I'm not too sure on the Huecheras but they might be still coming out of dormancy? I don't know much, I only have one, but it makes small leaves in the spring. In the summer they made large leaves.
I think it might be the trimming, which caused it to loose a lot of possible nutrients. The leaves,, when cut off, decrease the amount of energy the plant can make, so I think that might be the issue.
