Rat Tail Cactus

Light Needs

Bright Direct Light

Mature Height

4 Feet

Mature Spread

3 - 6 Feet

Feature

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.

SKU:

Succ_Cactus_Rat.Tail-HP