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Rat Tail Cactus Care

Disocactus flagelliformis

Rat Tail Cactus main
Rat Tail Cactus 0
Rat Tail Cactus 1
What is the plant

The Rat Tail Cactus (Disocactus flagelliformis) gets its name from its long, trailing stems that resemble—you guessed it—a rat’s tail. They’re soft to the touch (for a cactus!) and covered in fine, golden spines.

Its stems can grow over 3 feet (about 1 meter) long and look great spilling out of hanging pots or over shelf edges. In spring, this cactus can surprise you with bright pink, tube-shaped flowers along its stems. It’s pretty low-maintenance, too. Just give it plenty of bright light, let the soil dry out between waterings, and it’s happy.

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Humidity

Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

Temperature

24°C - 32°C

Hardiness zone

Hardiness zone

11 - 12

Difficulty

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

  • Water

    Water

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    Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil slightly moist. Reduce watering in the fall, tapering it off as you move toward winter. During its winter dormancy period, it generally does not need water, but you can water it lightly if the soil is completely dry.

  • Fertilizer

    Fertilizer

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    Feed your rat tail cactus liquid fertilizer diluted to about half strength about once every two weeks during the growing season in spring and summer.

  • Sunlight

    Sunlight

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    This is a cactus that thrives in desert conditions: bright, direct sunlight year-round will help it thrive. Place it in a south- or west-facing window to receive direct sun.

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  • Soil

    Soil

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    Rich potting soil is best: Any good organic potting mix should be just fine.

  • Temperature

    Temperature

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    Regular room temperatures are just fine, particularly for the spring, summer, and fall. In winter, it helps to keep the plant in a relatively cool place to encourage a rest period; about 50 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal, but it doesn't have to be that cold. Overall, this is a fairly hardy cactus that can tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees and as high as 90 degrees, but it is not frost-hardy, so make sure it never freezes.

  • Container

    Container

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    It may need a larger pot or basket, depending on whether the plant has fully matured, but it definitely needs new potting soil.

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  • Popularity

    Popularity

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    67 people already have this plant 11 people have added this plant to their wishlists

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