Showy, Low Maintenance Cactus
Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Direct Light)
Below Average Watering Needs
Mature Height 6 Feet
Pet Safe

Do not let the name “Rat Tail Cactus” fool you. When you first see this cactus and eye its many clusters of scarlet and fuchsia flowers clinging to its long evergreen stems, you won’t be thinking of a rodent scampering across a kitchen floor. Instead, you will be wondering how this drought- and humidity-tolerant perennial evolved to develop its unique traits. Originating from Mexico, this succulent looks great planted in pots or suspended from baskets, as its jade-colored stems, resembling rats’ tails, curve over the sides of the plant’s container. Otherwise known as Disocactus flagelliformis, syn. Aporocactus flagelliformis, Whip Cactus, Rats Tail Cactus, and Cierge Serpent, this low-maintenance plant is easy to grow. The only concern any newbie gardener will have with this gem is finding the proper spot to maintain it so that its numerous prickly teeth remain…untouched.

Best Locations For Growing Rat Tail Cactus

This attractive succulent likes bright direct light and a temperature range of 50°F to 75°F. Average indoor humidity of about 50% is fine. A brightly lit kitchen might be the perfect spot. Just take note, though, that this cactus can be toxic to pets and has sharp teeth, or spines, that can cause pain when touched, so keep it out of the reach of tiny fingers and paws.

Rat Tail Cactus Sunlight Requirements

Rat Tail Cactus prefers bright direct light. Any room with south-facing, west-facing or east-facing windows will suffice.

Rat Tail Cactus Care

Plant your new Rat tail Cactus in a 6-inch pot filled with rich, acidic, and well-draining soil. A good indoor potting soil amended with peat moss and sand/perlite/pumice will be fine.

Rat Tail Cactus is celebrated for its showy, cylindrical, scarlet and fuchsia blooms, with each flower approaching two inches in length and opening in spring or early summer. While Rat Tail Cactus does not require frequent pruning, this fast-grower usually needs to be repotted at least once per year, preferably after the blooming season has concluded. Simply repot your Rat Tail Cactus in a pot that is one to two inches bigger than the old pot.

Watering Rat Tail Cactus

In spite of being drought-tolerant, this tropical perennial does require moist soil in order to thrive. We recommend doing a moisture check prior to watering. Simply insert your finger 1 to 2 inches into the soil. Water if the soil is dry. If not, wait one to two days to conduct another moisture check. In most typical cases, you will need to water Rat Tail Cactus more often during the summer months and less frequently during the winter.

Feeding Rat Tail Cactus

Rat Tail Cactus is not a heavy eater. During the growing season, feed this lovely cactus a water-soluble fertilizer, diluted 50%, bimonthly.

Rat Tail Cactus Information

Light Exposure: Bright Direct Light

Care Requirements: Easy

Watering Requirements: Below Average - Let the soil dry completely, then, water deeply.

Pet Friendly: Yes

Kid Friendly: Yes

Air Purifier: High

Habit: Spreading

Growth Rate: Fast

Mature Height: 6 feet

Mature Spread: 3-6 feet

Flowering: Yes

Flower Color(s): Purple, Red

Flower Shade/Description: Violet-Red

Fragrant: No

Foliage Type:

Foliage Color(s): Brown, Green

Foliage Description: Green to Almost Beige

Temperature: 45° - 90°F (7° - 32°C)

Humidity: Low

Common Name: Rat Tail Cactus

Other Name(s): Rats Tail Cactus

Scientific Name: Disocactus flagelliformis

Plant Type: House Plant

Container Sizes

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

For more detailed information, please click here.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping

Standard Colors: 2-3 business days

Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice

Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations

Plant Shipping

Time of Order:

Summer Shipping

If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.

We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location

Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.

It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.

Rat Tail Cactus