Disocactus flagelliformis
rat's tail cactus
A cactus with slender, pendent or trailing cylindrical stems and funnel-shaped, bright red-purple flowers to 8cm in length from late spring
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red | Red | ||
| Autumn | Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Genus
Disocactus are evergreen perennials with cylindrical main stems and flattened side shoots, bearing funnel-shaped, sometimes fragrant flowers on the margins, followed by fleshy white fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in an epiphytic cactus compost in bright filtered light. During the growing season water moderately and feed with a high potash liquid fertilizer monthly. Keep just moist at other times of the year
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 21°C or by stem cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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