If you’re looking for a stunning hanging succulent, you might be comparing the dog tail cactus vs rat tail cactus. These two distinctive hanging succulent varieties are often confused, but they have key differences that affect there care.
Both are fantastic trailing plants with long, tail-like stems. They make excellent choices for hanging baskets. Knowing which is which will help you give your plant the right environment to thrive. Let’s look at how to tell them apart and care for them properly.
Dog Tail Cactus vs Rat Tail Cactus
At first glance, these two cacti look very similar. They both have long, cylindrical stems that cascade beautifully. However, they belong to different genera and have distinct features. The dog tail cactus (Selenicereus testudo) is actually a type of jungle cactus, often called a “trailing orchid cactus.” The rat tail cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) is a true desert cactus.
The most noticable difference is in the stems. Dog tail cactus stems are thicker, flatter, and have leaf-like edges with short, fine spines. They can grow several feet long. Rat tail cactus stems are thinner, rounder, and completely covered in dense, short, prickly spines. They look like fuzzy green ropes.
Key Identification Features
- Stem Shape: Dog tail has flatter, lobed stems. Rat tail has perfectly round, slender stems.
- Spines: Dog tail spines are softer and more scattered. Rat tail spines are short, bristly, and cover the entire stem.
- Growth Habit: Dog tail stems can be more upright before trailing. Rat tail stems typically hang immediately.
- Flowers: Both produce spectacular flowers, but they differ in shape and color.
Origin and Natural Habitat
Understanding where these plants come from explains their care needs. The dog tail cactus is native to tropical rainforests in Central and South America. In the wild, it grows as an epiphyte, clinging to trees. It’s used to dappled light and higher humidity.
The rat tail cactus is from the arid deserts of Mexico. It is a lithophyte, often growing in rocky crevices. It is adapted to intense sun and long dry periods. This fundamental difference is crucial for keeping them healthy in your home.
Side-by-Side Comparison Chart
- Scientific Name: Dog Tail: Selenicereus testudo. Rat Tail: Aporocactus flagelliformis.
- Stem Diameter: Dog Tail: Up to 1 inch wide, flattened. Rat Tail: About 1/2 inch wide, round.
- Spine Density: Dog Tail: Sparse, softer. Rat Tail: Very dense, bristly.
- Light Preference: Dog Tail: Bright, indirect light. Rat Tail: Full, direct sun.
- Water Needs: Dog Tail: More frequent, keep slightly moist. Rat Tail: Infrequent, let dry completely.
Detailed Care Guide for Both Varieties
Now that you can identify them, let’s break down the specific care requirements. Getting this right is the key to seeing them flower and preventing common problems like rot.
Light and Placement
The rat tail cactus loves bright, direct sunlight. A south or west-facing window is ideal. It can handle several hours of direct sun daily. Without enough light, its growth will be weak and it won’t bloom.
The dog tail cactus prefers bright but indirect light. Think of an east-facing window or a spot back from a south window. Too much direct sun can scorch its stems, causing yellow or brown patches. If your dog tail’s stems are turning reddish, it might be getting to much sun.
Watering and Humidity
This is where their needs diverge the most. Your rat tail cactus has classic desert cactus needs. During its growing season (spring and summer), water it thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry. In winter, reduce watering to once a month or less.
The dog tail cactus, being a jungle plant, likes more consistent moisture. In spring and summer, water when the top inch of soil feels dry. It also appreciates higher humidity. You can mist it occasionally or place it on a pebble tray. Never let either plant sit in soggy soil, as this causes root rot.
Soil and Potting Mix
Both need excellent drainage, but the soil composition varies slightly. For your rat tail cactus, use a standard cactus and succulent mix. You can add extra perlite or pumice for even better drainage.
For your dog tail cactus, use a mix formulated for epiphytic cacti (like orchid cactus mix). Alternatively, blend regular potting soil with orchid bark and perlite. This creates an airy mix that holds some moisture but never gets waterlogged.
Repot them every 2-3 years, or when they become root-bound. Always choose a pot with drainage holes. A hanging basket is perfect to showcase their trailing form.
Feeding and Fertilizing
Feeding encourages growth and those amazing flowers. During the active growing season (spring to early fall), fertilize both plants monthly. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
A good tip is to use a fertilizer higher in phosphorus (the middle number) to promote blooming. Stop fertilizing in the late fall and winter when the plants are resting. Over-fertilizing can harm the roots, so less is more.
Encouraging Blooms
The flowers are the crowning glory of both these cacti. The rat tail cactus produces vibrant pink or magenta flowers along its stems in spring. They are tubular and last for several days.
The dog tail cactus produces large, white, nocturnal flowers that are incredibly fragrant. They often bloom in summer. The trick to getting flowers is a combination of correct light, a winter rest period, and proper feeding.
Steps to Promote Flowering:
- Provide the correct light intensity all year.
- Give them a cooler, drier rest period in winter (reduce watering, no fertilizer).
- Resume regular watering and feeding in spring.
- Avoid repotting right before the expected bloom time, as it can stress the plant.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with good care, issues can arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems for these distinctive hanging succulent varieties.
Yellowing or Soft Stems
This is almost always a sign of overwatering. Check the soil immediately. If it’s wet, stop watering and let the plant dry out completely. You may need to check the roots for rot. Trim away any black, mushy roots with a sterile knife and repot in fresh, dry mix.
Brown or Scorched Spots
This usually indicates too much direct sunlight, especially for the dog tail cactus. Move the plant to a location with bright, indirect light. The damaged spots won’t heal, but new growth will be healthy.
Lack of Growth or No Flowers
Insufficient light is the most common cause. Try moving your cactus to a brighter location. Also, ensure your are fertilizing during the growing season. A lack of a winter dormancy period can also prevent flowering.
Pests
Watch for mealybugs (white, cottony spots) and spider mites (fine webbing). Treat infestations promptly by wiping stems with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or using insecticidal soap. Good air circulation helps prevent pests.
Propagation Techniques
Sharing these plants is easy. Both are propagated primarily from stem cuttings. The best time to do this is in the spring or early summer.
How to Propagate from Cuttings:
- Using clean, sharp scissors, cut a healthy stem segment. Aim for a piece 4-6 inches long.
- Let the cutting dry for a few days until the cut end forms a hard callus. This prevents rot.
- Plant the callused end into a small pot filled with a moist, well-draining cactus mix.
- Place the pot in bright, indirect light and water very lightly until you see new growth, which indicates roots have formed.
It’s really that simple. Within a few weeks, you’ll have a new plant started. You can also try rooting the cutting in water, but soil propagation is generally more sucessful for cacti.
FAQ Section
Which is easier to care for, dog tail or rat tail cactus?
For most beginners, the rat tail cactus is often easier. It’s more forgiving if you forget to water it and thrives on neglect. The dog tail cactus requires a bit more attention to watering and humidity levels.
Can I grow dog tail and rat tail cactus together in the same pot?
It’s not recommended. Their light and water needs are to different. One will likely suffer. It’s best to pot them separately so you can tailor care to each plant’s specific requirements.
How fast do these hanging cacti grow?
Both have a moderate growth rate. Under ideal conditions, you can expect several inches of new growth per year. The rat tail cactus may grow slightly faster during the peak season with ample sun.
Are dog tail cactus and rat tail cactus pet safe?
While not considered highly toxic, their spines can cause physical injury to curious pets. It’s best to hang them well out of reach of cats and dogs to avoid any accidents or ingestion.
Why are the stems on my rat tail cactus thinning?
Thinning stems usually mean the plant isn’t getting enough light. It’s stretching out to find a brighter source. Move it gradually to a sunnier location to encourage thicker, healthier growth.
Choosing between a dog tail cactus and a rat tail cactus ultimately depends on your home environment. If you have a bright, sunny spot, the rat tail will be perfectly happy. If your space has strong indirect light, the dog tail is an excellent choice. Both will reward you with unique beauty and dramatic trailing stems for years to come with the right care.