- 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 |
- SKU:
- Succ_Cactus_Rat.Tail-HP
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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
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