The rat prat cactus is a splashy cactus native to southwestern Mexico and parts of Central America . It is easy to blot because of its prospicient , trailing stem , which grow to be about 4 metrical foot foresightful and give the plant its name . It flowers in the spring and early summertime . The flowers are usually purple - red , but the plant will sometimes produce prime in strange colors like pink and orange . Its flowers are tubular and pretty large , about 2 inch blanket . It blossom in late bound and has a plenty of efflorescence , but each one only endure a few day at most . Plant rat tail cactus in the outflow so it has the entire growing season to get show .
In the unwarranted A. Flagelliformis grows either on the ground or on bigger thing like trees . This is called lithophytic or epiphytic . Because its base dog off , it is ordinarily grown in hang green goddess or baskets . Each year , the stems can uprise up to one foot long .
As an avid cactus collector and gardener , I ’m always looking to add more of these unique succulent to my dwelling and garden . One of my absolute deary is the trailing rat tail cactus , which can be propagate quite easy . In this article , I ’ll provide a footstep - by - step initiate ’s guide to pass around betrayer tail cactus through first , cuttings and seeds . Let ’s get start out !
Native to Mexico and part of South America the rat tail cactus ( Aporocactus flagelliformis ) is a flow basket variety that can get up to 3 feet farsighted . It features trail segment stalk covered in hunky-dory hair - same spines . The cactus produces delicate vasiform flowers in summer .
This easy - attention succulent thrive in bright , collateral light and well - drain filth . It also propagates readily making it a great choice for novice gardeners . permit ’s look at some extension methods
Propagating By Offsets
Propagating from get-go or “ whelp ” is the easiest room to get fresh betrayer tail cactus plants , Here ’s how it works
Step 1: Identify Mature Offsets
train for branch growing at the stem of the female parent plant life that are 1 - 3 inches tall . Mature offshoot will have well - define section and appearance similar to the parent .
Step 2: Detach The Offsets
Use sterile , sharp scissors or a tongue to cautiously come off the offsets from the primary industrial plant . seek to keep on some stem .
Step 3: Allow The Ends To Callus
Place the cut offsets in a teetotal slur for 2 - 7 day until the end harden off into callused scar tissue paper .
Step 4: Plant The Offset
Fill small plenty with well - draining cactus soil . Make a hole and sneak in the callused offset . Gently firm the ground .
Step 5: Provide Ideal Conditions
Give the newly planted offsets shiny , indirect light . Water slenderly at first to forbid rot . In a few calendar week , new growth will emerge !
Propagating By Stem Cuttings
Step 1: Cut A 6 Inch Segment
In early spring , use acuate , sterilized shear to abbreviate a 6 in segment of fore aright above a node .
Step 2: Allow The Cutting To Callus
Place the cutting on a dry airfoil for 3 - 7 mean solar day until a callosity forms on the cutting end .
Step 3: Plant The Callused Cutting
Insert the callused end into a pocket-size pot satisfy with cactus soil . Lightly firm the soil around the root word .
Step 4: Provide Warmth And Indirect Light
order the potted cutting in a strong place ( 65 - 80 ° F ) with bright , indirect light .
Step 5: Wait For New Growth
Keep the land slightly dry at first to prevent rot . Be patient for new stems and roots to emerge in a few week !
Propagating Rat Tail Cactus By Seeds
Step 1: Collect Seeds
After efflorescence ends , glean the midget seeds and let them fully dry .
Step 2: Sow Seeds In Cactus Soil
Fill starter smoke with a light , prompt - draining cactus territory mixture . Sprinkle seeds on top and just scarcely cover with a snatch of filth .
Step 3: Create A Warm, Humid Environment
lieu seeded player pots in a quick daub ( 70 - 80 ° F ) and cover with pliant wrapping to retain humidity .
Step 4: Provide Bottom Heat And Light
Put seed pots over heating matte to warm roots from below . Provide 14 time of day per day of bright , indirect twinkle .
Step 5: Care For Seedlings
In 4 - 8 week , seedlings should go forth ! Gradually acclimate them to lour humidity and transplant once mature .
Caring For New Rat Tail Cactus Plants
To keep your new propagated rat tail cactus thriving , ply these ideal growing conditions :
Bright , collateral sunlight
Average room temperatures of 65 - 80 ° fluorine
permit territory dry out between watering to forestall rot
Well - draining cactus soil
Humidity around 40 - 60 %
episodic dilute smooth fertilizer in spring and summer
Protection from drafts and frigid near windows / doors
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
Here are some common extension way out and how to fix them :
Rotting stem : Allow cutting off to callosity before planting , use very well - draining soil , do n’t overwater .
inadequate rootage growth : Provide smart indirect illumination which stimulates root development .
Leggy emergence : Increase light exposure and avoid overwatering which induce stretching .
Mealybugs or spider mites : Quarantine and treat pest immediately with insecticidal grievous bodily harm nebuliser or neem oil app .
With the right care , your new propagated rat derriere cactus plants will flourish ! This trailing succulent is a perfect choice for founding father gardener .
Displaying Your Trailing Rat Tail Cactus Plants
The vining stems of spread rat keister cactus make them thoroughgoing for displaying in cling baskets or arrangements . Here are some ideas :
make a desert - themed mixed hanging basketball hoop with other drag succulents like burro ’s seat or string of drop .
allow so-and-so tail stems cascade over the edge of mantlepiece , shelves , and tabletop .
Plant in a marvellous , minute container tie to a rod or trellis for a endure “ sculpture . ”
Pair with decor like seashell , air industrial plant , sand and determine Mrs. Henry Wood piece for boho chic expressive style .
add together altitude and texture by incorporating into lush wreaths and perpendicular garden .
Use in terrariums along with modest cacti , statuette , found objects , sand and rocks .
Water
Water on a regular basis during the growing season to keep the soil somewhat moist . Reduce lacrimation in the fall , tapering it off as you move toward winter . It usually does n’t involve water during the winter , but you could give it a light spray if the filth is completely dry .
Temperature and Humidity
Overall , this cactus is pretty problematic . It can populate in temperature as broken as 45 degrees and as high as 90 level . Regular room temperatures are just okay , and ideally the nighttime temperatures are between 60 to 70 level Fahrenheit . The cactus is not frost - hardy , so make indisputable it does not ever get give away to immobilise temperatures . Comfortable humidness levels in most home are just right for rat tail cactus . Too much moisture in the air can vote out plant stems , and too piddling moisture can make wanderer mites a problem .
How to Propagate Rattail Cactus. Simple and Easy
How do you propagate a dirty dog tail cactus ?
Here ’s a step - by - footfall guide to successfully broadcast Rat Tail Cactus using stem cutting : Cutting excerption : Select a healthy , mature stem from the main plant . Choose a stem that is at least 4 - 6 inches retentive and free from any signs of equipment casualty or disease . Using a uncontaminating , sharp knife or shears , make a clean cut at a 45 - degree slant .
How do you edit out a stinkpot tail cactus ?
take a healthy stem : Select a mature prow from your Rat Tail Cactus plant . Look for a stem that is at least 4 - 6 inches long and free from any signs of disease or damage . Prepare the cutting : Using a light , sharp knife or scissors , make a fair cut just below a joint or node on the stem .
How do you grow a rattail cactus ?
These “ succulent ” grow readily from a six - in cut of any part of the stem . utilise the tip of the stem , or dilute an entire stem into six - in sections to start lots of little Rattails . Before pot Disocactus flagelliformis cuttings , earmark them to air dry for a period of three days .
How long does a rat buttocks cactus take to grow ?
Your young Rat Tail Cactus should take form new roots within a few weeks . verify to keep your new plant in a humid place and where it can get lineal sunlight . saltation and summer is the best time to get some root word cutting off from the female parent plant for extension because this is the meter when your plant is actively growing .
