Cacti, Succulents
Top 3 Facts You Should Know about Rattail Cactus
Oct
Commonly known as Rattail cactus, Aporocactus flagelliformis is a unique and interesting cactus that you would love to have in your cactus collection. Quite obvious from its common name, this long-stemmed cactus resembles much like rat’s tail. But contrary to your imagination, it’s not ugly-looking at all, but it’s very very beautiful. What’s more, it bears lovely flowers with which it looks even more beautiful, to the extent that hardly anyone won’t be tempted to have it in their garden.
1. What Type of Plant is Rattail Cactus?
Native to Southwestern Mexico and Central America, Rattail cactus is a popular hanging/trailing succulent plant belonging to the Cactaceae family. It has multiple, unique, slender, long stems that look like a rat’s tail. These stems are segmented, cylindrical and bright green in color and have small spines or bristles that look like hair and are not sharp, but are soft; thus handling the plant is not unsafe. Depending upon the growing conditions, rattail cactus can grow up to about 2 to 5 feet long. As this succulent grows, it may have side shoots with which it looks fuller and more bushy which is very attractive. The genus Aporocactus has 2 species of which the species flagelliformis i.e. the rattail cactus is more popular due to its ease of cultivation and beauty. It has received the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
The stems grow in a cascading or trailing fashion due to which this plant is a very popular choice as a trailing plant indoors or in gardens or for hanging baskets.
2. Does Rattail Cactus Have Flowers?
Yes, rattail cactus has extremely beautiful flowers that are tubular in shape. They come in various colors too including violet-red, pink or purple. Flowers start appearing from late spring or early summer and keep pleasing you for several weeks with their beauty and colors.
3. How to Grow Rattail Cactus?
The best part about rattail cactus is that you can grow it indoors as well as outdoors. It is very easy to grow and you can grow it in a greenhouse and in containers.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Rattail cactus is mostly an indoor plant in the USA. But gardeners living in southern Florida or Hawaii can grow it outdoors in the hardiness zones 10 and 11. Gardeners living in the colder zones too can enjoy growing this beautiful plant outdoors, but during the warmer months. However, they should bring it indoors during the winter months to save it from cold damage.
Light and Temperature
You should grow rattail cactus in bright indirect light. This succulent needs a minimum temperature of 43-degree F (6-degree C). On the higher side, it can handle temperatures up to 90-degree F (32-degree C) but you should provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
While growing indoors, place your rattail cactus near a window where it can get a few hours of sunlight every day, but never expose it to direct intense sun which can scorch your plant. On the other hand, while growing outdoors, give your plant bright filtered sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sun though, particularly during the morning or late afternoon, but not too much. Protect it from sunburn by providing it some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
While moving your rattail cactus outdoors from indoors, introduce your plant gradually to the outdoors to save it from a shock.
Humidity
Rattail cactus appreciates a moderate amount of humidity, but is happy in drier conditions too.
Soil
Aporocactus flagelliformis i.e. rattail cactus needs a porous and fairly nutrient-rich potting mix with pH 6.5-7. The potting mix should have a sandy texture and a low water-retaining capacity, and should imitate desert soil. You can create an ideal potting medium by mixing 4 parts of sandy loam and 1 part each of sand and crushed bricks.
Fertilization
You should fertilize your rattail cactus once a year in spring. However, this plant doesn’t need frequent feeding. Fertilize it during the growing season in the spring with a balanced (5-10-5) water-soluble NPK fertilizer which you should dilute to half strength. Fertilizing this way once a year boosts healthy growth. During the winter months however, i.e. during the dormancy period, it’s wise to avoid fertilizing.
Watering
Rattail cactus is highly drought tolerant. So, it’s a perfect succulent plant for gardeners who need low-maintenance plants or often forget to water their plants. This plant stores water in its long sprawling stems and thus can easily survive prolonged dry periods. This characteristic of this plant makes it perfect for rock gardens, hanging baskets and sunny windowsills, i.e. places where moisture may not be available consistently. During its growing season, rattail cactus needs watering once every 7 to 10 days and during its dormancy period, it needs watering once every 3 to 5 weeks.
From spring through early fall which is its active growth period, water your rattail cactus deeply, but only when the top couple of inches of soil are totally dry. This typically means every 7 to 10 days. Remember not to allow the plant to stand in water and make sure the soil has proper drainage.
Late fall and winter is the plant’s dormancy period during which its growth slows down and the plant needs less moisture. During this period, you should water it once every 3 to 5 weeks, just enough to keep the stems from shriveling. You should avoid misting or surface watering because roots should receive moisture. You can make sure the growth of your plant is healthy and vibrant during the growing season by allowing the plant to rest through the winter.
Pruning
In the winter, cut out old or discolored stems at the base so as to promote new growth.
Repotting
You need to repot your Rattail cactus every other year as their soil tends to sour. However, the plant doesn’t need larger pots.
Pollinators
Once you grow the rattail cactus in your garden, many new beautiful visitors start frequenting your garden. These are friendly pollinators that the plant attracts and include butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. They help ensure the plant’s continuous growth and reproduction.
Propagation
You can easily propagate rattail cactus by cutting a healthy stem from the plant and let it callous over for a few days. Then you should plant it in well-draining soil which you should keep slightly moist and should place the cutting in a location that receives bright but indirect light. This will promote root growth.
Bottom Line
Anyone who newly wants to grow a cactus garden will want to have a plant that is beautiful to look at and needs low maintenance. In that case, rattail cactus is a perfect choice for beginners. It looks stunning and charms you even more with its stunning flowers. To add to its qualities, it’s low maintenance too. Its ease of growing will encourage you to start a cactus garden. So, when will you be growing rattail cactus? Tell us in the comments below. Also read other informative articles on this website to know more about cacti and succulents.