Aporocactus flagelliformis (syn. Disocactus) - Rat Tail Cactus - Mistletoe Cactus

Aporocactus flagelliformis (syn. Disocactus), commonly called the Rat’s Tail Cactus, is a captivating epiphytic cactus native to Mexico and Central America. Its long, trailing stems and vivid pink blooms make it a popular choice for hanging baskets and decorative displays. This resilient species thrives in well-draining soil and bright conditions, producing stunning floral displays in spring and summer.

Distinctive Features

• Trailing stems: Slender, cylindrical stems grow up to 1.5 metres long, covered in short golden spines.
• Vibrant blooms: Large, tubular pink to magenta flowers emerge along the length of the stems in spring and summer.
• Epiphytic nature: Naturally grows in rock crevices and tree branches, making it well-suited for mounted or hanging arrangements.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; tolerates some direct sun.
• Water: Water moderately during the growing season; reduce watering in winter.
• Humidity: Adapts to moderate humidity; benefits from occasional misting in dry environments.
• Temperature: Thrives between 10-25°C; protect from frost.
• Fertiliser: Use a diluted cactus fertiliser monthly during active growth.
• Potting: Plant in a well-draining mix, ideally a blend of cactus soil and organic matter.
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings left to callous before planting.