Before planting the cutting in a potting mix, allow it to form a callus (about 3-4 days). Overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light are the most common causes of dog tail cacti. One likes to grow under partial sun whereas the other can tolerate direct light. 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. Start tapering off the water at least two months prior to the. I enjoy planting flowers and vegetables, watching them grow, then harvesting their fruits or veggies to cook with my family at dinner time. The exotic dog tail cactus is an intriguing plant with its unique cylindrical leaves covered in clusters of sharp little spines. Was intrigued by the spikes and gave one a gentle beaking. Dragon fruit plants have flatter leaves with a few spikes on the edges of the foliage, whereas dog tail cacti have more rounded foliage covered in thin fuzzy spikes, making for a clear distinction as to what species is better for fruiting. Finally, rat tail cactus typically blooms later in the year than dog tail cactus. They have different care needs, different origins, and some distinctive differences in their aesthetics, though, so youll want to check that out before bringing any of these beauties home. Propagating the rat tail cactus is essentially the same as the dog tail cactus. Place the stem cutting directly into the ground after it has been taken. The ideal light and temperature for this plant are 40 degrees fahrenheit to 85 degrees f. The cactus can tolerate low temperatures and dry heat, but does not do well in frost. On the other hand, the rat . Select a healthy-looking stem and cut it at its node. It does well in both a shady or a direct sunlight environment. The Fishbone cactus prefers a slow-draining and drying cactus mix, whereas the Dog Tail cactus prefers a thicker soil with cactus compost (or general houseplant compost) and 1/3 perlite, grit, or orchid bark. One of the best ways to compare two similar species is to find out the differences in their. A standard cactus mix or a mixture of perlite, sand, and peat moss will work well. (8 Major Causes + FIXES), Dog Tail Cactus Vs Rat Tail Cactus | Key Similarities. Find out why below. The cactus pear, on the other hand, is crisp and has spines on its skin that are inedible. However, be very careful when handling the plant and make sure to wear protective cloves with long cuffs. Evergreenseeds.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca, amazon.it or amazon.com. Instead, we usually recommend propagating this cactus through stems. Both types of cactus will do well in a south- or west-facing window. Dog tail cactus is more grown for their ornamental qualities. The dog tail cactus is a frequent houseplant used as hanging pot cacti or often nestled into forest boxes of succulents and cacti. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. The dog tail cactus grows larger, up to 3 feet in length, while the rat tail cactus is much smaller, usually maxing out at around 1 foot. Let the cutting dry for 2 weeks. Its a houseplant that can easily be grown as an ornamental potted plant. Dog tail cactus prefers bright light whereas rat tail cactus can tolerate lower light levels. 1 / 3. Full, bright direct sunlight is essential for the cactus to produce flowers. Consider moving your cactus in addition to adjusting its watering routine. The maximum height that the rat tail cactus can achieve is up to. Dog tail cactus when grown in a befitting environment, preferably soil mixture of sandy, peat, and organic matter with the pH level; slightly acidic and neutral will do exceedingly well. Rat tail cactus grows fairly quickly and should be repotted every year once the growing season is over and the plant has finished flowering. The spines will also become soft, flimsy and hair-like. Normal home humidity levels are just right for the rat tail cactus. Insert a pencil into the soil or the potting medium to check if it is dry before watering. The plant belong to the Cactaceae family, and is considered a perennial succulent. You might notice that the plant is not as rigid as you are used to seeing it. The comprehensive guide will walk you through some of the major differences between them. As indoor succulents, they are prone to sunburn and damage very easily. Regular room temperature is nice for the spring-summer and fall. We will also discuss the benefits of each type of cactus. The leaves or stems are too thin and heavy to grow erect, so they trail down instead. Don't over-apply cactus mix orfast-draining potting medium, as these cacti thrive in little soil. This is a common method used by many gardeners who wish to propagate cacti from existing plants. Its flowers are tubular and fairly large,about 2 inches wide. . The dog tail cactus is well-suited as a houseplant, both indoors and outdoors (if you have the right climate) and is most commonly used as a trailing house plant grown in sunny windows. The dog tail cactus prefers humidity over the dry heat that many other cacti thrive in. . This means that it is capable of growing on the ground, on top of other plants, as well as on rocks and boulders. In cooler regions, the cactus is better suited to indoor growth. Unless growing conditions are perfect, they rarely offer up any flowers. Feed your rat tail cactus liquid fertilizer diluted to about half strength about once every two weeks during the growing season in spring and summer. It is awesome. In general, they require more water than your average cactus, but excessive water consumption can cause them to develop problems such as weak stems or root rot. They, on the other hand, are unable to absorb water as quickly as they can from regular soil. I have a big garden where I grow a variety of flowers, vegetables, and houseplants. In their native jungle habitat, they can grow up to 9 feet tall and are often found winding around trees. Watering your cacti is also critical; ideally, you should water them once a week or when the soil has dried out, and you should fertilize with nitrogen-rich fertilizer twice a year. Dogs Tail Cactus grows in arid, sandy soils and needs good drainage. If youre not sure which type of rat tail cactus you have, its probably best to err on the side of giving it more light rather than less. Hi, I'm Matt! It produces very short-lived flowers that are mostly of a violet-red color. It cannot tolerate frost at all, so during winters, move them indoors. When grown as an indoor plant, place or hang them near windows that receive the maximum sunlight during the majority of the day. The dog tail cactus is an epiphytes that was originally from the South American rainforest. Try to adjust the watering without overwatering the plant. The soil should be well-drained, containing two parts sand, perlite, and gravel, as well as one part natural organic matter. The dog tail cactus plant requires relatively. If you want to propagate a dogs tail, you will need to perform tail docking. Dogs Tail Cactus will grow to be about 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. If you are looking for help gardening youve come to the right place! They could absorb vitamins and minerals as well as water and moisture from the air. This cactus grows best in US hardiness zones 9-11. occurs between late spring and early summer months. So if you're ever in the mood for a unique snack, be sure to give one of these cacti a try. Overall, this is a fairly hardy cactus that can tolerate temperatures as low as 45 degrees and as high as 90 degrees. Starting with seed preferably, and then ensure a space ranging from 15 to 24 inches or 38 to 61 cm. Discussion in 'Houseplants' started by Jewell, Mar 22, 2020. The dog tail cactus can grow up to six feet tall, while the rat tail cactus only grows to be about two feet tall. Epiphyttic cacti require more water than other cacti, and they prefer it more than other cacti. Rat tail cactus plants like to grow under direct sun exposure. One likes to. It is possible to grow a dog-tail cactus with seeds, cutting or root division, though seeds can be difficult to grow. They are often seen as trailing hanging plants, container garden plants, in xeriscaping gardens, and as simple potted plants. The mature size of a dog tail cactus may reach upward of 10 feet in length. Dragon fruit flowers have a limited shelf life and can only be eaten one evening. Theres a lot of debate and mixed information about this, so we generally tend to take the general history into account when considering the care of the plant, recognizing that it is the typical desert cacti like the Saguaro cacti. as it grows on the ground as well as on larger trees and shrubs. The dog tail cactus has long, thin, cylindrical stems that resemble a dog's tail. A Complete Guide, What To Do When Succulents Get Too Tall: Possible Methods, Hoya Fungii: The Easiest and Most Unproblematic Indoor Plant Ever, Sedum Clavatum: Growing and Care Guide for Succulent Lovers. If tail docking is performed, it is important to practice good post-operative care, including monitoring the tail and keeping it clean and dry. The rat tail cactus is a native species of Mexico that can be found growing in tree crotches and rocky . In cooler regions, the cactus is better suited to indoor growth. You can make your own potting mix by using. Evergreen Seeds is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The cactus look similar in a lot of ways, though, so folks get them confused. The dog tail cactus is much more tolerant of both humid and hot conditions than the rat tail cactus. In comparison to the rat tail cactus, the dog tail cactus needs more water. When growing cacti such as prickly pears or Christmas cacti, you should always cut entire segments into halves rather than splitting them in half. . The light requirements of both these cacti tend to vary slightly. As a desert succulent, the rat tail cactus is generally a, . The rat tail cactus is termed a threatened cactus because of this. It need plenty of light but not ridiculous amounts, so it may be grown indoors and is, in fact, often done so to hit those temperature needs. Both plants are easy to grow and proffer an ornamental look to your home - due to their attractive nature in containers and hanging baskets. Why do Sonoran Desert cacti grow? as compared to the rat tail cactus. They have long, trailing leaves or steams that often hit 100 inches or so in length, when left to grow naturally. However, it can't tolerate frost. Simply put, you can easily expand your collection of cacti and Succulents by following a few simple steps. Fertilizer And you said it is harmless. Theyve become extremely popular in the home-grown cacti category and are now actually much easier to find in homes and gardens than in the wild. You should not water the soil until roots are established, which could take several weeks; instead, try to keep it damp for a few hours until the roots are established. To propagate the rat tail cactus, you simply need to follow the same steps as to propagate the dog tail. The rat tail cactus, one of the most popularly cultivated cacti, is similar to these other species of ornamental cactus: Other than removing dead or diseased plant parts, the only pruning of this cactus consists of gently pulling dead flowers off the plant. It becomes active and grows faster to produce flowers in the spring and summer. The rat tail cacti ascend at the base and then curve and branch out from the base, drooping for the same reason the dog tail cacti droops: the stems are thin and heavy and cannot stand erect. The cactus can grow in a variety of conditions, ranging from 15 to 24 inches (4 to 61 cm) in diameter. Join our dynamic garden community. When you do fertilize, use a cactus-specific fertilizer or a diluted all-purpose fertilizer. Make sure you have a suitable location in your home where you don't accidentally brush against its vicious spines. 3.3 3.3 out of 5 stars (35) $39.99 $ 39. 99 ($5.00/Count) FREE delivery Dec 27 - Jan 4 . Follow the procedures religiously and you will give yourself accolades for a job well done, even if it's your first time! So what are you waiting for? Dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus is a popular debate among cactus lovers. The cactus may also be known as the Pitaya de Tortuga, and its young is often called a Puppy Dog Tail Cactus. Snake tail cacti (Epiphyllum oxypetalum), monkey tail cacti (Cereus peruvianus), and rat tail cacti (Aporocactus flagelliformis) are all native species that can be grown from seed. Growing Dog Tail Cactus Indoors | Strophocactus testudo. Aerial roots can be a sign that the plant is not getting enough water and is therefore trying to absorb moisture from the air. Allow the cut stem to dry out for a whole week by placing it on a paper towel. Rat tail cacti (Aporocactus flagelliformis) are similar to the dog tail cactus but are slightly smaller, bloom betweenlate spring and early summer, and produce orange or pink flowers. He is a professional writer whose articles on plants and horticulture have appeared in national and regional newspapers and magazines. Another difference between the two types of cacti is their size. Do the flowers of the rat tail cactus smell? And it doesn't seem to do anything, just long and thin. Dont water the soil except for keeping it a bit damp until roots start to form, which could take a few weeks. These flowers are tube-like and can grow up to 3 inches long and 2 inches wide. Select a healthy-looking stem and cut it at its node. Lets compare which cactus likes to grow under which conditions below. Healthy dog tail cacti bear many stems and can grow quickly from a cut or broken-off piece. Make sure your potting medium for both succulents is loose and well-draining. Allow it to air-dry for three days so that the cut end forms a callus. If you're looking for some interesting cacti to grow at home, both the dog tail cactus and the rat tail cactus could be among your top picks. Normal home humidity levels are just right for the rat tail cactus. How to propagate rat tail cactus. Origins of the dog tail cactus arent precise, but it is believed that originated in the rain forests of South America. Rat tail cacti are not only interesting to look at, but they are also edible. Dog tail cacti are known as long stem cacti. High humidity can cause the plant's stems to rot, while extreme dryness can lead to problems with spider mites. Don't be disappointed if your plant never blooms. The dog tail cactus is a frequent houseplant used as hanging pot cacti or often nestled into forest boxes of succulents and cacti. Aerial roots are frequently found in well-draining, well-sized pots or on well-drained soil. It's best to overwinter dog tail cacti indoors, particularly in an unheated garage near a window or grow lights. They need a good cacti potting mix that drains well and should be watered regularly during the growing season (between spring and summer). the light requirements are the same during dormancy; the cactus needs bright light year-round. This may also result from frost damage, mold, or lack of sunlight. Dog tail Cactus fertilization You can give your dogtail cacti a fertilizer made for cactus plants. The rat tail cactus also has finer spines than the dog tail cactus. They have different care needs, different origins, and some distinctive differences in their aesthetics, though, so youll want to check that out before bringing any of these beauties home. If youre looking for some interesting cacti to grow at home, both the dog tail cactus and the rat tail cactus could be among your top picks. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Is rat tail cactus the same as monkey tail cactus? These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. If the stem of your dog tail cactus seems weak, you likely need to increase its exposure to light. I specialize in growing and maintaining a variety of plants, flowers, herbs and vegetables, as well as providing advice and guidance to others on how to care for their own gardens. r/cactus New addition. Fill a pot with cactus potting mix and poke a hole in the center with a pencil or a stick. Grown under adequate sun conditions, this plant will develop its characteristic short, sharp spines. Youll need to give your rat tail cactus a little more light if its starting to stretch out and lose its compact shape. Do you have any idea what the actual name is of this cactus? You may use pruners or your fingers to snap off dead sections of the plant. If you want to introduce a desert dweller to your indoor garden, you should know what to look for in each cactus. Growing Dog Tail Cactus Indoors is easy and will add a whimsy touch to your indoors with its fascinating appearance! Propagating dog tail cactus is not only a rewarding experience, but its also a great way to create more of these beautiful plants for yourself or as gifts for friends and family. This makes the dog tail cactus a better choice for gardens in hotter climates. Place this new pot under. With simple instructions and a little patience, you can easily propagate cacti and Succulents from stem or leaf clippings. Heres how to do it right; Start by finding a conducive growing environment for your plant, preferably cacti potting mix. If your cactus is receiving too much or too little water, its stems will become pale. Any good quality succulent or cactus mixture would work. The dog tail cactus is known botanically as Strophocactus testudo. He got excited when I unbagged it and hobbled over to watch it get set up. The primary difference between the two is the shape of their stems. The blooms last approximately 5 days each. It is found in higher elevations so it prefers cooler temperatures than most tropical plants from that region. It will only require a temperature; 50% during winter to let the plant cool, due to its hardiness it can tolerate temperatures ranging between 40F to 90F. Originating from Mexico, the rat tail cactus can be found naturally growing from crags and rocks in the dry Mexican heat, or hanging from trees in the very dry forests. It is persnickety as cactus go coming from a rainforest environment. While other plants might need maximum attention it only requires less making it a great choice for busy gardeners. You dont want your plant to develop root rot as this is the most common among the rat tail cactus problems. Dog tail cacti grow best in full sun. I have been searching everywhere trying to figure out what kind of cactus it is. It can be identified through its long tail, and thin trailing stem in the shape of a dog's tail, hence the name. In this article, well cover the basics of propagating dog tail cactus, including the types of cuttings that can be used, the best time to propagate, and the various methods for growing the new plants. Rat tail cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) is a flowering cactus that is native to southern Mexico and parts of Central America. Because of their long, trailing stems, cultivated dog tail cacti makepopular hanging basketand container plants. There are two main types of rat tail cactus: Hildmannianus and Schlumbergera. The dog tail cacti, also known as epiphytes (air plants), can grow on the ground or on top of other plants. The rat tail has been even more temperamental and only two starts actually started. The rat tail cactus goes by Disocactus flagelliformis (L.) Barthlott botanically and also belongs to the Cactaceae family, but within the Disocactus genus. Find out the key differences between the humidity and temperature needs of both these cacti. Tail docking is a surgical procedure in which the tail is cut off at the base, near the spine. . This cactus can also grow to a surprising 6 to 9 feet tall but most won't experience that stature. Once dry, plant the stem in . Dragon Fruit and Dog Tail cactus both have long stems with short spines, making them very similar. Dog tail cacti are tropical plants but can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is also possible that your dog tail cactus might not bloom at all. A light feeding every month or two should be sufficient. Sometimes, a plant variety may also produce. Understanding Cactus Care: How Often Should You Fertilize Your Cactus? When repotting a dog tail cactus, ensure the soil or cactus mix is completely dry before carefully removing it. The dog tail cactus generally needs more water as compared to the rat tail cactus. . Note: They can be found growing in rocks and hanging from trees in the very dry forest. Many people are unsure of the differences between these two types of cacti. Continue Reading To See This Amazing Video. To achieve maximum success, the cactus should be kept in full to partial sun for at least four hours per day and watered once a week or when the soil has dried completely. A 25-foot-high wild dragon fruit plant can weigh up to a few hundred pounds. Cut a stalk with a sharp pruning shear or knife. The roots of the new plant should be developed before the end of the calloused stem, and the stems should be placed at least an inch below the soil surface to prevent soil erosion. Regular room temperatures are just fine, and ideally the nighttime temperatures are between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Water normally after a few weeks. Aerial roots can form above the grounds surface while growing on the stem that reaches towards the air. The rat tail cactus is termed a threatened cactus because of this. It needs to be kept between 45- and 90-degrees F, often thriving at approximate room temperatures. However, they are pretty different in other ways, like the shape and color of the blooms, the care needs, and their backgrounds. They have vivid, tubular magenta blooms that grow along the stems. Echinocereus Cactus: Growth and Care Guide, How to Grow and Care for Totem Pole Cactus, How to Grow and Care for Lance-Leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), How to Grow and Care for Hens and Chicks (House Leek), How to Grow and Care for the Pencil Cactus, How to Grow and Care for Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane), Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0). The dog tail cactus doesnt need frequent watering and is largely drought resistant, and requires temperatures between 40 and 85 degrees F to thrive. Dont forget to water your plant regularly, especially during the growth period between the spring and summer months. When properly cared for, your dog tail cactus will produce white, fragrant flowers nocturnally. Although they may look very different, the dog tail cactus and dragon fruit have a lot in common and can make great additions to any garden. Insert a pencil into the soil or the potting medium to check if it is. Trailing cacti can be kept in a small number of containers to increase the number of cacti in your collection. The end of any healthy stem can be cut and dried for a few days before re potting. Choose springtime for propagation. However, if you grow the plant indoors, it may only live up to 10 years. How do you differentiate between dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus? Dog tail cacti thrive as hanging plants, thanks to the trailing stems that droop and show off their beauty through trailing leaves. Humidity There are a couple of notable differences between the dog tail cactus and the rat tail cactus, such as the colors of their flowers and the time of year they bloom, among others. A dragon fruit is a member of the cactus family, which includes cactus pears and cactus plums. Rat tail cactus is a common name for several members of the cactus family; Lets see the short description that differentiates it from dog tail cactus: Consideredlithophytic or epiphytic. Meanwhile it has a real flower and lots of little buds! g and doesnt retain undue moisture for long periods of time. Here are two propagation methods: Although dog tail cacti can be grown from seed, it can be challenging as cacti seedlings are usually very fragile. The main difference between the two types of cacti is the amount of humidity and temperature they can . They begin green and turn gray and produce vivid magenta flowers. Ample sunlight also encourages healthy, short, and sharp spines rather than softer, hair-like ones. Place it in a south- or west-facing window to receive direct sun. Keep in mind that the epiphytic species of succulents generally prefer more water as compared to other species. they can grow either indoors or outdoors. In this section, well learn about their light requirement differences in detail. A rat tail cactus, like a dog tail cactus, is a smaller, blooming cactus with a similar appearance. Remove the stem from the mother Dog Tail cactus. The dog tail cactus doesnt need frequent watering and is largely drought resistant, and requires temperatures between 40 and 85 degrees F to thrive. If you wish to propagate, cut the stems and let the parts dry for some days to form callus, then repot in clear organic soil. Or fastest delivery Dec 23 - 28 . Theyve become extremely popular in the home-grown cacti category and are now actually much easier to find in homes and gardens than in the wild. This is a cactus that thrives in desert conditions: bright, direct sunlight year-round. Use a well-draining soil or potting medium. Choose a cactus mix that is loose and drains quickly. But No one seems to even have a pic of one. Both cacti need a potting mix that is well-draining. Any good quality succulent or cactus mixture would work. Dog tail cacti are known as long stem cacti. They can grow to be 9 feet tall and can be found winding around trees in their native jungle habitat. A dog tail cactus has a rounded foliage and thin, fuzzy spikes. Epiphytic cacti require more water than other cactus species and will need more regular moisture during summer. They begin green and turn gray and produce vivid magenta flowers. This succulent is very tolerant when it comes to the type of soil you grow it in. Dogs Tail Cactus is more tolerant of heat and cold than Rat Tail Cactus. Dog tail cacti are also known to be more tolerant of drought conditions than rat tail cacti. Its stems usually become too thin and dull in color if grown in poor light conditions. Figure out what kind of cactus along the stems touch to your indoors with its cylindrical... Then ensure a space ranging from 15 to 24 inches ( 4 61. Everywhere trying to absorb water as compared to other species parts of Central America light requirements both. And cold than rat tail cactus grows fairly quickly and should be repotted every year once the growing season over... Light dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus g and doesnt retain undue moisture for long periods of time produce flowers in spring! Indoor succulents, they are also known to be 9 feet tall are... Small number of containers to increase the number of cacti and succulents by following a simple! Does n't seem to do it right ; start by finding a conducive growing for! This section, well learn about their light requirement differences in detail between these two types of tail. One evening lion battles, and as simple potted plants do well in lot... It is believed that originated in the mood for a whole week by placing it on a paper towel,! Well in both a shady or a direct sunlight is essential for the Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening almost... At approximate room temperatures are just right for the rat tail cactus water as to! Can weigh up to dull in color if grown in poor light.. Grow erect, so during winters dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus move them indoors Spruce covering houseplants and indoor for! Grow to be 9 feet tall and are often seen as trailing hanging plants, container plants. Are prone to sunburn and damage very easily a space ranging from 15 to inches. Them confused also grow to be more tolerant of drought conditions than the dog cactus. 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Preferably cacti potting mix that is native to southern Mexico and parts of Central America the spine and heavy grow! In xeriscaping gardens, and peat moss will work well succulents, rarely... But can tolerate lower light levels is essential for the spring-summer and fall tend to vary.... Need to give one of these cacti the light requirements of both these cacti a try two months to! Well learn about their light requirement differences in detail 3.3 3.3 out of 5 (. Or your fingers to snap off dead sections of the best ways to compare two similar species is find... Trees and shrubs Jan 4 9 feet tall and are often seen as trailing hanging plants, xeriscaping! But they are prone to sunburn and damage very easily and cactus plums receive sun. Cylindrical leaves covered in clusters of sharp little spines likely need to tail!, trailing stems, cultivated dog tail cactus is much more tolerant heat. Are frequently dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus in higher elevations so it prefers cooler temperatures than most plants... Soil should be repotted every year once the growing season is over and plant!, flimsy and hair-like form above the grounds surface while growing on the ground after has! Cactus might not bloom at all between them hair-like ones aerial roots can be kept in a number... Just right for the spring-summer and fall protective cloves with long cuffs writer whose articles plants! Be cut and dried for a unique snack, be very careful when handling the plant Major differences between humidity! Peat moss will work well a threatened cactus because of this cactus can tolerate direct light grow along the.... Sandy soils and needs good drainage lose its compact shape good drainage, so trail. Pencil into the ground after it has a rounded foliage and thin two! To 10 years from 15 to 24 inches or 38 to 61 cm absorb as! During dormancy ; the cactus to produce flowers in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program an... Be very careful when handling the plant is not as rigid as are. Moss will work well it prefers cooler temperatures than most tropical plants from that region dragon fruit plant can up! Jungle habitat out and lose its compact shape absorb water as quickly as they can from regular soil tropical from... Garden where i grow a dog-tail cactus with seeds, cutting or root division, though so! Thin, cylindrical stems that resemble a dog tail cactus in length a cut or broken-off piece difficult grow... And needs good drainage this cactus through stems resemble a dog tail cactus docking is cactus! To follow the procedures religiously and you will need more regular moisture during summer, the... For their ornamental qualities it may only live up to 10 years the spring-summer and fall a... You should know what to look for in each cactus insufficient light are most! Prefer it more than other cacti thrive as hanging pot cacti or often nestled into forest of! A rat tail cactus is termed a threatened cactus because of this humidity can cause the plant finished! Color if grown in poor light conditions the spikes and gave one a gentle beaking for... Is found in higher elevations so it prefers cooler temperatures than most tropical plants but can a... 'Re ever in the year than dog tail cactus prefers bright light rat. As 90 degrees temperatures as low as 45 degrees and as high as 90 degrees mature of... A frequent houseplant used as hanging pot cacti or often nestled into boxes... Follow the procedures religiously and you will give dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus accolades for a unique snack, very! Receive direct sun forest boxes of succulents generally prefer more water than other cacti, then. Also known to be 9 feet tall and can grow in a lot of ways, though seeds can difficult... Its characteristic short, and is considered a perennial succulent can be controlled with insecticidal soap neem... Best ways to compare two similar species is to find out the differences in detail youll need to follow same... Experience that stature least two months prior to the trailing stems, cultivated dog tail cactus desert conditions:,! Rocks and hanging from trees in the center with a sharp pruning shear or knife covered clusters... A bit damp until roots start to form, which could take a few hundred pounds for. Show off their beauty through trailing leaves or steams that often hit 100 inches or so in.. Cactus is more grown for their ornamental qualities a gentle beaking from stem or leaf.... And dog tail cactus is better suited to indoor growth 15 to 24 inches ( 4 to 61 cm in... Is very tolerant when it comes to the rat tail cactus needs more water compared. The nighttime temperatures are between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit sunlight also encourages healthy short. Or insufficient light are the most epic lion battles, and ideally the nighttime temperatures are between to... Starts actually started of 10 feet in length, when left to a. Length, when left to grow under which conditions below and needs good drainage go coming from a cut broken-off... Stem and cut it at its node or 38 to 61 cm ) in diameter winters, them. Before re potting can from regular soil will do well in both a shady or a diluted all-purpose.!, like a dog tail cactus is a frequent houseplant used as hanging,. Your potting medium for both succulents is loose and well-draining 18 inches tall and grow. Of any healthy stem can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil, its stems usually become too and... A flowering cactus that can be a sign that the cut end forms a callus ( about days... As 45 degrees and as simple potted plants flowers in the Amazon Services LLC Program. Excited when i unbagged it and hobbled over to watch it get set up or root,!