Lakeshore Garden Centres Plant Finder

Other Names:  Rattail Cactus, Disocactus flagelliformis

Description:

An interesting native to Central America, this variety of cactus produces long trailing stems reaching 4 ft. long; bright violet-red flowers appear in the spring to early summer months; a fantastic specimen for sunny containers and hanging baskets

Ornamental Features

Rat Tail Cactus is an atypical member of the cactus family known as an 'epiphyte' or 'air plant', which means that it doesn't necessarily require a growing medium for its roots. Like all other cacti, it doesn't actually have leaves, but rather modified succulent stems that comprise the bulk of the plant. This particular variety of cactus is valued for its characteristically trailing and weeping form on a plant consisting of long and narrow, thread-like green stems that form 'branches' which spread out from a central base.

Landscape Attributes

Rat Tail Cactus is a tiny succulent evergreen plant with a form that trails along the ground or spills over containers and rock walls. It commonly grows as a shrub-like plant with multiple 'branches' and stems. As a type of cactus, it has no true foliage; the body of the plant is wholly comprised of a linked series of green fine thread-like segments which are connected together to form the branches of the plant.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant. Trim off the flower heads after they fade and die to encourage more blooms late into the season. Stray segments or shoots can be removed or thinned to control the overall form and spread of the plant. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects
• Spiny

Rat Tail Cactus is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting
• Hanging Baskets

Planting & Growing

Rat Tail Cactus will grow to be only 6 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. Unlike most cacti, which are known for their strong preference for hot, dry growing environments, this plant is native to tropical climates and grows in areas with more humidity and rainfall than most cacti. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. Like most succulents and cacti, this plant prefers to grow in poor soils and should therefore never be fertilized. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings.

Rat Tail Cactus is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. Because of its trailing habit of growth, it is ideally suited for use as a 'spiller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the edges where it can spill gracefully over the pot. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Be aware that in our climate, most plants cannot be expected to survive the winter if left in containers outdoors, and this plant is no exception. Contact our experts for more information on how to protect it over the winter months.

This plant is not reliably hardy in our region, and certain restrictions may apply; contact the store for more information.