Scientific Name
Disocactus flagelliformis (L.) Barthlott
Common Name(s)
Rat Tail Cactus, Rat-Tail Cactus, Rattail Cactus, Flor de Látigo (Spanish), Floricuerno (Spanish), Junco (Spanish), Junquillo (Spanish), Nopalillo (Spanish), Ormkaktus (Swedish)
Synonym(s)
Cereus flagriformis, Aporocactus flagelliformis var. leptophis, Aporocactus leptophis, Aporocactus flagriformis, Aporocactus flagelliformis, Cereus flagelliformis, Cactus flagelliformis, Cereus leptophis
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Hylocereeae
Genus: Disocactus
Flower
Color: Pink
Bloom Time: Spring and summer
Description
Disocactus flagelliformis is an attractive cactus with thick hanging stems with 8 to 13 ribs. The stems grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m) long and 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) in diameter. The needle groups are tiny, almost fuzzy-looking, and have 15 to 20 fine reddish-yellow spines.
The flowers are bright pink, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long, up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter, and appear along the stems from spring to summer. Fruits are red, globose, bristly, and up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) long.

How to Grow and Care
Disocactus flagelliformis is easy to cultivate and a relatively fast-growing cactus. Their trailing stems make these cacti ideal for a hanging basket. Line the basket with sphagnum moss before filling it with potting mix, and make sure it is hung where the prickly stems will not pose a threat to the unwary. If Disocactus flagelliformis is grown in a pot, hang the pot up or attach it to a high shelf. If left free-standing, it can soon be overbalanced by the lengthening stems.
To propagate, use either 6 inch (15 cm) tip or 6 inch (15 cm) segment of any part of the stem. Allow each cutting or segment to dry for three days; then insert it about 0.8 inches (2 cm) deep in a small pan or pot of the recommended potting mixture for mature plants; be sure that any stem segment is planted with the bottom end down.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Disocactus.
Origin
Disocactus flagelliformis is native to Mexico (Hidalgo, Oaxaca).
Links
- Back to genus Disocactus
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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