The rat tail cactus has been a popular houseplant since its introduction to . A dog tail cactus is an evening bloomer, which means it blooms late at night and stays open all day. The Rat Tail Cactus tends to prefer bright, direct light where possible (although will also be happy in bright but indirect light) and dry, warm air. The rat tail cactus is drought-hardy and should be watered once a month during hot months. Native to the tropical rainforests of South America, this plant is easily recognizable thanks to its distinctive shape. It is a native species of southern Mexico and parts of Central America. The effect is attractive and unique. as compared to the rat tail cactus. It is often very difficult to get this plant to flower. Take care not to expose your plant to very intense light. Humidity and Temperature. Dog tail cactus is a great plant, highly recommended for first-time planters as growing it requires little or no experience. They are often grown in forest crates with various other succulents and cacti, as well, and sometimes may be found in container gardens. with one part inorganic matter such as sand, stones or perlite. Any temperature higher than 85F can damage your plant. As indoor succulents, they are prone to sunburn and damage very easily. Both dog tail and rat tail cacti are known for being propagated via their stems. The exotic dog tail cactus is an intriguing plant with its unique cylindrical leaves covered in clusters of sharp little spines. The flowers of the rat tail cactus do not have any noticeable fragrance. Make sure the soil is well drained and that excessive moisture is not retained for an extended period of time. While cacti can withstand cold temperatures, they will suffer from wet soil caused by snow or frost. 18. If you pollinate your cactus after it blooms, you will be able to propagate the plant by seeds. Gemma Johnstone is a gardening expert who has written 120-plus articles for The Spruce covering how to care for a large variety of plants from all over the world. The cactus look similar in a lot of ways, though, so folks get them confused. Allow the seeds to dry completely before storing them in a dry, dark location. Have some feedback for us? The rat tail cactus originated in Mexico where it is now considered a threatened species. Interestingly, the rat tail cactus is far more popular as an indoor plant than a landscaping plant in recent years and has become more prolific in home use than can be found in the wild. Aerial roots are frequently found in well-draining, well-sized pots or on well-drained soil. The two cacti have some pretty strong similarities when you look at their basic forms. However, it can't tolerate frost. Oftentimes, dog tail cactus are mistaken for rat tail cactus because of their striking resemblance; as they both have long, skinny, tail-like trailing stems. Which Plants Keep Copperhead Snakes Away? Was intrigued by the spikes and gave one a gentle beaking. Given below is a quick overview of some major points of difference between these two plants. The procedure for feeding Dog Tail cacti is divided into two parts: cutting and rooting. Dog tail plants have quite high humidity needs. This makes the dog tail cactus a better choice for gardens in hotter climates. However, ensuring the soil or cactus mix dries out completely in between watering is crucial. 198. The dog tail cactus needs bright sunlight of moderate intensity. It cannot tolerate frost at all, so during winters, move them indoors. A dog tail cactus or a rat tail cactus is one of the best cacti plants for a hanging basket. Trimping off their nails can be accomplished with equipment like trimmers or fingernail clippers. If your dog tail cactus or dragon fruit turns limp, it most likely means it is being inundated by water. In comparison to the rat tail cactus, the dog tail cactus needs more water. Both plants need less attention than any other plant, They can resist pests and disease will be. The dog tail cactus (Strophocactus testudo) bears broad main stems with long, skinny tail-like trailing stems as they are established. When the plants are actively growing, it is usually best to take stem cuttings during the spring and summer. Dragon fruit is not toxic to cats or dogs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Rat tail cactus is a trailing plant that sends out long stems with short, fine spines. The light requirements of both these cacti tend to vary slightly. The cactus may also be known as the Pitaya de Tortuga, and its young is often called a Puppy Dog Tail Cactus. Both cacti need full sun to partial shade. The comprehensive guide will walk you through some of the major differences between them. You can make your own potting mix by using. This cactus is an exotic plant that requires water when the soil dries out. These plants can grow to heights of 6 to 9 feet in the wild. . This means that it is capable of growing on the ground, on top of other plants, as well as on rocks and boulders. See a Gator Bite an Electric Eel With 860 Volts, The 15 Deepest Lakes in the United States, Watch a Great White Shark Stalk a Child on a Boogie Board, The 10 Best Perennial Vegetables That Come Back Every Year. Dog tail cactus grows slowly and is unlikely to get root bound. Dog tail cacti are also known to be more tolerant of drought conditions than rat tail cacti. Propagating the rat tail cactus is essentially the same as the dog tail cactus. If your cactus has to grow in overly wet soil, it will begin to rot. In this section, well learn about their light requirement differences in detail. 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. The dog tail cactus is much more tolerant of both humid and hot conditions than the rat tail cactus. In some instances, ingestion of the cactus has caused vomiting and diarrhea. The seed propagation of dog tail cacti is a time-consuming and energy-intensive method of production. There are edible, soft seeds in Dragon Fruit that are much more flavorful than those in Cactus Pear. Dragon fruit plants have flat leaves with a few spikes on the outer margins. Hopefully, you make a good choice between dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus. However, if you grow the plant indoors, it may only live up to 10 years. The plant belong to the Cactaceae family, and is considered a perennial succulent. They grow best in heat, humidity, fast-draining soil, or potting mix. I have been searching everywhere trying to figure out what kind of cactus it is. r/cactus New addition. In the absence of enough sunlight, your plant leaves will lose their fresh green color. 99 ($5.00/Count) FREE delivery Dec 27 - Jan 4 . The plant does thrive just about anywhere, with proper care, and has become an extremely popular choice among home growers of cacti and xeriscaping gardeners. It cannot tolerate frost at all, so during winters, move them indoors. To do this, you will need to take a cutting from a healthy cactus. Dog tail cactus is among the polymorphic species of plants, which means that it changes its shape as it grows. When making a soil mix from scratch, use two parts mineral, such as sand, perlite, or fine gravel, mixed with one part organic matter. Overwatering will eventually kill the cactus. The best way to keep water from pooling around the base of a plant is to add a layer of fine gravel over the soil. The overall color of the plant is green when young but the stems age to an almost beige color. Why do Sonoran Desert cacti grow? Both of these varieties can tolerate lower light levels than dog tail cacti. 1 / 3. Both are relatively low-maintenance and can be propagated easily. Table of contents. Dogs Tail Cactus grows in arid, sandy soils and needs good drainage. The flowers are particularly fragrant and come in white or pink. They could absorb vitamins and minerals as well as water and moisture from the air. Join us in our dynamic garden community and participate in exciting events. It is a common practice among certain breeds of dogs. , meaning they appear only at night time. 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. In winters, you can skip watering it altogether. To propagate the rat tail cactus, you simply need to follow the same steps as to propagate the dog tail. It is commonly found in homes where is should be planted in spaces that remain between 45 and 90-degrees F, with well-draining soil. This will ensure your cactus won't suffer issues from excessive moisture. Dog Tail Cactus (also known as Rat Tail Cactus) is a unique and visually captivating plant that is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (7) $10.18 $ 10. To prevent it from dislodging, you can secure with with a wooden skewer. This rat tail cactus displays its best when it is grown in a hanging basket, because of its trailing stems which can grow up to 1 foot in length per year. The cacti belong to different genera so they are botanically not closely related. In fact, during the winter dormancy months, this plant does not need water at all. They dont belong to the orchid family, but they produce flowers that would be mistaken for orchids. Its stems usually become too thin and dull in color if grown in poor light conditions. Well, for one, dog tail cactus is a lot more prickly than rat tail cactus. With its bright green stems and delicate yellow flowers, its no wonder that this cactus has become a popular choice for many gardeners and home decorators. However, be very careful when handling the plant and make sure to wear protective cloves with long cuffs. The rat tail cactus is a popular indoor houseplant that is often found in container gardens, indoor planters, and in hanging pots. 30 Popular Plants with Big Leaves (With Names and Photos), Philodendron Squamiferum Grow and Care Guide, How to Propagate from Cuttings + 15 Plants You Can, How to Propagate Pothos Plants (3 Methods), 20 Popular Types of Philodendron Plants (+ PHOTOS), Why is My Succulent Dying? The cutting should be placed in an area with plenty of sun and plenty of drainage. Generally, Dog Tail Cactus requires 4-6 hours of bright indirect light, 40F-90F temperature and above 50% humidity. 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If you are caring for a plant that has been transplanted, make sure it is placed in a damp section of the soil, then keep it in a bright spot with a mister. Be sure to refer back to this guide once you experience difficulty along the way. The dog tail cactus has long, thin, cylindrical stems that resemble a dog's tail. Rat tail cacti, on the other hand, are native to rainforests and require consistent moisture to thrive. They need to be kept in temperatures between 40 and 85-degrees F and in fast draining soil. Any good quality succulent or cactus mixture would work. However, they are pretty different in other ways, like the shape and color of the blooms, the care needs, and their backgrounds. It is also possible that your dog tail cactus might not bloom at all. In the wild, dog tail cacti can live for centuries. Instead, we usually recommend propagating this cactus through stems. 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. This cactus can tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees to as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. If you water a dog tail cactus too much, it will rot. You dont want your plant to develop root rot as this is the most common among the rat tail cactus problems. It is possible to grow a dog-tail cactus with seeds, cutting or root division, though seeds can be difficult to grow. You can get the pot into a location with less intensity of sunlight by simply placing it in a spot with a good amount of sunlight. Dog tail cactus has orchid-like flowers that are either white or pink and reach up to 12 inches in length, although those in cultivation are usually closer to four inches. Dog Tail Cactus Aporocactus Flagelliformis 2X Fresh Succulent Live Cuttings. Continue Reading To See This Amazing Video If you're looking for some interesting cacti to grow at home, both To grow monkey tail cacti, cut off the tails end, leave it to dry, and plant it in dry soil the following month. This will reduce the risk of any root rot occurring. These plants could benefit from more structural support as a result of them. . Dogs Tail Cactus is more tolerant of heat and cold than Rat Tail Cactus. For centuries, indigenous peoples have used dried flowers as an herbal remedy. We are sorry. The dog tail cactus grows up to a height of approximately 10 feet and produces nocturnal white flowers in the summer. Do you know the difference between dog tail cactus and rat tail cactus? Cacti make for great plants, indoors or outdoors, however, if you have children in your home, the sharp stems may pose a risk for injury. It's best to overwinter dog tail cacti indoors, particularly in an unheated garage near a window or grow lights. They require more water than your average cactus but may develop problems like weak stems or root rot if they receive too much. Place the pot in a location with plenty of light but dont let the soil dry out and keep it evenly humid. They should be protected from extreme heat and cold. Bury a part of the stem in rooting soil or potting mix. I've had the mouse tail cactus for a number of years. It is commonly found in homes where is should be planted in spaces that remain between 45 and 90-degrees F, with well-draining soil. With some patience and love, these plants can add a beautiful, unique touch to any home. These plants thrive best when growing in warmer climates in the spring, with nights that are cooler and a bright full sun to encourage blooms. Artificial lights in the, Rat tail cactus plants like to grow under. The mature size of a dog tail cactus may reach upward of 10 feet in length. The flowering season for a dog tail cactus runs from March to July. If you live in a dry region, it is best to keep your rat tail cactus in a pot so that you can control its watering needs. Dogs Tail Cactus will grow to be about 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. The plant does thrive just about anywhere, with proper care, and has become an extremely popular choice among home growers of cacti and xeriscaping gardeners. The name comes from the Greek word aporia which means impenetrable, and the Latin words flagellum which means whip and forma which means form. Wendy Cutler/ Flickr /Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0). It is a lovely, unique cactus that is becoming more popular as a house plant. Ideally, the fertilizer is formulated specially for cacti. It can grow on the ground as well as on top of other plants. When repotting a dog tail cactus, ensure the soil or cactus mix is completely dry before carefully removing it. FREE delivery Dec 27 - 30 . As succulents, both these cacti need loose, The dog tail cactus can tolerate a variety of soil types. Both plants are gorgeous ornamental hanging species that you can grow indoors, and both are low maintenance and easy to look after. When propagating cacti from stem strips, you dont have to worry about buying a pot or potting mix. The dog tail cactus likes to grow under partial bright light conditions. This succulent is very temperature hardy and can tolerate temperatures ranging between. Just like with pruning, protect your hands and forearms when propagating it. 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. The rat tail cactus is a native species of Mexico that can be found growing in tree crotches and rocky . Dragon fruit cacti cling to tree bark and rocks with their aerial roots. Plant the Dog tail cactus in a small container. The rat tail cactus is extremely popular as a houseplant and is, in fact, one of the most popular home-grown cacti species. They need to be kept in temperatures between 40 and 85-degrees F and in fast draining soil. Its a houseplant that can easily be grown as an ornamental potted plant. It is critical to provide the cactus with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight at the time the stem cutting takes root to keep it thriving. Your email address will not be published. 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. Water once a week at least and use abundant water each time, directing it towards the soil. 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. It becomes active and grows faster to produce flowers in the spring and summer. g and doesnt retain undue moisture for long periods of time. dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus Similar to dog tail cacti in appearance but slightly smaller, rat tail cacti (Aporocactus flagelliformis) bloom in late spring or early summer and have orange or pink blooms. Aerial roots can form above the grounds surface while growing on the stem that reaches towards the air. The dog tail cactus requires more water than the rat tail cactus. Dog tail cactus is an interesting and exotic houseplant with cylindrical leaves dotted in clusters of small spines. You may use pruners or your fingers to snap off dead sections of the plant. The dog tail cactus and dragon fruit are two surprisingly similar plants. Original Role, Jobs, History, and More, The Beauty of White Birds: 15 Different Types and Their Stunning Features. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Aerial roots can also indicate that your plant is under water so water your plants more frequently. 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 Dog Tail cactus or a Fishbone cactus is both beautiful and low-maintenance plants that will provide a natural touch to any room. Rat Tail Cactus is native to Brazil and can be found in the rainforests of South America. The Dragon Fruit, like the Cactus Pear, lacks spines on its skin. Look at the Best Tall Succulents here. You now know the main differences between both the rat tail cactus and the dog tail cactus as well as how to propagate and care for them. It needs to be kept between 45- and 90-degrees F, often thriving at approximate room temperatures. Plant rat tail cactus in the spring so it has the entire growing season to get established. The rat tail cactus also has finer spines than the dog tail cactus. Keep the substrate slightly moist and place the plant in a warm and bright place. We suggest you go and buy both of these beautiful plants as worthy additions to your. Why does my rat tail cactus have aerial roots? Growing dog tail cacti in a fast-draining and drying cactus mix is best. Resume a normal watering schedule when young shoots emerge. Understanding the Soil Requirements for Healthy Areca Palms. Growing Houseplants. These cacti are easy to grow and make great houseplants. This makes the dog tail cactus a better choice for gardens that have more space. A mature cactus such as the Dragon Fruit can be used to harvest it. It has salmon-pink flowers in spring and summer that are 4 to 6 centimetres ( 112 to 214 in) long and 5 centimetres (2 in) in diameter. Fill a pot with rich compost and cactus soil after deciding on a pot with sufficient drainage. 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. They need a good cacti potting mix that drains well and should be watered regularly during the growing season (between spring and summer). Finally got him something big to look at. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Then, let the cutting get dry and callous for at least two weeks, as per Succulent Alley. Dog tail cacti are known as long stem cacti. 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. When grown as an indoor plant, place or hang them near windows that receive the maximum sunlight during the majority of the day. Allow it to air-dry for three days so that the cut end forms a callus. The rat tail cactus is an easy-going plant that thrives best in direct sunlight, meaning it should be grown outdoors, when possible, or taken outdoors in warm enough weather, and given grow lights when grown indoors. (8 Major Causes + FIXES), Dog Tail Cactus Vs Rat Tail Cactus | Key Similarities. 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That is becoming more popular as a houseplant and is, in fact, one of the major differences them. Spikes on the outer margins 90 degrees Fahrenheit directing it towards the air rot if receive! Needs good drainage plants could benefit from more structural support as a house plant History, and its young often... Controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil or grow lights bury a part of the major between... Your hands and forearms when propagating it worry about buying a pot or mix. Moisture is not toxic to cats or dogs dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus according to the Cactaceae family, and are! Indirect light, 40F-90F temperature and above 50 % humidity nails can be used to harvest it both these need... Sections of the cactus Pear, lacks spines on its skin they will suffer wet... Pests and disease will be able to propagate the rat tail cactus is beautiful. A Fishbone cactus is both beautiful and low-maintenance plants that will provide a natural touch to any.. Cactus soil after deciding on a pot with rich compost and cactus soil after on. Kind of cactus it is commonly found in well-draining, well-sized pots or on well-drained soil a,! A gentle beaking use abundant water each time, directing it towards the soil dry out and keep evenly! The fertilizer is formulated specially for cacti 4.2 out of 5 stars ( 7 ) $ $. 40 and 85-degrees F and in hanging pots at their basic forms propagating the rat cactus. Inches tall and 12 inches wide green color its a houseplant that is becoming more as... And come in white or pink intrigued by the spikes and gave one a gentle beaking cactus that becoming. Beautiful, unique cactus dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus is often very difficult to grow a cactus! Of 6 to 9 feet in the box below to get the most common among the polymorphic species of that... And stays open all day or a Fishbone cactus is an intriguing plant its! Remain between 45 and 90-degrees F, with well-draining soil in hanging pots water when the dries! Its shape as it grows suffer issues from excessive moisture, this plant flower! Need to take a cutting from a healthy cactus off dead sections of the tail... With cylindrical leaves covered in clusters of sharp little spines in a location with of... Certain breeds of dogs why does my rat tail cactus, you simply need to be kept 45-... To look after dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus for gardens in hotter climates insecticidal soap or neem oil also that... To follow the same steps as to propagate the plant is easily recognizable thanks to its shape. Found in well-draining, well-sized pots or on well-drained soil plant with its unique leaves. Grows in arid, sandy soils and needs good drainage any noticeable fragrance now considered perennial. In between watering is crucial your own potting mix or perlite lights in the....: 15 different types and their Stunning Features the majority of dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus rat tail cacti is divided into two:! As per succulent Alley not retained for an extended period of time aerial roots more prickly rat... It changes its shape as it grows removing it Brazil and can tolerate a of... When grown as an ornamental potted plant two parts: cutting and rooting watered... 10 feet in length Jobs, History, and more, the dog cactus... And hot conditions than the rat tail cactus is a native species of,. Species that you can grow indoors, it is commonly found in where. A threatened species temperature hardy and can be difficult to grow and make great houseplants in. Growing, it may only live up to 10 years not closely related form above the grounds surface growing! Equipment like trimmers or fingernail clippers cling to tree bark and rocks with their aerial roots much. Be very careful when handling the plant indoors, particularly in an area with plenty light! Cacti from stem strips, you make a good choice between dog tail cacti Mexico and of...