Overall, this is a fairly hardy cactus that can tolerate temperatures as low as 45 degrees and as high as 90 degrees. Rat tail cactus is a common name for several members of the cactus family; Lets see the short description that differentiates it from dog tail cactus: Consideredlithophytic or epiphytic. Dog Tail Cactus vs Rat Tail Cactus: What's the Real Difference? Aerial roots can be a sign that the plant is not getting enough water and is therefore trying to absorb moisture from the air. . Dog tail cactus grows slowly and is unlikely to get root bound. Trailing cacti can be kept in a small number of containers to increase the number of cacti in your collection. Make sure the cutting is at least two inches long and contains at least one healthy joint. Do You Need To Remove Grass Before Mulching? The rat tail has been even more temperamental and only two starts actually started. They can grow to be 9 feet tall and can be found winding around trees in their native jungle habitat. Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress. This succulent is very temperature hardy and can tolerate temperatures ranging between. Because of the spines, transplantting mature plants can be difficult. The rat tail cactus, on the other hand, originates in Mexico, particularly in the Hidalgo, Veracruz, and Puebla regions, at an altitude above 2000 meters, up in the foggy layers. The flowering season for a dog tail cactus runs from March to July. Because cacti can be grown in hanging baskets, their long stems can be seen as they pass through the baskets. The Scientific Name and Characteristics of Areca Palm, What are the differences between dog tail cactus and rat tail cactus. How to Grow a Fig Tree: Your Complete Guide, How to Grow Cilantro: Your Complete Guide. The dog tail cactus and the rat tail cactus are two popular types of succulents, both of which are members of the cactus family. But its still a plant and from my Mom so I want to take care of it. The cactus pear, on the other hand, is crisp and has spines on its skin that are inedible. In general, they require more water than your average cactus, but excessive water consumption can cause them to develop problems such as weak stems or root rot. Rat tail cacti are native to Mexico and can grow up to six feet tall. These flowers are tube-like and can grow up to 3 inches long and 2 inches wide. They require more water than your average cactus but may develop problems like weak stems or root rot if they receive too much. This succulent is very tolerant when it comes to the type of soil you grow it in. and maintain the right humidity levels for a healthy cactus. The dog tail cactus and dragon fruit are two surprisingly similar plants. Insert a pencil into the soil or the potting medium to check if it is. Again, use a cactus-specific fertilizer or a diluted all-purpose fertilizer. Is rat tail cactus the same as monkey tail cactus? Dragon fruit cacti cling to tree bark and rocks with their aerial roots. The dog tail cactus and rat tail cactus are two distinct species of cacti that look quite similar. However, if you grow the plant indoors, it may only live up to 10 years. Wait three to four days before planting the cutting in a potting mix. Any good quality succulent or cactus mixture would work. If you want to introduce a desert dweller to your indoor garden, you should know what to look for in each cactus. . Both species are drought-tolerant and require minimal care, making them great houseplants that can add a unique touch to any home. The cacti belong to different genera so they are botanically not closely related. They are often grown in forest crates with various other succulents and cacti, as well, and sometimes may be found in container gardens. To grow monkey tail cacti, cut off the tails end, leave it to dry, and plant it in dry soil the following month. Place this new pot under plenty of sunlight and maintain the right humidity levels for a healthy cactus. When propagating cacti from stem strips, you dont have to worry about buying a pot or potting mix. Dog tail cacti thrive as hanging plants, thanks to the trailing stems that droop and show off their beauty through trailing leaves. Once roots are established, you can water normally. It needs to be kept between 45- and 90-degrees F, often thriving at approximate room temperatures. Epiphytic cacti require more water than other cactus species and will need more regular moisture during summer. Rat tail cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) is a flowering cactus that is native to southern Mexico and parts of Central America. Both species are drought-tolerant and require minimal care, making them great houseplants that can add a unique touch to any home. If exposed to the right proportion of these elements; light, water, temperature, fertilizer, soil, etc. The cactus look similar in a lot of ways, though, so folks get them confused. The rat tail cactus is extremely popular as a houseplant and is, in fact, one of the most popular home-grown cacti species. Sometimes, a plant variety may also produce. The position of the Hallucigenia's head puzzled scientists for several years. Healthy dog tail cacti bear many stems and can grow quickly from a cut or broken-off piece. Watch a Gigantic Python Attack a Range Rover and Refuse to Give Up, You Must Have 20/20 Vision If You Can Spot the Hidden Lion in This Picture. Meanwhile it has a real flower and lots of little buds! Keep the substrate slightly moist and place the plant in a warm and bright place. They have long, trailing leaves or steams that often hit 100 inches or so in length, when left to grow naturally. The rat tail cactus is also a popular houseplant that thrives as an outdoor plant in warmer climates and indoor/outdoor plant in cooler or temperate environments. One of the best ways to compare two similar species is to find out the differences in their. Dogs Tail Cactus will grow to be about 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Puget Sound Region of the Pacific NW,Zone7b. Rat Tail Cactus can grow to be up to 30 feet tall and 12 feet wide. The bloom season for a dog tail cactus typically lasts from March to July. Fertilizer Dog tail cacti are long-stem cacti with trailing leaves covered in tiny, painful spines. However, ensuring the soil or cactus mix dries out completely in between watering is crucial. However, be very careful when handling the plant and make sure to wear protective cloves with long cuffs. When grown as an indoor plant, place or hang them near windows that receive the maximum sunlight during the majority of the day. They are often grown in forest crates with various other succulents and cacti, as well, and sometimes may be found in container gardens. The cactus may also be known as the Pitaya de Tortuga, and its young is often called a Puppy Dog Tail Cactus. Place the cutting in a glass of room temperature water and wait for the roots to emerge, which may take several weeks. If you're wondering what a rat tail cactus looks like, imagine a cactus with a long, thin tail. Unless you live in a very hot, dry place, you will probably need to water it only once per month at most. The dog tail cactus grows larger, up to 3 feet in length, while the rat tail cactus is much smaller, usually maxing out at around 1 foot. Any good quality succulent or cactus mixture would work. . In cultivation, it is usually grown in hanging pots or baskets because of its trailing stems, which can grow up to 1 foot in length per year. Place the pot in a location with plenty of light but dont let the soil dry out and keep it evenly humid. they can grow either indoors or outdoors. One likes to grow under partial sun whereas the other can tolerate direct light. Watering your cacti is also critical; ideally, you should water them once a week or when the soil has dried out, and you should fertilize with nitrogen-rich fertilizer twice a year. They do best with full sun (grow lamps are often needed indoors), fast-draining soil, and for the soil to dry out completely before watering. While cacti can withstand cold temperatures, they will suffer from wet soil caused by snow or frost. the light requirements are the same during dormancy; the cactus needs bright light year-round. 99 ($5.00/Count) FREE delivery Dec 27 - Jan 4 . It is often very difficult to get this plant to flower. Both types of cactus will do well in a south- or west-facing window. Find out some of the main ways they differ from each other in this comprehensive, debate-ending guide. Resume a normal watering schedule when young shoots emerge. These plants also require regular pruning to keep their shape, so snip off any dead or browned leaves. The exotic dog tail cactus is an intriguing plant with its unique cylindrical leaves covered in clusters of sharp little spines. Find out why below. You are more likely to see aerial roots, which indicate that your plant wants a larger pot. Aerial roots can also indicate that your plant is under water so water your plants more frequently. The rat tail cacti ascend at the base and then curve and branch out from the base, drooping for the same reason the dog tail cacti droops: the stems are thin and heavy and cannot stand erect. The trailing cactus, like the rat tail cactus, has some fun facts that you might find pretty interesting. Rat tail cacti, on the other hand, are native to rainforests and require consistent moisture to thrive. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Simply put, you can easily expand your collection of cacti and Succulents by following a few simple steps. She's traveled all over Europe, living now in Italy. Dog tail cactus plants are native to Central and South America, and are a fun addition to any home. How do you differentiate between dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus? Insert a pencil into the soil or the potting medium to check if it is dry before watering. They need to be kept in temperatures between 40 and 85-degrees F and in fast draining soil. Tail docking is a surgical procedure in which the tail is cut off at the base, near the spine. Because dog tail cactus trails as it grows, it's a fine candidate for hanging baskets in front of a sunny window. A dragon fruit is a member of the cactus family, which includes cactus pears and cactus plums. Dog tail cacti are long-stem cacti with trailing leaves covered in tiny, painful spines. Rat Tail Cactus can grow to be up to 30 feet tall and 12 feet wide. In Physical Structure of Dog Tail Cactus possess stary shaped stems - and "Rat Tail Cactus" long, tube-shaped stems. If the stem is healthy and mature, it should be taken from the top or side of the plant. Dog tail Cactus fertilization You can give your dogtail cacti a fertilizer made for cactus plants. Updated on: March 23, 2023. . It is distinctive for its long, trailing stems, which grow to about 4 feet at maturity and give the plant its nickname. As indoor succulents, they are prone to sunburn and damage very easily. Starting with seed preferably, and then ensure a space ranging from 15 to 24 inches or 38 to 61 cm. Mine definitely is not harmless. It can grow on the ground as well as on top of other plants. Dragon fruit plants, which have flatter leaves but fewer spikes, are not to be confused with dog tail cacti because they are not fruiting plants. The dragon fruit vines are much broader at the base and can grow thick and long to the tip. Choose a stem and let it dry completely before cutting it at the joint; if you are propagating with a stem, wait a week after it has dried. They are often seen as trailing hanging plants, container garden plants, in xeriscaping gardens, and as simple potted plants. The exact origins of the dog tail cactus arent actually known, though it is believed that the drought-resistant, spiny plant originated in the tropical rain forests within South America. The roots of the new plant should be developed before the end of the calloused stem, and the stems should be placed at least an inch below the soil surface to prevent soil erosion. These cacti are easy to grow and make great houseplants. I find the smell of dirt pleasant. FREE delivery Dec 27 - 30 . Origins of the dog tail cactus arent precise, but it is believed that originated in the rain forests of South America. g and doesnt retain undue moisture for long periods of time. They have green stems with white or yellow flowers and small black seeds. In the wild, dog tail cacti can live for centuries. 18. They do best with full sun (grow lamps are often needed indoors), fast-draining soil, and for the soil to dry out completely before watering. Just like with pruning, protect your hands and forearms when propagating it. The limp dog tail cactus is frequently overwatered and/or has a pool of water in its pot. Dont forget to water your plant regularly, especially during the growth period between. Dragon Fruit and Dog Tail cactus both have long stems with short spines, making them very similar. If tail docking is performed, it is important to practice good post-operative care, including monitoring the tail and keeping it clean and dry. The spines will also become soft, flimsy and hair-like. Regardless of whether you grow rat tail cactus outdoors year-round or bring it inside for the winter, the cactus needs a rest period during which it should be kept between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Heres how to do it right; Start by finding a conducive growing environment for your plant, preferably cacti potting mix. Both are trailing cacti that bloom in spring and summer and have tiny, painful spines on their leaves. However, they are pretty different in other ways, like the shape and color of the blooms, the care needs, and their backgrounds. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually damage them. Therefore, it is important to speak with a veterinarian before deciding to dock a dogs tail. The rat tail cactus is a native species of Mexico that can be found growing in tree crotches and rocky . because you want all the excess water to drain out of the soil and pot if you want to avoid developing fungal root rot. They are often seen as trailing hanging plants, container garden plants, in xeriscaping gardens, and as simple potted plants. Indoor growing conditions make it easy to grow both plants. The trailing cactus, like the rat tail cactus, has some fun facts that you might find pretty interesting. If you want to propagate a dogs tail, you will need to perform tail docking. When they are mature, they can produce long, thin fruit that tastes like a cross between a watermelon and a cucumber. This plant is fairly drought-tolerant and can survive long periods with little care. You can get the pot into a location with less intensity of sunlight by simply placing it in a spot with a good amount of sunlight. Thank you for reading! It contains a variety of nutrients which are essential for the health of these plants, such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The dog tail cactus is known botanically as Strophocactus testudo. Look at the Best Tall Succulents here. The trailing of their leaves makes them uniquely attractive for this use and can be particularly good for their health, as well, as the leaves won't droop and rot as they might do in some other planter settings. And it doesn't seem to do anything, just long and thin. Leave the plant dry for at least a week before initial light waterings. Both plants are easy to grow and proffer an ornamental look to your home - due to their attractive nature in containers and hanging baskets. The mature size of a dog tail cactus may reach upward of 10 feet in length. The blooms last approximately 5 days each. This cactus grows best in US hardiness zones 9-11. occurs between late spring and early summer months. Choose a cactus mix that is loose and drains quickly. Pruning a dog tail cactus isn't essential unless you notice dead or diseased parts of the stem, in which case you may prune carefully. The mature size of a dog tail cactus may reach upward of 10 feet in length. Read our. It need plenty of light but not ridiculous amounts, so it may be grown indoors and is, in fact, often done so to hit those temperature needs. For centuries, indigenous peoples have used dried flowers as an herbal remedy. The rat tail cacti ascend at the base and then curve and branch out from the base, drooping for the same reason the dog tail cacti droops: the stems are thin and heavy and cannot stand erect. Plant the Dog tail cactus in a small container. One of the best ways to compare two similar species is to find out the differences in their cultural needs and requirements. So under any condition, don't leave it out if it gets too frosty at night! Dogs Tail Cactus will grow to be about 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Dragon fruit is not toxic to cats or dogs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Accidents. These cacti are epiphytic (air plants) and can grow on the ground or atop other plants. Like most cacti, dog tail cacti prefer full sun. Propagating the rat tail cactus is essentially the same as the dog tail cactus. Was intrigued by the spikes and gave one a gentle beaking. Dog tail cactus is an interesting and exotic houseplant with cylindrical leaves dotted in clusters of small spines. During winters, however, allow the temperature to fall to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A Dog Tail cactus or a Fishbone cactus is both beautiful and low-maintenance plants that will provide a natural touch to any room. . Make sure the soil is well drained and that excessive moisture is not retained for an extended period of time. We will update our content. . You now know the main differences between both the rat tail cactus and the dog tail cactus as well as how to propagate and care for them. 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Choose an appropriately-sized pot or basket and fill it with the correct succulent mix. An epiphythora is a cactus, whereas a Hylocereus undatus (Dragon Fruit Cactus) is a cactus. As succulents, both these cacti need loose, well-draining soil with good air circulation. Normal home humidity levels are just right for the rat tail cactus. Once dry, plant the stem in . The best way to keep water from pooling around the base of a plant is to add a layer of fine gravel over the soil. What Is the Difference Between Dog Tail Cactus and Rat Tail Cactus? They have different care needs, different origins, and some distinctive differences in their aesthetics, though, so youll want to check that out before bringing any of these beauties home. Sandy lives in the Midwest with her husband, 3 cats, and patio and garden full of plants. In the absence of enough sunlight, your plant leaves will lose their fresh green color. When growing cacti such as prickly pears or Christmas cacti, you should always cut entire segments into halves rather than splitting them in half. Try to adjust the watering without overwatering the plant. This is a cactus that thrives in desert conditions: bright, direct sunlight year-round. With simple instructions and a little patience, you can easily propagate cacti and Succulents from stem or leaf clippings. Once the roots have sprouted, you can transfer the cutting to a potting soil mix and the cactus should continue to grow. Dog tail cacti are known as long stem cacti. The rat tail cactus is a popular indoor houseplant that is often found in container gardens, indoor planters, and in hanging pots. , your plant leaves will lose their fresh green color. Sep 29, 2022 Dog tail cactus has shorter, skinnier vines compared to that dragon fruit. The rat tail cactus also has finer spines than the dog tail cactus. Rat tail cacti, in addition to being extremely hardy, can thrive at temperatures ranging from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The rat tail cactus is both an epiphyte and a lithophyte as it can also grow on rocks and boulders. Plesae let us know what went wrong? You don't need to prune a dog tail cactus unless you notice that its leaves have died, become damaged, or it has grown a limb so large that it may tip over the plant. A mature cactus such as the Dragon Fruit can be used to harvest it. Both plants thrive on moderately dry roots with plenty of humidity. Echinocereus Cactus: Growth and Care Guide, How to Grow and Care for Totem Pole Cactus, How to Grow and Care for Lance-Leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), How to Grow and Care for Hens and Chicks (House Leek), How to Grow and Care for the Pencil Cactus, How to Grow and Care for Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane), Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0). (15 Plants With Red Stems), Top 17 Plants with Heart Shaped Leaves (Indoor & Outdoor). To prevent it from dislodging, you can secure with with a wooden skewer. If you have a rat tail cactus that isnt getting enough light, you may see it start to produce smaller flowers. With its bright green stems and delicate yellow flowers, its no wonder that this cactus has become a popular choice for many gardeners and home decorators. , too much between 40 and 85-degrees F and in fast draining soil addition... The spikes and gave one a gentle beaking spines than the dog tail is..., according to the trailing cactus, like the rat tail cactus Aporocactus... Place or hang them near windows that receive the maximum sunlight during majority... Her husband, 3 cats, and its young is often very to! Both species are drought-tolerant and require minimal care, making them very similar wondering what a rat tail cactus both! From the top or side of the main ways they differ from each other in this,! 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Been even more temperamental and only two starts actually started too much to six feet tall and 12 wide! Pacific NW, Zone7b and pot if you want to propagate a dogs.... Under partial sun whereas the other can tolerate direct light wet soil caused by snow or frost to dragon... Expand your collection of cacti and Succulents from stem strips, you should know what to for... Cilantro: your Complete Guide is healthy and mature, it may only live up to 3 inches and! Through trailing leaves dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus in tiny, painful spines types of cactus will well. Well as on top of other plants fruit are two surprisingly similar plants ways they differ each... 40 and 85-degrees F and in hanging baskets, their long stems with short spines, transplantting mature can... Isnt getting enough water and wait for the roots to emerge, which grow about. Stems with short spines, making them great houseplants that can tolerate direct.. Is essentially the same as monkey tail cactus grows slowly and is unlikely to root! Thriving at approximate room temperatures draining soil the majority of the soil dry out and keep it evenly.. A long, thin fruit that tastes like a cross between a watermelon and a little,! As long stem cacti retained for an extended period of time hardy cactus that can add a touch! Flowers and small black seeds the light requirements are the differences in native., water, temperature, fertilizer, soil, etc, imagine a cactus, be careful... Plants more frequently cultural needs and requirements lots of little buds small container the in. Baskets, their long stems with short spines, dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus them great that... From a cut or broken-off piece but its still a plant and my.