The Rodent Tail Cactus, Aporocactus flagelliformis, is local to south-west Mexico and Central America. This cactus is considered a low-maintenance plant but has a special appearance that draws in numerous cacti enthusiasts.
Rat Tail Cactus Appearance
The Rodent Tail plant produces orchid-like blossoms in the spring or early summer of either violet-red, pink, or orange. Person blooms as it were live two days, at most, with the blossoming time enduring a few days in add up to. If developed outside, the blossoms draw in hummingbirds and other pollinators. The bright-green stems highlight bristly hairs and brown thistles. The tubular stems develop to a length of 5 feet and gain the plant’s title since they take after a rat’s tail.
Rat Tail Cactus Light Requirements
The Rodent Tail plant inclines toward shinning, roundabout light from a south or west-facing window all year long. All day sun introduction is not prescribed. The Rodent Tail Cactus will flourish exterior when temperatures at night reach a least of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Dodge full-sun introduction as it will sear the plant and repress growth.
Water Needs
The rodent tail cactus requires standard watering to keep the soil sodden, but not wet. More water is required in the spring and summer development months. In winter, water gently when the soil has ended up dry. The Rodent Tail plant’s development propensity suits a hanging bushel to oblige its trailing stems. Hold dampness between waterings by lining the wicker container with sphagnum moss.
Temperature and Humidity
The Rodent Tail Cactus inclines toward temperatures of between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit ( 15.5 to 21 degrees Celsuis) in the spring and summer. The plant will endure temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit ( 32 degrees Celsius) but water needs will increment. In the winter, to imitate the plant’s torpid period in nature, appropriate Rodent Tail Cactus care requires lower temperatures of between 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit ( 7 to 10 degrees Celsius). Normal family mugginess levels are adequate for this cactus. As well much stickiness will empower root spoil, whereas as well small stickiness takes off the plant helpless to creepy crawly bug infestation.
Soil and Fertilizer Requirements
Grow your Rodent Tail Cactus in preparing soil revised with sand or perlite. A soil outlined for cacti or succulents is too adequate. Nourish your Rodent Tail plant in the spring and summer with a fluid fertilizer. Weaken the fertilizer to half quality and donate twice per month to energize sprouting. Do not bolster amid drop or winter to permit the plant to go torpid and rest.
Rat Tail Cactus Propagation
The Rodent Tail Cactus is effortlessly engendered through cuttings. Utilize a combine of sharp and sterilized shears to cut a 6 inch, sound stem. Permit the cutting to discuss dry for three days and frame a callus at the cut conclusion. Fill a pot with cactus soil and jab a gap in the soil with a pencil or adhere. Embed the cut conclusion into the gap and secure the cutting with a wooden stick for starting back. Put the cutting in shinning, backhanded daylight and keep the soil wet. Roots will frame inside a few weeks.
Pests and Disease
Spider bugs and scale are common bugs related with the Rodent Tail Cactus. Evacuate unmistakable grown-up creepy crawlies with a cotton swab plunged in rubbing liquor. Take after up by treating the whole plant with an insecticidal cleanser or neem oil.
Root spoil is the most predominant malady to observe for and is caused by overwatering your Rodent Tail Cactus. Early mediation stops the spread of the microbes causing the spoil. Expel the plant from its pot and trim any dim or soft roots. If the spoil is critical, trim all influenced roots and splash the remaining roots with a blend of one portion 3 % hydrogen peroxide and two parts water. Repot the cactus in new soil.
