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Cactus SucculentHouseplants

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

Synonyms
Aporocactus flagriformis
Aporocactus leptophis
see moreAporocactus flagelliformis

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Red
Summer Purple Red Red
Autumn Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical 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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