adenium obesum and what "etiolated" means for succulents.

Expert Answer: Etiolation is when a succulent turns pale and stretches due to insufficient light. For pruning: do heavy cuts after the rest period or now, but minimize cuts because the plant bleeds profusely and sap is poisonous—wash hands afterward. New shoots can be pruned regularly. Propagate from cuttings dried 3–4 days, then planted in sand-peat mix. Repot every two years after winter rest in cactus or bonsai soil; tolerates being pot-bound.