The rat tail cactus is a showy cactus native to southwestern Mexico and parts of Central America. It is distinctive for its long, trailing stems, which grow to about 4 feet at maturity and give the plant its nickname. Rat tail cactus flowers in the spring and early summer, and its blooms are usually violet-red; however, the plant will sometimes grow flowers in idiosyncratic colors like pink and orange. Its flowers are tubular and fairly large, about 2 inches wide. Though it produces quite a few flowers during its bloom in the late spring, each flower only lives for a couple of days at most. Plant rat tail cactus in the spring so it has the entire growing season to get established.
In the wild A. flagelliformis is either lithophytic or epiphytic, meaning it grows on the ground or on larger structures such as trees. In cultivation, it is usually grown in hanging pots or baskets because of its trailing stems, which can grow up to 1 foot in length per year.
The rat tail cactus, also known by its scientific name Aporocactus flagelliformis, is a unique and eye-catching trailing succulent. Native to Mexico and Central America, this popular houseplant is loved for its long, cascading segmented stems covered in tiny hairs and spines.
While you can often find rat tail cactus for sale at nurseries and garden centers, propagating your own from an existing plant is extremely rewarding. Not only is it a great way to get new plants for free, it’s also fun and easy to do!
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to propagate rat tail cactus through offsets, stem cuttings, and seeds
An Overview of Rat Tail Cactus
Before jumping into propagation methods, let’s do a quick overview of rat tail cactus care and growth habits.
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Grows long trailing stems up to 3-4 feet in length. The stems are segmented and covered in fine hairs and spines
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Produces showy tubular flowers in late spring/early summer Flowers last just a day or two
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Does best in bright light like a south or west window. Requires full sun to bloom.
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Prefers warm temperatures from 65-80°F. Not frost hardy.
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Allow soil to dry out between waterings to prevent rot. Drought tolerant when established.
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Typically grown in hanging baskets or containers. Trailing habit works great for this.
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Matures slowly but stems elongate quickly under ideal conditions.
Now that we’ve covered some background on the rat tail cactus, let’s get into propagating this amazing plant!
Propagating by Offsets
Propagating rat tail cactus from offsets or “pups” is by far the easiest method. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Identify Mature Offsets
Check the base of your rat tail cactus plant for offsets growing near the soil surface. Look for offsets that are 1-3 inches tall. Mature offsets will have well-defined segments and spines like the parent plant.
Step 2: Carefully Detach the Offsets
Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife to gently detach the offsets from the main plant. Try to keep some roots attached if possible.
Step 3: Allow Ends to Callus
Place the removed offsets in a dry, shady spot for 2-7 days. This allows the ends to callus over and prevents rotting.
Step 4: Plant in Well-Draining Soil
Fill small starter pots with cactus/succulent soil mix. Make a hole and insert the callused end of the offset into the soil. Gently firm the soil around the base.
Step 5: Provide Ideal Conditions
Place your new potted offsets in a warm, sunny spot. Water sparingly at first until new growth appears. Then you can water more as the new roots establish.
In a few weeks, your offsets will root and you’ll have brand new rat tail cactus plants!
Propagating by Stem Cuttings
You can also propagate rat tail cactus by taking stem cuttings in early spring or summer. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Cut a 6 Inch Stem Segment
Use clean, sharp scissors or shears to cut a 6 inch segment of stem right above a segment joint. Make sure the stem is healthy.
Step 2: Allow Ends to Callus
Leave the cutting in a dry, shady place for 3-7 days until the cut end forms a callus.
Step 3: Stick in Well-Draining Soil
Fill a small container with cactus/succulent soil. Make a hole and insert the callused end 1-2 inches deep. Gently firm the soil.
Step 4: Provide Warmth and Bright Light
Place the potted cutting in a warm spot with temperatures around 70-80°F. Give it plenty of bright, indirect light.
Step 5: Wait for Roots and Growth
Keep the soil slightly dry at first to prevent rotting. In a few weeks, you should see new stem and root growth. Then you can water more regularly.
Stem cuttings are quick and easy way to get more plants!
Propagating Rat Tail Cactus by Seed
Propagating rat tail cactus from seeds is more challenging but also extra satisfying. Here’s how to try it:
Step 1: Collect Seeds
Let the flowers fade, then collect the tiny black seeds and allow to fully dry out for a few days.
Step 2: Plant Seeds in Soil
Fill small pots with cactus/succulent soil mix. Lightly sprinkle seeds on the soil surface and just barely cover with soil.
Step 3: Create a Warm, Humid Environment
Place pots in a warm spot around 70-80°F. Cover with plastic wrap or a clear dome to retain humidity.
Step 4: Provide Bottom Heat and Light
Place seed pots over heating mats to warm roots. Give 14 hours/day of bright, indirect sunlight.
Step 5: Care for Seedlings
In 4-8 weeks, seedlings emerge! Gradually acclimate to lower humidity, then transplant mature seedlings.
Growing from seeds requires more patience but it’s fun to watch the baby cacti grow!
Caring for New Rat Tail Cactus Plants
Once your propagated rat tail cactus plants are established, here are a few care tips:
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Provide plenty of bright, indirect sun for best growth. Some direct sun is ok.
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Water thoroughly when soil dries out. Beware of overwatering.
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Use a well-draining cactus/succulent soil mix. Add perlite for drainage.
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Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Repot annually in spring into a slightly larger container.
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Ideal temps are 65-80°F. Protect from frost and cold.
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Watch for mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Treat quickly.
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Display in hanging baskets or arrangements to show off trailing stems.
With the right care, your new propagated rat tail cacti will thrive and cascade beautifully in your home!
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
While propagating rat tail cactus is generally foolproof, issues can arise. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
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Rotting stems – Allow cuttings to fully callus before planting, use very well-draining soil, don’t overwater.
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Poor root growth – Increase sunlight which stimulates root development.
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Leggy growth – Provide more sunlight, avoid overwatering.
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Failure to bloom – Ensure plant gets enough direct sun.
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Pests – Quarantine and treat any pests quickly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
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Seeds not sprouting – Ensure fresh seeds, use sterile starting mix, provide sufficient warmth and humidity.
Be patient, tweak conditions, and your propagation efforts will be successful!
Final Thoughts on Propagating Rat Tail Cactus
Adding trailing rat tail cactus specimens to your home via propagation is extremely rewarding. This unique succulent is so easy and fun to propagate by offsets, stem cuttings, or seeds.
In just a few weeks, you’ll have cute baby rat tail cactus plants to pot up and enjoy. Be sure to provide ideal growing conditions like sun, warmth, well-draining soil and proper watering to keep your propagated plants happy and healthy. Let those stems cascade!
Rat Tail Cactus Care
Except in USDA zones 10 and 11, rat tail cactus is a houseplant during most of the year that you can bring to your patio or deck over the warm summer months. Make sure you have a suitable location in your home where you dont accidentally brush against its vicious spines.
This plant is fairly drought-tolerant and can survive long periods with little care.
Temperature and Humidity
Overall, this is a fairly hardy cactus that can tolerate temperatures as low as 45 degrees and as high as 90 degrees. Regular room temperatures are just fine, and ideally the nighttime temperatures are between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The cactus is not frost-hardy, so make sure it does not ever get exposed to freezing temperatures. Comfortable humidity levels in most homes are just right for rat tail cactus. High humidity can cause the plants stems to rot, while extreme dryness can lead to problems with spider mites.
How to Take Care of a Rat Tail Cactus (Aporocactus Flagelliformis)
FAQ
Can you propagate cactus cuttings in water?
Did you know you can root cacti cuttings in water? These 2 guys spent 4-5 weeks in water and look at the nice roots they’ve grown. I know it might sound counterintuitive – cacti in water, but it works. . I always encourage you all to experiment, try out new things.
Is it better to propagate Christmas cactus in soil or water?
Both soil and water propagation are effective methods for propagating Christmas cacti, and the “better” method is largely a matter of personal preference and experience.
Can you cut off a piece of cactus and plant it?
Yes, you can propagate a cactus from a cutting. To do this, carefully remove a segment or pad from the parent cactus and let the cut end callous over for several days before planting it in well-draining cactus soil.
Do rat tail cacti like to be root bound?
Rattail cactus are very low maintenance and thrive when a little root bound but will benefit from being repotted every two to three years; always wear gloves and wash your hands after repotting. Repotting can seem daunting but is immensely satisfying.