There are several perspectives re whether or not it makes a difference when you repot a plant. Some people think you should be able to repot whenever you feel like it, with impunity, others feel that working with the the plant's natural rhythms so as to take advantage of the plant's strengths and avoid unnecessary stress by performing heavy work (repotting, root pruning, heavy pruning) not when the plant is in the weaker portion of the growth cycle, but when it's more robust. Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn't much care what we think is fair, choosing instead to force the plant to pay a penalty in terms of longer recovery periods and higher susceptibility to insects and diseases during that longer recovery when appropriate attention isn't paid to timing. Spring (as in early spring) isn't a good time to repot your PT or most other succulents and houseplants. In most cases, plants are at their weakest in early spring, which is more than enough reason to avoid repotting until they've stored some energy reserves and longer/brighter days ensure maximum food-making ability. Father's Day is easy to remember, or the summer solstice. Both are good target days around which to plan heavy work like hard pruning and repotting, with its root work. I regularly run into folks who are very quick to tell you how much difference 'when you repot' DOESN'T make; but their reasoning tends to center on the idea that because their plants didn't die after they repotted over Christmas vacation, there is no reason not to take advantage of that time frame (or something similar). That's faulty reasoning. Strong people in good general health recover much faster from surgeries than weak people whose health is questionable. To think that plants are different in that regard isn't logical. So, in the end, I can say with a great deal of confidence that when you choose to repot DOES matter. It may not determine life or death, but it's hard to envision any justification for levying unnecessary stress on a living thing of value unless it was required to ensure it's continued viability. Learning to work with your plants natural rhythms not only benefits the plant, it also helps the grower feel more in tune with the needs of the plant. We all have that nurturing bone, and one of our greatest rewards comes from knowing we're being good nurturers. Learning about timing is a step toward increased rewards. Al

My PTP is 14 years old and up until 3 years ago had a single 'tail' at the top which started to rot and die off. I decided to leave it alone. When the top returned to health we named it Cousin It. Now it has about 8 large 'babies at its base that are strong and lush. At Christmastime I put a santa hat on 'It' and two large comical eyes.

I guess it technically is my fault for not asking the question correctly. Thank you for answering yes or no.

You could wholly remove the inner growing trio of branches,at least the lower two. It would allow the open look. Also- those two stubby trunks on the far left? Take those out,cut flush with the base. Everybody has a different style..so that's just my ways.