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Plant Profiles / Rat tail cactus
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Rat tail cactus
Disocactus flagelliformis (formerly Aporocactus) · Rat's tail cactus
A trailing cactus with long, slender, spiny stems that cascade from hanging pots, covered in bright magenta flowers in spring.
Bright lightLight
Every 1–2 weeksWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Bright light
ShadeFull sun
Bright light with some direct sun.
Water
Every 1–2 weeks
DryWet
Water when the top dries; less in winter.
Humidity
Low to moderate
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
5–32°C (41–90°F)
CoolWarm
Protect from frost.
Growth
Moderate, trailing
SlowFast
Trails 1–2 m.
Soil
Cactus mix
LeanRich
Free-draining with some bark.
Fertiliser
Spring–summer
RarelyOften
Diluted cactus fertiliser.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic; spines can injure.
About this plant
Native to Mexico, rat tail cactus grows on rocks and trees. It trails up to 1–2 m and flowers heavily after a cool, dry winter.
Best spots
Hanging baskets, high shelves and sunny windows.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Disocactus flagelliformis (formerly Aporocactus) |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Plant type | Trailing cactus |
| Mature size | Trails 1–2 m |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Spines | Fine, golden-brown |
| Flowers | Magenta tubes |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Active growth
Keep dry
FloweringActive growthKeep dry
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| No flowers | Needs a cool, dry winter. |
| Shrivelled stems | Underwatering. |
| Rot | Overwatering. |
| Pale stems | Low light. |
| Spider mites | Hose stems. |
Common questions
Can it hang?
Yes, that's ideal.
Is it pet safe?
Yes, but spiny.
When does it flower?
Spring.
How do I propagate?
Root dried stem pieces.
