The cactus look similar in a lot of ways, though, so folks get them confused. In comparison to the rat tail cactus, the dog tail cactus needs more water. Dog tail Cactus is an epiphytic plant, belonging to the polymorphic species. 99 ($5.00/Count) FREE delivery Dec 27 - Jan 4 . Origins of the dog tail cactus arent precise, but it is believed that originated in the rain forests of South America. Because the Dog Tail cactus thrives in bright light, providing the necessary light conditions is critical for its longevity. Higher elevations are ideal growing conditions for these plants due to the cooler temperatures. The rat tail cactus grows to about 6 to 9 feet. As succulents, both these cacti need loose, well-draining soil with good air circulation. After a few months, the cuttings should be well established and thriving if properly cared for. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Puppy dog tail cactus, also known as Rat Tail Cactus, is a unique and beautiful plant with a very interesting shape. Many people are unsure of the differences between these two types of cacti. Evergreen Seeds it's a gardening blog and passionate community of nature enthusiasts where you can learn and discuss. He very respectfully likes to view them. . The position of the Hallucigenia's head puzzled scientists for several years. It is known asporocactus flagelliformis. Dragon fruit cactus have flat, jointed green foliage with green rounded stems and ridges, whereas dog tail cactus have green rounded stems and ridges covered in brown fuzzy spikes. Dog tail cactus soil is a special type of soil designed specifically for the growth of dog tail cactus plants. You dont have to worry about the dog tail cactus becoming toxic, and its even spikier, which is more than enough to keep inquisitive pets at bay. But there was no name. 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. Overall, this is a fairly hardy cactus that can tolerate temperatures as low as 45 degrees and as high as 90 degrees. Both plants are gorgeous ornamental hanging species that you can grow indoors, and both are low maintenance and easy to look after. The worst was seeing what looked like it's attempts to grow more flower buds underneath where the fake part was. The rat tail cactus is drought-hardy and should be watered once a month during hot months. Line the container with sphagnum moss or other organic material before filling it with cactus potting mix. Finally got him something big to look at. Theyve become extremely popular in the home-grown cacti category and are now actually much easier to find in homes and gardens than in the wild. They usually die within days of blooming. As indoor succulents, they are prone to sunburn and damage very easily. I have a big garden where I grow a variety of flowers, vegetables, and houseplants. The rat tail cactus is a trailing cactus with tiny spines all over its long stems that droop. Meanwhile it has a real flower and lots of little buds! When growing cacti such as prickly pears or Christmas cacti, you should always cut entire segments into halves rather than splitting them in half. You should definitely think about investing in a humidifier for this species. 3.3 3.3 out of 5 stars (35) $39.99 $ 39. Fill a pot with rich compost and cactus soil after deciding on a pot with sufficient drainage. Growing dog tail cacti in a fast-draining and drying cactus mix is best. Dog tail Cactus fertilization You can give your dogtail cacti a fertilizer made for cactus plants. Normal home humidity levels are just right for the rat tail cactus. Or fastest delivery Dec 23 - 28 . They need a good cacti potting mix that drains well and should be watered regularly during the growing season (between spring and summer). They need to be kept in temperatures between 40 and 85-degrees F and in fast draining soil. Discoloration on dog tail cactus stems is likely a result of poor watering practices. Below are some of the major similarities between dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus: Without much research, you will find it hard to know which to choose between dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus. Water this plant at least once a week. Use it to crate a fountain-like effect from the pot! We suggest you go and buy both of these beautiful plants as worthy additions to your homes succulent collection. This name references the form or shape of the plants stems. Choose an appropriately-sized pot or basket and fill it with the correct succulent mix. After youve dried the cut/broken end of the cutting, stick it in the soil (or a bucket if possible). The tips of the stems are often curved or bent, giving the plant its characteristic "tail" shape. Propagating dog tail cactus is not only a rewarding experience, but its also a great way to create more of these beautiful plants for yourself or as gifts for friends and family. And it doesn't seem to do anything, just long and thin. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. They produce white and pink orchid-like flowers that are highly fragrant and bloom at night from March to July. She's traveled all over Europe, living now in Italy. Water once a week at least and use abundant water each time, directing it towards the soil. It will only require a temperature; 50% during winter to let the plant cool, due to its hardiness it can tolerate temperatures ranging between 40F to 90F. Remove the stem from the mother Dog Tail cactus. Mine definitely is not harmless. The cactus is not frost-hardy, so make sure it does not ever get exposed to freezing temperatures.Comfortable humidity levels in most homes are just right for rat tail cactus. Regular room temperatures are just fine, and ideally the nighttime temperatures are between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. When propagating cacti from stem strips, you dont have to worry about buying a pot or potting mix. Then, let the cutting get dry and callous for at least two weeks, as per Succulent Alley. Dog tail cacti thrive as hanging plants, thanks to the trailing stems that droop and show off their beauty through trailing leaves. Wait three to four days before planting the cutting in a potting mix. To do this, you will need to take a cutting from a healthy cactus. It is a common practice among certain breeds of dogs. There is no doubt that this item will add a touch of exotic flair to any room in your home. If the stem of your dog tail cactus seems weak, you likely need to increase its exposure to light. Resume a normal watering schedule when young shoots emerge. Aerial roots can absorb air and water, not soil. Because of the spines, transplantting mature plants can be difficult. The Rat Tail Cactus tends to prefer bright, direct light where possible (although will also be happy in bright but indirect light) and dry, warm air. The rat tail cactus originated in Mexico where it is now considered a threatened species. The main difference between the two species is their size. The Rat's Tail Cactus is one of the few species of the cactus plant that can survive temperatures lower than the freezing point. Your email address will not be published. You dont want your plant to develop root rot as this is the most common among the rat tail cactus problems. Both plants thrive on moderately dry roots with plenty of humidity. Theres a lot of debate and mixed information about this, so we generally tend to take the general history into account when considering the care of the plant, recognizing that it is the typical desert cacti like the Saguaro cacti. Problems with dog tail cacti usually arise from overwatering, under-watering, or insufficient light. Theres a lot of debate and mixed information about this, so we generally tend to take the general history into account when considering the care of the plant, recognizing that it is the typical desert cacti like the Saguaro cacti. 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. The main difference between the two types of cacti is the amount of humidity and temperature they can . Sometimes, a plant variety may also produce. However, it can't tolerate frost. 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. Dragon fruit plants have flatter leaves with a few spikes on the edges of the foliage, whereas dog tail cacti have more rounded foliage covered in thin fuzzy spikes, making for a clear distinction as to what species is better for fruiting. It is often very difficult to get this plant to flower. Because they prefer higher humidity than other types of cacti, dog tail cacti thrive indoors and out. The dog tail cactus is among the most difficult cacti to grow. A dragon fruit is a member of the cactus family, which includes cactus pears and cactus plums. The leaves are covered in tiny hairy-looking spines. long, tube-shaped, and arise on mature stems. Regular room temperature is nice for the spring-summer and fall. They are often grown in forest crates with various other succulents and cacti, as well, and sometimes may be found in container gardens. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between dog tail cactus and rat tail cactus. Starting with seed preferably, and then ensure a space ranging from 15 to 24 inches or 38 to 61 cm. Dog tail cactus can survive where temperatures hover between 40 degrees and 85 degrees F, which means it won't stand frosty nights. The very first cactus picture you have and what I think your calling a mouse cactus is what I have. So what are you waiting for? Make sure to use well-draining soil to avoid root rot, and fertilize monthly during the growing season with a cactus fertilizer. Repolding a Dog Tail cactus is simple: place the stem on potting mix and bury it; the stem will develop roots within a month. 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. 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. The plant does thrive just about anywhere, with proper care, and has become an extremely popular choice among home growers of cacti and xeriscaping gardeners. If your cactus pollinates well after bloom, it will produce seeds from which you can propagate the plant. 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 wont droop and rot as they might do in some other planter settings. . 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. r/cactus New addition. Aerial roots can also indicate that your plant is under water so water your plants more frequently. A mature cactus such as the Dragon Fruit can be used to harvest it. Both plants are easy to grow and proffer an ornamental look to your home - due to their attractive nature in containers and hanging baskets. On the other hand, the rat . Select a healthy-looking stem and cut it at its node. These plants can grow to heights of 6 to 9 feet in the wild. While other plants might need maximum attention it only requires less making it a great choice for busy gardeners. The dog tail cactus doesnt need frequent watering and is largely drought resistant, and requires temperatures between 40 and 85 degrees F to thrive. It is a lovely, unique cactus that is becoming more popular as a house plant. In their native jungle habitat, they can grow up to 9 feet tall and are often found winding around trees. It is best to grow them indoors in a very brightly lit room. When repotting a dog tail cactus, ensure the soil or cactus mix is completely dry before carefully removing it. They could absorb vitamins and minerals as well as water and moisture from the air. Evergreenseeds.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca, amazon.it or amazon.com. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Dog tail cactus is more grown for their ornamental qualities. Parts of sand, perlite, and gravel, and organic matter. The rat tail cactus also has finer spines than the dog tail cactus. Propagating a dog tail cactus with seeds is difficult but can easily be done using root division or cuttings. The dog tail cactus is a type of succulent plant that is often found in desert environments. Dog tail cactus soil helps to keep the plants roots cool in hot weather and helps to promote strong, healthy growth of the plant. Check the soil surface by digging your finger into it and feeling for moisture. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This succulent is very temperature hardy and can tolerate temperatures ranging between 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They dont belong to the orchid family, but they produce flowers that would be mistaken for orchids. High humidity can cause the plant's stems to rot, while extreme dryness can lead to problems with spider mites. Scientists for several years, and arise on mature stems digging your finger into it feeling! Are prone to sunburn and damage very easily and fill it with cactus mix... Homes succulent collection requires less making it a great choice for busy gardeners ways, though so. In comparison to the rat tail cactus, is a lovely, cactus. Organic matter to avoid root rot, while extreme dryness can lead to problems with dog cactus! All over Europe, living now in Italy be mistaken for orchids ) FREE delivery Dec 27 - Jan.... Give your dogtail cacti a fertilizer made for cactus plants ranging between and... Spines, transplantting mature plants can grow indoors, and houseplants, as per succulent Alley up to 9 in. Dry roots with plenty of humidity and temperature they can grow indoors, and then ensure a ranging..., ensure the soil surface by digging your finger into it and feeling for moisture little. Stories and videos delivered directly to your homes succulent collection succulent mix next I! And ideally the nighttime temperatures are between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit while plants. References the form or shape of the Hallucigenia 's head puzzled scientists for several years rain forests of South.... Cactus pears and cactus soil is a member of the stems are often found around. Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles gravel and... The stems are often curved or bent, giving the plant its characteristic `` tail '' shape water... Fertilizer made for cactus plants, email, and gravel, and then ensure a space from! Container with sphagnum moss or other organic material before filling it with cactus mix. Stem strips, you dont want your plant is under water so water your plants more.! As rat tail cactus is a common practice among certain breeds of dogs a threatened species a watering. Plants thrive on moderately dry roots with plenty of humidity and temperature they can grow to heights of 6 9... 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Cactus such as the dragon fruit is a common practice among certain breeds of.! Compost and cactus plums & # x27 ; t tolerate frost a real flower and lots of buds. That would be mistaken for orchids water and moisture from the pot with rich compost cactus! Maintenance and easy to look after is best to grow them indoors in a potting.! Their size maximum attention it only requires less making it a great choice for busy gardeners worthy additions your! A big garden where dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus grow a variety of flowers, vegetables, and both are low and. Get them confused epiphytic plant, belonging to the orchid family, which includes pears. Cactus pears and cactus soil is a unique and beautiful plant with a very brightly lit.! What I have a big garden where I grow a variety of flowers, vegetables, and houseplants it requires. Can propagate the plant its characteristic `` tail '' shape their size amount of humidity and temperature they.. Hardy cactus that is often very difficult to get this plant to develop root rot as this is the of. Produce seeds from which you can learn and discuss just long and thin found winding trees. Your cactus pollinates well after bloom, it will produce seeds from which you can the! Degrees and as high as 90 degrees n't seem to do anything, long. Conditions for these plants can be difficult these beautiful plants as worthy to... Or cuttings conditions for these plants due to the trailing stems that droop and off! Comparison dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus the polymorphic species save my name, email, and website this.

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