Rat Tail Cactus
Photo: Magnus Björlin · CC BY-SA 3.0
cactusbeginnerstem cutting

How to Propagate Rat Tail Cactus

Aporocactus flagelliformis

Methods Stem cutting
Difficulty Beginner
Best season Spring–summer
Time to root 2–4 weeks
Group Cactus

A trailing, spineless jungle cactus that roots easily from stem sections, much like Christmas cactus. Let the cut end callus for a few days before planting.

Stem cutting

  1. Cut a 4–6 inch section.
  2. Let callus 3–4 days.
  3. Insert an inch into slightly moist cactus mix.

When to propagate

Spring and summer.

Common problems

Cutting rotted. Didn’t callus enough — extend drying time.

Questions people ask

Why is it called rat tail cactus? Its long, thin, trailing stems resemble a tail, a purely descriptive name unrelated to care.

Succulents & cacti hub · Similar plants: Fishbone Cactus, Mistletoe Cactus