The rat tail cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) is a unique trailing succulent that can grow up to 4 feet long With its long, cascading stems covered in fine hairs, it makes a beautiful addition to hanging baskets and arrangements The good news is propagating rat tail cactus is easy even for beginner gardeners. In this complete guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully propagate this plant through offsets, stem cuttings, and seeds.
An Overview of Rat Tail Cactus
Native to southwestern Mexico and parts of Central America, the rat tail cactus is a member of the Aporocactus genus in the Cactaceae family Its common name comes from its long, trailing vining stems that resemble a rat’s tail This succulent is also sometimes called the trailing cactus, flagelliformis cactus, or creeping devil.
Some key facts about rat tail cactus:
- Trailing/vining growth habit, stems can reach 3-4 feet long
- Covered in fine, hair-like spines
- Flowers in late spring/early summer, tubular shaped blooms in shades of pink, red, orange
- Hardy in USDA zones 9-11
- Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight
- Easy to propagate from offsets, cuttings and seeds
Propagating Rat Tail Cactus Through Offsets
Propagating from offsets (also called pups or offshoots) is the easiest way to multiply your rat tail cactus Here are simple step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Identify Mature Offsets
Check the base of the mother plant for offsets that are 1-3 inches tall. Look for offsets that have well-defined segments and mimic the parent plant.
Step 2: Remove Offsets Carefully
Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to gently detach offsets, keeping some roots intact if possible.
Step 3: Allow Ends to Callus
Place removed offsets in a dry area for 2-7 days until the cut ends form calluses.
Step 4: Plant in Well-Draining Soil
Fill starter pots with cactus potting mix. Make a hole and insert the callused offsets. Gently firm soil around stems.
Step 5: Provide Ideal Growing Conditions
Place newly potted offsets in bright indirect sunlight. Water sparingly at first to prevent rot. New growth will emerge in a few weeks!
Propagating Through Stem Cuttings
You can also propagate rat tail cactus by taking stem cuttings in spring or summer:
Step 1: Cut a 4-6 Inch Stem Segment
Use sterile, sharp shears to cut a 4-6 inch segment just above a node.
Step 2: Allow Cutting to Callus
Leave cutting in a dry spot for 3-7 days until the cut end forms a callus.
Step 3: Plant in Potting Mix
Insert the callused end into a small pot filled with cactus soil. Firm soil gently around the stem.
Step 4: Provide Warmth and Indirect Light
Place potted cutting in bright indirect light and temperatures of 65-80°F.
Step 5: Wait for New Growth
Keep soil slightly dry at first. In a few weeks, new roots and stems will emerge!
Growing Rat Tail Cactus from Seeds
While more challenging, propagating from seed can be very rewarding. Follow these tips:
Step 1: Harvest and Dry Seeds
Collect seeds once flowers fade and allow to fully dry.
Step 2: Sow Seeds in Cactus Mix
Fill starter pots with fast-draining cactus soil. Sprinkle seeds on top and just barely cover with soil.
Step 3: Create a Warm, Humid Environment
Place seed pots in a warm spot (70-80°F) and cover with plastic wrap to retain moisture.
Step 4: Provide Bottom Heat and Light
Put seed pots over heating mats to warm roots from below. Provide 14 hours of bright, indirect light per day.
Step 5: Care for Seedlings
In 4-10 weeks, seedlings should emerge! Gradually harden off and transplant into larger pots once mature.
Caring for New Rat Tail Cactus Plants
To keep your propagated rat tail cactus thriving, provide the following care:
- Bright, indirect sunlight
- Average temps of 65-80°F
- Well-draining cactus potting soil
- Allow soil to dry out between waterings
- Moderate humidity around 40-60%
- Protect from drafts and cold near windows/doors
Common Propagation Problems and Solutions
Rotting stems: Allow cuttings to fully callus before planting, use very well-draining soil, avoid overwatering.
Poor root growth: Give bright indirect light to stimulate root development.
Leggy growth: Increase light exposure, avoid overwatering.
Mealybugs/spider mites: Quarantine and treat pests immediately with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Drying or shriveled cuttings/offsets: Increase air humidity, avoid direct sunlight and heat.
With the right care, your new propagated rat tail cactus plants will flourish! This easy-to-grow trailing succulent is a perfect choice for novice indoor gardeners.
Displaying Your Trailing Rat Tail Cactus
Once propagated, rat tail cactus looks beautiful cascading from hanging pots or arranged in mixed succulent containers. Here are some fun display ideas:
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Create a desert-themed hanging basket with other trailing succulents.
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Let stems spill over mantels, bookshelves, and tabletops.
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Grow in a tall, narrow floor pot attached to a stake or trellis.
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Incorporate into boho-inspired arrangements with air plants, seashells and found objects.
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Use in succulent wreaths or vertical gardens to add height and texture.
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Plant in open terrariums along with small cacti, rocks and figurines.
With its unique trailing stems, the rat tail cactus is one of the most ornamental succulents you can propagate. Follow this complete growing guide for propagating success!
How to Propagate Rattail Cactus. Simple and Easy
FAQ
Can you propagate cactus cuttings in water?
Which propagating method is better—soil or water? Both are equally effective, so it’s a matter of personal preference. Rooting cuttings in water involves less care at the onset, but then requires transplanting cuttings to soil.
How do you propagate rat tail Crassula?
- Choose healthy cuttings and let them callous to prevent rot.
- Bright, indirect light and minimal water aid successful rooting.
- Transplant when roots are 1 inch; ensure good airflow and vigilance.
Can you cut off a piece of cactus and plant it?
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wikiHowhttps://www.wikihow.comHow to Propagate a Cactus: 4 Cutting & Growing Techniques – wikiHowCacti easily regrow from cuttings, offsets, and pads, so propagating them is as easy as removing a section of the old cactus and replanting it. … Plant the cu…
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Varnish + Vinehttps://varnishandvine.comHow Do Cactus Cuttings Re-Root Themselves? – Varnish + VineMar 5, 2022 — Simply remove one segment or clump at a 45-degree angle, ensuring to eliminate any off-shoots. Applying a rooting compound to the ends can aid in sti…
What is the fastest way to root a Christmas cactus?
- Cut the segments: Remove 2-5 flattened stem segments from the parent plant. You can cut or gently twist them off at a joint.
- Allow to callus: Let the cut ends dry and form a callus (a protective layer) for a day or two.
- Prepare the soil: Use a well-draining potting mix for cacti and succulents.
- Plant the cuttings: Bury the bottom half of each cutting, including the lower one or two leaf segments, into the soil.
- Water sparingly: Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering.
- Provide bright, indirect light: Place the cuttings in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
- Rooting time: Cuttings should root in about 6-8 weeks.
How do you propagate a rat tail cactus?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to successfully propagate Rat Tail Cactus using stem cuttings: Cutting Selection: Select a healthy, mature stem from the main plant. Choose a stem that is at least 4-6 inches long and free from any signs of damage or disease. Using a clean, sharp knife or shears, make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle.
Can rat tail cactus grow from seed?
Place the pot in a location with plenty of light but don’t let the soil dry out and keep it evenly humid. After a few weeks, the cactus should root. Seeds are not widely available for rat tail cactus and propagation from a cutting is so easy that growing it from seed is not recommended.
How do rat tail cacti grow?
It blooms in spring and early summer with just a few violet-red, pink, or orange flowers. In the wild, rat tail cacti grow on tree crotches, rocky crevasses, or on the ground. They are adapted to warm climates, and only gardeners in warm zones can grow them outdoors successfully.
How do I choose a rat tail cactus?
Similar water and light requirements: Look for plants that have similar water and light needs as Rat Tail Cactus. This ensures that all the plants in the arrangement thrive together. Some suitable companion plants include other drought-tolerant succulents like Echeveria, Sedum, or Haworthia.
How do you cut a rat tail cactus?
Choose a healthy stem: Select a mature stem 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 clean, sharp knife or scissors, make a clean cut just below a joint or node on the stem.
Do rat tail cactus grow on rocks?
The Rat Tail Cactus is a perennial succulent with an epiphytic (grows on trees) or lithophytic (grows on rocks) growth habit. It can grow on other plants or surfaces, such as trees and rocks, without parasitizing them. It is particularly known for its long, trailing, ornamental stems.