Aporocactus flagelliformis (syn. Disocactus) - The Cascading Rat’s Tail Cactus

Aporocactus flagelliformis (syn. Disocactus) - The Cascading Rat’s Tail 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.

Additional Notes

• Produces an abundance of blooms under optimal conditions.
• Overwatering can lead to root rot; ensure proper drainage.
• Non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for households with animals.

With its cascading stems and dazzling flowers, Aporocactus flagelliformis (syn. Disocactus) is an excellent addition to any succulent or cactus collection. Given proper care, this stunning species rewards growers with spectacular floral displays year after year.