Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Also known as Rat-Tail Cactus
Aporocactus flagelliformis, the Rattail Cactus, is a trailing cactus native to Mexico, known for its long, slender stems and vibrant pink to red flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
High
75% intensity
Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal. Protect from intense midday sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry out between waterings, reduce in winter.
Well-draining cactus mix
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures (18-25°C) during growth, cooler (10-15°C) in winter.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during growing season, diluted. Avoid in dormancy.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Prune to manage size, shape, and encourage branching. Remove any dead, damaged, or leggy stems. Cuttings can be used for propagation.
Pruning can be done anytime, but is best after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to callus over for a few days before planting in well-draining cactus mix. Rooting typically occurs within a few weeks in warm, bright conditions.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container, preferably in spring. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid waterlogging.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Rattail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis)
Where Rattail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Aporocactus |
| Species | Aporocactus flagelliformis |
Similar in genus Aporocactus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
